singapore - Platinum Concierge
Transcription
singapore - Platinum Concierge
SINGAPORE CITY GUIDE 2015 SINGAPORE CITY GUIDE 2015 Singapore is a dynamic and multifaceted Asian city. Though steeped in colonial history and the rich traditions of its myriad immigrants, it is also a lively business hub. Reflected in the mirrored skyscrapers, mosques and temples, Starbucks and silk markets, incarnations of past and present sit side by side in an unusual East meets West harmony. Over the centuries, waves of Chinese, Indian and European settlers have come to Singapore and left their mark on its heritage. From the roots of this old world has grown a multicultural, bustling, 21st century city. So, while you reach the heights of designer shopping and cutting edge technology you will experience the humid tropical breezes, the heady scent of jasmine, and the burning incense of a bygone age. 3 SHENTON WAY #10-10A SHENTON HOUSE SINGAPORE CONTENTS GO THERE FOR 3 WHEN TO GO 4 BASICS 5 GETTING AROUND 6 WHAT TO SEE 7 WHERE TO STAY 10 WHERE TO EAT 14 WHERE TO DRINK 21 WHERE TO DANCE 22 WHERE TO GET PAMPERED 23 WHERE TO SHOP 25 GO THERE FOR FOOD If there is one thing that Singaporeans prize above all else, it’s food. Fine dining has arrived in Singapore with a delectable array of gourmet restaurants. In stunning settings around the city, celebrity chefs make their mark on Asian dining and the local audience is beyond appreciative. But it’s not all about glamour. Authenticity is of equal value. Perhaps the most authentic and enjoyable dining experience can be held at the Hawker Centre. Here you will find a vast array of flavourful but unpretentious cuisines from all ethnic origins. Newton Circus is also a must and the legendary chili crab at East Coast Seafood Centre shouldn’t be missed either. SHOPPING Whatever your preference when spending your dough, it can be found in Singapore. Whether it is swanky designer labels, independent designer stores, funky market baubles, or reams of Indian silk, you’ll find it here. The craft shops and markets can be very interesting and those who want a sari made couldn’t find a better place to get one short of going to India. HISTORY Unlike many of Asia’s modern cities, Singapore has taken great care to preserve its history. It offers everything from mosques and temples to colonnaded hotels. Some parts of the city look as though they haven’t changed at all over the decades. It is as if you’ve stepped into a romantic colonial world immersed in the wonder of the exotic orient. Other areas have been tastefully modernised, retaining the façade of their historical shadows, but offering sleek interior décor and serving a range of cosmopolitan purposes. CULTURE There are always a number of cultural happenings in Singapore - from touring pop stars and fashion shows to ballet companies and art exhibitions. The Esplanade is a self appointed den of culture, but you will find cultural displays scattered throughout the city. One might sit in the Writer’s Bar at the Raffles Hotel where many famous literary figures were inspired to put pen to paper. 3 WHEN TO GO One degree north of the equator, Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate. It remains consistently hot and humid all year round (minimum 23 degrees to a maximum of 31 degrees on average). There is also a lot of rain that falls mainly in heavy but brief afternoon thunderstorms. Rain is especially heavy during monsoon season from November to January. Singapore reaps the benefits of a multicultural society by celebrating everyone’s national holidays! So whatever time of year you choose to visit, there is likely to be festivity looming. Everything from the Chinese New Year and Easter to National Day, Hari Raya, Deepavali, Mid Autumn (Moon Cake) Festival, and finally Christmas are celebrated there. 4 BASICS Country code: +65 Emergency - Fire and ambulance: 995 Emergency - Police: 999 Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD) Exchange Rate: Approximately GBP 1 = SGD 2.3 (subject to change, correct at time of print) Time: SGT (UTC +8) Electricity: 230 V/50Hz. There is only one type of plug generally acceptable, which has two horizontal parallel flat pins and a vertical ground pin. 5 GETTING AROUND FROM THE AIRPORT MRT TAXI Changi Airport is located on the eastern tip of the island. The 20km journey into town takes around 20 minutes by taxi and costs approximately SGD 20 (there is a 50% surcharge from midnight to 6am). You can also take a airport shuttle bus that will drop you at your hotel for SGD 9. The more energetic of you can hop on the MRT at the new Changi Airport station that runs from between 5.30am to 11.15pm daily. The immaculate air-conditioned subway system known as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is efficient and pleasant. Machines in the stations dispense single-ride tickets, with a refundable SGD 1 deposit for each trip. EZ link travel cards can be used on the subway and buses. A nightbus service operates from midnight until 4am seven nights a week. Singapore has over 15,000 metered, air-conditioned taxis. Usually there are more than enough but when it starts to rain booking a cab alone can take up to an hour. Taxis can be flagged down but your best bet is the designated taxi stands outside shopping centres and hotels. Note that smoking is not permissible in taxi queues. Most drivers speak basic English but it is advisable to have your destination in writing just in case. 6 WHAT TO SEE SENTOSA ISLAND ART SCIENCE MUSEUM BONTANIC GARDENS FORT CANNING PARK Head up to tranquil Sentosa for Singapore’s weekend playground. Whether your preference is spa treatments, golf, seaside surf, clubbing, or adventure sports, Sentosa has a little something for everybody. Located on the Marina Bay waterfront, this unique lotus-shaped museum is Singapore’s premier destination for major international touring exhibition from the most renowned collections in the world. 