Old-world charm with modern sensibilities – that’s the vibe promised at the newly refurbished Amara Singapore.
The 389-room hotel’s latest transformation comes nearly a quarter-century after its last refresh in 2000. Taking inspiration from the ever-changing Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood – where the hotel has stood since its debut in 1986 – every inch of the space has been imbued with a sense of history and heritage.
Take, for instance, the corridors, where earthy wall coverings evoke the alleyways of traditional shophouses in the area. This motif of rustic textures and natural tones continues in the guestrooms, with tan leather trims and warm wood laminates, and in the bathrooms, with handcrafted porcelain tiles.
“The interplay between wood, earthy material, and green accents is a symphony of design elements from the iconic historical stalwarts in the vicinity,” says the hotel. Indeed, at every turn, one is reminded of cultural icons in the area – not just the conserved 19th-century shophouses in Chinatown, but also the heritage trees in Duxton Plain Park and hawker stalls in Tanjong Pagar Plaza.
Amara Singapore’s transformation was conducted in collaboration with Studio HBA, a division of the renowned hospitality design firm behind projects like the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel.
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Speaking on the process, Studio HBA partner Joris Angevaare says: “We sought to design a space that resonates with the soul of the Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood, and our collaboration with Amara Singapore empowers us to go beyond simply creating a luxury hotel offering.”
Along that vein, Amara Singapore’s refurbishment extended beyond aesthetics, incorporating the needs and priorities of today’s travellers.
Sustainability is one such area it focused on. Refurbished rooms are equipped with an energy-efficient air-conditioning system and motion-sensor lighting. Instead of serving bottled water – a major source of plastic waste in the hotel industry – Amara Singapore’s rooms have been fitted with filtered water tap systems to provide guests with drinking water.
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Dawn Teo, senior vice-president of Amara Hotels and Resorts, says: “This refurbishment is not merely a routine exercise of upgrading, but a reinvigoration of our commitment to luxury and innovation, while not losing sight of our roots as one of the first hotels in Tanjong Pagar to cater to business travellers.”
