Described by some as the ‘gateway to Asia’ Singapore is a small country with a lot to offer. It’s the busiest convention city in Asia and ideally located for transit stops on long haul flights between Europe, the Middle East and Australasia. It doesn’t boast the beautiful islands of Thailand or the adventures of Malaysia but the next time you’re flying through this part of the world here are 7 reasons to make that lay-over 3 days, not 3 hours..
1.In & out: Singapore Airlines
When travelling your first consideration is and should always be how to get there and in Singapore Airlines it can boast of having the very best. Which? Magazines ‘Best Airline’, AirlineRatings ‘Best Long Haul Airline’ and Forbes Korea ‘Best International Airline’ are just 3 of the 17 awards they have won this year! The Singapore Airlines Suites offer prospective travelers the ultimate in air travel: the largest TV in the sky at 23 inches, exclusively created menus designed by internationally celebrated culinary masters and the world’s only standalone airline bed. You won’t even know you’re in the air!
2. Accommodation: Raffles Singapore
Honorable mentions must go to the Ritz-Carlton, Mandarin Oriental and The Fullerton but for the ultimate in luxury then look no further than Raffles Singapore. It’s an icon that inspired an industry, probably the world’s most famous hotel. Stay in 1 of 105 suites (they have no ‘regular’ rooms) and bask in the glory of an afternoon Singapore Sling in the bar that created them. For those wanting to relax after a long flight they boast an impressive spa or you could just kick back in your suite and make use of the 24hr butler service. Not to mention the chauffeured limousine service and resident historian.
3.Brunch:Greenhouse, Ritz-Carlton
Set in the beautiful Ritz-Carlton near Singapore’s marina area the Champagne brunch at Greenhouse is superb with a range of food that includes but is definitely not limited to rows of oyster and lobster to sushi, various cuts of meat, a fantastic dessert selection, freshly squeezed juices and of course, free-flowing Champagne.
4.Dinner: The Tippling Club
One of Singapore’s hidden gems, The Tippling Club is not easy to find. Located in the Tanjong Pagar area everything about this restaurant exudes sophistication. From uniquely created cocktails to compliment the food you are eating to the seating arrangements in the restaurant area. Guests sit along a bar that stretches around an open kitchen with the Chefs acting as both cook and waiter. The tasting menu is the show stopper with (depending on your choice) a 16 or 25 ‘course’ taster journey created, delivered and explained to you by the experts.
5.Watering hole: 1 Altitude Bar
The world’s tallest al-fresco bar is jaw dropping. Perched 61 floors into the night sky this outdoor rooftop bar serves good drinks with great music. There is quite simply nowhere else in the world like it. On a clear day you can see the Malaysian border and if you’re really lucky you might find yourself with a bird’s eye view of a firework display. Private tables are available to be booked too.
6. Relaxation: The Singapore Resort & Spa Sentosa
If it is relaxation you’re craving a massage is in order. The Singapore Resort & Spa Sentosa is a superb way to unwind after a long flight with its’ variety of treatments and massages and the most beautiful setting you could hope for. Set in the grounds of this luxury hotel are both indoor and outdoor private salons with hot pools available for use in between treatments. Once your massage is finished you can enjoy the facilities of this great hotel which includes their mud baths and even a waterfall!
7. Adventure: Dolphin Experience at Resorts World Sentosa
Sentosa Island, a hub for tourism in Singapore, has some fantastic experiences on offer chiefly of which is the Dolphin Experience at Resorts World. Their VIP package grants you access to private lagoons for a personal 1-on-1 encounter with these fascinating creatures and can be personalized to suit you. This particular VIP package is exclusively for Resorts World Sentosa hotel guests but fear not as there are 8 excellent luxury resorts to choose from.
