Mirella Pandjaitan
May 19, 2025
There’s always a country that reels you back in, despite having it locked safe in a box full of memories. Its scent, its visual pleasantry, its overall essence evokes otherworldly senses that draw a demure smile… even so, a newcomer transcends to this magnetic pull.
That country, for me, is Singapore. A setting I've long ago rejoiced in. Times have changed, so has Singapore and even myself—someone who embraces the saying, “feeling good comes from the outside and within”.
A cuppa by the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport runway soothes my agitation after a baggage drop-off fiasco, where my luggage's handle decides to be damaged. Bolting to the plane with my sidekick, time ticks swiftly as I enrapture in Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities and he listens to his favourite tunes—hauling us away from our birthplace, straight to Merlion's.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived at Singapore Changi Airport,” conveyed the flight attendant. In a twinkling, an uncle steers us through the damp roads towards the city. The uncle reassured us that rain tiptoes from the sky in a whisper-shower, soft as secrets told between clouds and earth.
Being swept into Singapore feels as if every fibre of one’s being lands in tomorrow—a city where glass towers kiss the clouds and streets glisten like the rain has just polished them. The air hums with a symphony of cultures: incense wafts past golden temples, call to prayer echoes near vibrant spice markets, and sizzling woks tell a hundred stories in every hawker stall. With each effortless MRT and bus ride, the city unfolds like a well-kept secret—lush jungle trails one moment, a rooftop pool touching the stars the next.
Our arrival at Orchard Road in a mere 25 minutes is nothing less than subtle, stirring, and impossible to ignore. The beating heart of Singapore’s shopping scene dazzles along two kilometres. Yet, this boulevard is beyond a retail haven; it’s a stylish playground where fashion, art, culture, and cuisine collide. From world-class boutiques to eye-catching galleries, cinematic thrills to culinary delights, every step promises a new adventure wrapped in sophistication and fun. Our temporary home, COMO Metropolitan Singapore, is no shorter than that.
Bideford Road houses COMO Metropolitan Singapore. Many firsts are marked here. With an eye for design, we slip into a realm of wonder; etching modern sophistication with intentional flair, brought to life by longtime COMO design partners. “Sorry, the handle is damaged,” I tell the bellboy who is dealing with our goods, escorting us to the lobby on the sixth floor. He gushes—many of which I foresee would come until I arrive home.
Check-in is as seamless as trying on a well-fitted pair of jeans. “Allow me to take you around,” the front office staff joyously says.
The five-star hotel in Singapore forms an essential component of a meticulously curated, immersive experience spanning 19 floors, featuring 156 rooms and suites. Clean-lined, customised furnishings from Giorgetti, merges with tech-forward touches to ensure guests’ comfort and convenience. It unites the pinnacle of COMO Group’s excellence in hospitality, fashion, wellness, and cuisine within a singular, prestigious destination. COMO Metropolitan Singapore is, after all, the perfect place to call a base of revitalisation.
We get acquainted with Bruno, the hotel's automated robot barista, in the Lobby Lounge. “You can stop by from 10:30 AM to 9 PM,” she says. Other guests are relishing in a plethora of international dishes and local specialities, such as fresh burrata caprese and spicy Singaporean-style squid. Against the wall of augmented flowers enhancing the contemporary feel of the space, some guests are sipping on fresh juices and Bruno’s artisan coffees.
The wooden key card glides the elevator upward to the 11th floor. Against all expectations, we’re blessed with a corner Emerald Room looking onto alternative facets of Orchard through its wall-to-wall windows.
At COMO, every element has been designed with unwavering attention to form and function to create a polished sense of home.
Each Emerald Room serves as a refined sanctuary from the city’s zestful pace. Upon entry is a discreetly integrated kitchenette featuring a microwave, cabinets with dishware, a Nespresso coffee machine (for those who require a dose of caffeine without heading down), and a complimentary private bar restocked daily. Impressively is a card-access delivery vault, camouflaged flawlessly, in case guests prefer their in-room services to arrive with privacy and ease.
