SINGAPORE — If you love the work of British designer Tom Dixon, you might want to plan a stay at the new Mondrian hotel in London — his first hotel job. In town for the first Asian edition of design trade event Maison&Objet, its Designer Of The Year elaborated that he appreciates hotels that feel like they belong to a place. “There are too many international hotels that look like they could be anywhere in the world. I especially like tiny hotels with a lot a personality. I do have a favourite — it’s in Goa which I don’t want anyone to find. It’s my secret!” he laughed.

MUSEUMS ARE A MUST

“I still go to the same spots I used to love as a kid, like the museums. The Science Musuem is a great spot, I think.”

TO MARKET, TO MARKET

“London has a big market culture and I like going to these markets. I used to live in Portobello Road and was always around these small shops and independent commerce. These markets are nice and interesting. My picks are Alfies Antique Market and Borough Market.”

GO DOWN TO THE river

“I like park culture but I love the River Thames more than anything. You can see all of London when you go from Hampton Court, where you have King Henry VIII’s castle in the west, down to the east end with the port and the docks. I cross it all the time. I’m doing some work up on Greenwich so I get to see a lot of the river.” SERENE LIM