Inside Artyzen Singapore: The design story behind one of Singapore’s six One Michelin Key hotels

In October 2025, Artyzen Singapore, the first Artyzen Hotel & Resort outside of Greater China, gained global recognition after being awarded One Michelin Key, joining an elite group of just 2,457 hotels worldwide in the inaugural Michelin Guide Global Keys selection—an award given to outstanding hotels around the world that represent the pinnacle of luxury hospitality and meet the highest standards of service, quality and design.

The hotel opened in 2023, located at one of Singapore’s most iconic addresses in West Orchard, consisting of 142 elegant rooms and suites—some with balconies that boast views the Lion City’s beautiful cityscape.

The Penthouse at Artyzen Singapore featuring Tiffin Tapestry, 2022, artwork by Terence Tan. Top: The lobby feature nine-metre-high ceilings with ghost columns and archways.

So what sets Artyzen Singapore apart, earning such acclaim just two years after its inauguration? General manager Marcel N.A. Holman tells Boulevard that today’s travellers seek more than comfort and efficiency—they’re looking for experiences that leave a lasting impression, through design and storytelling: “Five years ago, luxury was often defined by comfort and efficiency. While those remain important, today’s travellers are looking for more personal, authentic, and meaningful experiences.”

He adds, “Guests appreciate experiences that feel intentional. They also notice the details in our design—the former site’s heritage influence, the greenery woven into our vertical oasis and the curated artworks that tell Singapore’s cultural story.”

Suites feature their own balconies with lush gardens.

The hotel stands on the site of the former ‘Villa Marie’, one of the last remaining villas in the area that was built in the 1940s, which inspired interior designer Nic Graham to weave elements of its heritage into the design. From the bungalow’s graceful archways and verandahs to the use of warm materials and the lush greenery and orchids that once flourished on the courtyards, these touches nod to the spirit of the original villa.

This thoughtful approach to design began through the collaboration of renowned architecture firm Ong&Ong and award-winning interior design studio Nic Graham & Associates. Together, they envisioned a serene urban retreat that celebrates Peranakan craftsmanship and Singapore’s rich history.

“I was first introduced to the project just before the old villa was demolished. It was in a fairly poor state—though with renovation, it could have been a beautiful home. The villa itself was simple in design, with wrought-iron gates, but its owner was an avid orchid grower, which inspired the narrative,” Graham said to Boulevard. “We drew from this history, connecting the villa’s legacy and the orchids to their broader significance in Singapore, and ultimately linked it to Peranakan culture.”

Left: Enchanting Glaze (clockwise), 2022, artwork by Terence Tan. Right: Wallpapers feature orchid motifs. (Photos by Jin Cheng Wong).

The project’s focus on Peranakan culture is one of its defining features and is evident even in the smallest details—from the pottery and plates in each room to the vibrant pink velvet sofas in the suites, and the subtle nod to Singapore’s iconic orchid.

Graham ensured the flower was thoughtfully integrated throughout the spaces: “A lot of the orchid motif was contemporised and made more modern by artists and by us into wallpapers, as well as the arched screens around the reception and café area. These were all custom-designed, laser-cut metal sheets based on a contemporary orchid pattern.”

“The corridors and even the guest room wallpapers and bathrooms feature versions of the orchid that have been pixelised and modernised, so you have to look closely to recognise them,” he added.

The Penthouse’s main living area overlooking the city.

Graham collaborated with local artisans to incorporate other bold and distinctive Peranakan motifs that characterise the tradition, while blending in contemporary elements into its interiors. As he explains, “We didn’t want a beige palace—we wanted something distinctive that told a story. You can see this in the strong use of colour, especially in the custom-designed rugs, which feature contemporary interpretations of Peranakan fabrics. They had their own version of batik, different from the Malaysian or Indonesian styles, often using very bright colours. That inspired us to weave similarly bold hues into the carpets.”

The hotel’s lobby features nine-metre-high ceilings with ghost columns and archways that nod to Singapore’s colonial era. In the suites, warm timber adorns the floors and ceilings, evoking the charm of Villa Marie, as well as Peranakan tiles that add a touch of heritage with their bold colours and floral patterns. However, to create a more cohesive and contemporary look, Graham worked with a local Peranakan tile supplier to custom design patterns that are subtler, more modern and refined.

The infinity swimming pool with views of the city.

The lifts too are part of the artistic experience. As Graham shares, guests will be “transported to another place” because of its walls adorned with mirrors and an artwork created by local artists: “Seeing the three different artworks created for us by a local artist is very special—they’re unlike anything anyone has seen before. The colours are bold and transportive.”

Holman added that each of the artwork are curated with care: “It reflects the cultural diversity of the destination and ensures every corner has a story to tell.”

By intertwining heritage craftsmanship with modern artistry, Artyzen Singapore goes beyond traditional notions of luxury hospitality. It’s a hotel that captures the spirit of the Lion City—modern, expressive and unmistakably its own.

Holman said, “What truly sets us apart is the sincerity of our people. From the warm welcome at reception to the personal attention in our restaurants, guests consistently tell us that the service feels genuine and human.”

“It is this combination—thoughtful design rooted in heritage and a team that delivers with heart—that creates an atmosphere where guests want to linger,” he adds.

Go further with Boulevard’s high jewellery shoot at Artyzen Singapore.

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