The Oasia brand by Far East Hospitality epitomises a restorative respite in the city that inspires and empowers guests to Journey Well when travelling through 3 wellness pillars – Refresh, Refuel & Recharge.
With the Oasia brand reflecting the best of Asian hospitality while allowing you to refresh in a comfortable environment, refuel with healthy & tasty food options as well as recharge through a series of unwinding options, I made it a point to stay at both Oasia Hotel Novena and the latest Oasia Hotel Downtown during a recent trip to Singapore.
Oasia Hotel Novena
Inaugurated in October 2011 in the prime district of Novena, Oasia Hotel Novena, Singapore by Far East Hospitality is the first offering under the Oasia brand that combines a restorative retreat in the city, making it the destination of choice for wellness-conscious travellers.
The interior of the hotel evokes a very “zen” ambience amidst its understated elegance. Designed by Japanese interior design firm Super Potato together with Singaporean architectural firm, Ong & Ong, guests of Oasia Hotel Novena are welcomed by Oasia’s signature lavender, lemon and black tea scent as well as Super Potato’s signature high ceilings, large wooden seating area and a breath-taking stone wall that served as everyone’s #OOTD backdrop.
The Club room we were put up in had plenty of natural light and a picturesque view of Bukit Timah. The interior evokes a cozy warmth reminiscent of Oasia’s hospitality with the use of wood, stone and fabric textures. Guests of the Club room & suites would have a bathtub and rain shower fitted in all rooms as well as complimentary in-room wellness drinks in the mini-bar or with the Nespresso Coffee Machine and TWG Tea bags.
Another important aspect of rooms at any of the Oasia Hotel properties is a Handy smartphone that’s free for guests to use and take around the city! You can make free calls to selected countries, local numbers and enjoy a high-speed 3G connectivity so there really isn’t a need for an extra SIM card when you’re staying at a hotel under the Oasia brand in Singapore.
As for food options, guests of the hotel can refuel energy tanks at The Marmalade Pantry on the 1st level of the property for quality comfort-food prepared with the freshest seasonal produce. Alternatively, the hotel’s in-room dining menu and the award-wining Club lounge on the 22nd floor, The Living Room (only accessible to Club room/suite guests), offers healthy meal options for the wellness-conscious traveller.
Club guests can also enjoy a dip in the pool at The Living Room, followed by breakfast, a free flow of evening cocktails from 6-8 pm, all-day refreshments and barista-served coffee and more at quite possibly the most stunning Club lounge we’ve ever stepped into.
Accessibility wise, the hotel is well-connected to major expressways and directly linked to Novena MRT Station which made moving around super easy. Shopping malls such as Velocity @ Novena Square and Square2 are also within walking distance should you need anything.
Oasia Hotel Novena served as a calming retreat after a hectic day dwelling about Lion City. And after a relaxed and well-deserved night at Oasia Hotel Novena, I made my way to the latest addition of the Oasia brand – Oasia Hotel Downtown.
Oasia Hotel Downtown
Located in the heart of the Central Business District and minutes away from Tanjong Pagar train station, you’d see Oasia Hotel Downtown from miles away with its iconic red facade and lush vertical garden. The latest addition of the Oasia brand opened its doors last April and exudes a more urban vibe as opposed to its Novena counterpart.
Unlike Oasia Hotel Novena’s wood and stone concept, Oasia Hotel Downtown is arguably Singapore’s latest iconic properties with its lush greenery and copper shades that you can spot from a mile away. The organic-themed interior the brainchild of Spanish designer, Patricia Urquiola, whose work is revered for being fun and full of unconventional interpretations.
Upon entering the hotel’s lobby, rose gold tones and an open-air concept welcomes you with a breeze to refresh the mind and senses. There’s even a patch of land for those who need their daily dose of Yoga (yoga mats are also available in all rooms should you “accidentally forgot” yours at home).
The Level 21 Club lounge has its own reception area for Club room check-ins, private access to Club room floors and offers a personalised experience amidst gorgeous multifaceted and unexpected twists in its decor. Vibrant colours, geometrical fixtures and private cabanas grace Oasia Hotel Downtown’s Club lounge and pool area – as picturesque a sight as the view of downtown Singapore from its infinity pool.
Club guests are entitled to the same benefits as the former but with a more creative vibe to the term “work and play” with its quirky decor and super relaxed ambience.
However, I did feel like the canapes and breakfast buffet selection at Oasia Hotel Downtown’s Club lounge is a little wider and indulgent as opposed to Oasia Hotel Novena. But as Oasia Hotel Novena also acts as a recuperative destination, the food selections are healthier, cleaner and guilt-free, which I feel is apt for its theme.
The 28sqm Club room elaborates the organic-themed decor with the use of natural wood, earthy tones and intricate designs. There’s also an en suite bathroom with a rainshower and tub that is clever sectioned out with sliding doors. Like Oasia Hotel Novena, guests of the Club room are entitled to drinks in the mini bar, coffee on the Nespresso machine and TWG teas.
What I also loved were the complimentary pillow mist to help you sleep well, just in case the ultra comfy bed and fluffy pillows don’t work out.
If you’re feeling peckish, Oasia Hotel Downtown also has The Marmalade Pantry on Level 1, just like its Novena counterpart, serving up modern bistro cuisine. The in-room dining menu offers around the clock healthy guilty pleasures which always works out great for a couple of people hungry after a night out in town.
If you’re feeling like a drink or two, Cin Cin is a craft gin bar situated on level 1. But if you’re feeling like cocktails, some great sliders and a gorgeous view of the sunset, you can always encase yourself on the 21st floor Club lounge (as long as you’re staying at any of the Club rooms, of course).
All in all, my stay at both the Oasia brand hotels in Singapore were pleasant in its own ways. Though both hotels are well-equipped with top-notch facilities such as a 24-hour gym and strategic locations, it’s important to note that Oasia Hotel Novena offers a homey and relaxed vibe with its accents of wood and stone while the iconic Oasia Hotel Downtown has a playful and urban feel with lush greenery as well as vibrant and unexpected pops of colour.
If you’re planning a trip to Singapore, be sure to check out Oasia Hotel Novena or Oasia Hotel Downtown for a memorably personalised experience.
Oasia Hotel Novena:
8 Sinaran Dr, Singapore 307470.
Tel: +65 6664 0333
Oasia Hotel Downtown:
100 Peck Seah St, Singapore 079333.
Tel: +65 6812 6900
