Singapore’s hottest new hotels for the perfect staycation

With the new year comes new getaway plans, and many of us are planning to jet off to the likes of Japan, Thailand and Australia. But there are times that we just need a short escapade that doesn’t involve rushing to the airport, worrying if we’ve left our passport behind, and the hassle of getting through customs - which is when staycations are a fab idea. Plus, there is a bevy of exciting new hotels that are set to welcome visitors in 2025, alongside those that have just reopened. Here’s where to pack your bags for.

1. Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree

Set to open later this year in April, the highly anticipated nature-inspired 338-room Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree will be the luxury hospitality group’s inaugural resort in Singapore. Sprawling across a lush 4.6-hectares, the Resort is nestled within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, offering guests exclusive wildlife experiences across the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. From early morning visits to Bird Paradise through the Wild Walk programme, to the Wild ZooDay Camp for little ones, guests will also enjoy special rates on park entry and signature programmes.

The resort is designed by award-winning WOW Architects, who have seamlessly integrated the forestscape surroundings for a refreshing respite from Singapore’s usual urban jungle pace of life, drawing inspiration from the rainforest’s natural layers and Banyan Group’s legacy of honouring the essence of each destination. The resort was designed around the mature trees on the site, symbolising the resort’s commitment to blending architecture with nature, with the wings of the resort elevated from the ground to accommodate the movement of native wildlife.

Each of the resort’s 24 cosy treehouses overlook the Upper Seletar Reservoir and are designed to resemble the seed pods of the Purple Millettia (Callerya atropurpurea), each with its own private patio hovering above the ground. The adjacent five-storey resort building houses the rooftop, 314 naturally-vented guest rooms and suites, as well as the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa. Nature-inspired light features, bespoke furniture pieces incorporated with upcycled wood, and mindful touches to the rooms have won the resort Singapore’s Green Mark Platinum first-ever Super Low Energy (SLE) distinction.

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree is at 60 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729979. Visit its website for more information. Bookings are also available on Trip.com and Booking.com.

2. The Standard, Singapore

Recently opened in late November 2024, the 143-room and suites The Standard, Singapore is easily one of the most coveted addresses in town for a luxe urban oasis staycation, situated between the verdant Unesco Botanical Gardens and famous Orchard Road. Created by Standard International’s acclaimed in-house design team in collaboration with Ministry of Design, The Standard, Singapore offers a myriad of accommodation options across eight floors, ranging from a 23 sqm studio to a 43 sqm retreat, each with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering views of the pool, and the lush greenery of the district.

Amenities include Cafe Standard, an all-day American bistro menu paired with natural wines and craft beers; Kaya at The Standard for a bold twist on Japanese izakaya with an innovative cocktail program; and the Kaya Bar, a sultry evening destination that brings the element of nightlife for which The Standard is renowned. The property follows on the heels of the brand’s successful openings in Southeast Asia, The Standard, Hua Hin (2021) and The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon (2022) both named to Conde Nast Traveler’s prestigious Hot List, with the former being named the Best Resort in Southeast East Asia.

The Standard Singapore is at 12 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258353. Visit its website for more information. Bookings are also available at Trip.com and Booking.com.

3. Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

A new chapter in the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore was unveiled in 2023 with the hotel’s multimillion refurbishment. Led by Principal Designer Jeffrey Wilkes of internationally-acclaimed interior design firm, DesignWilkes, the “Exceptionally Singapore” experience redesign seamlessly brings together the city- state’s distinctive nature, cultural heritage and architectural traditions.

Each of the redesigned 510 rooms and suites take cues from the scenes outside their windows, complementing the luxurious interiors with respective stunning views of the city, sea and Marina Bay.

More uniquely, make priceless memories in the collection of family-themed suites inspired by safari adventure, outer space, and underwater explorations, complete with bunk beds and kid-friendly amenities.

