Auriga Spa at Capella Singapore is the only hotel spa in Singapore to receive Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star status, bringing the total number of Five-Star Spas to 21 worldwide. Forbes Travel Guide awarded Four-Stars to three esteemed spas: The Oriental Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore and Remede Spa at The St. Regis Singapore. This brings the total of Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spas to 111 worldwide.

As announced today, the new Four-Star hotels in Singapore are Capella Singapore, Fairmont Singapore, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, and The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore. This brings the number of Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotels to 172 worldwide.

Shane O’Flaherty, President and CEO of Forbes Travel Guide said, “Singapore is recognized as a world class travel destination, and we are proud to bring our star ratings system to the market, extending our presence in Asia. The service and product offerings in hotels and spas in Singapore are truly impressive, and we look forward to working closely with the hospitality industry and consumers here for many years to come.” Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobil Travel Guide, is the originator of the prestigious Mobil Star ratings and certifications system, and has provided the most comprehensive ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants and spas since 1958. Its system of inspections and ratings sets it apart as the undisputed authority on the finest hotels, restaurants and spas across the U.S., and in Asian markets including Beijing, Hong Kong, Macau, and now Singapore. Detailed Inspections The Forbes Travel Guide inspection process includes unannounced visits by a professional inspector during which more than 550 service standards are evaluated throughout the property, as well as an announced inspection during which the inspector examines the cleanliness and condition of the property. The hotels and spas in Singapore awarded Forbes Travel Guide Five- and Four-Star designations have met or exceeded the company's high standards for service and facilities.

The Forbes Travel Guide Star Award announcements come at a time when Singapore tourism is refocusing its attention from quantity to quality using three strategic thrusts- Innovation, Integration and Productivity- to sustain Singapore’s tourism growth in the long run1. “We are delighted to recognize these world-class properties in Singapore; these hotels and spas, which are constantly striving to deliver a superior guest experience, join many of the finest hotels and spas worldwide,” commented Mr. O’Flaherty.

Each year, Forbes Travel Guide releases its proprietary list of Five- and Four-Star hotels, restaurants and spas. The complete list of the 2011 Forbes Travel Guide Star Award winners in Singapore will be available at forbestravelguide.com. It will also be published in the May 2011 issue of Forbes Asia magazine.