Claire Spreadbury heads to Singapore to find out how the Six Senses, brand famous for its spas and wellness, does bustling city life at the Six Senses Maxwell in Chinatown

The Maxwell is the newest Six Senses addition with 138 rooms, a small 'lap' pool, and spa pods on the way.

Inside, French architect and designer Jacques Garcia has opted for authentic decor and furnishings, but with a contemporary modern twist.

The biggest talking point has to be the uber-cool Cook & Tras Social Library, The perfect spot for a cocktail, it's curated by the Ultimate Library, and there are 3,000 books available to read and borrow here.

Space is at a premium, so rooms can be on the small side, and because of the location, there aren't any beautiful views. But there are handmade mattresses and organic bed linens.

Sustainability has been high on the agenda in Singapore for a while now. So, when you walk into your little bathroom, you won't find mini - or even full-sized - plastic bottles of indulgent lotions and potions. You'll find a bar of Etro soap, and four wooden bottles dispensing hand lotion, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. Even the essential extras, like cotton wool pads and biodegradable toothbrushes, can be found 'naked' inside a recyclable cardboard box.

And don't miss your chance to ogle at the in-room mini bar. No other city hotel has anything quite like this, and words and pictures struggle to do it justice, but there's a wonderful array of mirrors, glass, stemware, bar accessories - and of course, alcohol - to please even the pickiest of mixologists.

If you're after the serenity and spas featured in other Six Senses properties, go to them, as you won't find them here. This is wellness within city-centre living, and it's very different.

There is a pool and a gym, but both are what you might call 'cosy', and the still-to-open spa pods are likely to follow that theme if their name is anything to go by. It's still very cool and luxe, though. The outdoor lap pool is long, slender and lined with neutral, low beds, all of which is surrounded by passion fruit and lime trees, and basil and rosemary used in drinks at the bar.

In that infamous minibar fridge, as well as all the usual suspects, there's a Sunset and Sunrise shot - both non-alcoholic and designed to make you nod off peacefully and awaken feeling fabulous. The Sunset concoction contains snow chrysanthemum, globe amaranth and lavender (and tastes a bit like a cold herbal tea), but can apparently lower blood pressure, reduce fatigue and aid a good night's sleep - something lots of us need on a stopover visit to Singapore.

By the side of my bed sits a copy of All Men Are Lonely Now by Francis Clifford, two Chinese foot meditation balls, an energy chime to reduce stress and a book on Qigong self massage - something I'm told can maximise energy and reduce ill health.

There are optional yoga classes, but the singing bowl vibration therapy is a welcome ritual everyone is encouraged to have. Taking off your shoes and socks, guests are invited to stand in a giant brass bowl, which is hit three times by a giant beater - first at the side, then the front, then the other side. A smaller bowl is then gently struck to the side of you, before the bowl is moved to the other side of your head and struck again. It takes less than 60 seconds, but the vibrations and ringing move right through your body, leaving behind a feeling of calm.

You can also book an appointment to see a traditional Chinese physician at Duxton, where readings, health recommendations and a medicinal herbal dispensary is available.

There's also a cute tricycle, offering complimentary ice cream from 1-5pm outside the Maxwell - which is essential self-care in my experience.

So, while the wellness may have been toned down for city dwellers, it's still there at the heart of Six Senses. And these chic hotels help make a short stopover a sweet treat, where you can exhale once you step away from the bustle.

Rooms at Six Senses Maxwell, prices start from SGD310 (around £177) per night, based on two sharing a Cook Street Room on a room-only basis. For more information, visit sixsenses.com.