Mama shelter steps into Singapore

Mama Shelter makes its long-awaited Asian debut this September with the opening of Mama Shelter Singapore  – its first property in Asia and its 20th worldwide…

guestroom in MAMA SHELTER Singapore Small Mama Double with doors opening onto Terrace and masks on lights next to bed

Located in the Somerset district of Singapore, the 115-room Mama Shelter brings the brand’s signature character, colour and culture to the city. Part of Ennismore, Mama Shelter was born in Paris and has since grown to 20 locations worldwide, from London to Lisbon, Dubai to Nice.

Serge Trigano, Co-Founder of Mama Shelter, commented: “When we opened the first Mama in Paris, we never imagined she would travel so far. But here we are in Singapore. A city full of life, creativity and character. I feel a real sense of pride seeing Mama’s spirit take root in Asia for the first time. This is not just another opening for us. It is a new chapter in the Mama story.”

double guest room with comic mask lights MAMA SHELTER Singapore

Image credit: Mama Shelter Singapore

Mama’s bringing a new kind of hospitality to Singapore, one that celebrates community, creativity and and genuine human connection. Positioned beyond traditional luxury or budget categories, the brand offers a more thoughtful and appealing alternative. It’s a style of hospitality where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together to share meaningful, authentic experiences

At Mama Shelter Singapore, the experience begins upon arrival. From the street, the building’s sculptural exterior is framed in confident lines and colour, a fitting first impression for what’s inside. When guests walk through the doors, they are greeted by a cinematic swirl of design, music and movement. Inside, the open-plan lobby, restaurant and island bar buzz with colour, conversation and the unmistakable energy of Mama. Arcade games, board games and pet-friendly tables bring a sense of play, while a raised stage and DJ booth provide the heartbeat for regular live sets and entertainment.

patterned cushions next to wooden games table

Image credit: Mama Shelter Singapore

Entertainment is a core pillar here. Rooted in Singapore’s creative scene, the hotel brings together DJs, artists, performers and makers who reflect the pulse of the city. From rooftop sundowners and family brunches to late-night sets and unexpected pop-ups, every occasion is a celebration. Regular programming champions bold self-expression, nostalgic joy and fresh discovery, blurring the lines between guest and local, stage and floor, hotel and home.

Designed by long-time collaborators Dion & Arles, Mama Shelter Singapore is a vibrant celebration of cultural fusion and creative freedom. The interiors are layered with texture, storytelling and symbolism, blending Mama’s playful roots with the rich visual language of Singapore. Neon signage, colourful murals and eclectic furnishings create a sense of intimacy and irreverence, while every corner reveals something unexpected. Even the lifts, which are lined with patterned upholstery, mirrors and moody lighting, set the tone for the journey up.

bunk ladder detail with small table MAMA SHELTER Singapore

Image credit: Mama Shelter Singapore

Drawing on Singapore’s multicultural identity, the design takes inspiration from traditional dress and local iconography. Expect bold contrasts, joyful colours and layered patterns, with no separation between good taste and bad taste, just an open invitation to express. Peranakan influences appear throughout, from wedding-dress-inspired carpets in the rooms to vibrant tiles on the rooftop and around the pizza oven.  Animal motifs like peacocks are woven into soft furnishings, while details such as bamboo-shaped furniture legs, wooden beads and turned wood features create a rich visual language. A bespoke stained-glass panel at the entrance adds an unexpected touch on arrival.

The rooftop is imagined as a jungle clearing, surrounded by tropical greenery and mosaic-tiled pools. Sunken game tables, a shell fresco and Peranakan tiles bring colour and texture, while organic shapes and natural wood furniture form pockets for privacy or play. Almost half the rooms come with private terraces, a new high for Mama, and a rooftop pool brings a new resort-style energy to the brand.

rooftop pool at Mama shelter Singapore

Image credit: Mama Shelter Singapore

Anchoring it all is a monumental ceiling mural by Parisian street artist Beniloys, who spent three months on site to hand-paint a sweeping narrative through the restaurant, rooftop and lift lobbies. Featuring peacocks, tigers, dragons, birds, sailboats and garden scenes, the mural captures Singapore’s maritime roots, multicultural character and Garden City spirit.

At Mama Shelter, the restaurant is the main attraction, while the room is an added benefit, and Mama Shelter Singapore is elevating this concept even further. On the ground floor, Mama Restaurant and Island Bar serve an all-day brasserie-style menu that’s playful, soulful and just a little mischievous. Executive Chef Eugene Tan, formerly of Panamericana fame, brings local spark to international favourites. The drinks list, developed in collaboration with acclaimed bartender Hazel Long of Junior the Pocket Bar, blends fresh signatures, local ingredients and plenty of personality in every glass.

Up at Mama Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, the space is both relaxed and theatrical, surrounded by tropical greenery and mosaic-tiled pools, The air-conditioned restaurant provides a cool retreat, while low-slung loungers and striped umbrellas invite guests to linger longer. One of the hotel’s two pools doubles as a stage for DJ sets and live performances, while the rooftop restaurant serves fresh, coastal Mediterranean dishes designed for sharing. Three tucked-away dining tables offer the ultimate setting for a rooftop dinner party, perfect for groups seeking more privacy.

bunk room leading into main guest room

Image credit: Mama Shelter Singapore

Mama Shelter Singapore is home to 115 guest rooms, all designed with comfort, cleverness and character in mind. Concrete walls are softened by patterned textiles and woven headboards. Carpets are inspired by Peranakan motifs, sheer lampshades contrasting with the occasional Bugs Bunny mask. The brand’s first-ever bunk bedroom makes its debut here, ideal for families or groups of friends.

Positioned between Orchard Road and the lifestyle precinct of New Bahru, Mama Shelter Singapore offers direct access to some of the city’s most exciting retail, dining and cultural experiences. A short walk from Somerset MRT, the hotel sits at the crossroads of Singapore’s history and its ever-evolving future and makes an ideal base for locals, tourists and business travellers alike.

“Bringing Mama to Singapore was obvious. This city thrives on creativity, celebrates its rich mix of cultures, and shares our love for food and conviviality,” said Cédric Gobilliard, COO of Mama Shelter. “Locals and travellers here want more than a room; they want character, connection, and soul. That’s exactly what Mama brings: a new kind of hospitality that’s human, playful, and open to everyone.”

The property is led by General Manager Xavier Pougnard, who brings extensive experience in the hospitality industry to Mama’s first Asian outpost. Known for his blend of precision, creativity and people-first leadership, Xavier is focused on building a culture rooted in fun, inclusivity and the highest standards.

Main image credit: Mama Shelter Singapore