A Diamond as big as The Ritz
Kirstin O’Brien discovers a timeless gem in Singapore.
Published in Lucire Magazine KSA (also translated in French), February 2023
Fabulous Foyer at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Stepping from the car outside The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore was a moment that took my breath away…especially after a 12 hour flight from a wet and wild New Zealand into the tropical heat of Singapore. The point in time had been anticipated for more than two years: with the borders finally open and no requirement to isolate upon return it was an electric moment stepping into an international hotel after such a long wait.
My business partner and I (TORY & KO. Jewellers) were attending the Singapore International Jewellery & Gem Trade Show and although we were not planning on taking home a diamond as big as The Ritz we were definitely going to enjoy the sparkle and splendours of this landmark hotel while in Singapore.
A welcoming smile from the concierge as he opened the car door into the humid air, the gracious collecting of our bags by another, we were personally led into the hotel lobby and around to the check in lounge area by a front of house staff member. Our entry into the grand hotel was seamless and elegantly conducted. We had arrived.
Architecture
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore by Architect Kevin Roche
Large bonzai ornamental garden in open atrium
Standing proud on its hillside site, the initial impression of the building designed by Pritzker prize winning architect Kevin Roche has a minimalist, slightly brutalist facade which belies the interior of this magnificent hotel. Looking across the Bay at its contemporary neighbour the Marina Bay Sands, you would imagine this hotel had been surpassed by the innovation and curved extremes of modernity yet….it’s all in the details….
The Hotel is a riot of subtle artistic expression resulting in an undeniable elegance. When something is done well it becomes timeless. The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore achieves this delicate balance with its enduring light-filled atrium, beautiful geometric detailing and artful Oriental touches.
Polished marble, pearlised glass, golden hues and silk wall coverings add light and nuance: The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore is where texture, light and art collide gracefully.
“Cornucopia” by Frank Stella in the Foyer
Upon entering the foyer there is a vast openness, somehow calming and uncluttered from the usual hotel entrance desks. This space is filled with the impressive hanging sculpture “Cornucopia” by Frank Stella - illuminated by the patchwork of glass-tiles which form the curved ceiling - and framed with a window above a curved marble staircase leading down to more wonderment…
Illuminated marble staircase leading up to main Foyer
A late night wander through the hotel revealed a myriad of wonder. Night photography with an iPhone has its challenges but this tourist/writer was determined to capture more details in the relative calm of the hotel. While guests were partaking in slumber I was partaking in ambiance. I chanced upon a concierge who was insightful and obliging.
The marble staircase leading down to the Gallery area - depicting the “dragon’s tail”.
He clarified the Hotel’s architectural concept and added that some like to imagine the expansive foyer was designed to depict a dragon. The arched and luminous ceiling tiles (10,000 meters of mother-of-pearl) represent the dragon’s scales and the two adjacent arms leading to Colony and Republic eateries/bars symbolise the dragon’s wings.
The “Cornucopia” sculpture represents the heart of the dragon and the elegant marble staircase which winds down three levels is the tail.
Another fascinating point the concierge mentioned was that the staircase was carved from a single piece of marble in situ. Remarkable in itself. Especially when you are standing on it.
History
In my capacity as correspondent for Lucire I had the pleasure of a personal tour by The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore’s Public Relations & Marketing Communications Executive Belinda Leow. Belinda graciously showed us the public spaces of the Hotel, explaining some of the finer details.
Belinda added insight to the history of the design: each of the Eateries were named to identify a different era in Singapore’s personal history: “Colony” symbolises the Royal influence when Singapore was part of the Commonwealth and “Republic” is a nod to the era of Singapore’s emancipation in 1965. The large decorative wall in this bar adds colour and a snapshot into the cultural and social revolution in those years.
“Colony” details with Dale Chihuly’s “Sunset”Art installation.
Colony details
Republic Bar details
Republic Bar ambiance
Design
Entrance
The design of the public spaces is so refreshing: Belinda explained the “House on the Hill” concept of lounge, library and rest areas, due to the Hotel lobby being situated on Level 3.
Guests are welcomed under the beautifully detailed circular entrance after driving up the curved driveway. They are personally escorted through to the lounge area with welcoming seats and a central courtyard as a backdrop to the desks.
Library by Reception desks
Central courtyard creates a visual space behind the reception area.
These are intimate spaces - where guests walk through as if visiting a house - so different from many hotel lobbies and foyers.
Fresh Orchids
Gallery spaces - with a “dining room” feel
Elegant carpeted hallways
Dale Chihuly’s Sunrise Glass Sculpture
Art
Belinda gave us a personal tour of the interactive Art installations (accompanied with the collection of bookmarks which highlight some of the main pieces). The Hotel houses 4,200 art pieces, 350 of museum quality so you don’t need to wander too far for your art fix. Belinda explained the special Augmented Reality experience which guests can easily install on their web browser by scanning a QR code at the Concierge desk.
Butterflies flutter around Frank Stella’s “Cornucopia” sculpture in the grand foyer
Dale Chihuly’s “Sunset” Glass sculpture.
By holding your camera up to the art piece a multi-sensory surprise is revealed: multi-coloured butterflies flutter around Frank Stella’s Cornucopia in the main foyer; “Chrysanthemums” drift down from Tay Bak Koi’s brightly coloured landscape filled with fields of the yellow flowers; artist Dale Chihuly’s “Sunset” is not part of the experience but in the past it came alive with its pretty green, yellow and orange tentacles. Downstairs in a ballroom space- called the Stella Gallery- are two large wall reliefs entitled “Moby Dick” by Frank Stella - where you find yourself standing with a giant beluga whale swimming above you in mid air!
