The top-two iconic Singapore landmarks – Merlion and Marina Bay Sands – are juxtaposed in this portrait. Photo: Rama Gaind.
It was an irresistible call to action. Three separate invitations to numerous events at the one location. It spelled provocative promotions. Delicious diversions. Irresistible temptations. All delivered by unexpected talents.
An invite to the Mondrian Singapore Duxton meant moments … to luxuriate in more-ish morning-afters, cocoon in a private poolside cabana or escape to new adventures in art. One could call them curated staycations, created for life more Mondrian.
First, though, while energetic levels were at their peak, it was time to take in the sights, starting with a visit to the Merlion statue, the official mascot of Singapore. Depicted as a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, it is in Merlion Park.
The snowy-white, majestic-looking 8.6-metre-high Merlion, weighing 70 tonnes, was originally at the mouth of the Singapore River. Unveiled on 15 September, 1972, it was designed by Kwan Sai Kheong and built by local craftsman Lim Nang Seng. The Merlion overlooks scenic Marina Bay, the Singapore Art Museum, Asian Civilisation Museum, Chinatown Heritage Centre, City Hall, Universal Studios, Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Botanical Gardens.
The Marina Bay Sands – an integrated resort fronting Marina Bay – features SkyPark, the world’s longest infinity pool (142 m) and the largest outdoor pool at this height (650 m). All worthwhile exploring, along with unwinding along the Singapore River or catching a ride on a bumboat.
Bottega di Carna’s La Festa Roast at the Mondrian Singapore Duxton. Photo: Supplied.
The request from Paul Lim was simple: Mondrian Singapore Duxton had premiered three exceptional opportunities to experience “our world”. Whether you’re a party animal, a sun-lounge lizard or a dedicated follower of fashion, design and art (or perhaps all three), Mondrian has you covered with creative escapes for free spirits.
“Choose from the perfect recovery from a night on the tiles, poolside pampering non-pareil or a deep dive into Mondrian Singapore Duxton’s world-class art collection and our Duxton neighbourhood’s vibrant culture and Chinatown heritage.”
As the director of marketing, Lim emphasised it was: “All brought to life by our team of all-star iconoclasts and unexpected talents from across the fields of hospitality, cuisine, design, nightlife and art, as part of our promise to raise the bar by day and night with new adventures, unique flavours, community collaborations, artistic sensations and good vibrations.”
On Sunday, we had a feast. Bottega di Carna presented lunch, Italian style. An exceptionally mouthwatering ‘’La Festa Roast’’ was an all-out lunch of the ‘’World’s Greatest Butcher’’ Dario Cecchini’s family favourites, which brought together succulent cuts of meat, flowing wines and saving some room for the dolce, including tiramisu and Cecchini’s special torta all’olio d’oliva (olive cake).
Chef Kenny Huang shared that the “grilled New Zealand lamb leg is first scored and marinated over two days with a blend of herbs and spices including paprika, cayenne and a touch of cinnamon to sweeten things up, not forgetting fresh rosemary, thyme and garlic.
”Once these flavours have penetrated the meat, we roast it slowly over the fire for three hours.”
Mondrian Singapore Duxton Canyon Club’s rooftop pool. Photo: Supplied.
The morning after, it was rest, recover and relax following a night about town. As a special, a minimum of two nights was booked in Mondrian’s pinnacle room and we all enjoyed two hours’ exclusive use of a poolside cabana, topped up with a platter of Canyon Club’s signature shrimp cocktail, half a dozen Fine de Claire oysters and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, against the cinematic backdrop of Singapore’s city skyline.
Then it was time to escape into art, which is everywhere here: the hotel’s multidisciplinary art collection showcases the cream of international and local talent, and transcends mediums and customs with pieces by artists including KAWS, Tracey Emin, Ian Davenport and Dawn Ng. It was not difficult to immerse ourselves in creativity, enjoying a tour of Mondrian’s collection and around the Duxton art community and discovering the surrounding heritage Chinatown area.
Unwinding on the rooftop, beside (and in) the swimming pool, were sun-kissed days! The design-led hospitality brand Mondrian is experiencing tremendous growth and will soon open on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Located in one of the Lion City’s most happening areas – the heart of Duxton Hill – the property rises above Chinatown’s colourful historical shophouses and has sweeping views of the CBD skyline.
It has been a hectic series of celebrations, collaborations and many a culinary adventure. I was told to avoid disappointment. Live for the moment. Take the plunge. So, I did … and boy, was it exhilarating!
