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Where in Singapore do you go to escape the city’s hustle and find creative inspiration?
MS: Tiong Bahru is my go-to escape. It’s one of Singapore’s oldest neighbourhoods — the country’s first public-housing estate built in the 1930s — with beautiful Art Deco architecture, leafy streets, and an old-meets-new charm that makes it quietly rebellious and hipster.
I’ll begin at the Tiong Bahru Wet Market, where the same vegetable vendors have been there for decades — one gentleman I buy from has run his stall for more than fifty years. I’ll grab fresh greens or even freshly-ground coffee, then wander through the lanes past boutiques and cafés.
For coffee, Plain Vanilla is my favourite spot — in my opinion, the best coffee in town — and their cupcakes and desserts are my go-to indulgence. Cafés like Merci Marcel and Micro Bakery add to the area’s creative rhythm, and I love browsing independent stores such as Woods in the Books — a charming children’s bookstore — and Cat Socrates, a quirky souvenir shop filled with art, design objects, and local curiosities.
And Foodie Market Place is another incredible find — great produce, cheeses, and fun food options for my kids like steaks, sausages, and artisanal snacks.
If I stay on for dinner, Magpie is where I’ll end up…’Borderless Soul Food’ – a creative blend of various culinary influences from around the world. The menu changes often due to its produce- first approach. The atmosphere is warm, cozy but modern.
Beyond the luxury boutiques, where do you go in Singapore to find unique, locally-made items that reflect the city’s creative spirit?
MS: I’m drawn to a few local labels that tell Singapore’s story through fabric and detail. Simone Irani is a luxury women’s resort-wear line known for its timeless silhouettes in standout colours and prints that move easily from poolside to dinner. Love, Bonito is another favourite — modern, wearable pieces.
When it comes to accessories, Boheme by Véro always catches my eye. Each piece is handcrafted, and every collection feels unique and unexpected. I’m not one for dainty jewellery — these are statement pieces that complement rather than compete.
Together, these home-grown names capture what I love most about Singapore’s creative scene: thoughtful design with a clear point of view.
What’s your favourite hidden gem in Singapore?
MS: Chandu at The Robertson House in Robertson Quay — a true hidden gem. It’s tucked behind a big black door with a gold-moon handle; I’d walked past it for a year without realising it was there. It was created as a nod to the area’s colonial era history when Robertson Quay was known for its warehouses, opium dens and trading outposts.
The word Chandu has a layered meaning — in Hindi, it translates to opium, while in Sanskrit, it also means moon. The name captures the space perfectly: moody, mysterious, and softly luminous. Inside, it’s all rich leathers, dark velvet tones, and perfectly dimmed lighting.
Kumar, who runs the show, creates the most inventive bespoke cocktails — tell him what you’re in the mood for and he’ll surprise you with something extraordinary. It’s immersive, intimate, and the kind of place that still feels like a secret.
After a day of exploring ART SG, where would you go for dinner and drinks to continue the evening?
MS: If I’m staying close to the fair, I’ll head up to Spago Bar — the city’s most iconic view and my favourite drink of all time, Rough Love.
If I’m venturing out, my first stop would be 67 Pall Mall — a private wine club tucked away at Shaw Centre, filled with character and charm. There are so many little nooks and crannies to discover, from the dining rooms to the cosy whiskey lounge upstairs — affectionately known as the Naughty Corner. On weekends, they often have live music — singer-songwriter sets that feel elegant and soulful, never loud or intrusive. The wine list is exceptional, the food consistently amazing and the staff make you feel completely at home.
Other favourites include Temper Wine Bar, with its buzzy yet relaxed energy, and the Martini Bar at the Grand Hyatt — a timeless classic that always feels familiar.And when I want something smaller and more intimate, it’s always Bar Bon Funk or Live Twice — both with little bites, incredible cocktails and playlists.
For a night out on the town and to let your hair down, what would be your recommendation?
MS: It really depends on the night — and what’s happening in the city. You definitely need to be a little in the know here. Gaia VIP Experiences always curates something special — elegant, unusual, immersive, and always filled with the right crowd.
Mandala Club is another favourite when I’m in the mood for something more social. They host incredible after-hours parties, live sets, and creative collaborations that bring together people from every corner of art, music, and design.
And for a proper dance-off, Brix at the Grand Hyatt never disappoints — the live band, the energy, the nostalgia. It’s a Singapore classic that still knows how to deliver a great night.
Which spa, studio, or sanctuary do you recommend for visiting collectors or artists who want to recharge during Art Week?
MS: I’m honoured to be the Wellness Ambassador for The Madison House, a first-of-its-kind social wellness club opening soon at Fort Canning as part of the METT Hotel. It’s unlike anything Singapore has seen — blending wellness, hospitality, and community under one roof. With two swimming pools, state-of-the-art facilities, and offerings that redefine how we approach longevity and lifestyle, it’s set to become the new benchmark for modern wellbeing. I’m proud to be collaborating with them on wellness concepts that feel genuinely future-facing.
For something more intimate, Nowhere Baths in Dempsey is a beautiful contrast — a minimalist bath house surrounded by greenery, with hot and cold-plunge pools, sauna, and steam rooms. It’s quiet, grounding, and the kind of place that makes time slow down.
What’s one Singapore-born wellness concept you wish more people knew about?
MS: Without question, Aqua Tula. It was born here in Singapore — an idea that started in the pool and evolved into a method, a movement, and a community. It combines strength training, cardio, mobility, and recovery — all in water — making it accessible to every stage of life.
What makes it special is that it’s Singaporean at heart: innovative, inclusive, and quietly powerful. It challenges the old idea that fitness needs to be punishing, showing instead that strength can come through flow, and that water has the power to heal and transform.
Where do you go in Singapore when you need to reset — body, mind, and creativity?
MS: Movement is where I go to reset and recharge.
Aqua Tula, the method I created, is my sanctuary. There’s nothing like being in the pool by 7 a.m, exercising in the water and the outdoors – connecting with the incredible women in my community.
Long walks by the river are also my go-to. I have an 8 km route that starts at Robertson Quay all the way to Marina Bay Sands and back.
How do you personally balance the intensity of Art Week with self-care or mindfulness?
MS: Art Week can be full-on — openings, dinners, and lots of stimulation — so I stay anchored through routine. My mornings start in the pool with my Aqua Tula water workout, usually balanced with walking or weights later in the day — what I call my three W’s: Water, Walking, and Weights.
But what I never compromise on is my Transcendental Meditation practice. It centres and grounds me — a daily reminder of one of my favourite mantras: ‘slow down to speed up.’
If art were a form of wellness, what kind of art would Singapore be right now?
MS: Singapore would be a living installation — always evolving, layered with movement, shaped by the people who pass through it. There’s structure and precision here, but also a quiet rhythm that feels alive. Much like wellness, it’s about harmony: finding stillness within motion, and creativity within discipline.
ART SG 2026 City Guides: The Art of Living Locally invites gallerists, artists, and cultural insiders to spotlight Singapore’s most compelling destinations from a local perspective. Created for collectors, fair guests, and art enthusiasts alike, the guide offers an insider’s look at the city’s creative energy and cultural rhythm beyond the fair.