A gem near the Botanic Gardens

For jeweller and nature-lover AARTI SONAWALA, having the Botanic Gardens right on the doorstep is a huge highlight of her home at Nassim Regency.

We find out more about this family and their condo near the Botanic Gardens in Singapore.

Location: Nassim Regency
Type: Condo
Occupants: Aarti and Aashish

Tell us a little about yourself, Aarti.

I’m originally from Mumbai, India, however I grew up in Belgium and my husband was born in the US. My husband’s job moved us to Singapore in 2013 from Mumbai with our kids, Anuraaj and Anushri. They both went to UWCSEA Dover and then went on to University in Atlanta.

While our son is still based in the US, our daughter chose to move back to Singapore and is currently working in sustainability at a reputed private equity firm. I founded a bespoke diamond jewellery business 10 years ago here in Singapore called ART N ASH (a combination of my husband’s name and mine), doing what I do best! Jewellery has a wonderful way of connecting people.

What type of jewellery do you sell?

The prêt line is delicate, modern and easy to wear, with a balance between functionality and design. The bespoke pieces are thoughtfully designed and crafted, and can be passed down from one generation to the next. We have two shows a year – April and November – where you can see the entire collection.

Inspiration for my jewellery comes from the amazing women who are my clients. I’ve lived in so many cities around the world and have met women from all walks of life, each with a unique story, sensibility and style. Art, architecture and fashion also play a part in how my pieces come together.

Where did you first live when you came to Singapore and why?

When we first moved here, we lived in the Capella in Sentosa. Although we loved it there, we wanted to be more central, so we moved to Ardmore Park. Being members of The American Club and being so close to Orchard, it was the perfect decision for the time. Once both children had left our nest, we decided to move closer to the Botanic Gardens as we both enjoy nature and walks. We now wake up to the birds chirping, sometimes so loudly that we can’t hear each other! It was and still is the best decision we feel we made!

What areas and types of properties did you look at and why?

Initially, we were looking at everything from houses in Sentosa, to townhouses in Emerald Hill, as well as properties close to The American Club, but the latest move was purely to be closer to the Botanic Gardens.

What do you love about your current apartment and the area?

We love the airy big windows, cross ventilation and beautiful trees that we can see from our windows. We’re on a quiet road with growling hornbills, and yet we’re in the centre of everything.

Any challenges with the move?

Luckily, all our furniture fitted perfectly when we moved into Nassim Regency, but we were short one bedroom, so it was tricky to fit all the “extras”. I love that Singapore is easy to get things done, from movers to handymen, plumbers and electricians. It only took three days to settle down in our new apartment!

What have been your best furniture or home décor buys?

Everything we own was a great buy! We have a lot of one-of-a-kind pieces from WTP and Just Anthony. Our paintings come from Singapore and India and the artefacts we have collected come from every country we visit, including Italy, Spain, Portugal, Kenya, South Africa, Myanmar, Vietnam, Japan and Malaysia. Our favourite painting is the one in our bedroom; it was painted by a French Vietnamese artist, and we’ve transported it back and forth from every country we’ve lived in! The colours are so vibrant and yet there is a peaceful vibe.

Anything you could have done differently with buying home décor?

I would have loved to decorate my home in a Scandinavian style, but it wasn’t a match for our artwork or artefacts, so instead we chose to follow our gut and emotions. One can really feel cosy and “at home” here – every piece has a story and we love that! One of my favourites is the tequila lab we designed back in 2000. It’s a set of 12 hand-painted test tubes sitting in a stand that can be used as shot glasses. Our colourful wine glasses come from Prague and one of our water jugs is a Rosenthal antique that we received as a wedding gift.

How would you define your home style?

A mixture of modern, traditional and bohemian.

Favourite area in the home and why?

Sitting on the sofa, sipping chai in the early morning, enjoying the breeze and the sounds of the birds!

What are your three favourite items in your home?

We love our dining table – it’s made of a thick block of suar wood – and also our leaf side tables that are actually made of banana leaves. The third would be our bar cabinet that is painted in a teal blue.

What do you enjoy about living in Singapore?

We love everything about Singapore, especially the mix between Eastern and Western cultures. I love that if we want to go to a temple and eat a dosa, or buy a bag from Dior and have a glass of champagne at a rooftop bar, or play a round of golf or jump in a swimming pool, all of the above can be done in a day. I do miss the colder weather, though, and I only wish we could have more seasons!

Any advice for newcomers?

Everything is possible in Singapore – just be ready to sweat!

Aarti’s Recommendations

Furniture & Décor in Singapore

• WTP Furniture | wtpstyle.com
• Just Anthony | justanthony.com
• Tan Boon Liat Building | tanboonliat.com
• Lims Legacy | limslegacy.com
• A Raft of Otters | araftofotters.com

Fashion & Jewellery in Singapore

• COS | cos.com
• ART N ASH | IG @artnashsg

Health & Beauty Places

• Dr Shiv Gill | myhealthpartners.com.sg
• Hair Salon Jantzen in Great World (“Daniel has been my hairdresser since 2013”) | Facebook: Jantzen Salon

Restaurants, Cafés, Bars

• Sabai Fine Thai | sabaifinethai.com.sg
• Blue Label Pizza & Wine | bluelabelpizza.com
• North Miznon Singapore | northmiznonsg.com

Things to Do in Singapore

• Walking in the Singapore Botanic Gardens
• East Coast for cycling

Singapore Hotels

• Shangri-La Singapore | shangri-la.com
• Capella Singapore | capellahotels.com

Airlines

• Singapore Airlines | singaporeair.com
• Cathay Pacific | cathaypacific.com

Overseas Hotels

• Taj Hotels | tajhotels.com
• Oberoi Hotels | oberoihotels.com

This showcase on Nassim Regency condo near the Botanic Gardens in Singapore first appeared in the June 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!

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