HOW do you craft a fan?

The traditional way is always best and never compromising quality will make it last.

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Such is the case with Mandarin Oriental in Singapore. Opened in 1987, the hotel was built by US architect John Portman with the unique feature that best represents the hotel-a FAN-shaped atrium for the hotel.

What has become a significant fan-shaped landmark in the skyline of cosmopolitan Singapore was retained and made even better by H.L. Lim of LTW Design Works, the renowned interior designer who also refurbished The Oriental in Bangkok. The transformation of Mandarin Oriental, Singapore shifted to the modern world with a multi-million dollar renovation in 2004, making it one of the most luxurious hotels in the country.

What was already great turned even better with the redesigning of all 527 luxuriously refurbished guestrooms and suites exuding the chic and supreme comfort every discriminating guest should be afforded, and the enhancement of all public areas including an impressive atrium lobby, dining, meeting facilities and a premium Oriental Club Lounge.

Re-launched in May 2005, the hotel now provides guests the ultimate in luxury and sophistication along with unparalleled service.

What's impressive about this hotel's architecture is that all guestrooms were designed to tell a story from the interiors to the rooms' offerings of spectacular views of the Ocean, Singapore Harbour or the City. So in whatever wing you get to stay, you will be amazed with the city's spectacular changing scene from day to night from your floor-to-ceiling picture window in the sublime luxury of your suite.

"The harmonious decor in the elegant guestrooms takes its inspiration from the natural world, and the color palette is neutral and soothing. Natural elements can be seen in the polished wood panel behind the bed; the bed spread with a motif that resembles twigs, and the textured ivory cloth on the walls. Pan-Asian influences are apparent in the choice of decorative details, with a nod to Singapore's multi-cultural heritage, and the overall effect is one of subtlety with a decidedly contemporary twist."

The 19th floor is home to the exclusive 481 square meter Oriental Club Lounge offering the ultimate in privacy, services, luxurious amenities and featuring panoramic views of the city skyline. The interior design exudes a contemporary and stylish design with oriental accents complementing the 122 newly renovated Club rooms.

There are five restaurants and two bars at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore -- the Cherry Garden specializing in authentic Cantonese cuisine presented in a chic, modern style; Dolce Vita, the Italian poolside restaurant offering selection of fine wines as well; MELT ~ The World Caf‚ - an eclectic and chic brasserie with a show kitchen and cooking stations; Axis Bar & Lounge, boasts of its panoramic views of the city skyline, which makes it an ideal location for afternoon tea or drinks in the evening with live entertainment; Morton's The Steakhouse, America's premier fine-dining steakhouse, opened its first restaurant outside of the United States at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore; Wasabi Bistro offers the sophisticated diner a refreshing new take on contemporary Japanese cuisine suffused with distinct Californian influences in a fashionable bistro setting.

After a hearty meal in any of the fabulous cuisine offered at the hotel, try burning some of the calories at the "unusual" fitness studio that is exclusively for the use of the hotel's guests. What is unique about this health spot is the use of wallpapers and chandeliers in its interior that we identify for homes. The reason being- they want the guests to sense the feel home. The outdoor patio ensconced in lush greenery is tranquil and ideal for yoga.

At the end of the day, relax at the Oriental Spa. This oasis is comprised of five luxurious treatment rooms, a Couple Suite and a private Relaxation Lounge. The innovative and restorative treatments at The Oriental Spa merge both ancient and modern techniques with philosophies from around the world, using 100 percent pure essential oils and herbs.

With its ideal location in the heart of the city's most exciting dining and entertainment hub, adjacent to Marina Square Shopping Mall, five minutes' walk to Singapore Flyer (an observation wheel larger than the London Eye), and directly opposite the largest Floating Stadium in the world, walking distance of Suntec City, (which houses one of Asia Pacific's largest convention centers), a hop from the must-have-a-photo Merlion, a few minutes' drive to the central business district and the Singapore International Airport is just 20-minutes' away via the expressway, where else would you want to be when you are in Singapore?

Now tell me, would you craft this fan any other way?