Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
ROYAL MARINA BAY PENTHOUSE
For Presidents: A Harmonious Symphony at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore’s Royal Marina Bay Penthouse
Words by Ethan L of ARCHITALITY
Visuals by Klaus T of CHUTTERSNAP
In our minds, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore evokes the image of interiors composed of dark glossy marble and distinctively East Asian antiques complementing teak wood finishes. However, the distinctively dark oriental interiors have since given way to an airier and lighter palette by DESIGNWILKES. Under the watchful eye of designer Jeffrey Wilkes, the landmark property now exudes a refined botanical atmosphere that can be fittingly described as a vertical urban resort incorporating Chinese baroque and British colonial elements together with a much-needed dash of colour.
The Entry
En route to our suite, I crane my neck as the iconic 80’s bubble lifts ascend gracefully to the hotel’s highest floor, gliding through the iconic fan-shaped atrium by John Portman - its 50 shades of clay a playful nod to the original clay roofs of old shophouses. A few steps away from the 21st-floor lobby lies the entrance to the Royal Marina Bay Penthouse, a destination upon itself.
First Impressions
Inside, an inviting array of plush sofas, huanghuaili-inspired armchairs and low-rise coffee tables ensconces an inviting living room. Framed with breathtaking bay views of the downtown skyline, the room’s rectangular floor-to-ceiling windows momentarily appear as live realism paintings. This pleasing aestheticism extends to the fine finishes - watercolour-patterned carpets of blues, beiges and browns, teak floor finishes and fresh lilac orchids. The suite's theme is neither decidedly colonial, tropical, nor Chinese Baroque. Rather, it feels like a harmonious symphony of the city’s diverse cultures all delicately weaved into a fine singular fabric. It is pure visual splendour.
The Background
Built in 1987, the property’s signature suites were originally oriented to face the rear of the hotel but were reconfigured to face the bay instead during its extensive overhaul last year. This was to capitalise on the bay’s distinctive skyline now instantly recognised by many. Occupying the best seat in the house, the L-shaped Royal Marina Bay Penthouse is perched on the highest corner of the hotel tower which offers guests unspoilt vantage points. Wilkes sought inspiration from the diverse range of architectural and cultural influences locally to produce a captivating residential pad in the sky. Standing at the corner outdoor terrace, I enjoy the warm tropical breeze from the adjacent Singapore Straits. Pure bliss.
The adjacent sitting room provides a more intimate lounging area, perfect for an afternoon tête-à-tête. The abundance of teak wood makes it feel like a private patio of a plantation bungalow, complete with plush upholstered daybeds and armchairs.
A Savoury Spot
Echoing the feels reminiscent of a pre-war shophouse, the timber panel-clad ceiling of the dining room creates a feeling of warmth and intimacy. Wooden grilles based on Indian Jali patterns seen in the ceiling’s recessed edges are a nod to the city’s Indian cultures, paired with a custom-made Preciosa chandelier comprised of budding ‘orchid buds’ hung overhead. Offering unblocked views of the sea, the room is furnished with rich touches of surfaces mother-of-pearl lining the dining table and rattan-backed seats. The white oak kitchen cabinets, paired with turquoise ceramic tiles, exude a certain je ne sais quoi. Embodying the true essence of multicultural Singapore, the kitchen and dining area offer both privacy and intimacy for private dinner parties and afternoon brunches. Luxury and culture come hand in hand here.
Haute Creature Comforts
All three guest bedrooms mirror each other in terms of character but vary in colour. Intricately patterned wallpapers featuring Peranakan batik motifs mimicking ripples of water line the bedroom walls, complementing the leather-striped headboards. The overhanging bedside lamp accentuates the distinctive lines and curves with warm mood lighting, making the very action of gazing at the bedroom a visual treat. Despite its lower ceilings due to the original building structure, Wilkes has cleverly made use of different shades to mirror the scenic views beyond. The golden tones of sunrise, the azure blues of the sea, and the magenta hues of the Vanda Miss Joaquim. Topped off by old baroque Chinese cabinets lined with intricate chinoiserie patterns that function as the room’s minibars, it’s all in the details here.
A Sumptuous Sanctuary
Bathrooms are identical, separated from the bedrooms by a full-height glass wall. It appears refined and elegant, with surfaces composed of soothing river blue and royal pearl marbles. The Kaldewei bathtub is fashioned like a chic hobbit watering hole - a curved recessed pill-shaped lightbox on the ceiling mirroring its curved contours. Amenities by Spanish beauty house Natura Bisse offers a tantalising scent while nourishing one’s skin.
“The name Royal, or Presidential often implies a formality to the design, however the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore has an urban resort feel. ” - Jeffrey Wilkes
A Royal Retreat
Located on the opposite end of the residence, the master bedroom is the crown jewel of this penthouse. Here, the bed faces the full-height windows, allowing guests to awake to unparalleled views of the downtown skyline. The room felt like a watercolour canvas, with splashes of colour in the right places. Wooden teak floors are arranged in delicate herringbone patterns whilst topped by carpets of neutral blueish and beige tones. Decadent yet sensible, the Super King Simmons is backed by a pair of lampshades flanking a low-rise headboard, which doubles as a work desk. The low-ceiling beams overhead are reimagined with hexagon ceiling patterns with beams clad in mirrors to create the visual illusion of higher ceilings.
Soaking in the views
Light and refined, the sunlit master bathroom’s royal pearl marble-lined floors provide a respite from the warm humidity of the city’s tropical climate. Oversized and spacious, the space is furnished in a manner that feels almost botanical. In line with the suite’s overarching theme steeped in Singapore’s multiculturalism, the use of wood walls and river blue marbled countertops lined with orchids form a unique visual aesthetic. A rattan-lined wardrobe lined with coffee-table books has been purposefully placed to give guests a sense of place whilst adding a touch of character. The ever-beckoning views of Marina Bay can be enjoyed by the Kaldewei jacuzzi tub by the window, which conveniently opens directly to the adjacent bedroom via a sliding wooden frame to create a seamless transition between bed and bath.
The Royal Marina Bay Penthouse will be incomplete without its myriad collection of artworks. Textured vases, antique panels, glazed Chinese ceramics, sculptured canvases and abstract art blur in an abundance of colour and character. Carefully curated and meticulously sourced around the region, these very artworks are integral to the suite’s design. Akin to pieces of a puzzle, they are a reflection of the cultural connections that have flowed through the city for over two centuries as a trading port.
Good design is like haute couture, which takes into account local nuances with the right amount of intuition and sensitivity. The Royal Marina Bay Penthouse is indeed, sweet and chic.
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Interiors: DESIGNWILKES
Exteriors: John Portman
Amenities: Natura Bisse
Artworks: “Irama Laut” (Oceanic Rhythms) by Azizi Latif; “Devote and Romance” by Nasrul Rokes ; “Fresh Tint Tiger Lily” by Logman Zainal
Objets d’art: Chinese turquoise double-gourd vases inspired by 18th/19th century Chinese antiques; Dragon jar pottery