The Scarlet, Singapore

Down the historic Erskine Road, in the heart of Chinatown, amidst a warren of independent boutiques, restaurants and bars sits the enigmatic Scarlet. Formerly 13 shophouses (combined to make the hotel), this boutique property is a sensual pastiche to the mysterious world of Victorian Singapore. Entering the hotel lobby is like falling down the rabbit hole into Tim Burton's re-imagined Alice in Wonderland. Enormous, high backed, velvet sofas litter the expansive, polished black marble floor. Each of the rooms is a work of art, with an abundance of velvet and strong palettes of royal blue, lime green and deep oranges. The bathrooms have marble suites and are a more toned down affair. Do note that Standard rooms are small and do not have windows; however skylights and large, well placed mirrors prevent them from being dark. A few have small balconies so make sure to request one of these. The Passion Room is, as the name would suggest, made for romance and features its own private terrace with hot tub. It is decorated in deep palettes of red, pinks and purples, an enormous four poster bed and liberal usage of leather. On an evening the Breeze bar, with its 'Soda' hot tub is a popular place to enjoy an aperitif and a bite to eat. Dishes are served with a level of artistic flair you would expect from such an establishment. The many delightful and unusual (in equal measure) sights, sounds and smells of Chinatown are but round the corner. Ideal for the young at heart and couples with a sense of style and adventure.