We're hardly ever tourists in our own country. We bypass the iconic arched trio of Marina Bay Sands without batting an eye, whilst millions of foreigners flock to catch a glimpse of it. The only time we do explore our country, it's on a government-sponsored spree. Now, if I were a tourist, or had a recommended stay for a tourist, Pan Pacific Orchard is my honest-to-God hotel of choice.
Planted at the beginning of the Orchard belt, its unique architecture peeks out from behind Palais Renaissance. You're not wrong to find its biophilic façade familiar. It's practically signature to WOHA Architects at this point, with the verdant PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering and Oasia Hotel Downtown in its famed portfolio.
It's the first hotel in Singapore to gain recognition from Prix Versailles as one of the World’s Most Beautiful Hotels when unveiled three years ago. The unconventional use of prime real estate paid off. Instead of packing the maximum number of rooms that each floor can permit, the space has been intentionally carved out for elements of nature.
14,000sqm of foliage and water features, most prominently the 120m illuminated, leafy towers. It's tired to use the term urban oasis, but being tucked away from the bustle with multiple alfresco areas to spare? Mirrored surfaces further extend the high ceilings and amplify the daylight.
The BCA Green Mark Platinum and Global Sustainable Tourism Council certified hotel utilises energy-saving features like rainwater collection for irrigation, solar panel roofing for clean energy and a bio-digester system for food waste. So its green efforts are not empty outward displays but consequential structures.
Little do most know its construction is a miniature representation of the country. Its four terraces each echo chapters of the little red dot's history. Forest, named after Singapore's humble beginnings as an island swamp, hosts the lobby, restaurant Mosella and Pacific Breeze bar.
Beach honours the nation's early reputation as a trading port with a pool design that mimics the gradient from teal waves to sandy shore, complete with palm trees. It connects to a 22-metre lap pool that ends in a pool bar, so it is a bit of a squeeze (just like our land scarce city!). The recreational floor also houses the hotel's gym and spa.
Garden is a clear nod to our present status as a green metropolis. Here, Pacific Club Lounge serves an exclusive menu including afternoon tea and evening canapés with cocktails. Which can be enjoyed in its indoor lounge or on the lawn and outdoor cabanas. Park90 sits on the same level, availing over a thousand labels for wine lovers. Making it the first luxury hotel in Singapore with an independently curated, fully integrated sommelier-led wine programme.
Cloud hints to the advancing future with all its possibilities. It aptly hosts the event spaces, most impressively Claymore Ballroom's pillarless hall featuring a customised 21 by 6 metre LED video wall and massive floor-to-ceiling windows.
Suites are highly compact (just like new HDBs!), but the layouts are in equal parts efficient and pleasant. They are fairly open to everyone with the curtains drawn back; in contrast to their extensions. Yes, the cantilevered balconies are undoubtedly the highlight of the accomodation.
Especially if you choose a terrace you like. It's probably why the hotel introduced a dedicated Balcony Experience package. You laze in your little—okay, sizeable—nook; being a part of the surrounding hum while still connected to the comforts of your room.
As you might suspect, Pan Pacific Orchard looks best at night. When the frilled towers light up in frame of the shopping street's silhouette; a mini-me of the Supertrees against the downtown skyline. It's great because that's usually when guests return from a day's exploration, to be greeted by a vibrant view that pulses like its city.
Book a stay at Pan Pacific Orchard.
