New hotel launches, revamped restaurants: What to expect next from S’pore’s most valuable hotel brand
From upgraded loyalty programmes to revitalised food and beverage concepts, Millennium Hotels and Resorts is redefining the hospitality experience
STEP INTO THE NEWLY REFURBISHED SanSara at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, and the first thing that strikes you is not the plush interiors in pale timber tones, or even the sculptural lighting that pays homage to the Taj Mahal. It is the subtle scent of fragrant spices – a sensory calling card that hints at something deeper brewing in Singapore’s hospitality scene.
This culinary jewel, already voted among the best Indian restaurants in Singapore, reopened on Aug 1 with a menu of elevated North Indian cuisine inspired by the ancient culinary traditions of Awadh. But SanSara’s transformation represents more than a restaurant refresh – it is a window into how one hospitality group is redefining luxury through strategic reinvention.
The strategy is working. Parent company Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) has just claimed the title of Singapore’s most valuable hotel brand for the second consecutive year in the Brand Finance Hotels 50 global ranking, with its valuation climbing to US$421 million (S$540 million) and jumping three positions to rank 31st globally. Combined with sister brand Copthorne’s US$223 million valuation, the group’s total brand value now stands at US$644 million.
SanSara’s revitalisation exemplifies MHR’s broader push to transform the hospitality experience through innovation and digital enablement – moves that have clearly resonated in the marketplace.
Says Kwek Eik Sheng, MHR’s executive director: “Being named Singapore’s most valuable hotel brand is a proud moment for us, and a powerful validation of the work our teams have done across the board. This recognition reflects the value of our people, affirms our brand strength and supports our long-term vision to build a future-ready hospitality brand that is globally competitive and locally respected.”
A guest-first mindset
Saurabh Prakash, interim chief operating officer and chief commercial officer of MHR says the recognition of the group as Singapore’s most valuable hotel brand also speaks to the strength of its brand and loyalty proposition.
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He explains: “We are shaping a bold new chapter for Millennium Hotels and Resorts, investing in differentiated experiences across rooms, dining and loyalty. Our goal is to break category conventions and elevate the brand across all our markets.”
Over the past year, MHR rolled out a series of initiatives in response to an increasingly competitive travel landscape to much success.
AI-powered assistants AVA and Ask Millie now help to enhance the guest experience by providing instant access to information and recommendations, while streamlining booking requests respectively. In addition, their refreshed loyalty programme, MyMillennium, makes every hotel stay even more rewarding.
Enhanced benefits include early check-in, late check-out, room upgrades, tier-based dining discounts and accelerated MyPoints earning. Other new initiatives are also constantly being rolled out to enhance members’ experiences. The Culinary Compass programme, for example, enables foodies to explore MHR’s 16 restaurants in Singapore, including SanSara, and earn points and rewards along the way.
Designed as a digital gamified journey that’s available through the MyMillennium app, diners earn a digital stamp in their “culinary passport” with every meal to unlock new rewards, ranging from dining credits to bonus MyPoints. Participants who complete their culinary passport also stand a chance to win a three-night stay at any of MHR’s South-east Asia hotels.
Big plans on the road ahead
With a presence in over 80 destinations and a growing portfolio of more than 145 hotels, MHR remains on track to support the group’s long-term ambition to scale globally through strategic partnerships, market-driven growth and brand-led innovation.
Recent launches include the M Social Resort Penang in July, with M Social Hotel New York Downtown set to open this October and M Social Hotel Sunnyvale, California slated for launch in the first quarter of 2026. With these openings, MHR will expand its lifestyle offering in key gateway markets.
Looking ahead, the group intends to continue driving innovation in digital engagement, guest personalisation and environmental, social, governance (ESG) initiatives. Particularly in the ESG space, the group will build upon its successes, having achieved the Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification for six of its Singapore properties and secured Green Tourism accreditation for all 18 hotels in the United Kingdom.
But even as MHR continues to evolve with its guests’ needs and demands and push for global expansion, Kwek Leng Beng, executive chairman of City Developments Limited and Millennium Hotels and Resorts says the company will remain steadfast in its vision to “develop a strong and reputable brand”.
He says: “While growing the number of hotels is important, it’s the strength of the brand that drives sustainable growth and differentiates us in a competitive market. My personal vision is to expand our group’s portfolio globally with hundreds of Singapore flags flying in key cities around the world.”
A royal celebration
Currently ranked second on TripAdvisor for Singapore’s Top Indian Restaurants, SanSara invites diners to embark on a journey through the royal kitchens across North India. Its name, rooted in Sanskrit, means “to flow” – a nod to its promise of an evolving encounter with heritage and contemporary flavours.
Key highlights on SanSara’s menu include seafood-led dishes like the Tali Scallops, Hokkaido scallops lightly marinated in turmeric and ginger, pan-seared with chef’s masala for a burst of coastal vibrance; as well as Sailana Shevand, a luxurious interpretation of a royal prawn dish using lobster, steeped in fenugreek, coconut cream and tomato-onion gravy. Guests can also expect familiar favourites like Gosht Ki Galouti, a mutton dish from the royal kitchens of Lucknow renowned for its melt-in-the-mouth texture.
“Every plate at SanSara tells a story,” says SanSara’s master chef Pannalal Nath. “The ingredients, the techniques, the plating – all are rooted in tradition yet elevated for the modern table. Our aim is to offer not just a meal, but an emotional connection to India’s culinary legacy.”
Book now to experience MHR’s winning hospitality.
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