Rubbing Shoulders with Hi-So at Sofitel SO Singapore

What do the likes of Christian Lacroix and Karl Lagerfeld have in common?

Two of the most influential and colourful couturiers in the world. True.

Flamboyant and risqué. True.

But if you also guessed that they both have set their trademark style and seal upon a luxury hotel chain world-wide, you would be right on the mark too.

These two influential designers have had a hand in putting the finishing touches on the Sofitel SO brand of hotels around the globe, to be precise, and with great elegance too.

Karl Lagerfeld’s Emblem, “The Lion’s Seal”, commemorates the birth of the Lion City and the 14th century folklore that accompanies it, where the Sumatran Prince, Sang Nila Utama, spotted a handsome feline identified to him as the mystical creature – a lion…

And of course we were pretty excited about being hosted by Sofitel SO Singapore one weekend in August. With an interior design developed by Isabelle Miaja and chic touches courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld we knew it would be trendy but how exactly, we would have yet to find out.

So we arrive at the location, only to find the facade an old heritage building. It was pretty, no doubt about that. But stepping inside was where the surprise was – it was decked in modern interiors, so unlike the outside.

It was also sharp, shiny, decked out in ‘bling’, and I wanted to take photos at every corner. It could have been called French chic, or it could also be called ethereal contemporary,  depending which way you looked. A bit of “rojak” but it worked.

Located on 35 Robinson Road, this sort of heritage building with almost 100 years of history is a rarity in Singapore’s modern skyline.

The hotel itself we were told, had only 134 guest rooms, and the room we were given was the second highest range of rooms and had a large balcony overlooking the bustling central business district.

We got our keys and skipped upstairs to check out our abode. The rooms were definitely inspired by the city of Paris and its picturesque apartments.

Enhanced by three-meter high ceilings, rooms are bright and spacious with bespoke light boxes, set above each bed, feature images of palatial glass domes inspired by the traditional architecture of Europe and modern constructions in Singapore.

If you looked up above your bed, a faux skylight added drama to the entire sleeping experience. These folks sure went through a lot of trouble to create this sort of dramatic effect!

There was more. Expansive bathrooms with lavish fittings and bespoke amenities were also worth going go-go ga-ga over. The bathtub was huge and rather beautiful.

Cool maybe but later we decided it wasn’t very functional nor eco friendly as it required at least 3X the amount of water to fill up, compared to a normal tub. We did however love the scent and bath accessories provided – Specially produced for the hotel, these products carry Sofitel So Singapore’s signature scent.

The complimentary mini-bar inspired by Singaporean aesthetics and filled with local goodies was nice too. Guests also get to experience the only completely Apple-based guest technology and makes you feel like you’re in your own home, with your own apple gadgets such as iPhone and iPad.

That first night, we went down for our welcome drinks at the bar. Xperience Bar is where Sofitel So Singapore’s mixologists create cocktail for the guests, within an intimate setting in the hotel’s lobby bar and exclusive library.

The next morning, it was breakfast at Xperience Restaurant. Thanks to the fact that we took the higher range rooms, the package actually came with a champagne breakfast.

Some of the highlights of breakfast were, very well made pancakes, fabulous variety of eggs and omelets, succulent fresh fruit, well-made super buttery and flaky pastries, prawny plump siew mai dimsum, a great selection of anti-aging berries and nuts. And of course it helped that most of bacon was pork bacon and so were the sausages.

As luck would have it, we were there over the weekend and every Saturday is the hotel’s Hi-So Rooftop Bar & Pool Party. It’s like stepping into a movie set of the “Young and the Beautiful”. And what an amazing mix of international beautiful people it was.

Sofitel So Singapore’s sexy and trendy rooftop is the place to rub shoulders with the socialites and high spirited professionals, who take to the pool, to unwind from the work stress of the week.

“Put your hands in the air.. and wave it like you just don’t care..”

Free flow of pool party grub! 

Purchase your drink tickets at the bar.. then collect your Mojitos from the cocktail bar … how much easier does it get?;)

From sunset to late night, Singapore’s glamorous and fashionable crowd seem to have nothing better to do, than to work on their tans,  chill-out by the pool, chug cocktails and dance to pounding cheesy EDM, spun by  DJs at this one-and-only ‘beach’ club in the city. Some might say too noisy as the party carries on past midnight, but quite honestly we didn’t even notice the noise!

Finally, since we were in Singapore for the Epicurean Market , Sofitel SO was the best location to be in as it was a mere 15 minute stroll to the MBS convention center.

It’s also an amazingly fun and scenic route to run in the mornings, and you can go all the way down to the Marina Barrage and back for a cool 10KM run.

Another thing about Sofitel SO is that it is strategically located at Raffles Place, in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District. As such it is minutes away from the city’s most iconic landmarks. Within close proximity to various modes of public transport, ie. the MRT, it means that your virtually connected to every corner of the island really.

And just outside the hotel, for those who are often visited by midnight hunger pangs, there’s the street food of Lau Pa Sat just at your doorstep!

The juxtaposition of French meets South East Asia, is definitely evident in Sofitel SO. That’s part of its charm that cannot be denied. The infusion of two distinct cultural aesthetics makes the stay a rather comfortable yet imaginative and exciting one. We highly recommend this hotel for singles and young couples with an adventurous side.