There’s something oddly captivating about feeling nostalgia for a place you’ve never actually known. That’s how I feel about New Bahru, the creative cluster that now occupies what was once Nan Chiau High School. Classrooms have transformed into shops, and corridors into walkways between creative businesses. This made me wonder: how often do places get a second chance at reinventing themselves? Especially one that has shifted so dramatically, from school to mall—or perhaps even... a hotel?
I had the opportunity to stay at Alma House recently, a brand-new serviced apartment venture by hospitality collective Project X. My introduction to the space came through its paradoxical lobby on the third floor of New Bahru—a versatile area that resembles a living room, but doubles as an event space. When the space isn’t being rented, exclusive programmes are organised for the guests, which helps facilitate conversations and authentic connections.
An unassuming door beside the lobby leads to Alma House proper—83 rooms spanning an entire block. An ID was inspected, a keycard was given, and before I knew it, I was standing in a cosy shoebox room where clever design makes every square foot count. Wooden tiles and homely furniture create warmth, while a full complement of amenities— washer, dryer, kitchen with hood, hob, undercounter fridge, microwave, and all the necessary cookware—promises the comforts of home. Like any rational person facing a spotless new kitchen, I was tempted to cook something nice for dinner, especially with a Cold Storage just a few floors down. But even with the kitchen practically begging to be used, my culinary ambitions peaked at reheating a magnificent Beef Birria taco from Huevos that I had delivered as room service for lunch. No regrets, though.
A red partition cleverly separates the bed from the living space, creating a snug sleeping sanctuary that feels both private and protected. Morning arrived with gentle determination, natural light filtering through curtains with just enough intensity to energise. While the view outside wasn’t anything spectacular, watching cars gather in the parking lot below felt somehow symbolic of New Bahru’s gathering community.
The few minor qualms I had to feel almost too petty to mention: no complimentary toothbrush? Good on them for being environmentally conscious. The smart TV requires personal login credentials to use the streaming services offered but who doesn’t have a Netflix account nowadays? Still, it would’ve been nice to see what’s playing on other streaming services like Amazon Prime though.
Alma House It’s impossible to talk about Alma House without mentioning the brands surrounding it since they’re integral to the New Bahru experience. From its bathroom products and sleeping mist being provided by Omno—a body beauty brand just a level below Alma House—to complimentary breakfast bundles from PPP Coffee exclusive to guests, Alma House truly embodies the communal spirit New Bahru stands for. Their reach extends to over 15 local brands in the cluster, offering exclusive discounts and amenities to guests.
My visit included an invitation to Hideaway, a new massage and bathhouse facility. Immersed in work, I found myself panicking upon receiving a text reminder about my session. 3:03pm. I scrambled my way to the door, grabbing some clothes as I went. Before long, I found myself standing in a cosy, earthy enclave adorned with soft, warm lighting, brown walls, and Frank Ocean playing in the background. 3:05pm. It struck me then just how seamlessly everything at New Bahru is interconnected.
After a quick survey to customise my massage preferences, I was led to the bathhouse—a space straight out of my Pinterest board under “dream apartment.” Frosted windows, square glass-tiled dividers, sleek metal, and warm wood accents created a serene atmosphere. It is here where I baked myself in a private infrared sauna, followed immediately by a cold plunge. This hot and cold process not only boosts cardiovascular strength but also muscle recovery and mental rejuvenation.
The Classic full-body massage, with its Swedish-inspired strokes, was equally revitalising. The masseuse’s attention to detail was exceptional. One of my usual pet peeves—knee discomfort when lying face down—was avoided as she carefully tucked a towel under my feet without being prompted. Listening to a playlist curated by founder Grant Wee, which featured artists like Bon Iver and Cigarettes After Sex instead of the typical spa tunes added an oddly cathartic layer to the experience. By the end of the session, my neck and shoulders felt wonderfully loose.
With room service options from restaurants like One Fattened Calf, Huevos, and Dearborn, and a dedicated spa experience at Hideaway, Alma House feels like a deconstructed hotel. It’s as if someone took apart the traditional model, scattered its pieces throughout the creative cluster, and reassembled them in a way that makes more sense for modern living. The result is something that captures the spirit of a kampung, those traditional Singaporean villages where community wasn’t just an amenity but a way of life. When you stay at Alma House, you’re not just paying for accommodation—you’re buying into a vision of what communal living can be.
Plus, there’s something magical about adding your own chapter to a place that’s already layered with history, don’t you think?
Alma House is located at 46 Kim Yam Road, #03-03 Singapore 239351
