Travel

Conrad Singapore Orchard review: An urban sanctuary in the heart of the city

Urban serenity

21.04.2024

By Marissa Chin

IMAGES: CONRAD SINGAPORE ORCHARD | AUTHOR'S OWN
Conrad Singapore Orchard review: An urban sanctuary in the heart of the city

Despite the island-city’s size, Singapore does not fall short in its selection of luxurious hotel stays. Every year, new accommodation options crop up, making travels to Singapore an exciting and ever-changing experience. Conrad Singapore Orchard is one such establishment that allows you to see the Lion City in a new light. 

BURO MALAYSIA CONRAD SINGAPORE ORCHARD

Following major renovations and refurbishments, the highly-anticipated Conrad Singapore Orchard officially opened its doors to guests in January 2024. Nestled in a coveted enclave along vibrant Orchard Road, the hotel is an urban oasis that harmonises with Singapore’s tropical greenery through the soaring 12-storey skylit atrium. Only two other hotels in Singapore share this iconic atrium design invented by the legendary American architect John Portman.

BURO MALAYSIA CONRAD SINGAPORE ORCHARD

With its lush biodiversity sprawled throughout the property, the 445-room luxury hotel aims to offer a new conscientious luxury experience, enriching Singapore’s famed Orchard Road with its authentic connection to nature, alongside a wealth of elevated amenities and dining experiences.

Ahead, find out how we spent our time at Conrad Singapore Orchard to discover how you can enjoy a tranquil and healing stay at this urban sanctuary.

 

DAY ONE

CHECK-IN: CONRAD SINGAPORE ORCHARD 

BURO MALAYSIA CONRAD SINGAPORE ORCHARD

With its distinctive earthy tones and sophisticated design, Conrad Singapore Orchard’s refurbished rooms are the epitome of modern luxury living. Unlike most hotels with bolder colours, we particularly love the muted beige palette here, which evokes a sophisticated desert oasis. Each room has a spacious double terrace and comfortable seating arrangements, giving a contemporary residential feel that suits anyone’s preferences. 

BURO MALAYSIA CONRAD SINGAPORE ORCHARD

During our stay in the King Deluxe Suite, we enjoyed the warm natural light that bathed the room thanks to its lofty windows overlooking the city. At 81 square metres, the suite was calming and tranquil, thanks to its light palette, refined accents and large living area perfect for work or relaxation. We recommend the King Deluxe Suite for couples and small families of up to four members. 

 

LIGHT BIGHTS: AFTERNOON TEA AT THE TEA LOUNGE

BURO MALAYSIA CONRAD SINGAPORE ORCHARD

What better way to get settled in than with an indulgent afternoon tea? Relax into the quintessential high tea experience at the Tea Lounge, and enjoy aromatic tea blends from regional botanicals paired with English and local specialities served on a three-tier stand. Bask in the warmth of the skylit atrium and engage in pleasant tête-à-tête while savouring sweet and savoury bites.

BURO Tip: If you’re there on a weekend, don’t miss out on the high tea buffet!

 

EXPLORE: CHEESE INFUSION WORKSHOP

BURO MALAYSIA CONRAD SINGAPORE ORCHARD

Attention, cheese lovers! This will be an absolute paradise for you. Sign up for the Cheese Infusion Workshop where you will work closely with Basilico’s chefs in the renowned Cheese Room (one of the most extensive cheese collections in Singapore with over 50 artisanal cheeses). In this hands-on workshop, learn the craft of infusing artisanal cheeses with innovative flavours such as Gorgonzola with white chocolate and truffle to Buratta infused with freshly made pesto.

BURO MALAYSIA CONRAD SINGAPORE ORCHARD
In cheese heaven…

BURO Tip: You can bring your cheese creations home at the end of your stay—just be sure to let the restaurant know so they can keep it labelled, refrigerated and ready for you to collect.

Bonus: During the one-hour session, a lot of cheese and other condiments will be served so it is best to come on an empty stomach!

Sessions: 4pm to 5:30pm

Duration: One hour

Price: $60 nett per person 

BOOK HERE

 

DINNER: BASILICO 

BURO MALAYSIA CONRAD SINGAPORE ORCHARD

At night, return to Basilico for a mouth-watering dinner buffet. Featuring bold flavours, Basilico is Conrad Singapore Orchard’s all-day dining destination that celebrates the rich seasonal flavours of Italy. Indulge in the sumptuous spread of speciality pizzas, pasta, and a carpaccio bar (the Cheese Room is also open if you didn’t get enough before!). Not to be missed is the vermouth-focused Basilico Bar where craft cocktails await.

 

WINDING DOWN: SLEEP-TO-WAKE RITUAL

BURO MALAYSIA CONRAD SINGAPORE ORCHARD

As an urban retreat in the heart of the city, Conrad Singapore Orchard emphasises the importance of mindful practices for the body and soul. We highly recommend that you opt for their signature Sleep-to-Wake Ritual as it transforms the nightly turndown service into an intentional spa-like experience that speaks to all five senses. 

Upon entering your room, you will be greeted by the soothing sounds of a guided sound bath playing on the Smart TV. Sip on a calming pre-sleep tea of native botanicals and choose from an extensive pillow menu. We’ve never been put into Zen mode faster! Trust us, it will be the best sleep you’ve had in weeks.

