The overall concept of serviced apartment living at Oakwood Premier AMTD Singapore makes the stay feel more like one at a luxurious hotel, writes Alan Teh Leam Seng.
EXCITED to learn more about Oakwood Premier AMTD Singapore after arriving late the night before, the day begins bright and early just as the first rays of the sun start piercing through the distant horizon.
After a quick shower, it is down to the lobby level which is actually the seventh floor of the imposing OUE Downtown mixed-use complex.
Located right in the heart of Singapore's vibrant Central Business District (CBD), the Oakwood is an award-winning serviced apartment that blends urban sophistication with nature-inspired elements to deliver an oasis of calm and relaxation for staycation guests as well as business travellers.
MORNING MEAL
Morning meal at Se7enth comes in the form of three predetermined choices consisting of either American, Continental or local breakfast sets.
Decision proves a cinch with fish curry and prata, as what roti canai is called in Singapore, forming the local option for the day.
Apart from the freshly prepared flatbread which goes well with the mildly spicy and aromatic curry, the meal also includes a selection of pastries, fruits, yoghurt, coffee and orange juice.
Late risers missing the breakfast cut off time at 10.30am can take heart that the outlet also offers an extensive brunch menu that boasts of favourites like scrambled eggs with mushroom cream sauce and smoked salmon with tuna mayonnaise.
With hunger pangs fully satiated, time arrives to fully appreciate this place that will become my home away from home for the next few days.
IMPRESSIVE LOBBY
First to make a lasting impression is the lobby which is just beside Se7enth. Unlike those seen at other serviced apartments, this luxurious reception area strikes a totally different tone.
The key features are the floor-to-ceiling windows which allow natural light to leave shimmering effects on the chandeliers and metallic wall elements.
Fresh air and the outdoors beckon a little further away in the form of the infinity pool area.
Extensive in size, this secluded oasis set amidst soaring skyscrapers allows guests to indulge in leisure walks on the wooden deck while taking in the sights. Familiar landmarks like the Marina Bay Cruise Centre easily visible from this vantage point fire up an urge to start exploring.
STRATEGIC LOCATION
Oakwood Premier AMTD's strategic location ensures that many tourist sites are within walking distance.
With the Tanjong Pagar and Raffles Place MRT stations close by on either end and the clockwork regularity of bus and taxi services, even places relatively further away are within easy reach.
Pedestrian-friendly with most paths sheltered from the tropical heat, walking proves to be a pleasure.
Tracing the nearby Maxwell Road, numerous tall buildings start giving way to open spaces and functional century-old buildings that have been carefully restored.
After spending a good part of the morning checking out this area, which forms part of the Tanjong Pagar heritage precinct, it is time to head back to Se7enth for lunch.
FULL CIRCLE
Arriving to find the place already filled with the CBD lunch crowd tucking, disappointment quickly gives way to sheer pleasure after finding out that diners can enjoy alfresco dining with food from Se7enth by the infinity pool outdoor terrace.
My choice of the Alaskan king crab seafood platter with truffle risotto does not disappoint.
Apart from the gigantic and fleshy crab legs, this dish comes with fresh mussels and prawns carefully baked in garlic, butter and herbs.
Enjoyed with the accompanying pot of truffle risotto, this savoury combination provides for an unforgettable culinary experience.
The rest of the afternoon is spent enjoying the many comforts and luxuries in my one bedroom executive apartment while preparing for a fun-filled evening at places closer to Raffles Place and the Marina Bay area.
FAST FACTS
Oakwood Premier AMTD
6, Shenton Way, OUE Downtown 1,
#07-01, 068809 Singapore.
TEL +65-6812 6000
FAX +65-6812 6059
EMAIL general.premier-singapore@oakwood.com
WEBSITE www.oakwood.com
STAY Setting the benchmark for classy living with its separate bedroom and living areas, Oakwood Premier AMTD's 268 beautifully appointed apartments come in eight different categories ranging from studio deluxe king, studio deluxe twin, one-bedroom deluxe apartment, one-bedroom executive apartment, one-bedroom premier apartment, two-bedroom deluxe apartment, two-bedroom premier apartment and two-bedroom executive apartment. Each unit is tastefully furnished in a luxe contemporary style with a fully-equipped kitchen and a washer/ dryer.
EAT Apart from breakfast and lunch selections, check out the dinner and meat-free menus at Se7enth where choices like roasted cauliflower steak and grilled Portobello mushrooms as well as Oakwood Premier Nasi Lemak are popular.
DO Workout at the well-equipped gymnasium or take a relaxing walk by the infinity pool while enjoying scenic views of the sea and nearby areas.
GO Located right in the city, everything just a short walk away. Check out Lau Pa Sat's many culinary delights or enjoy a short walk to Chinatown for an exhilarating evening of food and shopping. Also, take advantage of Oakwood's complimentary shuttle bus service that covers the CBD during weekdays and selected malls in City Hall and Orchard Road on weekends.
HIGHS Strategic location and excellent service.
LOWS Locating Oakwood Premier AMTD for the first time may prove a bit challenging as it is not visible from street level. Taxi drivers, however, will be able to easily find it when told that the drop-off is at the OUE Downtown driveway.