Mama Shelter Brings Its Rule Breaking Hospitality Concept Asia
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The upcoming Mama Shelter Singapore, located in the Somerset precinct, will be the brand’s first hotel in Asia and 20th worldwide. Set to open in the fourth quarter of 2025, the 115-room hotel will showcase Mama Shelter’s signature lobby with an open-plan restaurant and island bar. The property will also feature a rooftop bar and restaurant, as well as a swimming pool.
“We are excited to offer live music, DJs, and comedy shows at Mama Shelter Singapore,” says Jérémie Trigano, co-founder of the brand with his father Serge and brother Benjamin.
The brand’s unique approach to the hotel experience, viewing itself primarily as a restaurant and then a hotel, has allowed it to rewrite the rules of the hospitality industry. This approach is reflected in their vibrant open space lobby, anchored by a lively restaurant and bar, serving a menu crafted by a top chef and drinks created by a leading mixologist. The bar also includes seating for solo diners, promoting inclusivity.
Over half of Mama Shelter’s revenue comes from food and beverage, making the restaurant a crucial aspect of their business model. “We want locals to return regularly, with themed programs on weekdays, and weekend brunches,” adds Cedric Gobilliard, COO of Ennismore Europe and Mama Shelter.
The flamboyant interiors of Mama Shelter Singapore are designed by French duo Dion & Arles, who have also worked on other Mama Shelter properties in London, Lille, Paris West, and Rome. The property will feature a psychedelic ceiling mural by artist Benjamin Saillard, celebrating Singapore’s maritime and cultural heritage.
The first Mama Shelter opened in Paris in 2008, in collaboration with designer Philippe Starck and Michelin-starred chef Alain Senderens. Since then, the brand has expanded to several other cities in France, including Marseille, Toulouse, Lyon, and Nice. It has also opened locations in Belgrade, Prague, Lisbon, Luxembourg, and Rome. Mama Shelter’s first venture outside Europe was in Los Angeles in 2015, followed by London Shoreditch in 2019, and Dubai in 2024. The brand plans to reach 50 locations worldwide in the coming years, with the aim of having at least one Mama Shelter in every major destination.
The Trigano family, who own the brand, personally selects cities where they have a personal connection. “We love Singapore, as we do Los Angeles, Paris, and Lisbon,” says Serge Trigano.
The family follows an asset-light strategy, partnering with real estate owners who wish to carry the Mama Shelter brand. They have collaborated with Singapore-based private equity firm Lucrum Capital to open Mama Shelter Singapore along Killiney Road.
“We took time to get to know each other, and they visited our restaurants and concepts in Paris,” recalls Jérémie. “Over time, trust was built, and now we collaborate closely on the new location.”
When selecting sites, Mama Shelter looks for mixed-use, commercial-residential neighborhoods with a diverse population. “We want Mama Shelter to be a game-changer and a hotspot for locals, tourists, and business travelers,” adds Gobilliard.
Mama Shelter formed an alliance with Accor in 2014 and became part of Ennismore in 2021, following a joint venture between Ennismore and Accor. Ennismore, founded by entrepreneur Sharan Pasricha, oversees a portfolio of 16 boutique hospitality brands, including Mama Shelter.
The Trigano family is also launching a new hotel concept called “Oh Baby”, which combines affordable luxury with sustainability and features timber as its primary building material. They will collaborate with Philippe Starck and French architecture firm Valode & Pistre on the design of the interiors and architecture.
In addition to Mama Shelter and Oh Baby, the family also launched Casa Barbara, a hospitality-driven senior living concept that applies similar ethos as Mama Shelter. The first Casa Barbara opened in Nice in 2023, with a focus on luxury senior living. The second location will open in summer 2025 in Molières-sur-Cèze, France, with an emphasis on an artistic and cultural community.
“The DNA of our family is to bring happiness to people through game-changing hospitality,” says Serge. “It started with my father at Club Med, and now we continue the tradition with Mama Shelter, Casa Barbara, and Oh Baby.”