Singapore
Built to impress, Singapore is packed full of unique moments to make your holiday special. Indeed, after settling in for a hearty lunch of steaming noodle soup in a hawker centre, perhaps treat yourself to a Michelin-recognised dinner. With over 40 stars on offer, the city features one of the highest concentrations the world over. That’s alongside plenty of afternoon-tea delights, served up in perfect colonial elegance.
Speaking of treating yourself, Singapore has long been recognised as something of a shopping mecca. Our pick is Orchard Road, home to some of the world’s finest fashion houses. The city is also host to a series of truly special accommodation, detailed below. Just remember, although you’ll have to be a guest to enjoy a dip in the surfboard’s iconic infinity pool, anyone can enjoy a Singapore Sling in the famed Long Bar of Raffles Hotel.
Appropriately, Singapore’s accommodation options span from colonial jewels to ultra-modern delights. And, Raffles Hotel remains the place to stay. Although almost as old as Singapore itself and named after the country’s founder, it’s been newly reopened for 2019. Expect billiards tables, elegant rooms and fine-dining terraces. However, there’s plenty of extra intrigue, with highlights ranging from beach-side favourites to converted-warehouse boutiques.
With an equatorial climate, Singapore is hot and sunny year-round. Don’t worry though, from the high-end shopping malls to the superb public transport system, air conditioning is ubiquitous. Then, to minimise rainfall, look outside the short December–January monsoon. However, often confined to the early morning, showers invariably last a mere half hour and come as a welcome refreshment.