How to get into trouble with style
How to get into trouble with style
I've always had this image in my head. A single girl in a blue dress, a little bit bored, a little bit eager, an unplanned night out, a seductive city, an elegant car, out loud music through a glass door, a sensual room with red velvet couches, red lights, rich golden walls, art that makes your soul sing, dancing like nobody's watching, a tall dark stranger, an unforgettable look, a night with conversations and an old whiskey, smoke and mirrors. And yeah, some troubles.
I've always had this image in my head. A single girl in a blue dress, a little bit bored, a little bit eager, an unplanned night out, a seductive city, an elegant car, out loud music through a glass door, a sensual room with red velvet couches, red lights, rich golden walls, art that makes your soul sing, dancing like nobody's watching, a tall dark stranger, an unforgettable look, a night with conversations and an old whiskey, smoke and mirrors. And yeah, some troubles.
Two years ago, I've had a glimpse of this story when I saw some photos from The Vagabond, a boutique hotel in Singapore. Somehow, it was not the right moment. But I always follow my dreams and my crazy imagination.
Last month, I was laying in bed, doing what I do best: worrying about the future. And for just a second, I stopped and asked myself: "what do YOU really want?"
And in that moment, when I let go of planning my entire life, I remembered that feeling - an alluring date night in a far away city. Hmmm, I could even feel that irresistible sweet taste.
In less than two hours, I've found that The Vagabond Club is now a part of the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton family (which - you know - I have a love affair with), I booked my plane tickets to Singapore, and I sank into this story, totally carried away, immersed in this strange feeling of knowing that something bigger than my imagination is in place.
I am a very careful planner of my travels. This time, nothing was in line with my plans, but surreal.
We didn't have internet in the airport (so, no uber or grab), we had to stay in line for a casual taxi. In the middle of the night. In Singapore. The driver gave me more change than I expected, just because it was a short ride in a traditional neighborhood.
And when we stepped out of the car, I was stunned. The city was alive, all the restaurants opened, and on the terrace of The Vagabond, a loud disco music was playing. It was 2 AM, and we live in Bali. I think I had the right to be shocked.
A young man opened the glass door for us and the silence embraced us. Oh, the magic. I didn't have the time to catch my breath because I saw the front office. It is a huge golden rhino. The elevator is sustained by two elephant heads with ropes. And everything is dark, red, sensual and scented.
Our space was not a usual hotel room. It was cozy, with walls full of pictures made by the owner in his adventures, with a futuristic art bathroom and a little garden with a direct view of Singapore's starry sky.
Every little detail is a small piece of art, with a message. I felt like in a friends' home, with their intimate things around, telling me their story, feeling safe, comfortable and loved.
At 8 AM next morning, we went down to take breakfast. There is a fascinating art video in the elevator (they have a very interesting "artists in residency program").
At the Club Lounge, we had the best coffee we've tasted in Asia and a surprise. À la carte menu with Spanish omelet, fruits, salmon - all fresh and delicious. Small, elegant portions - just enough to satisfy your morning craves.
Every painting and photography on the walls were there to whisper an emotion. I was obsessed by a pic with Protima Bedi, a free-spirited Indian woman, who danced into her immortality and taught others to dream big.
After a night in this hotel, you will be different. Why? Because it will put a spell on you. It has a very powerful message - we are here to tumble those walls down, to set you free, to cherish you and to create a space of learning, hospitality, art and diversity that means one thing only - the future.
And with this experience, my prophecy came true. Beyond my imagination, I had some troubles at The Vagabond. I fell in love with a vision. That this is the world I love to live in.
More here: http://www.ioanabudeanu.com/2018/03/how-to-get-into-trouble-with-style.html & http://www.hotelvagabondsingapore.com/.