SINGAPORE - YOU STOLE MY HEART ! ♥️
Well, it started on a high, and this was how it continued...We arrived at Heathrow, where we met up with our fellow MMT colleagues and Sam, our host from Gold Medal. No sooner had we arrived, and we were whisked off to The Qantas first class and business lounge, where we wined and dined from a lovely à la carte menu. From this moment forward, I knew we were going to have a fabulous trip.
We had an overnight flight with Qantas Airlines, which surprisingly went by quickly! The food was excellent, the staff excelled and a good film, followed by a long sleep!
Day 1
We arrived late afternoon and were met by our driver for the week. Gold Medal’s ground agents Destination Asia, were there from then on to guide us through our trip.
We had a short transfer, which was very exciting as we saw a few famous landmarks on the way! We arrived at The Clan hotel where we would spend the next three nights. Although large, our 5* hotel was located on Cross Street: it was very central and had an incredible boutique feel. The well-known Hawker Centre, La Pau Sat (fantastic experience for foodies) and Chinatown were all a short walk away. The metro station was underneath the hotel so the whole of Singapore was accessible within minutes.
We were shown to our rooms which all came with free Wi-Fi, a Nespresso machine and kettle for that all-important in-room drink! There was also a filtered water tap which was a great asset to this Eco-friendly hotel. No plastic water bottles here! Air conditioning was a must, not to mention the heated toilet seat... what can possibly go wrong!
After settling into our room, we then headed out for a mooch around the Hawker Centre where we were all in for a treat! Satay chicken skewers from Satay Street or literally whatever took your fancy, the choice was unbelievable!
Day 2
After a very comfortable night, The Clan hotel provided a lovely breakfast with loads of choice, a tour round the hotel was very informative and after a day in the city there is a Tea making ceremony adding a traditional twist to this very modern hotel.
We were then taken to look around the Oasia Novena Hotel situated near Orchard Road, which is a sister hotel. It was large and was built around health and wellness! There were two lovely pools, a gym, and yoga classes with a fabulous view!
We were then treated to a lovely lunch with the hosts at The Marmalade Pantry. The name says it all: it’s a lovely patisserie and has a huge lunch menu. A lot of it is focused on healthy eating too due to the nature of this hotel.
We then went back to The Clan where we had the afternoon to ourselves and yes, you've guessed it, a trip to the Sky infinity pool, where we wallowed for the next couple of hours!
Back to the room it was to refresh and put on our best dresses as we were off to Raffles! How amazing!
We arrived, like royalty, to be greeted by a Raffles doorman who are the most distinguished and famous staff, so a photo was a must! This was followed by a hosted visit around the hotel, to include the Presidential Suite where Royalty and Celebrities had resided over the years, followed by a private dining experience. We had a seven-course evening meal which was just so delicious!
This was followed with a trip to the world-famous Long Bar where the Singapore Sling, a gin-based cocktail, was invented back in 1915. We wined and dined, and I truly felt like a celebrity!
We ended our night going to a couple of the recommended bars Chijmes and Pemenco.
Day 3
Today, after breakfast was the day we met with our Destination Asia tour guide Catherine Ross - she was an amazing character, born and bred in Singapore and boy did she have a story or two to tell!
She has even had a book written about her " A daughter of Singapore" if you'd like to check it out!
She took us on a tour to see Haji Lane, a very traditional street in Singapore's Kampong Glam area. It is a narrow, vibrant street known for its independent stores, trendy cafés and eateries and incredible street art.
We then visited Little India, which due to Ramadan, was rather quiet so a complete contrast from Haji Lane at this time of year. There were beautiful, colourful markets selling fresh flower garlands, clothes and jewellery. The Sultan Mosque was a delight too and an honour to visit.
Chinatown was where our tour ended - An incredible experience and insight into the many of the different cultures in Singapore. And a goodbye to Catherine, until the next time we were to meet!
