Why The Arcade At The Raffles Hotel Singapore Should Be Your Next Shopping Spree Destination

From personalised services to new spaces for events and social gatherings, the Raffles Arcade is home to a revitalised retail experience amidst unmatched colonial grandeur

When a storied hotel such as the Raffles Hotel Singapore announces the reopening of its arcade after the hotel's three-phase restoration, it is no doubt that all eyes are peeled on the new changes within the refreshed property. The iconic Raffles Arcade, which now houses a mix of world-renowned international brands and newly established homegrown labels, is a testament to Raffles Hotel Singapore's seamless way of blending quality experiences with elegant heritage, alongside some exciting openings to boot.

Above Raffles Boutique (Image: Raffles Hotel Singapore)

1. Restored retail icons

Returning guests and patrons of the Raffles Hotel Singapore would be familiar with the Raffles Gift Shop, known to be the place for memorable souvenirs for tourists and locals alike. But in line with revitalising the arcade's aesthetic, the shop has also received a brand new facelift, and is now termed as the Raffles Boutique—a new retail concept that presents a variety of gifts for guests to take a piece of the iconic landmark home.

But the boutique is equipped with more than just that. It is also home to a heritage gallery that outlines the rich history of the landmark since it's establishment 132 years ago, and also houses a newly refurbished eatery, Ah Teng's Café. The casual cafe with no-frills was named after a famous local baker who used to own a shop in the neighbourhood in the '90s, and allows visitors to grab a bite while walking down memory lane of this establishment that is steeped in rich history.

Above Singapore Sling (Image: Raffles Hotel Singapore)

2. The food selection will leave you spoilt for choice

Home of the nation's iconic gin-based cocktail—the Singapore Sling—Long Bar has now relocated to the second floor of the arcade and its interiors resemble that of a tropical plantation, furnished with rich colours and lush greenery.

If you're looking for a hearty seafood meal, then look forward to the London-based restaurant chain Burger & Lobster, as it opens its Singapore flagship destination right on the grounds of the Raffles Arcade, ready to serve up sumptuous Atlantic lobsters and prime cut beef burgers soon.

After all the buzz and commotion about the establishment's new dining additions, you have probably heard about the outstanding new restaurant debuts from Top Chefs such as the likes of Alain Ducasse and Anne-Sophie Pic. But a third, MasterChef Jereme Leung, has one exciting opening that is situated right in the heart of the arcade. The celebrity chef's contemporary Chinese restaurant, Yì, is the place to go for Cantonese classics done to an impeccable standard. Straying away from the normal menu, the restaurant will also offer a separate immersive and multi-sensory dining experience that will evoke all five senses, beyond just your taste palette.

Above Image: Minotti

3. Elevated retail experience for the well-travelled

Featuring products made by artists and labels who champion the rich Chinese tapestry traditions in a modern way, Xuan: The Palace Museum, a new cultural-lifestyle brand, is an exciting addition to the retail scene at the Raffles Arcade. Around the corner on the same floor, Minotti, the quintessential "Made in Italy" luxury furniture brand, also joins the star-studded line-up of international brands as it brings its innovative and refined furniture pieces to the building.

In an attempt to amplify the Singaporean narrative in the shopping experience, The AC Boutique is a new tenant that provides a one-stop destination for all premium home, fashion and lifestyle brands that embody a uniquely Singaporean branding. As the store's first boutique is located in the heart of Joo Chiat, it continues its presence of being in a heritage landmark and district with its second opening at the Raffles Arcade.

Apart from these new additions, prestigious German camera manufacturing company Leica and leading luxury watch retail group The Hour Glass are returning tenants with their shops situated on the first floor.

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4. Personalised services to tailor to your every need

Boasting an all-new Raffles Spa boutique, it is the ultimate urban sanctuary within Raffles Hotel Singapore for hotel guests and members of the public to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and indulge in restorative treatments.

Heading on upstairs, Hiro Ginza Premium Barber, which prides themselves in inimitable Japanese hospitality, offers an outstanding range of premium grooming services for men. From facial care to therapeutic head spa treatments, expect nothing less than excellent service as you relax in your own private seat while you wait for your grooming session to begin.

Photo 1 of 2 Image: The Great Room

Photo 2 of 2 Image: The Great Room

5. Dynamic spaces for social gatherings

New to the Raffles Arcade are two vastly different spaces, each with soaring potentials to cultivate exciting relationships between like-minded individuals. The first is The Great Room—an established coworking space that has a presence in Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok. Inspired by hospitality and the concept of community, it is a dynamic and versatile space to enable individuals to meet for business or for pleasure.

Next is Art Matters, a contemporary art and design gallery which is home to pieces by some of the art world's greatest such as Picasso and Monet. If you're looking for works by artists much closer to home, the gallery also plays host to works from leading names in Asian art—Ai Wei Wei and Yayoi Kusama are just some of them among many others.

Photo 1 of 2 Pre-event foyer at the Jubilee Ballroom (Image: Raffles Hotel Singapore)

Photo 2 of 2 Jubilee Ballroom (Image: Raffles Hotel Singapore)

6. An opulent transformation

What used to be the Jubilee Theatre that was constructed in 1991 after the hotel's first renovation has now been transformed into an opulent 300-guest ballroom that is perfect for weddings and social galas. Renamed as the Jubilee Ballroom, it is situated in this elegant colonial landmark and is furnished in hues of cream and gold with the latest audio-visual technology.

Topics

raffles singapore raffles arcade raffles spa raffles boutique raffles hotel 2019

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