When it comes to staying at the best boutique hotels in Singapore, there are a plethora of choices for hotel aficionados. But if you’re looking for a contemporary, design-led option in the heart of the Lion City, then Naumi Singapore should definitely be on your radar.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

We review Naumi Singapore

The vibe

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.

Naumi Singapore facade with greenery
The striking facade sets the scene at Naumi Singapore

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.

Naumi Singapore Eden Nirwana suite with Dolly armchair
The Eden & Nirwana Suite

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.

Other highlights

The rooftop Cloud 9 infinity pool provided great views of the city’s skyline by day and bright lights after sunset. It is a popular venue for in-house guests with that view, sun loungers, and a poolside bar. During my visit, the pool deck was being replaced, so I couldn’t experience it first-hand, though I did sneak up to understand the excitement. The state-of-the-art gym with TechnoGym equipment, including treadmills, cycles, free weights, kettlebells, and bench press machines, is open 24 hours and also on the hotel’s top floor.

Florian, the hotel’s Italian restaurant, is open on the lobby level for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, I was captivated by Naumi Singapore’s N9 Neighbourhood Guide. The best local cafes, bars, walks, eateries, nearby Hawker Centres, and even a gourmet shopping outlets are listed. All are within minutes of the hotel and, from my explorations, merited inclusion. Immediately neighbouring Naumi Singapore on Seah Street, Sing Swee Kee (for outstanding Hainese Chicken) and Papi’s Tacos always pulled crowds of locals. Now, having sampled both, I understand why.

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.

The verdict

Naumi is an ideally located hotel in downtown Singapore with its own whimsical sense of style. The design rooms are standouts, with the Eden & Nirwana Suite my new favourite at this property.

Learn more about Naumi Singapore

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