Bespoke furnishings and considered design elements for sustainability elevate the space, ensuring an experience of effortless elegance and tranquillity. Our room’s contemporary aura is backed with a pale colour palette of greys, whites, and wood, plus a hint of gold in the bathroom.
The lounger calls my name to stretch and decompress after a long morning, definitely convenient for those with a no-outside-clothes-on-the-bed rule, especially after tackling thousands of steps. I lull until gentle growls stir in our bellies, like a beast waking from slumber, craving something warm and satisfying.
Each floor is a chapter in refined luxury
We climb a swirling flight of stairs by the hotel entrance to the eccentric Cédric Grolet Singapore for high tea. Marking its debut in Asia, the celebrated French pastry chef’s fourth boutique showcases a stunning array of contemporary creations inspired by fruits and flowers. The high tea is a miniature of Cédric Grolet’s options, suitable for curious yet hesitant appetites, available from noon to 4:30 PM.
Take pleasure in artisanal pastries, delicate sandwiches, and an exclusive selection of fine teas. Cédric Grolet, however, doesn’t use a typical tier to present its fine creations, akin to other afternoon teas I’ve cherished.
Firstly served is the savoury set, the Finger Sandwiches: Ham Comté, Cucumber Cream Cheese, and Salmon Cream Cheese. “Best to enjoy each dish within 30 minutes of serving for optimal flavour and texture,” reveals the waiter. Each bite of the bread, despite the sandwich variation, is delicate and not over-consumed by the cheesiness.
Not long after, a plate of scones is placed on our table, to which the waiter adds, “Try the scones by themselves first and then with the mascarpone and our homemade marmalade—please be aware we use orange skin for the bitterness.” I understand why she says that. The scones’ lusciously light, flaky texture with a golden crust and slightly crumbly yet tender interior is buttery and subtly sweet! Still, I slather the mascarpone and marmalade—a comforting mix of sweetness and tanginess.
Next is a uniquely shaped serving tower featuring the Mini Flowers and Fruits. The same waiter encourages us to indulge in the fruity ones, then build up to the nutty variations.
Hence, we nibble through the Lychee, Coconut Passion Fruit Pavlova, and Grapefruit. A burst of freshness explodes in every bite! Perhaps not the best option to neutralise the flavourfulness, the Chai Latte oozes a spicy tang, preparing me to continue onto the Peanut Paris-Brest and Almond—the combination of chocolates and nuts is nevertheless enthralling. Other drinks ideal to pair with this high-tea include green teas (jasmine silk pearls and uji sencha), black teas (kashmere and morning english), herbs (herbs of provence and shiso mint), as well as coffees (espresso and americano), lattes (flat white, cappuccino, and ginger latte), to name a few.
The lingering rain’s steady rhythm tapping against the window reminds me of an unspoken thought, soft yet insistent, as if the sky itself wasn't ready to let go and allow us to stroll around Orchard. Thus, we venture through the hotel's many offerings.
COMO Metropolitan Singapore’s outstanding international dining concepts carry on with COTE Singapore. Its low-lit room boasts the camaraderie of a Korean BBQ experience with the timeless sophistication of an American steakhouse. In the mood to smoke a cigar? A retro-esque cigar room, emblemed with black and white movies via a projector, will accompany your puffs, along with frames of A-listers on the wall. How about letting your inner songstress shine? A karaoke room can be booked for private occasions—if not, prepare to rock the stage to a sea of unknown audience.
A hotel with a bespoke fashion paradise sounds too good to be true. Extending two floors is Club 21, COMO Metropolitan Singapore’s very own concept of ready-to-wear exclusive shopping experience for hotel guests, both in-store and in-room, through personalised styling consultations and private shopper appointments. Contemplate over the finest in international fashion, complemented by dynamic seasonal pop-up partnerships.
Positioned on a separate floor is an urban sanctuary, drawn from the fluidity and palette of healing water, inviting anyone who seeks to discover wellness from within. At COMO Shambhala, their holistic approach uses cutting-edge diagnostics for gut health and body composition, alongside functional fitness, yoga, and Pilates. The vast Fitness Gym, equipped with over 20 types of strength and functional training apparatus, is open for in-house guests.
