Is Singapore on your travel bucket list this year? Here are 6 things you should do, to make the most of the garden city, Crazy Rich Asian-style.

With Singapore setting the glamorous backdrop to all-Asian blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians, the sunny island has won its place on many a jetsetter’s travel bucket list. But the garden city isn’t just a vacationer’s dream—Singapore is also home to over 180,000 millionaires¹ and a prime location for trade and investment, which means the extravagant storyline of the film isn’t a far stretch from the truth. Looking to visit Singapore in 2019? Here are the most luxurious ways to experience the country.

1. Live and breathe Singapore’s heritage

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Though young as a country, Singapore is a melting pot of heritage and culture with its rich colonial past and eclectic mix of races and nationalities. Look carefully and you will find Peranakan-styled shophouses and colonial buildings from the 20th century dotting the cosmopolitan city. For the true Singapore experience, check into the Capitol Kempinski Hotel, housed in the recently restored Capitol Building and Stamford House.

The exclusive Heritage Suite sits in the Stamford House, built in 1904 as one of Singapore’s earliest department stores. Spanning 137 square metres, the spacious suite stays true to the Victorian façade of the heritage building, decorated in a timeless, neutral colour palette. Besides the daily gourmet breakfast, food-lovers are also in for a treat at the 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung, where Michelin-starred Chef Alvin Leung whips up his rendition of modern Asian cuisine.

It definitely helps that the hotel is at the heart of Singapore’s civic and cultural district, making it a prime accommodation with convenient access to the city’s mega malls, museums, and art galleries.

kempinski.com/en/singapore

 

2. Access to investments in international markets

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Home to more than 180,000 millionaires and counting¹, Singapore boasts a vibrant economy that draws investors, businesses and expatriates to the city. Only in Singapore do foreigners and non-residents have the luxuries of a stable political and economic environment, superior infrastructure and global outlook to grow their wealth.

Citibank International Personal Bank (IPB) Singapore offers a global bank account for anyone looking to diversify their wealth portfolio in a trusted international banking centre. With a legacy of over 35 years and an experienced team of product specialists, advisors and relationship managers—who speak your local language—get access to the latest market updates, financial reports and dedicated service to align your wealth portfolio to the market.

IPB offers a myriad of products for wealth accumulation and legacy planning, including short-term and long-term investment options. With IPB’s global bank account, investors will also have access to trading opportunities in the United States, Hong Kong and Singapore. Read more about growing and managing your wealth here.

ipb.citibank.com.sg/Tatler-Singapore/

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3. Go on a joy ride along the F1 circuit

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Perhaps one of the most exciting events in Singapore’s social calendar, the Singapore Grand Prix attracts F1 fans from around the world every September to witness the only night race in the Grand Prix series. If you are not visiting during the season however, there’s still a way to soak in the adrenaline of the race—by driving your own supercar along the F1 circuit.

Choose from a fleet of Lamborghinis, Ferraris and McLarens, and get behind the wheel as the street to freeway tour takes you on the official F1 circuit that goes by Bayfront Ave, Esplanade Drive, City Hall, Raffles Boulevard, and then to the highway for an under-tunnel experience with the engine roaring.

You can also opt to sit back and let a professional driver take the wheel, and have your memorable experience captured by Ultimate Drive’s dual HD cameras. How’s that for a joy ride?

ultimatedrive.com

4. Indulge in a day of pampering

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No visit to Singapore is complete without visiting Sentosa. But if beaches, theme parks, and museums aren’t for you, book yourself a day retreat at Asia’s flagship Espa at Resorts World Sentosa. Whether fitness, weight management, or wellness is on your agenda, there’s a tailored programme for you.

Spend the day indulging in Espa’s signature facilities, including Singapore’s first authentic Turkish hammam, vitality pools, forest onsen pools, rock saunas, and crystal steam rooms. Then, enter your own luxurious spa suite for two treatments of your choice from Espa’s comprehensive menu of scrubs, wraps, and massages.

Complete your retreat on a delicious note—with a two-course meal at Tangerine to complement your treatments. Helmed by celebrity chef Ian Kittichai, the farm-to-table restaurant uses the freshest ingredients from its very own herb garden and local farms. The Thai-inspired menu features nourishing dishes using whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, premium free-range poultry and grass-fed beef, perfect for winding down after a day of pampering.

rwsentosa.com/en/espa

5. Book out an entire island

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With its close vicinity to many tropical countries, Singaporeans love hopping on a ferry to enjoy a beach getaway on a neighbouring island. But why settle for a villa when you can hire an entire island? Pulau Joyo is a private island resort just two-and-a-half-hours away from Singapore by ferry.

Surrounded by pristine beaches and calm blue waters, it’s the perfect place to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and connect with nature. Even the palaces, designed in regal Balinese style, are constructed from local materials, each driftwood handpicked by the staff on the island.

Barefoot luxury is at the heart of the eco-conscious resort, where you can indulge in the simple pleasures of bonfires, star gazing and fishing, or embark on your seaside adventures in kayaking and snorkelling. For a truly memorable celebration, ask for fireworks to light up the night sky—the resort’s staff will be happy to accommodate.

joyoresort.com

6. Dine and wine at the very best

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Singapore will play host to The World’s 50 Best Restaurants—the Oscars of the gastronomy world—in 2019, the first time it is taking place in Asia. The city is also set to host The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2021, happening for the first time outside London. This privilege cements the country’s position as one of the world’s up and coming culinary destination, with its vibrant mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European cuisine and a diverse collection of Michelin-starred restaurants.

Treat yourself to a Japanese-European feast at two-Michelin starred Waku Ghin, Singapore’s most expensive restaurant. The brainchild of Tetsuya Wakuda, the exclusive restaurant boasts three private cocoon rooms, with dedicated chefs to take you on a gastronomic journey. Indulge in the ten-course degustation menu, which combines the best of fresh Australian produce, French culinary arts, and Japanese-style presentation. Other signature dishes include the Marinated Botan Shrimp with Sea Urchin and Oscietra Caviar, and Japanese Ohmi Wagyu Roll from Shiga Prefecture with Wasabi and Citrus Soy.

Then, head to Atlas Bar at Parkview Square for drinks, in Great Gatsby fashion. Ranking eight on the World’s Best Bars 2018 list, entering the Art Deco style lobby is an experience in itself. Opulently decorated in marble, velvet, copper and glistening gold, it will transport you back to the roaring Twenties. Beyond its good looks, the bar is also home to a 1,100-bottle collection that includes the rarest gins and whiskies—some dating to 1910—courtesy of late Hong Kong property mogul, CS Hwang. Choose a gin by the decade and let the bartender take you back in cocktail history with a vintage vermouth pairing.

tetsuyas.com/singapore

atlasbar.sg