Alma House: How a historic school became one of Singapore’s must-visit creative hideaway

Ever thought about spending the night in a place that used to be a school? If staying in a quirky, history-rich spot sounds like your kind of adventure, then Alma House in New Bahru should be next on your list.

The complex that was once Nan Chiau High School on Kim Yam Road, has been given a fresh new makeover, transforming it into one of the hippest places to hang out for all generations alike. Think – trendy cafe spots, exotic bars, branded boutiques, fitness studios and the list goes on. It recently opened its doors to the public in June 2024 and has been dubbed as one of the coolest creative enclaves in town.

Tucked within this vibrant lifestyle destination, however, lies Alma House — a thoughtfully curated serviced apartment designed for travellers and locals alike, offering a cosy, home-away-from-home experience unlike any other. Derived from the Latin ‘alma mater’, Alma House gets its namesake from two inspirations; the roots of its locale, once the grounds of a historic school from the 1940s, and from the meaning of Alma itself, which translates to nourishing.

Like many of us, I was craving something different — a stay that went beyond the usual hotel experience. More than anything, I wanted to satisfy my curiosity about what it would feel like to live in a place that once echoed the sounds of school bells. From the charm of repurposed classrooms to experiencing what it feels like to live in a modern and creative hub, I was eager to see if Alma House could deliver that one-of-a-kind experience you don’t find in typical hotels.

First Impressions

Upon arriving, I was directed to Alma House’s lobby which was situated on the third floor of New Bahru.

It was modern, chic and fully furnished with a selection of well-designed furniture from homegrown label, Castlery. The staff was also very welcoming and the check-in took no more than five minutes.

For the unacquainted, Alma House offers 83 serviced apartments, with six unique options to choose from. The rooms are family-friendly and best of all, pets are welcome too, with a non-refundable cleaning fee of $120 plus GST.

With such a welcoming start, I was eager to explore what else Alma House had to offer, starting with the room itself. I stayed in the 1-Bedroom Suite which was about 355 sq ft that’s large enough to fit about three adults and it overlooked New Bahru’s lively compounds.

I was pleasantly surprised by the room’s aesthetic — a mix of minimalism and rustic charm with a modern twist. There was a nostalgic feel to it, too, especially with the retro windows reminiscent of a 1980s school and a door separating the bed area from the rest of the space.

In fact, one of my favourite moments during my stay was sipping coffee by the windows in the morning, watching the lively scene below — a nostalgic reminder of my own school days.

The room was fully equipped with a kitchenette, that’s perfect for longer stays.

It had everything you’d need, from a kitchen sink, hood, and hob to a microwave, mini fridge, and even a washer and dryer—making it easy to pack light and do laundry during your stay.

For entertainment, the room had a smart TV that connects to your Netflix and YouTube accounts, so you can wind down at night with your favourite shows and videos.

The spacious bathroom, on the other hand, was also one worth noting. It featured Omno shower amenities, which you can even purchase at its shop in New Bahru if you want to take a bit of that experience home.

I also appreciated thoughtful touches like a safe for valuables and a hair dryer, so there’s no need to bring along your own bulky hairdryer.

Food & Dining

Alma House is surrounded by a delightful array of eateries and shops, making it easy to grab a bite or explore local boutiques without venturing far. Here, you’ll find a ton of F&B options around you including The Coconut Club, Huevos and even PPP Coffee, if you’re looking to get your caffeine fix in the morning.

Alternatively, you can also pop by Cold Storage which is located on the ground floor to get some ingredients to whip up something in your room too. I love how everything was within reach and I didn’t have to travel far to get what I needed because of how convenient the location was.

Shopping & Wellness 

Most of the shops are open in New Bahru so you could easily spend a whole day walking around the compounds exploring the different boutiques or even attend some workshops like the ones hosted by Crafune to learn more about making your own leather accessories.

For the fitness buffs, you’ll love that there are a few studios for you to check out at New Bahru as well. This includes Mobilus, a studio that’s well-known for its Crossfit classes or go for a pilates session at Off Duty Pilates located on the top floor.

Overall Verdict

In summary, Alma House offers a unique blend of nostalgic charm and modern convenience, making it the ideal choice for those seeking a distinctive staycation. It’s new, vibrant, and especially lively on weekends; at times, it even feels like you’re stepping back into school.

I loved how convenient everything was. I could easily stay on the premises for two days without feeling the need to go out, as it had so much to offer. It was the perfect escape, with a cosy, home-like atmosphere that made me feel at ease. More importantly, it had no eerie vibes, despite its past as a school.

The room itself was a sanctuary, an ideal place to unwind after a long week. It was spacious, fully equipped, and offered everything I needed, from entertainment options to comfortable lounging spaces. In fact, speaking of the latter, you can also relax or catch up on your emails at their lobby which makes for a conducive space for you to work at as well.

That being said, there is one thing to note about Alma House. Since it’s a serviced apartment, they require a minimum stay of six nights. So I would say that this would only be ideal for longer-staying travellers, business professionals, or even locals looking for an extended retreat.

But, overall, if you’re after a unique adventure in Singapore, I’d recommend staying at Alma House for your next staycation. Besides, what’s not to love about staying in one of the city’s hottest lifestyle destinations, right?

Alma House is located at 46 Kim Yam Rd, New Bahru. For more information, visit the website here.