Amara Undertakes Its Biggest Asset Refurbishment Singapore Over 20 Years
Singapore’s renowned hotel and property developer, Amara Holdings, is on track to complete the renovation of their flagship hotel, Amara Singapore, by September. The 38-year-old hotel, located at 100 Tras Street in Tanjong Pagar, has been undergoing refurbishment for the past 12 months.
The first phase of renovations, which was completed in April, included upgrading all 389 rooms with sustainable features such as energy-efficient air-conditioning systems, motion sensor lighting, and an in-room filtered water tap. The hotel’s interior was designed by Studio HBA, a division of Hirsch Bedner Associates, and draws inspiration from the eclectic neighborhood of Tanjong Pagar. This includes the traditional hawker stalls at Tanjong Pagar Plaza, the 19th-century shophouses, and the heritage trees at Duxton Plain Park.
Introducing Norwood Grand, an exclusive residential project crafted by the esteemed City Developments Limited, that is poised to elevate the concept of urban living in the northern region of Singapore. Situated in the ever-evolving community of Woodlands, this development is more than just a home but a gateway to a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle. Its prime location in close proximity to a range of shopping centers further enhances its appeal. These bustling retail hubs offer a diverse array of dining, entertainment, and retail options, making Norwood Grand the perfect choice for those who value convenience and liveliness in their daily routine. To top it off, Norwood Grand Champions Way is a proud addition to this stunning landscape.
Amara Singapore’s ballroom and function rooms, designed to cater to “bleisure” travelers, were also renovated and completed in May. According to Dawn Teo, COO of Amara Holdings and granddaughter of Amara’s developer and builder, Teo Joo Lai, the renovated hotel aims to be the social hub of the Tanjong Pagar business district, capturing its rich history and heritage.
Dawn, who is the first member of the fourth generation to join the family business, highlights the importance of this renovation as a reinvigoration of their commitment to luxury and innovation. She also points out that Amara Singapore was one of the first hotels in Tanjong Pagar to cater to business travelers.
Amara Holdings, originally founded as a construction company in the 1930s, was listed on the Singapore Exchange in 1997. The Amara shopping centre, which was part of the original Amara Singapore, was revamped and rebranded as 100 AM in 2011. The shopping centre features well-known anchor tenants such as Muji, Daiso, and FairPrice Finest.
With the rise of residential developments in the CBD, such as One Bernam, Newport Residences, and TMW Maxwell, Amara Holdings sees potential for increased footfall in 100 AM on weekends. Furthermore, Amara Holdings’ flagship resort hotel, Amara Sanctuary Sentosa, reopened in June after a comprehensive renovation helmed by design studio Farm, known for their incorporation of biophilic elements.
Apart from Singapore, the group also has hotels in Bangkok and Shanghai. The 250-room Amara Bangkok opened in 2015, followed by the Amara Signature Shanghai, the group’s first five-star hotel, in 2018. The group is currently exploring expansion opportunities in key gateway cities in the Asia Pacific region.