Ruby Garcia, the General Manager of COMO Metropolitan Singapore, shared what guests and staycation travellers from all over the globe—including Indonesia—can expect from COMO’s first property in the iconic Lion City.
What adjective might one instantly have in mind when thinking of Singapore? Perhaps it is “sophisticated“. Perhaps it is “vibrant“. Perhaps it is “cosmopolitan“. Well, at COMO Metropolitan Singapore, all of those adjectives describe the property’s towering identity—and more.
In a conversation with Indonesia Expat, Ruby Garcia, who currently serves as the General Manager of COMO Metropolitan Singapore, shared her professional journey in hospitality thus far, the monumental value of highly personalised and anticipatory service, and why COMO Metropolitan Singapore would be the go-to place for a meaningful and memorable stay, with the historically effervescent Lion City as the iconic backdrop.
Hi, Ruby! To begin, could you tell us a bit about yourself—your background and the journey that brought you to where you are today?
I began my career in the front office of an iconic luxury hotel at the heart of a bustling city in the Philippines, where I was trained in personalised service before advancing to the Club floor, managing discerning VIP guests. I then moved overseas for the pre-opening of a luxury resort in the Maldives, where I honed my adaptability and resourcefulness in a remote setting. Since then, I’ve worked across luxury properties in Asia and the Americas, gaining diverse cultural exposure while refining my expertise in high-end hospitality. My passion for the industry has been the driving force behind my journey and progression to where I am today
After more than two decades in the hospitality industry, what inspired you to take on the role of General Manager of COMO Metropolitan Singapore, which also happens to be COMO’s first property in Singapore?
Returning to COMO, where I previously worked at Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos, was an exciting opportunity. This role also marks a homecoming for the brand after more than 30 years, as COMO now opens a property in its home base, Singapore. Uniquely, it’s the first and only property to house all of COMO’s brands under one fully integrated roof. Being part of this milestone and shaping such a distinctive property with my international experience made the opportunity irresistible.
Having built much of your career in resort destinations, how has that experience influenced your leadership style in a dynamic city hotel setting?
Building my career in resort destinations taught me the value of highly personalised, anticipatory service, adaptability, and creative problem-solving often in remote or high-pressure environments. It also exposed me to a wide diversity of guests and teams, which helped me develop strong cultural awareness and the ability to connect with people from all backgrounds. In a dynamic city hotel setting, this experience shapes my leadership style by emphasising inclusivity, collaboration, and empowering teams to deliver exceptional, tailored experiences while navigating the fast pace and variety of a cosmopolitan environment.
Transitioning from resorts to an urban property comes with its own complexities. What have been the most defining challenges for you at COMO Metropolitan Singapore?
I wouldn’t call it a challenge; rather, it’s the dynamics of managing in a fast-paced urban environment. At COMO Metropolitan Singapore, it’s about balancing operational efficiency with the same high-touch, personalised service that guests expect from a luxury brand. It also involves embracing the diversity of both guests and teams, ensuring culturally aware, seamless experiences while fostering a cohesive and empowered team. These dynamics have strengthened my adaptability, communication, and leadership approach in a city hotel setting.
Particularly for our readers in Indonesia, how would you describe the essence and personality of COMO Metropolitan Singapore?
COMO Metropolitan Singapore embodies both sophisticated style and uniqueness, offering a fully curated lifestyle experience that Indonesians will particularly appreciate. Guests can enjoy global dining concepts, including COTE, Cedric Grolet, and the wellness cuisine of COMO Shambhala at COMO Cuisine, along with our signature dishes, thoughtfully designed spaces, holistic wellness offerings, and fashion experiences from multi-label Club 21—all of which are delivered with genuine care. The hotel provides an urban sanctuary where guests can enjoy personalised service, immersive experiences, and the seamless fusion of design, wellness, as well as cuisine, reflecting Singapore’s vibrant, multicultural energy.
Speaking of personalised service—personalisation has indeed become increasingly important in luxury hospitality nowadays. How do you curate and design such experiences for your guests at COMO Metropolitan Singapore?
Personalisation is at the heart of luxury hospitality—and my experience speaks to this. By knowing our guests and understanding their preferences, we can curate experiences tailored to them—from wellness and dining to fashion and lifestyle offerings. We empower our team to anticipate needs and deliver meaningful, memorable moments, all while ensuring every stay is seamless, unique, and truly reflective of each guest.
Looking ahead, how do you see COMO Metropolitan Singapore redefining or elevating the standards of urban hospitality?
Looking ahead, COMO Metropolitan Singapore is elevating urban hospitality by placing wellness, restorative sleep, and sustainability at the centre of the guest experience. Especially in a fast-paced city environment, quality sleep is essential, which is why we have equipped all guest rooms with SleepHub: a neuroscience-led technology that guides the brain into natural slow-wave sleep for deeper, more restorative rest—while also integrating eco-conscious practices to reduce our environmental footprint.
By combining advanced wellness innovations—such as SleepHub—with sustainable operations, thoughtful service, and meaningful experiences, we aim to set a new benchmark for luxury living in the city. It is where every stay enhances wellbeing while promoting sustainability.
Can you share any upcoming developments or directions that guests can look forward to at COMO Metropolitan Singapore?
Guests can enjoy SleepHub in every room for restorative, deep sleep as part of our standard wellness offering. For an enhanced experience, our Sleep Dreams package includes a consultation with a sleep expert—along with access to hyperbaric oxygen therapy and heat therapy at COMO Shambhala, a sleep Kit, and limited-edition Club 21 pyjamas to support complete relaxation and rejuvenation.
On top of that, guests can also indulge in bespoke dining experiences at COMO Dempsey—with complimentary transfers to and from the hotel. Additionally, our new Meeting Room 706 offers abundant natural light, making it an ideal space for business gatherings or intimate events.
Ultimately, by combining wellness, dining, personalised service, and thoughtfully designed spaces, we continue to create meaningful and memorable experiences that elevate every stay in Singapore.