Substance Over Style

Boutique hotels often over-compensate for their lack of size — and rebel against the cookie-cutter monotony of chain hotels — by going overboard on design. But Naumi, Singapore's latest boutique hotel, thankfully emphasizes the fundamentals — and very decent they are too. Located in the city center, just across from the Raffles Hotel, Naumi provides 40 good-sized rooms kitted out with quality amenities (think Aesop toiletries and organic teas), as well as stylish technology (wi-fi, portable IP-enabled phones and an iPod dock).

The pleasingly pared-down look — it's all gray and white tones and contemporary floral motifs — comes courtesy of Singapore-based Eco-id, the same architects behind the fashionable Metropolitan in Bangkok and W in the Maldives. But it's the extras that really shine. There's complimentary airport pick-up in a Mercedes-Benz for all guests, in-room check-in and checkout, breakfast with a free flow of champagne (even if it isn't a Sunday) and a gratis minibar. A fully equipped kitchenette is found in all 34 suites — of which 10 also boast an in-room wine chiller — and the five rooms on the Ladies Floor have dedicated amenities for women (like more hangers, for example). Owner Surya Jhunjhnuwala, the brains behind the groovy Vansh Indian restaurants in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, is a marathon runner and sets a health-conscious tone. You are treated to organic dried corn and Fiji bottled water upon arrival, and can avail yourself of a yoga mat (kept in every room), a gymnasium and a rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool with a sweeping view of the city. The hotel has no restaurant but you can always dial for room service or book a table at any of the many fabulous restaurants in the vicinity. The only snag? Cooking fumes from some of them unfortunately make the verandahs of the two executive patio suites unpleasant places to linger. Rack rates from $270, www.naumihotel.com.