The Naumi brand portrays a cheeky and quirky nature. The name even has a double meaning with Navami, in the Sanskrit language, translating to the 9th day and considered auspicious. While Naumi, pronounced as ‘Know Me’, is about the brand’s desire for guests to get to know each hotel’s unique philosophy. Naumi Singapore was the first of the brand’s hotels, and in recent years, five other properties have entered the fold – all based in New Zealand.
Vine-clad steel mesh panels add design details to the façade of Naumi Singapore’s 10-storey building, providing prominence on Seah Street. Inside, clean lines and neutral tones enlivened by expressive touches create a contemporary design feel. The hotel offers six unique room categories, each with its own vibe across the 73 rooms. Habitat (26 sq-m), Oasis (30 sq-m), and Patio (33 sq-m) all have a sleek modern character.
The fun starts with expansive (43 sq-m) Designer rooms. The Gabrielle & Camellia rooms were inspired by Gabrielle Coco Chanel’s love of camellias. This is celebrated in a black-and-white photographic collaboration art piece created by Singapore artist Aiman and award-winning French photographer Olivier Henry. Andy Warhol-inspired Eden & Nirwana Suites are bold and come with a limited-edition B&B Italia armchair designed by Gaetano Pesce, titled Donna.
The room
I loved the vibrancy of my Eden & Nirwana Suite with its abundance of space, striking Warhol-esque rug, scattered objets d’art, and glorious king-sized bed. The Donna armchair added so much eye-catching form and brightness to the room. Most significantly, I adored the enormous circular bathtub, either discreetly hidden behind a sliding privacy panel or as a centrepiece of the room with the panel rolled back. The rain shower was also a delight.
All rooms boast 300-thread count Egyptian cotton bed linen, a Nespresso coffee machine, TWG tea, a complimentary non-alcoholic minibar, and technology flourishes, including high-speed free Wi-Fi, and an Apple TV. Amongst the hotel’s sustainability initiatives is a filtered drinking water tap in the bathroom, eliminating the use of bottled water. The independently and scientifically validated natural bathroom amenities from leading-edge New Zealand skincare company Antipodes were luxurious.
The location
Nestled in the dynamic heart of the city, this stylish boutique hotel is surrounded by an array of attractions and conveniences. Raffles Hotel complex and Arcade are immediately opposite on Seah Street. MRT Stations, City Hall or Esplanade are just a five-minute walk, as is Raffles City Shopping Centre. The financial district is one train stop away, and Marina Bay Sands is less than ten minutes by taxi. Countless cafes and eateries are tucked in neighbouring streets and lanes. All these elements combine to scream “location, location, location”. And for me, these elements create a significant plus for staying at Naumi Singapore.
