Situated in the residential suburb of Summerstrand, the No5 Boutique Hotel and Spa is bedecked in Art Deco finery – furniture, paintings, sculptures and object d’ art. The property gives the impression that you’re cloistered in a suburban mansion, as opposed to a traditional hotel set-up.

There are only 10 suites, and each one has a large living area with a desk and a mini kitchen, bedroom with en-suite bathroom, and a small garden balcony. I stayed in a room on the ground floor towards the back, which felt wonderfully private. The furnishings in the room I found to be modern minimalist, in contrast to the Art Deco opulence found in all the common rooms.

One of the first rooms I noticed when I entered the hotel was the private theatre – inviting orange upholstered chairs just beg for a movie night that you can be arranged with the front desk. The Champagne lounge is decked with jazz and club chairs representative of the 1920s and 1930s, with a sophisticated colour scheme, perfect for relaxing over a cocktail or indulging in the high teas organized upon request. Do take a wonder around the property and admire the beautiful collection of artwork.

The HEALINGearth Retreat, the hotel’s spa situated on the second floor is small and discreet, offering some of the most comfortable, fully adjustable massage beds, a steam room and loungers on the deck.

The staff deserves a special mention – I requested an in-room 4 30 am breakfast before an early departure one morning, and it proved to be no problem.

Service in general is courteous but doesn’t wear the city’s claim to fame of being the “Friendly City”; this is probably a good thing if you’d like to slip in and out discreetly and to enjoy your stay without being overwhelmed.