New adventures at Shangri-la Singapore.

The story of Shangri-la is probably quite well known, based on the iconic 1930's novel penned by James Hilton, called Lost Horizon. In the story, a disparate group of people find themselves stranded in a fictional sanctuary called Shangri-la. It is here that the lead character finds inner peace, love and a sense of purpose in this most mysterious of utopias, whose inhabitants are permanently happy and enjoy unheard-of longevity.

This sense of longevity can almost certainly be applied to the Shangri-la Singapore as it is the luxury hotel chain's first property, opened all the way back in 1971 and is an anchor of the Shangri-la hospitality experience world wide. Visiting a five star hotel is always exciting and it is that anticipation that builds as you turn the final corner and make your way to the entrance and lobby that sets off all sorts of feelings and visions of what it's going to be like.

With the multi million dollar renovation of this flagship property now complete it was time to hit the road and pay an old friend a visit to see how it has all unfolded. 

Upon entering the wonderfully renovated main lobby you are immediately struck at its grandeur that is at once imposing but also somehow nicely engaging due to the welcoming nature of the elaborate nine meter tall green wall that stands over the lobby bar. A complementary pond, featuring the distorted sculptural works of renowned South Korean sculptor Yi Hwan Kwon, who was commissioned to make a collection for the hotel, as well as the surrounding indoor plants add further cache to this airy, green and vibrant urban space. Overhead, an intricate canopy made up of thousands of suspended leaves by Japanese artist Hirotoshi Sawad further enhances the transformation and confirms your arrival to somewhere special and completely different from the previously opulent but somewhat dated arrival area.

The Shangri-la Singapore is renowned as the city's second botanical garden, with its 15 acres of landscaped gardens which are visible through the glass walls enclosing the lobby and dining areas. This notion has been perfectly expanded upon by bringing the natural elements into the interiors by Tokyo's Bond Design Studio who re-imagined the space under the guidance of acclaimed Japanese interior designer Ryoichi Niwata.

It is in a word, breathtaking.

It's not just the main lobby that has been given the once over treatment, the guest suites really are the main attraction in this refurb, The Tower Wing consists of 503 beautifully appointed suites that range from deluxe all the way through to the One Bedroom and Grand Suites for those that demand the additional space and amenities. 

When you enter the room, in this case a Horizon Club Grand Premier Suite, you are met by clean, framed geometric lines and a white, contemporary Ryokan feel that says welcome to your new home. There is plenty of space for luggage, a lot of well thought out storage in the entry corridor glass wardrobe which paves the way to allow the maximum amount of uncluttered, open living space as you turn the corner to the room proper. This really is clever - as it keeps all of your luggage out of sight and out of mind and provides an elegant living area that can be enjoyed nicely. 

It is here that you will enjoy the real transformation of the guest suites, filled with wood furnishings, soft sofas and chic ornaments and touches. From the wall coverings, floor to ceiling artworks and lighting to the full-size leather clad executive writing desk, it seems everything has been thought of. One Touch controls offer customization of all of the lighting, air conditioning and the curtains and the breakfast area and kitchenette is well equipped for any situation that may arise during your stay.  

From the luxurious living area, you will ultimately find your way to the bed, which can be cleverly partitioned off to created two separate spaces if need be, which was a nice touch. Of course here you will find a king sized bed replete with sumptuous feather down pillows and crisp white linen calling you to catch some z's and possibly even offering you the chance to drift off to that dreamworld utopia in the novel. The bedroom, shall we call it, also has everything you would expect in a urban retreat as far an convenience is concerned, extra pillows and blankets, dressing gowns, inbuilt audio visual and one touch controls and yet more storage space.

A highlight of any luxury room must surely be the bathroom and in this instance it was not a let down. Again the theme of white and wood permeates this beautiful looking space which also features the clever use of black accents framing the white marble used across the bathtub and separate, glass-enclosed shower. 

All of the fixtures are top class and a full range of L'occitane toiletries are provided in these suites - which are definitely a step up from the hotel branded items. While not the largest of bathrooms, it is still spacious enough and functional enough to get the job done and there was never any sense of getting cramped.

While the new Lobby and the beautiful Guest Suites are amazing, the draw card of any Shangri-la stay is the Horizon Club.

Not be left out, a trick motion operated door senses your arrival and slides open to welcome you to the Lounge. This open and light, newly revised Horizon Club boasts unparalleled panoramas of the city skyline and has been conceived as a neat blend of contemporary and classic Shangri-La opulence. Carrying through the theme of the Tower Wing Guest Rooms into the 24th Floor Lounge, there is a thoughtful use of wood throughout that is complimented nicely by the natural silver wall coverings and the carpets. 

Gold touches abound from side tables to soft furnishings which are offset again by the use of black across the chairs of which there are several types, each with their own unique oriental style details. Taking cues from the rooms, again the geometric style partitions and ornamental screens tend toward an understated Japanese visual style, which makes sense given the properties' all new Japanese restaurant & bar Nami sits just outside the club lounge in perfect harmony. 

As always, the canapés during happy hour are served beautifully and with attention to detail. On this occasion offerings included, an elaborate make your own platter of cheeses, cold cuts and condiments, as well as skillfully crafted hors d'oeuvres of marinated watermelon and trout roe, various ceviche, Mille of vegetables and many others, each nicely balanced and conceived, so too the sweets, which of course featured some favorites that you would expect. 

The Horizon Club is all about privileges and there is plenty of space here to unwind and enjoy a well earned break or to grab a coffee or a wine and get down to some work on your laptop or iPad. The service is exceptional and the overall feel is one of elegance and refinement, without the formality. There are also many local touches throughout the space and the hotel for that matter, that are a nod towards local Peranakan culture, which was nice to see. The Horizon Club is definitely a must and the Lounge is accessible 24 hours-a-day with a key card from 12midnight to 6am, you can also have breakfast here or at the far more boisterous all day dining restaurant The Line, which in itself is a great experience.

Is this as close as you can get to James Hilton's lost world? Possibly, possibly not - but all in all, visiting the renovated Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, you will find this lush resort-like urban retreat a radical departure from the long standing style of old. This is no doubt a welcome if not slightly curious change and surely a test bed for future properties and upgrades to existing locations. It is extremely comfortable and stylish with impeccable service.

Bottom Line:

Shangri-la does warm Asian hospitality well, and the timeless elegance that they are well-known for still shines through despite the contemporary and chic treatment of the Tower Wing, this is definitely a place that you can explore, get lost in and seek to grow old at in style.