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Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore
A metropolis oasis refines the art of mindfulness and muhasabah
By: Anis Ramli
This five-star “hotel-in-a-garden” may be the stuff of ‘grams, but we were first drawn in by Peppermint’s halal-certified kitchen. What we didn’t expect was how much more the property would resonate. From the quiet way staff engaged with us to the conscious design, it became clear this wasn’t just another city hotel.
Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay has made waves for its sustainability leadership – clinching awards in design, zero-waste efforts, and its 150sqm urban farm. But what stayed with us wasn’t the accolades. It was how effortlessly the hotel reflected values that matter to many Muslim travellers: mindful living, ethical choices and a genuine sense of care. Whether intentionally or not, this property is more Muslim-friendly than even they may realise.
The outdoors indoors
From the moment we stepped into the property, it was lush. A soaring green wall rises behind the Concierge while planters spiral around the atrium creating a vertical garden. Instead of a typical ground-floor lobby, we took the lift up and crossed a “treetop bridge” to reach Reception. It evoked the feeling of walking above a forest canopy. Natural light streamed from the atrium skylight as we feasted on the vista of the greenery six metres down below.
Over 15,000 square feet of trees and shrubs have been planted around the property, creating an indoor garden that goes beyond serene aesthetic. The sense of tranquility is undeniable. Nature isn’t just a backdrop – it was the main act.
Sculptural “bird’s nest” pavilions sit tucked among this verdant greenery. It was all too peaceful. From above, natural light streamed through the atrium skylight. Leaf motifs, flowing architectural lines all evoked nature’s beauty.
Intentional Service, Conscious Dining
There are few urban hotels with a farm on-site. Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay’s 150-square-metre urban farm grows lemongrass, basil, mint – even papaya and ciku. Around 20% of it is used in the hotel’s kitchen or turned into handcrafted drinks, supporting a real farm-to-table concept, not just branding.
General Manager Phil Smith said, “It’s heartening to see how closely sustainability resonates with values that matter deeply to our Muslim guests. From minimising food waste to growing our own produce, our efforts reflect a shared respect for the environment and mindful living.”
Service was quick, but more importantly, thoughtful and with ehsan. A room attendant cleared the minibar promptly upon request. Our call for prayer mats arrived at lightning speed, without the need to follow-up.
At Reception, we asked for recommendations on how best to explore the hotel’s architecture. The front desk team was happy to share and offered helpful suggestions. Later, upon finishing up our ala carte order of Singapore Lobster Laksa and Chili Crab Pasta at Peppermint, the restaurant manager surprised us with complimentary fruit, unprompted.
Small things, but they matter.
What stayed with us wasn’t what we saw, but what we felt. Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay seamlessly blends eco-conscious hospitality with faith-sensitive services. They may not realise it, but sometimes being Muslim-friendly goes beyond having a halal kitchen.
The H Factor
- Halal-certified kitchen at Peppermint
- A prayer room on Level 6, accessible even to non-staying guests
- Suhoor service during Ramadan
- Faith-sensitive menus for events, private dining and wedding
5 Priceless Touches
- Engaging staff that makes you feel seen
- Prayer mats upon request, delivered discreetly and promptly
- Awe-inspiring atrium that feels like forest therapy
- Moments with the trees to simply breathe, reconnect and be mindful
- The 150sqm urban farm, a key part of the property’s sustainability programme that beautifully echoes Islamic principles of stewardship (khalifah) and conscious consumption.
Halaluxe advises luxury hospitality brands on how to authentically embrace halal inclusivity and serve the evolving needs of Muslim travellers. Let’s talk: anis@halaluxe.com or visit halaluxe.com
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