One's wellness journey may extend to DA Medsuites, a state-of-the-art medical facility by Doctor Anywhere, offering comprehensive health screenings and advanced diagnostic imaging in a refined, private setting.
Retail therapy in Orchard
I'm an avid walker. Singapore happens to be pedestrian-friendly, and recalling this fact elated me. Head straight towards the boulevard where left and right whisper temptation, and every turn unveils a treasure waiting to be discovered.
We frolic from one side of the road to the other, passing by countless shopping malls, navigating underground to an MRT station until we cross the invisible border of ION Orchard. We even pierce the glassed link bridge to Paragon, just opposite COMO Metropolitan Orchard.
Read also: Where to Shop in Orchard Road
They say the night is young, but the glow of storefronts begins to dim one by one, as the hum of footsteps fades and the malls slip quietly into their nightly hush. That's our cue to retreat to our Emerald, where a steamy rainfall shower with bathroom amenities by COMO Shambhala’s “Invigorating” line awaits. I come out feeling similar to completing a spa treatment.
I press the “Sleeping Lights” mode on my bedside to set a soothing mood, while my sidekick on the other twin bed presses the electronic day and night blinds to shield us away from a constellation of windows shimmering against the night sky. Our bodies against the cloud-like haven, where the mattresses cradle every curve in blissful stillness, send us to dreamland in no time.
A new day calls for exploration
Thunder awakens us with a violent roar, tearing through the heavens as if the sky itself were splitting at the seams. I press on the electronic blinds to see what’s happening; Singapore is gloomy. We put aside our concern over the possibility of wandering Orchard by day over a scrumptious breakfast at COMO Cuisine.
The COMO Cuisine Breakfast presents a meticulously curated morning experience, featuring my preferred beverage, a selection of freshly baked goods, access to the Breakfast Counter, and a main course crafted from seasonal ingredients.
“Would you like coffee or tea, ma’am?” asks the waiter. From cappuccino and latte to a tea selection by Monogram, something warm or cold accompanies a daily rotation of pastries; cereals (corn flakes, granola, and bircher muesli); yoghurt pots featuring natural Greek-style yoghurt with seasonal berries; seasonal fruits; and mixed green salad from the Breakfast Counter. I pour a glass of Blood Builder, intending to cleanse the blood, improve circulatory flow, and boost immunity and mood due to its concoction of apple, beetroot, carrot, and turmeric. “Now that’s how to start a day,” I murmur to myself.
The first meal of the day is supposedly the most vital one. Don’t worry about not getting your nutrition met first thing in the morning—each dish, including the main course, is designed to be both delicious and nourishing, with options accommodating vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free preferences.
I relish the Egg Royale (poached eggs and smoked salmon slathered with hollandaise sauce atop English muffins). My sidekick sticks to the theme with the Egg Your Way (two eggs cooked to his liking, served with bacon, chicken sausage, roast tomato, mushrooms, avocado, and fried baby potatoes). Other mains to consider are the Ricotta Hot Cakes and Golden Coconut Waffles for those with a sweet tooth, as well as Prawn Laksa and Teochew Fish Porridge for anyone craving a taste of Asia.
“Would you also like the freshly baked croissant by Cédric Grolet?” asks the waiter. “Yes, please,” I enthusiastically answer, acknowledging that this croissant is exclusively for in-house guests, available on request. One word: sensational. Its outer layer is golden and crisp, with a subtle, buttery crunch melting in my mouth; while the inside is light and airy, with a soft, slightly chewy crumb. The delicate balance of textures and rich flavours is nothing overwhelming!
Our day around Orchard actually brings us to other parts of the city, namely Mount Elizabeth Hospital and even further out via the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. Curious what else you can do around COMO Metropolitan Singapore?
