Sweetsixty s


As Singapore marks 60 years of independence, Tamara Hinson takes a look at what’s new


ingapore will be celebrating its 60th anniversary of independence this year – on August 9 to be precise – and there’s


never been a better reason to sell a visit to this southeast Asian city-state. Whether it’s for the swanky new hotels, the spruced-up parks and nature reserves or the developments taking place at its cruise and ferry terminals, first-time visitors and returning travellers will discover that even at 60, Singapore is showing no signs of slowing down.


HOT HOTELS Raffles Sentosa Singapore was due to be the hottest opening of 2024, although its unveiling was pushed back to March 1. There are, however,


plenty of other new hotels to get excited about. Stylish jet-setters will love The Standard, Singapore, which opened in November 2024. This sleek design hotel has art deco vibes and vast expanses of greenery befitting of its location – it’s just a short walk from the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Rooms are compact but innovatively designed – even the Cosy Single Pool View rooms at just 21sq m have Nespresso machines. Rates for single rooms start from £162 per night, room-only.


Another opening that shows growing demand for hotels outside the downtown core is the Mandai Rainforest by Banyan Tree, which will be Banyan Tree’s 100th property when it opens in April. Nature will be a key theme at this 338-room hotel – guests


² travelweekly.co.uk 20 FEBRUARY 2025 41


DESTINATIONS SINGAPORE | ASIA


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