Posted on Sun, 18 Sep 2011
Little Pleasures To Keep You Rewarded
I am a great believer in ‘frequent small luxuries’ rather than occasional large indulgences. One of the greatest pleasures in life is to give yourself small treats ever so often – it’s wellness for the soul, and keeps you feeling motivated and rewarded. It does for me, at least – maybe because no one else ‘rewards’ me with gifts. But by small luxuries, I don’t mean the small one-carat diamond; more like a cake of fine soap, a beautifully scented drawer liner, a colourful glitter pen, a few stalks of lilies for my dining room just because, and to indulge my inner auntie, the occasional Tupperware! That sort of affordable, guiltless and gilt-less treat which you don’t have to feel apologetic for.
Which brings me to my recent visit to the Raffles Hotel Singapore. I was just passing by in the vicinity and dropped in simply because I hadn’t been there for a while. And the 15 minute detour into the restful, palm-filled courtyards rustling with greenery reminded me really how tranquil and lovely this place is. Couldn’t resist popping into the charming old world Raffles Hotel Shop either, full of wood shelving, high ceiling and nostalgic elegance, for a browse.
One thing to treat yourself to here is something from the Fragonard range of scented ‘niceties’ - especially the scented candle ($65), home spray ($65), room scent diffuser ($75). Commissioned specially for Raffles Hotel, and the first time this brand has been made available here, this range effuses the scents of frangipani, so closely associated with the hotel and all its history. Beyond these core scent makers are other complementary personal items like bath products, shoe bags ($30), cocktail napkins and even a lacquered wood tray ($40.20).
The House of Fragonard is a 4th generation bespoke perfumer based in Grasse in Provence, France. It’s named after the Grasse-born painter Jean-Honore Fragonard, in tribute to the two of Grasse and ‘the refinement of 18th century arts’.
1 Beach Road
Tel: 6337 1886
