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Luxury and glamour in Singapore
Whether you have money to burn, want a high-quality holiday treat or are just looking to admire some of the world's glitziest attractions, Singapore has plenty to indulge you. Read on for our chosen top ten glamorous experiences and sights in Singapore for a touch of the high life.
Plan your trip: Indulgent Singapore
1. Art lovers
Admire the art collections at the Singapore Pinacothèque de Paris, located at Fort Canning Centre. In mid-2015, the largest private art museum in Paris opened its first venue outside of Europe here. This fine art museum has displayed some of the world’s most prestigious masterpieces by artists such as Jackson Pollock and Edvard Munch in its galleries.
2. Go for a spin
Enjoy a 360-degree view of Singapore from the Singapore Flyer, enhanced with champagne or a cocktail. The 165m (540-ft) -high Singapore Flyer, the world’s largest Giant Observation Wheel, offers unobstructed views in all directions. Sip champagne paired with chocolate and strawberries or a Singapore Sling and take in Singapore’s city skyline, which is particularly dazzling at night.
3. Integrated resort dining
Have a meal at one of the celebrity chef-run restaurants in Resorts World Sentosa or Marina Bay Sands. There are plenty of dining options at Singapore’s two Integrated Resorts. If you are at Marina Bay Sands in Marina Bay, go for contemporary American French fare at DB Bistro Modern by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud. For top-notch European cuisine with Japanese influence, make a booking at Waku Ghin. This is renowned chef Tetsuya Wakuda’s first restaurant outside of Sydney. Other outstanding restaurants include the steakhouse Cut by Wolfgang Puck and Italian Osteria Mozza by Mario Batali. Over at Resorts World Sentosa, haute cuisine can be had at the renowned Joel Robuchon. Or try modern Asian cuisine at Forest by chef Sam Leong.
4. Louis Vuitton plus
Visit the jaw-dropping Louis Vuitton Island Maison at Crystal Pavilions @ Marina Bay Sands. Singapore’s spectacular Louis Vuitton flagship store sits atop its own floating island. The French luxury label’s one-of-a-kind concept also features nautical-inspired interiors. Enjoy a sophisticated retail experience at this unique location, which incorporates art and cultural elements in its retail space for an all-round experience. It also offers a private lounge, outdoor mezzanine and LV bookstore.
PassportChop, a popular travel blog focusing on all things Singapore, tells Insight Guides that Marina Bay's high-end luxury brands (Burberry, Dior, Chanel...) paired with the local casino makes for big fun while on holiday.
5. Spa time
Pamper yourself with a luxury spa experience at So Spa in Sentosa, set amidst lush gardens and a waterfall. Located in The Singapore Resort and Spa Sentosa, the SO Spa is a lush urban oasis where you can rejuvenate in the outdoor float pool, mud pool or meditative labyrinths as takes your fancy. Indulge in ancient healing traditions alongside the latest in French cosmetology. For the ultimate luxury, try the caviar facial.
6. Window shopping
Check out all the high street and designer fashion you could imagine on Orchard Road. This iconic shopping area boasts one dazzling mall after another, filled with swanky department stores, retail outlets and designer boutiques. There are malls dedicated to children (Forum The Shopping Mall), teenagers (Far East Plaza), antiques and carpet fiends (Tanglin Shopping Centre) and fashionistas (Hilton Gallery, ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City and The Paragon), along with more standard shopping centres selling all manner of goods.
7. Sail away
Book an evening cruise on the Royal Albatross tall ship and set sail around Singapore’s Southern Islands. This luxury ship charter has been designed to host private entertaining and corporate events. After a major revamp, the 22-sail Royal Albatross, originally from Chicago, has made its home base at Resorts World Sentosa’s Maritime Experiential Museum. Allow the professional crew to pamper you as you relax and enjoy the experience. The ship can accommodate up to 149 guests for day/evening cruises and up to 10 for overnight voyages.
8. Top food
Enjoy French nouvelle cuisine at acclaimed Restaurant Andre, Singapore’s top ranked eatery in the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2015 awards. Taiwanese-born Chiang has worked with some of the best French chefs, including Pierre Gagnaire, so you can expect exquisite contemporary French cuisine at Andre, matched with the finest wines. The celebrated restaurant is located at Bukit Pasoh, a vibrant area in Chinatown that’s filled with hip bars and restaurants.
9. Drinks with a view
Head up to 1-Altitude, Singapore’s loftiest rooftop bar, found atop the 282m-high One Raffles Place Building. This is the place to party whilst enjoying stunning panoramic views of Singapore. 1-Altitude is a multi-concept lifestyle destination over three levels, with the Gallery & Bar on level 63. As the world’s highest alfresco bar, it also boasts a spectacular 360-degree view of Singapore. On level 61 you will find Altimate, a premier VIP club, while Stellar restaurant is on level 62.
10. Be a F1 driver for a day
Cruise down Singapore’s highway in a Ferrari or Lamborghini with an Ultimate Drive experience. Experience the thrill of driving on the official F1 circuit in a Ferrari F430 F1 Spider or Lamborghini Gallardo. Ultimate Drive is located on the ground floor of Marina Bay Sands’ VIP Tower Three, and Supercars are parked at the entrance to the Skypark at Marina Bay Sands.
PassportChop adds that the off-track entertainment is just as noteworthy, with headliner acts ranging from Maroon 5 to Bon Jovi during the annual Singapore Grand Prix.
Read more: Shopping in Singapore
Book a trip: Indulgent Singapore
Buy a book: Insight City Guide: Singapore
