Singapore is a tourist’s delight, not only because it has every imaginable cuisine, but also for the diversity and vibrancy of its multicultural and multiethnic heritage. While embracing a global and cosmopolitan look, Singapore is still offering its old favorites through an eclectic mix of modern skyscrapers and its beautiful colonial buildings.

Freshly opened in July, The Fullerton Bay Hotel is a new addition to this cultural vibrancy of Singapore. “The respect for heritage is one of the unique and distinct elements of The Fullerton Bay Hotel,” notes hotel general manager Giovanni Viterale. Given the historic Clifford Pier’s backdrop and frontage to Singapore’s thriving Boat Quay area, the hotel is designed to honor Singapore’s heritage and also include modern features that would appeal to the new generation of business travelers.

Seated at the prime waterfront location in Marina Bay, the hotel uniquely is ensconced between the Clifford Pier and the Customs House built in 1933 and the 1960s, respectively. Guests enter the hotel through a 17-m.-wide foyer at the historic Clifford Pier, an important heritage site that saw the arrival of many of Singapore’s early settlers. The heritage appeal then continues in the hotel’s glamorous interiors, masterminded by Hong Kong-based designers Andre Fu and LCL Architects.

“The hotel is designed to entice the feel of a highly individualized, stately residence,” remarks Fu, who designed the hotel’s arrival experience and its three signature restaurants. “With an intention to create a modern colonial hotel that pays tribute to the bygone era, I purposely have conjured a sense of refinement throughout the design and ambience of the hotel. The resulting design reflects colonial heritage that has been reinterpreted in a deeply rooted yet distinctly sensual and lush setting.”

Positioned alongside an impressive 6-m.-wide indoor promenade, paved in bespoke marble mosaics with Moroccan patterns, is The Landing Point, the hotel’s lounge du jour. In hues of aqua green and lilac, it features a 13-m.-long bar, a spacious outdoor terrace, and a chic indoor lounge area, highlighted by a stunning multifaceted ceiling pendant. The historical context and the juxtaposition between the new and old is further elaborated in the hotel lobby at the far end, where Fu used vintage nautical maps and contemporary art to reflect both the heritage and modernity of the Lion City.

The modern brasserie Clifford, illuminated by dramatic 10-m.-high, floor-to-ceiling windows, is furnished with layers of theatrical salons adorned by the French paneling and herringbone oak tiles; the rooftop bar Lantern offers Mediterranean charm with an inviting palette of rustic sienna and olive green. The skyroof is highlighted by a sleek iconic bar, tastefully crafted with swirling bronze fins in the shape of a glowing lantern that sets against the panoramic views of the city.

The new Fullerton Bay Hotel comprises 100 guestrooms, five individually themed suites, and a luxurious Presidential Suite, all designed by LCL Architects. “Our concept was for a contemporary and timeless design that would embody the amazing legacy of Singapore and its people,” says Christina Chew, director of LCL Architects. “We hope that guests will appreciate the modernity of our designs yet feel the subtle historical and cultural references we have woven discreetly into the interior palette.”

The hotel suites were designed in two major generic themes to reflect Singapore’s resident cultures, namely Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan and Colonial. The odd-numbered floor rooms were designed in an Asian style with rosewood, light marbles, and silver and steel accents used throughout. The even numbered floor rooms were designed with a more classically European theme, reminiscent of colonial days, where burlwood, dark marbles, and gold accents were used.

In order to create “a unique, memorable and authentic experience,” all rooms are embellished with bespoke artwork and antiques alongside “signature” fabrics in a style and color unique to their ethnic theme. For example, the Chinese-themed Robinson Suite is fitted with feature wall panels made of silk in the Chinese “urns” pattern, while the Indian-themed Shenton Suite is adorned with a framed contemporary Indian textile composed of velvet, embroidery, and sequins.

“In a tribute to the iconic location, The Fullerton Bay Hotel features glamorous and exquisite interior designs, and vintage and contemporary art that reflect the harmony between Singapore’s heritage and modernity,” Viterale says. “The journey that a guest makes from the historical arrival at Clifford Pier, to the reception and into the guest room has been seamless and truly synergizes elements of design artistry and reminiscence of the past.”

who
Project: The Fullerton Bay Hotel. Owner: Fullerton Hotel Singapore. Architect: DP Architects; Chan Sui Him, Kee Shee Koeng, Heng Chin Hong, Tay Yanling. Interior designer: LCL Architects (guestrooms, corridor and meetings rooms) and AFSO (public spaces, The Landing Point, Clifford, Lantern). Contractor: KSH Engineering. Lighting: Light Cibles.Structural engineer: Beca Carter Hollings and Ferner. Kitchen: IPS (Innovative Project Solutions). Landscape: DLQ Design. Acoustician: Acviron Acoustic Consultants. Furniture dealer: Cheng Meng Furniture Compant (Clifford Pier), Yang Ah Kang and Songs (guestrooms, corridor. and meeting rooms), and Park International Interior (Public spaces, The Landing Point, Clifford, Lantern). Lighting consultant: Light Cibles. Mechanical/electrical consultant: Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner. Signage Consultant: Design Objectives. Photographer: courtesy of Fullerton Bay Hotel.

where
Location: Singapore.