At Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Sustainability is Sexy
A green flag
Singapore calls for a more sustainable home for its people—the country is transforming itself into a City in Nature as part of its Green Plan 2030—and Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay answers. Smack dab in the heart of the central business district, the hotel has spearheaded a number of initiatives that have earned it its ‘Garden in a Hotel’ moniker. From the use of solar panels to the implementation of an on-site farm, eco-efficiency is woven into the fabric of the property. But nowhere is this notion more apparent than in the biophilic design that reveals itself the moment you step into the lobby area. Here, an expansive sky-lit atrium housing over 2,400 plants, trees, shrubs, and groundcovers is guaranteed to take your breath away, and, quite literally, return it.
In town for the latest instalment of the Singapore International Film Festival, I decided to pay Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay a call. Read on for the highlights of the stay.
THE HIGH LIFE
A go-to destination for locals as well as international travellers, the hotel boasts 583 guest rooms across 21 floors. The ascent to the upper levels is an experience in itself as the panoramic elevator gives you the lifted perspective of the hotel, from the concave curves of the two quarters to the green oasis below. To make the most of the trip, I opted for the Collection Club Marina Bay room, which offers a breathtaking view of Marina Bay.
Much like other parts of the hotel, designed by the late American architect John Portman Jr., the room reflects the hotel’s planet-first philosophy. This is evident in the wood accents integrated into the decor, among others. There’s also a functional workspace that helped me remain locked in while writing my reviews. Whenever I was in need of a break, the king-sized bed and the private balcony provided me with some peace of mind.
PURE INDULGENCE
One of the perks that comes with the Collection Club Marina Bay room is access to the Collection Club Lounge. Intrigued by the promise of a dining experience amid verdant foliage, I headed down to the cosy space for breakfast. There, I was treated to a nourishing spread that was as wholesome as it was indulgent. Taking a bite out of the sweet pastries while gazing at the sweeping views of the city skyline was an excellent way to start the day.
As the day wound down, I made a beeline for Peppermint. This halal-certified buffet restaurant offers an extensive menu that caters to every palate. What’s more, many of the dishes here incorporate greens and herbs from the hotel’s own Urban Farm, delivering sumptuous farm-to-table culinary creations. I particularly had a grand time feasting on the Borage Tempura with Unagi Kabayaki and the Watermelon Rind Kueh Pie Tee.
WORK IT OUT
Hoping to relieve what little stress you have left after an amazing stay at the hotel? St.Gregory is where you would want to be. Offering curated wellness rituals, this award-winning spa has just what it takes to alleviate your sore spots. The Brief Escapes treatment, for starters, is perfect for those looking for a quick pick-me-up. But if you have time to spare and are with that special someone, the therapeutic Spa Rituals is a must-try.
For a more intensive session, check out the hotel’s Technogym Spin Bike Studio and sweat your stress out. You could alternatively take a plunge into the 25-metre swimming pool to get your workout in. Pro tip: drop by at night to see it twinkle with 1,380 underwater fibre-optic lights. This mesmerising display of brilliance is par for the course given the top-notch services and amenities available at the Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay.
PARKROYAL COLLECTION MARINA BAY
Address: 6 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039594
Contact: +65 6845 1000
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