Ah, Singapore. Every inch of this glamorous city-state oozes class and style. It’s a pristine playground where luxury travelers can indulge themselves to the max, and this guide is here to show you how to do just that. Discover how to make the most of Singapore luxury travel and let the Lion City capture your heart. 

The Best Time of Year to Visit Singapore 

Singapore is a year-round destination. In fact, unlike many other Asian countries, Singapore doesn’t even have distinct wet and dry seasons. 

However, things do get busy during the September Formula 1 tournament and the Chinese New Year festival. The latter usually falls in either January or February but precise dates change every year –  you can double check them here. Overcrowding isn’t a huge problem in Singapore and these holidays can be fun and atmospheric occasions to enjoy. It really depends what you’d like to get out of your vacation. 

Best Luxury Hotels in Singapore

Unsurprisingly, Singapore is home to some of the most decadent luxury hotels in the world. Here are three of the most fabulous choices: 

Marina Bay Sands

Of course I had to include the one and only Marina Bay Sands hotel. After all, it’s a world-famous Singaporean icon. This hotel is glitz and glamor personified, boasting the world’s largest infinity pool, breathtaking views of the city, and direct access to many exclusive venues. 

Raffles

The palatial Raffles hotel is legendary. It’s every bit as iconic as the Marina Bay Sands, but it’s more old-school. This elegant, colonial-style hotel has been a magnet for luxury travelers ever since it opened in 1887. Many historical icons, such as Elizabeth Taylor and Rudyard Kipling, have stayed here. It’s also the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail, and enjoying one at the Long Bar should be on everyone’s Singapore luxury travel bucket list. 

Shangri-La 

The Shangri-La chain was born in Singapore, and the flagship hotel is every bit as wonderful as you’d expect. The property is surrounded by 15 acres of immaculate gardens, so you really don’t feel as though you’re in a city. This place would make an amazing staycation for Singaporeans, but it’s perfect for anyone looking for peace and tranquility. That being said, staying here doesn’t isolate you – the central business district and all of its glittering attractions are just a ten-minute car ride away. 

How to get around 

Singapore has a spotless subway system called the MRT. Yes, this is Singapore luxury travel but the MRT is so clean that it’s actually a pleasant experience, unlike public transport in many parts of the world. (Side note: don’t eat or drink on the MRT or you’ll face a hefty fine!) 

You should also download Grab, a ride-hailing app which is basically a Singaporean version of Uber. For a more luxurious ride, you can choose a premium car. Of course, it’s usually possible to arrange a private driver via your hotel, too.

Best Gourmet Restaurants in Singapore

Fine dining is on another level in Singapore. In fact, it’s the 8th most Michelin-starred city in the world, boasting 39 restaurants bestowed with the honor. 

Summer Pavilion 

Located at the Ritz Carlton hotel, Summer Pavilion is a stylish restaurant serving up modern Cantonese cuisine. There’s a number of sophisticated private dining suites and a range of delicious set menus to choose from. 

Sushi Kimura 

Good sushi is truly an art form and no restaurant knows this better than Sushi Kimura. This small, intimate spot offers a refined and traditional dining experience that sushi purists will love. 

Odette

This triple-starred restaurant is an exceptionally elegant venue where you can find some of the world’s finest nouvelle cuisine. Chef Julien Royer is passionate about sourcing the only finest ingredients from around the world and puts an innovative, modern spin on classic French dishes.

Best Cafes in Singapore 

Cake Spade 

The only thing better than this cafe’s fantastically punny name is the amazing range of treats on offer. From Kahlua cake jars to Biscoff brownies, this place is a dream come true for anyone with a sweet tooth. 

The Coffee Academics

As the name suggests, these guys know their way around a good cup of coffee. The brand has achieved worldwide acclaim for its specialty coffee. It was founded in Hong Kong but there are four branches in Singapore, including one in the Marina Bay. 

Merci Marcel 

This casual French diner offers up an amazing brunch and some of the butteriest croissants in all of Singapore. Whether you want a quick cup of their specialty coffee or a full-on meal, Marcel won’t disappoint. 

Things to do in Singapore

Marvel at the Gardens by the Bay 

The futuristic Gardens by the Bay are nothing short of spectacular. The gigantic Supertrees really are a magnificent sight to behold and you can explore them from up high along the OCBC skyway. Make sure to pay a visit to the Cloud Forest conservatory, too, to check out the indoor “Cloud Mountain”. Finally, head to the Supertree grove at 7.45pm or 8.45pm to watch the Garden Rhapsody, an enchanting light and sound show. Who knew artificial trees could be so beautiful?

Spectra 

At 8pm every night, the 15-minute Spectra light show takes place over the water of the Event Plaza, right outside Marina Bay Sands. Spectra tells the story of Singapore’s transformation from a tiny island state into one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in the world. The special effects are absolutely unbelievable and you’re guaranteed to “ooh” and “aah” throughout. 

Treat Yourself at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands 

No trip to Singapore would be complete without a visit to this fantastically extravagant mall. It’s home to a huge range of upscale designer boutiques and best of all, it features an indoor canal. If you’re tired of walking, you can hire a gondola and explore the mall Venetian-style. 

Sentosa – The Island of Fun 

Sentosa is a small island just off of the mainland. Once a military base and prisoner of war camp, it’s now home to several family-friendly attractions such as an aquarium, an adventure park, Madame Tussauds and Universal Studios. However, even if theme parks aren’t your thing, Sentosa is worth a visit because it’s also home to several beaches!

I bet you weren’t expecting to find beaches in Singapore now, were you? Me neither, if I’m being honest. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how pretty Sentosa’s beaches were. The island boasts three: Palawan, Siloso and Tanjong. If you head to Palawan Beach, you can walk across a suspension bridge to a small islet which claims to be the southernmost point in Asia. Pretty cool, no? 

Most Glamorous Bars in Singapore 

Long Bar at Raffles Hotel

You can’t talk about bars in Singapore without mentioning the home of the iconic Singapore Sling cocktail. This nostalgic bar will take you right back to colonial times. In fact, at the time of the Sling’s invention in 1915, it was taboo for women to drink alcohol in public. However, the cocktail’s pink colour meant that it passed as fruit juice, allowing women to break the rules without risking their reputation. Unsurprisingly, it became very popular. 

Smoke + Mirrors

This glitzy bar is perched on top of Singapore’s National Gallery and offers fantastic city views alongside exquisite cocktails inspired by the artwork of Salvador Dali. It doesn’t get much more cultured than that. 

Mr Stork 

You can find the Mr Stork bar on the 39th floor of the Andaz hotel. It’s a rooftop garden with plenty of greenery, as well as cosy teepees where you can sit and enjoy your drink in style. 

If you’ve been to Singapore, I’d love to hear about your experience – drop your recommendations below! For more luxury city breaks, why not check out my Bangkok travel guide?