Accommodation
And then there are the beautifully appointed rooms which provide you with a calm sanctuary.
At first glance, the design is understated but when you look closer there is attention to detail in everything. From the grandness of the room, with expansive views over Kallang or Marina Bay, to the walk-in wardrobe and lounge area. Even the desk has its own space to breathe, giving this writer an opportunity to put pencil to monogrammed paper with plenty of elbow room (and a glorious view).
The bed languishes in its own opulence - with capacious amounts of space - and is a sanctuary at the end of a busy day looking at diamonds not as big, but certainly as impressive, as The Ritz…
Beautiful varnished wood paneling wraps around the the bed, artistically illuminated with down-lights and softly-lit side tables offering a sense of calmness - enveloping you in the comfort of the soft mattress and luxurious monogrammed bedding.
Luxurious Bed in King Club Deluxe Suite
The details are everywhere: the Club Deluxe Rooms offer a spacious indulgence with a lounge area. I found myself feeling pampered in my beautifully appointed space: a welcome fruit platter, plush slippers, lavender scented bath salts, curated art bookmarks, fresh orchid floral arrangements plus personalised notes, chocolates and towel characters at turn-down service.
Did I mention the separate walk in wardrobe? And oh, the famous octagonal windows to gaze out of in the sumptuously appointed marble bathroom…This bathroom is a room to spend time in. The long marble vanity offers plenty of room to spread out your essential make-up and vanity cases!
All these details truely add to the indulgent experience The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore has to offer.
View from the famous octagonal windows in the The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore bathroom
La Mer Face!
Day Spa
Speaking of experiences: The Day Spa offers wonderful, relaxing massages which you wait for in massaging chairs in a secluded waiting room. These are followed by your own choice of tea served to you in your room after your treatment. The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore’s Day Spa has a La Mer facial which is so divine that this girl spent a wonderful evening at the Club Lounge without any make-up!
Selfie in the elevator to prove it.
Club Lounge
Lounging in the Club Lounge was also a treat at the end or beginning of the day: curated meals prepared by the chef who also serves your eggs to order or delightful Singaporean inspired dinners in the evening; individually prepared salads; asian and western style sides and a wonderful wine selection under preservation from their le cruvinet. The Club Lounge has five culinary experiences, which we would have taken advantage of if we weren’t searching for diamonds and gemstones at the Trade Show.
Champagne at Sunset
A welcome finale to the end of a long day gemstone hunting: Champagne is served at the table by attentive staff who are engaging and professional. Fine, hand made chocolates, with Cordials (read: Cognac etc) at the end of the night add the finishing touch to your sparkling evening as you admire the view of Marina Bay from the 32nd Floor.
Cognac and “Royal” Chocolate cake served with Pearl
View of Marina Bay from the Club Lounge on Level 32 Top Floor
Michelin-Starred Summer Pavilion
Not to be overlooked is the Michelin-starred Summer Pavilion Restaurant where you can enjoy Cantonese style cuisine from hand-painted china or have a private dinner party in one of their six private dining rooms. Each dining room has its own botanic theme, illustrated by art and printed pages upon entry.
Pavillion Restaurant’s Private Dining Rooms - botanical theme
Hand painted China at Michelin-starred Summer Pavilion Restaurant
Unfortunately our work schedule meant we were unable to have a meal at this acclaimed restaurant but a reservation is a priority for my return visit…
Inside one of the private dining rooms at Summer Pavilion Restaurant
Formula 1 Grand Prix
Esteban Ocon!
A quick mention: This is the best place to stay if attending the Singapore Grand Prix - nearly all the F1 drivers were staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore while we were there. We spotted a few in the foyer - adding more spark to our evening ahead!
Poolside
If you prefer to relax, to get out of the air conditioning and lounge by the pool, well there’s a treat in-store for the aqua babies. Not quite an infinity pool 34 floors above the ground on a floating surfboard, but something far more serene. An oasis if you will, an exquisite water wall gently leads you around to the pool from the Day Spa. The pool is secluded, yet at the same time open.
This is definitely an Instagram worthy destination.
View through the water wall to the Pool
Pool & Hotel at night with its “thousand yellow windows with their oblings and hectagons.. of golden light...”
Looking at the view from poolside up towards the hotel windows on my night excursion I couldn’t help but think that F. Scott Fitzgerald would have been amazed at his description in his short story “The Diamond as big as the Ritz” written over seventy years prior to the Hotel’s construction: (paraphrased slightly):
““…And, as [I] turned away, the lights of [the Hotel] against the sky seemed full of a warm and passionate beauty.”
“…an exquisite château rose from the borders of the lake…the chiselled wonder of a thousand yellow windows with their oblongs and hectagons and triangles of golden light…”
”
In Conclusion…
It is no secret. The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore is an ode to architecture, art and subtle sophistication. Its beauty is captured within the nuances and details. And perhaps the “dragon” is guarding a scintillating secret beneath*…
* read F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story “The Diamond as big as the Ritz” to understand this reference ;)
“The chiselled the chiselled wonder of a thousand yellow windows with their oblongs and hectagons and triangles of golden light…” F. Scott Fitzgerald description of the mansion in his short story “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” reflected in the façade of The Ritz-Cartlon Millenia Singapore.