Also available are two opulent signature suites: the 246 sqm Presidential Suite and the 393 sqm Royal Marina Bay Penthouse, both perched on the hotel’s two uppermost floors, boasting unparalleled exclusivity and breathtaking panoramic vistas. Check out the hotel’s 10 F&B offerings including all-day dining Embu; award-winning MO Bar; Cherry Garden for contemporary Cantonese cuisine; classic American Morton’s Steakhouse; and Zuicho, an immersive Japanese “kappo-style” fine dining experience.

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is at 5 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039797. Visit its website for more information. Bookings are also available at Trip.com and Booking.com.

4. Raffles Sentosa Singapore

Opening on Mar 1, Raffles Sentosa Singapore is Singapore’s first all-villa resort, and the second Raffles’ property in the country.

Located on a hilltop in Sentosa and surrounded by lush gardens, the upcoming resort offers guests a luxurious and secluded sanctuary, nestled within 100,000 sqm of tropical greenery with views over the South China Sea. Raffles Sentosa Singapore is also the first GSTC-certified (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) resort, a testament to its efforts towards sustainability.

Designed by design studio, Yabu Pushelberg, Raffles Sentosa Singapore features 62 private pool villas, ranging from (210 sqm) one-bedroom pool villa to the (650 sqm) four-bedroom Royal Villa. Each of the luxury villas boasts a generous outdoor terrace (perfect for dining al fresco by the private pool), expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, and the legendary Raffles Butler service to ensure every need is met.

As always, there is a strong focus on wellbeing, and Raffles Sentosa Singapore is set in a converted heritage landmark, with 13 treatment rooms offering different therapies for holistic wellness. 

As for F&B options, the resort’s signature Empire Grill offers authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist; Royal China features refined Cantonese cuisine; while Hashida serves a distinctive Japanese omakase journey. Indulge in the signature Raffles Afternoon Tea in the elegant Raffles Room, or for something stronger, head to the Chairman’s Room for a refined selection of whiskies, cognacs, and fine wines and champagnes by the glass. Don’t miss The Sentosa Sling cocktail debuting as part of Raffles’ legendary welcome.

Raffles Sentosa Singapore will be located at 2 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa, Singapore 099891. Visit website for more information.

5. QT Singapore

A neoclassical façade, Singaporean luxe and heritage decor are the calling cards at QT Singapore. Located on the vibrant Robinson Road in Singapore’s bustling CBD area, the hotel embodies a playful take on modern opulence meets old-world local charm.

With a nod to its urban island surrounds, QT Singapore unveils a new dimension of hospitality, with designer rooms and suites; recessed balconies; and F&B offerings including Cygnet by Sean Connolly, the signature old-world charm bar and grill with a classic Manhattan steakhouse-inspired menu, and its rooftop playground, the Rooftop at QT bar and pool.

QT Singapore is at 35 Robinson Road, Singapore 068876. Visit its website for more information. Bookings are also available on Trip.com and Booking.com.

6. Mett Singapore

Opening by 1st October 2025, Singapore’s historic Hotel Fort Canning landmark is set to be rebranded as Mett Singapore, helmed by Dubai-based Sunset Hospitality Group (the same group behind the June 2024 launch of Singapore’s branch of Sushisamba).

The takeover includes a complete renovation of the hotel, offering new experiences when it reopens as a vibrant lifestyle destination, featuring redesigned guestrooms, some of Sunset Hospitality Group’s signature dining concepts and a nightlife element with a speakeasy. Furthermore, the swimming pool will be transformed into a beach club concept that is open to the public.

Mett Singapore is located at 11 Canning Walk, Singapore 178881. Visit its website for more information.

7. Handwritten Singapore Waterloo

After the successful launch of Hotel Faber Park Singapore – Handwritten Collection that opened late 2023, comes the Handwritten Singapore Waterloo, the group’s second property, slated to open later this year.

Located in the historic, culturally-rich Waterloo Street neighbourhood in the heart of the city-state’s civic centre, the hotel will be walking distance from museums, shops, restaurants, and other attractions, offering guests a myriad of bespoke hospitality offerings and character-rich experiences.

Visit the Accor website for more information.

This article was originally published in The Singapore Women’s Weekly.