Staycation Spotlight: Duxton Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection

Black walls and gold accents dominate the hotel’s 49 guest rooms and suites. Lead-in rooms, however, are a minimalist haven dressed in monochromatic hues. For a taste of opulence, consider the Skylight Executive Club Suite. The mood-lit interior features a spacious living area, low-slung furniture, and decorative frames. Anchoring the room is a grand four-poster bed fitted with an organic mattress, pillows, and buttery cotton linen. The best part: the Skylight Suite is conveniently located on the first floor of the hotel, which means you are literally just seconds away from the various amenities.

Away from the delightful rooms, the grounds of Duxton Reserve is also a feast for the eyes. The building in itself has won the Urban Redevelopment Authority Architectural Heritage Award, and inside the doors comes a luxurious yet eclectic interior. Spot a hidden ‘opium den’ tucked away behind the reception area – with a plush couch, brass chandelier, and walls covered by a calligraphy motif, designed by Anouska herself. Traditional paint brushes, oriental screens, and bamboo textures help add even more character to the space. 

Swing by Anouska’s Bar, named after the designer and former Bond girl. On the menu, you’ll find top-shelf spirits, premium wines, local craft beers, artisanal Chinese teas, and cocktails that merge contemporary recipes with nostalgic Eastern influences. Concoctions, each priced at $22, are curated by Kamil Foltan, a mixologist who has helmed the drink programme at winning establishments that include Tippling Club and IB HQ. Try Her Majesty's Secret Service, where gin and dry vermouth comes finished, dramatically, with a dash of green tea bitters tableside; or sample the signature Escape To Kaifeng, where housemade chrysanthemum cordial with Tanqueray London dry gin makes for a delicately floral aperitif. Swearing off alcohol? The natural tonic ($9) selection makes for an equally refreshing and tasty alternative. Apple and cinnamon, with a kombucha-esque quality, is great both before and after meals.

Walk down the dramatic hallway to reach the reopened Yellow Pot, a fine-dining Chinese restaurant. The menu remains rooted in its clean philosophy, eschewing MSG and addictives to let the natural flavours come through. A must-order: roast duck ($36), marinated in a two-day-old fermented bean paste then cooked over hickory wood till the skin glistens. Completing the dish is a side of housemade plum sauce. Other must-tries include the stir-fried mee sua ($20), which comes chock full of seafood and the 14-day aged mapo tofu ($18). A selection of small bites is also available as the perfect accompaniment to the cocktails at Anouska’s Bar. Snack on fried Lion Mane’s mushroom ($20), brightened with avocado puree; sample an assortment of dim sum ($10), or get the Iberico pork cheek ($20) dusted with cumin and chilli. 

Breakfast, as part of the stay, will also be served at Yellow Pot. From the a la carte menu, choose from updated brunch fare and traditional street food. The usual avocado toast ($18) gets a juicy punch from the addition of pickled green mango, while eggs can come prepped as an omelette, spiced up with chilli crab sauce on the side ($26). Those looking for a cleaner option can consider the ginseng chicken porridge ($16), a smooth gruel with accompaniments of braised peanut and pickled vegetables. And instead of the usual earl grey tea, Duxton Reserve has collaborated with family-run Yixing Xuan Teahouse (located nearby) to serve pots ($12) of fragrant Da Hong Bao Oolong, Pi Lo Chun Green Tea, Dian Hong Black Tea, and more.

Away from the storied location of Duxton Reserve, its address at Tanjong Pagar provides easy access to some of the top restaurants and bars in Singapore. Duxton Reserve is walking distance away from Bearded Bella, a popular café; perfumery Maison 21G, spin studio CruCycle, and many more. 

Duxton Reserve, with its old-world glamour, provides a refreshing switch up from the usual utilitarian hotel design. The rooms, while smaller in size (a trade-off for being located within a restored shophouse), comes packing with loads of personality. The vibe is sexy, elegant, and opulent – and the food and beverage offerings reflect the same qualities too.