Later that evening, we visited the 5* Pan Pacific Hotel, the second largest hotel in Singapore which has 790 rooms. Although huge, it also had a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
We were met by our host and first things first we sampled their signature cocktails, The Woodpecker. Delicious! We visited the Club Lounge which was 38 floors up and had a phenomenal 360-degree view from the restaurant and bar. A glass of champagne later, we were shown around the suites and rooms, all of which were beautiful and something to suit everyone.
We were then treated to dinner at The Edge restaurant, a buffet restaurant with just about everything you could possibly wish for from around the world, we were again, spoiled for choice.
With a very full tummy, we then had the rest of the evening to ourselves and what better an opportunity than an evening at Marina Bay Sands, one of the world's most iconic hotels in Singapore.
We headed to the Ce La Vi Skybar and Club Lounge. We had the most incredible night drinking champagne and cocktails and dancing until 3am with the most spectacular views of the whole city and its magnificent lights and backdrop. Oh, what a night it was!
Day 4
We were delighted to finish breakfast and meet up with the amazing Catherine again, our guide to take us to the Gardens by the Bay. This was also a massive highlight for me as I love flowers and gardening (when I have time!). We weren't there long enough but this means another trip to Singapore for me and just leave me there for a few days and I'll be a very happy lady!
It was the Cherry Blossom season (Sakura) as in Japan and was just a perfect way to spend some time. There are two huge glass domes/greenhouses, a hot house and a cloud forest. I was blown away by its beauty and yes, I have thousands of photos to show you!
Following that, we were ready for lunch and a visit to the Park Royal Collection Marina Bay Hotel. This hotel again was an excellent 5* and was very open, light and spacious. There were many dining options so you would be spoilt for choice. We dined in the Peppermint Restaurant, which was, again, buffet style with a great choice of food.
So, our day didn't end there... we were picked up and taken to our next hotel, The Outpost on Sentosa Island. It's only a stone's throw away from the city and accessible by bridge and well-connected Metro, bus and Cable car. We checked in to our room, and with a quick change of clothes, we then headed for an afternoon and evening to Singapore's Universal Studios.
Roller coasters as I've got older are not as inviting as they were 30 years ago... however I did participate, under force, I must add. Don't ask to see the photos! We had an amazing time exploring the brand-new Minions land and Shrek's home Far Far Away and Jurassic Park. The queues were very short which made a difference to me as I really dislike being in a long queue. We snacked and rehydrated in Mel's Diner famous in the film American Graffiti. We watched a great firework display over the lake, and then it was time for bed!
Day 5
Today, we visited four hotels that were relatively next to each other. They all felt distinguishable to each other, but are all sister hotels managed by Far East Hospitality, The Outpost being the one we were staying in. The Outpost is host to 1-Altitude Coast, the island's only adults-exclusive rooftop pool and day club.
It's walking distance away from Beach Station, Palawan and Siloso beaches. You can even include a Bungee jump or giant swing in your itinerary or take a leisurely ride on the cable car which was my choice when we had a free morning. Another cable car connects the city with Sentosa, just enhancing the amazing transport network Singapore is renowned for.
The Outpost has the most amazing unique swimming pool complex which has been designed on Pumukkale Thermal pools in Turkey. The Village hotel next door, which is more family orientated, shares these fantastic facilities which include great kids' pools and a lazy river. The rooms at this hotel were decorated with a bright and airy beach feel, and I would say one of the best contemporary family focused hotels I have come across. Being a five-minute train ride away from Universal studios, the S.E.A Aquarium and the Skyline Luge, this is a perfect family destination. The family rooms at the Village were perfect with sliding doors, two bathrooms and two TVs!
Following on from these two hotels bought us to The Barracks, a luxury boutique hotel with only 40 rooms and a member of the Small Luxury Hotels Collection. Being a UNESCO World Heritage site, which was once the British Artillery Outpost, added such charm and individuality to these colonial buildings. This hotel was by far my favourite! Being steeped with history and pure luxury, the Garden Suite, the peaceful pools and gardens were all calling my name! From Michelin dining to other fantastic options at The Mess Hall, this will definitely be my go to hotel when I next visit Singapore and Sentosa.
