Dawn Teo of 38-year-old Amara Singapore shares how she’s redefining luxury for travellers

Being in the family business feels like being part of a larger story to Dawn Teo, the third-generation scion of Amara Holdings, which owns hotel properties in Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.

As the group’s chief operating officer, the 46-year-old sees her role not just as a business leader, but as a custodian of this legacy, ensuring that Amara continues to thrive for future generations.

“I focus on the big picture, acknowledging the threads that have been woven before me, while carefully considering how I want to design and shape my own part. At the same time, I’m mindful of how my contributions will connect to the future rows – those that future generations will have the opportunity to define and carry forward,” she says.

It’s sometimes said that stepping into a family business is easier than building something new from scratch – but this isn’t the case for Dawn. In a family business, there’s an added layer of expectations – often self-imposed – on top of various challenges and doubts. Still, she has learnt to see them as essential opportunities for growth.

“Leadership is not inherited – it’s earned. I’ve had to continuously prove my ability to innovate and create value, both within the company and across the broader industry. “While this has been a challenging journey, it has also been a rewarding one that pushes me to constantly outdo myself,” she says.

The future of unforgettable escapades

Dawn believes that a hotel should offer, beyond accommodation, a vibrant and immersive experience that connects guests to the local culture and community for a deeper sense of place.

Her dream came true last year when the group collaborated with design ateliers to complete a full renovation of Amara Singapore, and update the suites, villas, lobby and restaurant at Amara Sanctuary Sentosa, transforming both properties into reflections of her vision.

“I believe that luxury today goes beyond marbled bathtubs and a 24/7 butler. It’s about time, wellness and personal space. Modern travellers seek more than just a getaway – they want an escape that offers authenticity, both in the destinations they visit and the accommodations they choose,” she says.

On the new generation of travellers, she feels that it is important to stay connected to the community and build a brand that remains relevant over time.

One key aspect of this is collaborating with partners at the forefront of their fields. Amara Singapore has been working with masters of craft cocktails at Jigger & Pony (which ranks fifth on The World’s 50 Best Bars) and leading wine distributor Grand Vin.

This year, it is partnering with renowned chefs and dining establishments to launch “Local Legends”, a dining series celebrating Singapore and Southeast Asia’s rich culinary heritage. Amara Sanctuary Sentosa has also collaborated with Ricochet Padel, Asia’s premier padel operator, to turn its tennis courts into a padel club.

Dawn shares: “We’re excited for the future of tourism as we bring the same principles of authenticity, culture and redefined luxury to our hotels in Bangkok and Shanghai, creating unique experiences that reflect the spirit of these vibrant cities, while staying true to the core values of the Amara brand.” 

Photography Angela Guo
Art direction Adeline Eng
Coordination Chelsia Tan
Hair & makeup Benedict Choo, using Shu Uemura

To learn more about the 60 women who have shaped Singapore as we know it today, click here.