The Journal

When the Sarkies family created the Raffles Hotel in Singapore in 1887 they started a brand that would become globally recognised as a landmark for luxury. It was named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the famous naturalist and British statesman known as the founder of modern Singapore and evolved into an icon of colonial opulence with its verdant courtyards, lavish décor and links with the sophisticated lifestyle of the early 20th century. Notably, it has even etched itself into the annals of legendary mixology with the classic cocktail Singapore Sling being first developed,  shaken and stirred in the hotel bar here in 1915.