Even in a city awash in excellent, world-class hotels, the Ritz-Carlton stands out. Everything from its wonderful location, and the size of its rooms, to the quality of its F&B department, to its superb room service standards, and the warmth of its staff, sets the gold standard for Asian hospitality.

Tucked away in its own seven-acre garden in the very heart of Marina Centre, the gleaming 32-story hotel, which was designed by Pritzker prize-winning architect Kevin Roche, is actually its own oasis. On the one hand, you will find it as quiet and tranquil as a tropical glen, yet you are in fact just a few footfalls from one of the city’s most popular retail malls.

And once the sun sets in Singapore, the evening views from the Ritz-Carlton guestrooms are splendid. On one side is Singapore’s famous Merlion, with the glittering backdrop of the city’s famous skyline, while on the other side are sweeping views of the South China Sea. And these awesome vistas can even be enjoyed while relaxing in your room’s extra large marble bathroom.

Inside the Ritz’s public areas there are more than 4,000 pieces of contemporary art on display, including works by Frank Stella, Andy Warhol and Dale Chihuly. Dining facilities include world-class restaurants serving both Chinese and international cuisine. And, to work off the extra pounds, the Ritz boasts both a fully equipped fitness center (with personal trainers) and a spa, as well as a 25-meter outdoor pool.

But no profile of the Singapore Ritz-Carlton would be complete without mentioning the hotel’s staff. Whether you are using the hotel’s 24 hour Business Center, or its Fitness Centre, or simply enjoying the excellent array of snacks served on the hotel’s Executive Floor, you will not find a more professional or genuinely more charming staff than at the Ritz-Carlton. Much of this may be due to the rigorous training that has made the Ritz-Carlton name so famous. But it is probably also due to the natural warmth and genuine thoughtfulness of the people of Singapore. It may sound like a cliché, but it really is true to say that when you return for a second or third visit, you feel as if you were coming home again.