First look: Grand Hyatt Singapore’s newly reopened Terrace Wing is a garden oasis nestled within Orchard Road

Given the recent influx of new hotels on Orchard Road, such as The Singapore Edition and Artyzen Singapore, the competition is stiff for the Grand Hyatt Singapore, which closed in September 2022 for a two-year renovation.

But after a recent stay, it's evident that the iconic property, a key player in Singapore’s hospitality scene for decades, continues to hold its own. The hotel reopened its doors on Jul 10. However, it will reopen in phases, starting with the debut of the nature-inspired Terrace Wing.

Jointly designed by Tokyo-based firm Strickland and NAO Taniyama, along with UK-based landscape architecture practice Grant Associates, the Terrace Wing has been reimagined as a garden oasis away from the bustling crowd. There are 292 rooms spread across various categories, ranging from the entry-level King rooms to three luxurious, well-appointed Presidential Suites.

I stayed in one of the five exclusive Garden Studios. I was told by concierge upon check-in that they're usually fully booked. Located on the first floor, the Garden Studios are a new addition to the hotel’s room offerings. Formerly spa treatment rooms, they have been thoughtfully redesigned into elegant accommodation options with a resort-like ambience.

The expansive 645 sq ft room feels airy because of the high ceiling. Upon entering the room, one feels immediately at home. There is a generously sized lounge area along with a sumptuous King bed. The ensuite bathroom features all the amenities one would expect of a luxury hotel stay – a Toto toilet, dual vanity sinks, a deep soaking bathtub, separate shower area and Balmain bath amenities. For those on longer stays, the spacious walk-in wardrobe offers plenty of room to unpack and settle in.

Garden Studio rooms offer direct access to the pools and gardens, which are mere steps away. The interconnected gardens also had little private nooks for rest and relaxation. According to landscape architect Grant Associates, “shirin yoku”, or forest bathing, was the inspirational starting point for the garden oasis. Strolling through the greenery, it was easy to forget that we were in the middle of Orchard Road’s concrete jungle.

A consistent design element across all room categories is the use of soothing neutral tones and ice-green marble accents, with the colour green serving as a nod to the garden theme. Utilising the Terrace Wing’s existing facade with cantilevered windows, rooms on the upper floors also incorporate a sunlit nook with a daybed for lounging.  

There are two pools at the Terrace Wing. The first is a Wellness Pool, fitted with jet sprays, a Jacuzzi, swan necks and hydro-massage bubbles for post-recovery. A former tennis court has been converted into a 25-metre pool, where serious swimmers can do their lap practices. Private cabanas are placed throughout the pool area, nestled within the lush landscape. There is also an outdoor lawn, where the hotel plans to host guided meditation sessions, yoga, pilates and boot camps. Poolside restaurant Oasis is scheduled to open on Sep 9, serving up barbecue delights amongst other offerings.  

Gym buffs will be glad to know that the enhanced fitness centre features state-of-the-art equipment for every type of workout, including treadmills, weightlifting gear, spin bikes and stair masters. Activities such as CrossFit exercises and sled pulls can be done at a dedicated outdoor area. The Damai Spa is set to open at the end of the year, completing the hotel’s wellness offerings.

Grand Hyatt Singapore’s F&B offerings are also scheduled to open in phases. Pete’s Place, a beloved icon since 1973, has made its return, serving up classic Italian cuisine including pastas and pizzas. In fact, when I dined at the restaurant on a Sunday night, it was bustling (presumably returning regulars), with several jovial birthday celebrations taking place. My dining partner and I tucked into a flavourful plate of Conchiglie Cioppino (seafood pasta stew), served with a generous portion of boston lobster, prawns, scallops and mussels.

The pizzas are also a must-try, and you can’t go wrong with the classic Formaggiosa, with its blend of four distinct cheeses. While we chose to end off the meal with a light dessert in the form of the vanilla panna cotta, the classic tiramisu is also well-loved by regulars.

Halal buffet restaurant Straits Kitchen, a popular destination for Muslim diners, has also reopened. Dining here is nostalgic – the restaurant has retained its vibrant, marketplace ambience and continues to serve an extensive array of Singaporean specialties, including all-time favourites such as laksa, butter chicken, satay, chilli crab and teh tarik. Breakfast is also served here and diners are spoilt for choice with many Asian options such as nasi lemak, prawn mee, carrot cake and more, alongside the classic pastries.

Le Pristine, a casual fine dining restaurant by celebrated Dutch chef Sergio Herman, will open its doors in October, serving Italian flavours expressed through Herman’s Zeeland culinary heritage. The space will also celebrate the chef’s love for music, art, design and fashion. Le Pristine takes over the former Mezza9 and will be complemented by a revamped Martini Bar.

To wrap up the stay, make your way to The Shop, where guests can take home an exquisite selection of pastries and desserts. You can also purchase some of the produce served at the hotel’s famed restaurants, including Pete's Place's special olive oil. The Shop also features a seating area, thoughtfully equipped with charging ports, for those who need a quick bite or a cup of coffee while waiting for airport pick-up. While waiting for my Grab ride home, I treated myself to a delicious tiramisu latte.  

The final phase of Grand Hyatt Singapore’s transformation will see the reopening of the Grand Wing, currently scheduled for early 2025. When it reopens, the hotel will boast a total of 699 guestrooms and suites.