Our final hotel for today was The Oasia, Sentosa which is home to their award-winning spa with many accolades including the Luxury Travel Awards No.1 Spa in Singapore and Harper's Bazaar Best Relaxing Top-to-toe experience were on proud display. Three of our group experienced the massages which they all said were wonderful! They grow all their own herbs which are used in their treatments throughout. The rooms here were decorated with natural wood furnishings and features.
After our tour, we were treated to a fabulous lunch at the Bedrock Restaurant voted the best grill in Asia by Haute Grandeur... and what a treat it was!
After lunch, a special treat was in store, we were taken to the new Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree which hasn't even been opened to the public yet (It opens later in April 2025). What a privilege!
It has been built in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which hosts Singapore's Zoo, Bird Paradise, Night Safari and River Wonders, and is a proud home to the Giant Panda! This hotel took eight years to build and covers 4.6 hectares. It is spectacular with a wide range of accommodation overlooking the reservoir and rainforest.
The exclusive Grand Mandai Treehouses have stunning views of the Upper Seletar Reservoir and feature private patios, luxurious amenities from the world renown Banyan Tree Spa. A beautiful infinity pool overlooks the unspoiled natural green space ahead. A fabulous place to relax and while away the hours.
The all-day dining restaurant offers a diverse selection of both local and international cuisine. It features buffet options for breakfast and dinner, with live cooking stations and waiters ready to top up your glass!
Day 6
This was our last day in Singapore, I'm very sad to leave this wonderful place. It has now become one of my favourite destinations to visit. After breakfast, we visited Fort Siloso, which houses a wealth of WWII memorabilia - a must visit for any history enthusiasts! We visited the fort area briefly on this free morning and explored the treetop trail, which also gave such a fantastic view of the island and its beaches, with the backdrop of the city behind.
Back to the hotel to then check out and off to visit our final hotel, The Park Royal Pickering. The entrance was welcoming and I instantly felt again that this would be another of my favourite places to stay. It's an extremely eco-friendly vibe with an abundance of plants, flowers and greenery, a built-up garden was just incredible to see. It’s a 300-meters walk all around the hotel (thirty-six floors up!) and it overlooks Chinatown. The urban farm on the rooftop was home to fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs that’s used in their one and only Lime Restaurant! They even grow all their own exotic mushrooms! The choices available was second to none. The infinity pool, with an incredible view lurked amongst the greenery! There were many relaxing pods you could just grab a book and peacefully enjoy the splendid view in.
We were lucky enough to have lunch at the Lime Restaurant, which again is a buffet style cuisine suitable for all ages. It serves an array of fish and seafood, Asian cuisine and delicacies, three chocolate fountains spilling over with everyone's favourites flavours with fresh fruit and marshmallows to accompany!
Our afternoon was free to do as we liked, so shopping was the order of the day. We visited the Marina Bay area, which hosts the world's only floating Apple Store, and the Flagship Louis Vuitton store where we sprayed ourselves with all the scents. We came out empty handed but smelt gorgeous! The malls were incredible, there was even a canal in the centre of the mall offering a gondola ride through the vast array of designer shops.
Where were we heading next? Of course, back to the Marina Bay Sands for having our last cocktail, while overlooking the highest and biggest ever Infinity pool I have ever seen. What a way to end the splendours of Singapore!
We were then reluctantly picked up and driven to Changi Airport, taking our journey full circle to where our adventure began here. The Jewel, located inside the airport, is home to the Rain Vortex. This is a gigantic manmade waterfall accompanied with a light show and is surrounded by more than 3000 plants and trees. There’s a golf course, a cinema, a swimming pool to name a few entertainment choices available. It really was incredible, and I could even write a blog solely based on the Airport!
We could spent five hours here; you’re able to check your luggage in the middle of the shopping mall and go and enjoy your final hours.... and yes, it did arrive at Heathrow. Twelve and a half hours later we were back to London after a pleasant flight and a great good nights sleep.
So Goodbye Singapore - I love You❤️