 

DAY TWO

RISE AND SHINE: POOLSIDE MORNING INTENTION 

BURO MALAYSIA CONRAD SINGAPORE ORCHARD

Apart from mindful practices, Conrad Singapore Orchard also focuses on holistic wellness. As such, guests can register for a Morning Intension Session by the pool to start their day purposefully. There are several fitness workouts to sign up for, but I went with a poolside Yin-yang yoga and guided breath work, which greatly relaxed our mind and body for the rest of the day.

BURO Tip: As class schedules may change and slots are limited, it is advised that you register with the concierge at least a day before.

 

BREAKFAST: EXECUTIVE LOUNGE 

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As an exclusive privilege, suites and executive-level guests at Conrad Singapore Orchard have access to the Executive Lounge, which offers complimentary breakfast and evening refreshments. Enjoy your breakfast in a private sanctuary with vibrant tropical artwork, a peaceful ambience and tranquil balconies.

 

LUNCH: SUMMER PALACE

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As one of the top dining destinations in the world, Singapore is known for its award-winning Chinese fare. Luckily for guests, one of the country’s most revered Michelin-star restaurants, Summer Palace, is located inside Conrad Singapore Orchard.

BURO MALAYSIA CONRAD SINGAPORE ORCHARD

Serving authentic Cantonese cuisine, revel in refined Chinese communal dining in a serene imperial garden setting. From à la carte to tasting menus, the restaurant offers dim sum, roasts, soups and seafood using the finest seasonal ingredients.

 

LATE-NIGHT TIPPLES: MANHATTAN 

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When a bar is consistently ranked in the World’s 50 Best Bars and Asia’s 50 Best Bars, you know you’re in for a buzzworthy (pun intended) night. Adding to its distinguished culinary collection, Manhattan is located in the lobby of Conrad Singapore Orchard, making these award-winning cocktails a mere stone’s throw away. As we had a heavy lunch, we decided to skip dinner altogether and head over to Manhattan for some tipples and giggles—and what a great idea it was! Inspired by the Golden Age of cocktails and fine drinking, Manhattan is reminiscent of a grand hotel bar, taking inspiration from old New York glamour and sophistication. 

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Razzle Dazzle

Zana Möhlmann, the new head bartender from Amsterdam, got us acquainted with the rebranded menu—inspired by the beats of Broadway— and masterfully served up artisanal spirits and barrel-aged cocktails right to our liking. Even more impressive, all the drinks are carefully crafted from house-made ingredients at Manhattan’s renowned rickhouse, which is also the world’s first in-hotel rickhouse! 

BURO Tip: Manhattan prides itself on the spirit of innovation and invention. Don’t hesitate to ask Zana for a tour of the rickhouse or join the Cocktail Experience.

BOOK HERE

Highlights: Razzle Dazzle, The Manhattan, Solera Aged Negroni, Primavera, Lady of Song

Bonus: Did you know that the Big Apple Cheesecake is a customer favourite and has never been taken off the menu? This a must-try when in Manhattan!

 

DAY THREE

BREAKFAST: BASILICO 

BURO MALAYSIA CONRAD SINGAPORE ORCHARD

Everyone loves a good hotel breakfast buffet and Basilico does not disappoint. Indulge in a lavish spread at the casual Italian restaurant, which offers an enticing selection of dishes you won’t mind waking up in the morning for. There are also plenty of local specialities such as a noodle station, soups and hearty rice plates. 

 

EXPLORE: EDIBLE GARDEN WALK

BURO MALAYSIA CONRAD SINGAPORE ORCHARD

Did you know that you could be walking past plants such as Centella Asiatica (yes, the popular skincare ingredient!) and Alpinia Aquatic AKA Aquatic Ginger growing on the ground? Singapore is blessed with over 2,000 native plant species but many people might still be unaware that these useful and powerful botanics are right at their feet. 

With nature at the centre of its ethos, guests can explore ethnobotany at Conrad Singapore Orchard. It hosts a unique activity called the Edible Garden Walk, which merges history, gastronomy and botany. Strolling from the hotel to the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens, Conrad’s expert arborists will take you on a sensory journey through the city’s local flora. Feel, smell and eat your way through the session as you make profound connections to the lush surroundings that would normally go unnoticed.

BURO MALAYSIA CONRAD SINGAPORE ORCHARD

Culminating in a thoughtful picnic at Swan Lake, a curated tasting set by Gastrogeography of Singapore is prepared using the local flavours and botanicals of nature, each bite connecting you closer to the city’s history and land. We promise you won’t be able to look at wildflowers the same again! 

BURO Tip: Singapore’s weather can be unpredictable so do pack an umbrella, hat and/or electrical fan to make your walk comfortable.

Bonus: You must register for the session 48 hours in advance. 

Duration: 1.5 hours

Price: SG$400 (up to 2 adults and 2 children)

BOOK HERE

 

BRUNCH: DOLCETTO 

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All that walking will surely have you famised so head on over to Dolcetto for a scrumptious brunch. The day-to-night artisanal pasticceria and mercatino is the perfect place for casual Italian fare.

BURO MALAYSIA CONRAD SINGAPORE ORCHARD

Explore the mouthwatering displays of over 70 regional Italian pastries, quiches, and desserts; sip on expertly brewed espresso at the breezy pet-friendly alfresco terrace; build a hearty panini at the Panini Bar station; or beat the heat with a decadent scoop of artisanal gelato.

 

For more information on the hotel or reservations for stays, visit the official website. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more updates on special events and offers. 

 

Want to read more hotel reviews? Click here.

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