Whispers stitched in twilight
Circling the premises the day before, we agreed to have a sunset drink on the 19th floor. The rooftop infinity pool glistens from rays of the golden molten orb descending with a dramatic sigh. Waves of chatter and chuckles from sunset-goers, soaking in the edge of the pool and lounging poolside, serenade twilight’s welcoming. Meanwhile, we munch on cashew nuts whilst sipping an orange-infused Margarita that’s replenishing in its sweet and sour crispness, and a glass of Summer Breeze, reminiscent of an Aperol Spritz. Indeed, the sight of the sun isn’t as visible to those beyond the walls of Skybar, but accents of golden hour illuminate within.
Our dinner reservation is approaching. We could’ve tried an eatery in Orchard again; nevertheless, it’s our final night in Singapore—in this COMO hotel, to be specific. Breakfast at COMO Cuisine receives five stars in our book; we wonder how dinner would turn out.
Seated in this vivid, futuristic dining space for lunch and dinner enables a chance to indulge in two menus from which COMO Cuisine includes signature dishes from the group’s properties worldwide and nourishing selections crafted by COMO Shambhala Kitchen. “I don’t know what to order, but I suppose we order from both menus,” my sidekick reckons. Appetisers are Gem Heart Caesar and Tom Yum Goong; Tuna Tartare is among the Sharing Plates; moreover, a myriad of mains include burgers, rolls and tacos, noodles and pastas, curries and rice, and charcoal fire-grilled options. Conflicted, I whisper back, “Neither do I. We should ask.”
The waiter suggests starting with Nuts and Seeds Crispbread (zucchini and chia seed crispbread) from the COMO Shambhala menu, while we choose Chicken Satay (peanut sauce and pickled cucumber) from the “Sharing Plates” section of COMO Cuisine’s. Both are light and a dance of flavours, setting the tone of the night.
The waiter points out, “Our seafood dishes are highly recommended.” Snacking on the fresh, chewy focaccia bread, our mains arrive in portions that astonish us! “We didn’t think it would be this much,” we exclaim to her as she gently places the plates before us, giggling at our reactions.
So we opt to share COMO Shambhala’s Grilled Wild Scottish Salmon with chopped cauliflower, quinoa mixed with pomegranate tabbouleh, alongside aubergine purée, heirloom tomatoes, and cashew cream. The crisp, salty salmon is balanced out by the other ingredients, filled with multiple sensory experiences.
COMO Cuisine’s Biryani with a choice of lobster, chicken or vegetables is the chef’s recommendation—my sidekick is very much intrigued by the lobster variation. The bed of saffron rice intertwines with cutlets of lobster, pomegranate, and guava salad, plus cucumber raita and poppadom on the side. How addictive! Many reckon it’s too spicy; perhaps our Indonesian tongues are well accustomed.
Choosing to end our feast with the Mango Sticky Rice paired with coconut sauce and sesame, as well as the Soft Serve Swirl Sundae drenched in Thai tea and coconut, flaked with crushed peanuts, young coconut jelly, salted caramel, and chocolate pops was a no-brainer. “I hope you two have room for dessert,” she returns with our orders. Again, we chuckle at the enormous portions. Allowing the food to settle with a night stroll around Orchard is our best bet before another night smelling like a spa in deep slumber.
It’s not a goodbye, COMO Metropolitan Singapore
Separation is never easy, even with a property. We pack our bags and gush, “Hopefully we’ll return someday,” as we close the door to our Emerald. Concierge aids us with a cab booking scheduled much earlier than our flight back home, simply backed by our curiosity over Jewel.
Egg Your Way for me and Prawn Laksa comprising prawn, fish cake, tofu, boiled egg atop rice noodles in a blend of coconut milk, sambal, and laksa leaf for my sidekick; we enquire with the waiter to take our coffees to go for a final stroll in Orchard.
All hotel staff we encounter question how our stay went, and we can only muster the words “absolutely fantastic and comfortable” with a side of disarray for leaving. “We hope to see you soon,” they conclude, closing the cab’s door as we alight.
It’s definitely not a farewell, COMO Metropolitan Singapore. Cherishing its surrounding area, Orchard, convinces us to return for another two nights (or more!)—not solely for the sake of retail therapy but also for medical purposes, entertainment, and simply walking!