Living the Raffles dream

If Ernest Hemingway, Somerset Maugham and Joseph Conrad were having a drink in Asia, you bet it would be a Singapore Sling — several rounds of drinks, especially for Hemingway — and it would be at Raffles Hotel’s famous Long Bar.

You’d wonder what they would talk about now, in this age of cell phones and Internet, but I bet you wouldn’t wonder why they still would choose Raffles Hotel even with all the five-star hotels around.

One hundred and twenty-seven years after it was founded in 1887, Raffles has maintained its brand of über high-end luxury and exclusivity. It is still the place for everyone who has ever wished to live the grand dream that is Raffles.

In the Philippines, people are living that dream at Raffles Residences Makati.

“The Raffles name is one of those famous old names in the hospitality industry of Asia, and Raffles in Singapore is one of the grandest hotels in the world, so there’s a heritage and history associated with the name that’s almost tangible,” explains David Batchelor, managing director of Raffles Residences, Raffles Hotel and Fairmont Hotel. “Rather than living in a stand-alone residence, with Raffles you’re also buying into the Raffles history and story.”

The Raffles Tower in Makati houses the 280-room Fairmont Makati, the 32 all-suite Raffles Makati, and the 237 Raffles Residences units that have gained accolades such as the Best Hotel Architecture Design at the recent Philippine Property Awards.

Raffles Hotel and Residences contain about 1,600 commissioned artworks — from modern paintings to sculptures — that take residence in the wide hallways, public spaces, and residential units.

Batchelor explains that aside from concierge and butler services, and an Owners’ Lounge, residents and long-term guests at the Raffles Residences get to enjoy the first-class facilities and services of two deluxe hotels — the Fairmont and Raffles Makati.

Indeed, on a recent staycation at the Raffles Residences, I experienced what it’s like to be living in a Raffles residence. The units are not only well appointed, the spaces are very generous as well with views of the Makati skyline on one side, and the quiet greens of Forbes Park on the other. Plus, you have access to all the facilities of the Fairmont and Raffles Makati, and get a discount to the two hotels’ outlets, such as the Long Bar, Spectrum all-day dining restaurant, Fairmont Lounge, and Writers Bar.

Residents get to use the exclusive fitness center and have the choice to use either the Fairmont Hotel pool or the Raffles pool (but Fairmont guests don’t have access to the Raffles’ outdoor pool). For relaxation, there is the Willow Stream Spa, which is probably the biggest there is in a city hotel in the country. It is such a serene space that you wouldn’t want to leave it long after your massage or facial treatment is done. Willow Stream has a fantastic menu of services, which includes the 90-minute traditional hilot foot and body massage.

And here you see the brand of Raffles service and its understanding of the word “luxurious” — apart from the well-designed interiors, you really are given time to relax further after the massage. The therapist sits on a chair in the treatment room to let you doze off for a few minutes after the massage. There is no hurry, they seem to say, go enjoy yourself. Better yet, have a dip in the Jacuzzi or spend a few minutes in the sauna and steam room. 

You get this kind of attentive-but-never-intrusive service throughout the Raffles Residences — from the waiters who serve the in-room dining orders to the staff at the Residents’ Lounge, to the bartenders at the Long Bar who serve you Raffles Makati’s signature cocktail with its gold specks, the servers at the Writers Bar who make sure your afternoon tea is to your liking, and your personal butler who gets you what you need, whether it’s an extension cord or an extra set of toiletries.

You are always addressed by your by name — like a friend that comes home at the end of a long day. That’s how the Raffles service feels.

David Batchelor tours us around one of the four-bedroom units of Raffles Makati and here you realize that when they say “generous spaces,” they really mean it. This one measures about 402 sqm., with every bedroom having its own bathroom and the master’s bedroom having a walk-in closet, a boudoir, and a big bath and shower stall.   

The two-bedroom units start at 153 sqm. and the three-bedroom at 209 sqm. The one-bedroom and four-bedroom units are already sold out.

“The dimensions are quite generous and the usable space is very high,” says Batchelor. “Unit buyers have the option of buying a furniture package or not. The owners that buy the furniture package have the option to join the rental program.”

The rental program gives the owners the ability to generate income from their units with Raffles Residences renting out their units on a long-term basis for a revenue share with the hotel. “Some have bought their units for investment and we have about 136 units in the rental program and about less than a hundred owners who live here.”

How does the rental program work? “The agreement gives the hotel the flexibility to rent the apartment at the appropriate rate depending on the length of stay. The apartments are controlled by a software program which prioritizes the apartment with the least revenue for that period. This ensures there is an equal and fair distribution of rental program revenue among all participants in the program. It’s flexible and it works out for everyone.”

The minimum number of nights to rent a Raffles Residences unit is 10. Batchelor adds that renters are mostly foreign businessmen or multi-national companies that house their people here.

As for the owner-residents, living in Raffles is everything they expect from the brand, lifestyle and more.

Resident owner Gary Lauber can attest to impeccable living at Raffles Residences .  “Owning a single family dwelling in Rancho Bernardo, California, we continue our pride of ownership into the Raffles Residences Makati.  It is our pleasure to welcome and showcase our Raffles Residence to American and Philippine family and friends.”

David Collis, another resident, says, “We are very pleased that Raffles Residences’ unique design encompasses the highest quality fixtures, fittings and finishes. The great attention to detail, the timber flooring and the floor to ceiling windows throughout translates into a spacious floor plan that enhances all aspects of the apartment that sets it apart.  Having access to all the five-star facilities of both Raffles and the Fairmont Hotels in a premier location, combine this with the professional, friendly and efficient service of the Raffles Management and staff, provides for a truly luxurious living.”

From when Raffles started selling units, there’s been a 15 to 20 percent increase in the price per square meter. “There’s been a good capital gain in the last five years,” adds Batchelor. “It’s a very attractive option for people to consider when buying an apartment here.” 

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For more information on purchasing any of the limited number of residences available or are looking for extended stays, call Raffles Residences at 757-5000 or 555-9828.