Discover how this historic military landmark transformed into Singapore’s ultimate luxury lifestyle resort.

It’s a rare and unique experience to stay next to Fort Canning Park, Singapore’s historic hillpark, but that’s exactly what I did for two nights in Mett Singapore, a luxury hotel that invites you to wind down and enjoy nature.

Before it was Mett Singapore, let’s take a walk down memory lane: the original building was built in 1926 and known as the British Far East Command Headquarters. During World War II, the British military used it as the headquarters for the defense of Singapore and Malaya. And a little fun fact: you can observe the “Battlebox”, the underground bunker where the decision to surrender to the Japanese was made in 1942

In the late 20th century, the building was known as the Fort Canning Centre and over the last few years, it evolved into a heritage hotel. By 2024, Mett Singapore took two years to renovate and finally reopened in 2026. While the historic facade has been preserved, the interiors were completely reimagined into a Mediterranean-inspired lifestyle resort, thanks to acclaimed designer Jeffrey Wilkes, featuring new concepts like a city "beach club," a speakeasy, and a private members club called Madison House.

Stepping into the hotel reception, I was greeted by the sight of a grand stairway with red carpets. A selected few foliages lined up the perimeter of the lobby, framing the space with a splash of vibrant green. It was like having a living piece of Fort Canning Park inside the hotel.

Registration was a breeze. After I signed a form and cooled down with a welcome drink, I was ushered to my room, the Deluxe Park View Room to freshen up before dinner. This 35 sqm space overlooks the landscapes of Fort Canning Park and by evening, walkers and runners whiz past along the park’s winding paths, adding a dash of local energy to the tranquil greenery.

Blending colonial charm with a modern touch, the furnishings of the room were designed to evoke a spirit of relaxation and tranquility. I liked that the marble-quartz touches around the room complement the bronze and gold accents on the lighting decor and bathroom railings. The living room that overlooked the park allowed me to catch up on work emails whilst lounging and nibbling on welcome bites like the layer cake and chocolate. So good!

There is a cabinet big enough to store my small luggage and hang some clothing, ensuring everything I needed was within arm's reach without cramping the living area.

Two large doors separate the living room from the bedroom area, giving it a cosy, private space. A queen sized bed anchors the room and the linen bedsheets give it a luxurious feel.

A vanity table sits prettily in a small walkway that leads to the bathroom. I did find the placement a little odd as it obstructed my way and I did move the chair slightly to make space.

For bathroom amenities, they are by Botanyc, which is handcrafted in Grasse, France and smelled wonderful. I loved the wide mirrors in the bathroom and the ample space to lay out my toiletries without fear of them falling over.

As a foodie who takes her meals seriously, the breakfast offerings at Canning Bar and Lounge did not disappoint at all. While a spread of cold cuts, yoghurt and pastries lined the countertop, I was more interested in the hot dishes, and one message from the ground staff saying “order the laksa, it’s really good,” was all it took for me to make my decision. 

Each spoonful of the rich, brothy laksa delivered a delicious punch of spicy coconut milk and dried shrimp, warming me from the inside out. I would have definitely liked it to be spicier but it still balanced well.

For dinner, after a cocktail or two, I headed to L’Amo Bistro del Mare, a refined Italian dining experience inspired by coastal living. Think scrumptious seafood dishes by the Amalfi Coast that nonnas would nod their heads to in quiet, stubborn approval.

The ground staff paid attentively to us and the other diners, making sure our glasses were always full, or if we needed an extra fork or two. That’s the kind of hospitality I most definitely appreciate.

To start off, I’d definitely recommend the frittura de mare (S$36), a plate brimming with fried and crispy calamari, soft shelled crabs and prawns to whet your appetite. The Tonno Rosso (S$36), which is served with bluefin tuna carpaccio, candied tomatoes and mandarin oranges give it a nice, sweet tangy flavour.

For mains, the tagliolini al tartufo di stagione with seasonal black truffle (S$78) gets my vote for its rich flavour, thanks to the generous truffle shavings and delicious pasta made from 32 egg yolks that were whipped and rolled out with a pasta machine. The risotto limone & gamberi (S$68) got me dreaming of beach days thanks to the Sicilian red prawn carpaccio, caviar and lemon zest.

Lastly, a whole grilled turbot fish was served, which could easily feed a party of four. Underneath the blackened skin, I was thrilled to feast on pearly-white fillets that provided a perfect, silky contrast to the charred exterior. It was moist, flaky white meat that melted away with every bite.Desserts, my favourite part of any dining experience, deserve five stars. I still dream of the profiteroles and Ti…Amo…Su (a play on tiramisu and love) till today.

The outdoor pool at METT Singapore serves as the hotel’s vibrant social heartbeat, reimagining the traditional quiet dip into a high-energy Mediterranean escape. Known as the Azure Beach Club, the expansive pool area is framed by chic cabanas and swaying palms, creating a sun-drenched oasis that feels worlds away from the city's bustle despite its central location. 

Guests can lounge on plush daybeds while soaking in the upbeat atmosphere, where the shimmering turquoise water serves as a stunning backdrop for both midday relaxation and lively sunset gatherings. Another pool will serve as Madison Club’s exclusive adults-only pool so we can’t wait to see how it looks when it’s fully open.Should you book a stay at the Mett Singapore?If you’re looking for a lush oasis to unwind that’s close to nature yet a short walking distance to the city, then Mett Singapore is for you. The hotel feels exclusive yet cosy in a way where everything is within an arm’s reach.