Roy Liang, general manager of Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore

Luxury Serviced Apartment: Oakwood Premier OUE

If you want to make an impression, just have one of Fernando Botero’s iconic, larger-than-life sculptures at your pickup/dropoff foyer, strategically positioned so it’s always the first thing they see upon arrival. At OUE Downtown 1 on 6 Shenton Way, the eye-catching Botero work of art is an 11-foot tall, unclothed bronze figure, “Standing Woman” that greets guests checking into Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore — the latest long-term stay, luxury serviced residences to open in the Central Business District area.

Every one of the property’s 268 units come in three layouts: studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments that feature neutral colour schemes. Luxurious robes, velvety slippers, room service, designer toiletries and minibar amenities give the units a distinct hotel room feel, with the added bonus of being able to whip up your own meal in the fully-equipped kitchen, and getting the laundry done in the in-unit washer and dryer. Where Oakwood Premier OUE lays claim to upping the ante for luxury serviced residences is its in-house, lifestyle dining options and club benefits.

We spoke to general manager, Roy Liang on the properties’ highlights, and his personal recommendations on what to do in the area.

Grand Lobby

Luxuo: In the sphere of luxury serviced residences, how does Oakwood Premier OUE add to their guests’ experience?

Roy Liang: Most serviced residences do not offer in-house dining. Typically, in the absence of an internally managed F&B restaurant/cafe, guests from other serviced residences would have to order a delivery which comes in a takeaway packaging. At Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore, our in-house culinary team from Se7enth restaurant would do an in-room dining set up on your dining table. The set up and presentation of the food would be exactly the same as when you dine at Se7enth.

We also have a private poolside executive club lounge that is exclusive to guests who sign up for the club privileges. A quiet, professional environment for guests to work or relax, guests are invited to enjoy complimentary prosecco breakfast and free-flow evening cocktails and canapés daily from 6 – 8pm. A great sundowner spot!

Lastly, we have a chic, intimate lobby bar that offers a smart-casual social setting in the heart of Singapore’s downtown but away from the crowds. It is a great place for our residents to conveniently entertain their business partners or friends over relaxing drinks in a comfortable setting. It’s also ideal for a pre- or post- meeting beverage.

Liang on Cradle Mountain in Tasmania

Luxuo: Please share one personal recommendation on a lesser-known “thing” to do around the immediate area of Oakwood.

RL: I would recommend Jigger and Pony, a fantastic neighbourhood craft cocktail bar that is just 10 minutes’ walk away from Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore. I also really like poké bowls and there are a few great poké outlets available here in Tanjong Pagar, especially Aloha Poké!

Luxuo: Do you have any travel tips or travel hacks to share?

RL: Don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten track and explore the hidden gems that the city has to offer!

Luxuo: How often do you travel and what are 1-2 of your favourite destinations?

RL: I try to go on a trip every quarter and my favourite destinations have to be Australia, Indonesia and Thailand.

Luxuo: When you’re on personal travel, do you typically prefer a hotel room or serviced apartment? How might you decide between one or the other?

RL: I would definitely stay at a serviced apartment if I’m on a trip with more than 2 people. It’s more spacious and conducive for families and groups, as it comes with many in-room amenities such as a kitchen and a washer that most hotel rooms are not equipped with. However, if it’s a beach holiday, I would opt for a hotel or resort.

Luxuo: Do you have a ritual, or a “first thing that you do” when you first step into a hotel room/apartment? Is there a “first thing” that any guest should do when they first enter a hotel room?

RL: As a general protocol since I was a student, the first thing that I usually do before entering the hotel room would be to ring the doorbell three times and knock on the door after each ring. After which, just put down your things and chill on the couch for 5 minutes and breathe.

Se7enth Restaurant and Mist glass sculpture

Luxuo: What are five highlights on what to expect when staying at Oakwood Premier OUE?

RL: All-day dining at Se7enth restaurant, as well as in-room dining service; The Oakwood Executive Club lounge located poolside, for guests who sign up for club privileges; The al-fresco terrace and infinity pool with a lap pool, jacuzzi, cabanas and sun-loungers, where in-house guests can rejuvenate in a tropical urban oasis; Premium branded appliances and equipment in all rooms such as Samsung tablet and mobile phone, DeLonghi toaster and kettle; and the all-time favourite: plush bathrobe.

Luxuo: Can non-residents visit the restaurant Se7enth, and the lobby bar? What are your personal recommendations from both?

RL: Yes, they are welcome to visit. I would recommend executive chef Dickson Fung’s signature dishes – Sirloin Beef Hor Fun, Wagyu Beef Burger with Foie Gras, and Pan-Seared Salmon from Se7enth, and to have the Xpresso Martini or Downtown Mojito from our lobby bar.

Luxuo: Tell us more about the design element of Oakwood Premier OUE, as well as one of the more notable art pieces around the property.

RL: Each space is individually designed with intricate geometry, furniture and carpets to further accentuate the essence of the space. The mixture of materials creates a distinctive hospitality atmosphere and a feeling of ‘home away from home’. This design language was carried through from the common spaces to the intimate guestrooms, where colour schemes were kept consistent and furniture was specially customized to suit the overall design scheme. These unpretentious curated spaces allow guests to work, live and connect freely within the comfort and familiarity of a city.

The main art piece you’ll see in the lobby is “Mist”. The light sculpture’s concept is inspired by a dreamy organic landscape. The natural opalescent white colour and character of glass elements and smooth curves of the glass plates resembles layering of misty cloud. An outline of the cloud is unfocused, since each segment is hanging at different levels and responds to air circulation. The glass elements of the sculptures have been hand-crafted by Czech glass-makers from blown glass.

Luxuo: Please share a lesser known fact related to and/or service available at Oakwood Premier OUE.

RL: At the pool deck, there is actually moonlight lighting integrated by the design team, a feature that evenly illuminates the pool deck during the evening.

Luxuo: Every trade has their secrets. Please share one of yours.

RL: We like to keep the team spirit going with a few fun in-house challenges – but I can’t reveal any more!

Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore currently welcomes long-term guests planning to stay for a minimum of 7 days. Click here to find out more and book.

Words by Shermian Lim