10 minutes away from the bustling city is this tropical wilderness overflowing with wildlife. It can be very hot, so go either early or late. Perhaps enjoy a meal at one of the charming restaurants or catch an open-air concert. Once a sacred burial ground for the ancient Malays, Fort Canning Park took on a new significance in the 1800s when it became a military ground for colonials throughout their tenure. It is now scattered with artefacts from its long history and tributes modern Singapore by housing art instalments and open-air ballets. 7 GARDENS BY THE BAY Spanning 101 hectares, and just a five-minute walk from the downtown Marina Bay area, this super park is home to over a quarter of a million rare plants. The Conservatories, featuring the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, are a key feature, offering reprieve from the tropical heat. The Flower Dome replicates the cool-dry climate of Mediterranean and semi-arid subtropical regions like South Africa and parts of Europe like Spain and Italy. The Cloud Forest replicates a cool-moist climate found in Tropical Montane regions between 1,000 to 3,500 meters above sea level, such as Mt Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia, and high elevation areas in South America. CHINATOWN Experience a slice of life in the most colourful neighbourhoods of the city-states, where the present and past are juxtaposed- starting with Chinatown. Explore Thien Hock Kheng, the oldest HokkienChinese temple in Singapore and admire beautifully conserved shophouses on Ann Siang Hill. Visit Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum and partake in a simple vegetarian lunch. Pick up some wonderful souvenirs in the many street stalls that line Chinatown. Visit Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, Sri Mariamman Temple which is a prominent place of worship for Hindus, located in Chinatown. LITTLE INDIA Enjoy a learning adventure in Little India with its myriad charms. There are traditional sari, garland and gold and jewellery shops with many items that make unique gifts. Have an Indian curry dinner before going late night shopping at 24-hour shopping mall, Mustafa Centre. ARAB STREET Learn about Malay and Islamic culture at the Malay Heritage Centre and the majestic Sultan Mosque in the historical quarter of Kampong Glam & Arab Street. 8 WHAT TO DO THE LONG BAR This may be a tourist trap, but come a little later to enjoy the fading afternoon light through the shutters, the whirring rattan fans, and the decadent sense of history while sipping on a freshly made Singapore Sling. Also, head to the Writers Bar where you can feel the rich literary history while you enjoy a G&T. RIVER BOAT FROM CLARKE QUAY Hop onto a glass-topped, low-sitting river cruiser to enjoy Singapore’s views in air-conditioned comfort. You can order a drink and relax while you float by Singapore’s beautiful sights. Go at night to marvel at the blanket of stars above. NIGHT SAFARI AT SINGAPORE ZOO More like a safari park than a regular zoo, the animals roam freely through 40 hectares of landscape with enclosures disguised as natural features of their habitat. See the glowing eyes and mysterious behaviour of over 1000 night creatures in their nocturnal element! UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE Meet the beloved Sesame Street gang, groove with the Madagascar penguins or visit Shrek and Princess Fiona? Answer: all of the above, only at Universal Studios Singapore on sunny Sentosa Island. Experience bedazzling movie magic with unforgettable rides and shows based on favourite blockbuster films and TV series such as Transformers and Jurassic Park. With 7 themed zones, there’s something for both the young and the young at heart. MARINE LIFE PARK Take thrilling water slides, float down the Adventure River and have immersive and interactive experiences with marine life at the Adventure Cove Waterpark. Dolphin Island allows the whole family to interact with adorable Indo-pacific Bottlenose dolphins and learn more about them in greater detail. Be awed by the world’s largest oceanarium, the S.E.A Aquarium, home to many majestic sea creatures. 9 WHERE TO STAY IN ORCHARD/CENTRAL SHANGRI-LA 22 Orange Grove Road ST REGIS SINGAPORE 29 Tanglin Road RAFFLES HOTEL 1 Beach Road This veteran of the Singapore hotel scene is a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of the city outside. It now offers three different styles of room: urban contemporary, natural resort or oriental opulence. All rooms feature vast grounds, charming gardens, and an oasis-like pool to enjoy. Superbly located in the heart of downtown, the St. Regis is Singapore’s most eminent address and it is here where unsurpassed luxury resides. A gleaming landmark of exquisite ambience, the hotel houses one of Asia’s finest private art collections. Established in 1887, this legendary hotel was named after Singapore's first British colonial administrator, Sir Stamford Raffles. It is not only a luxurious hotel but also a historical and national landmark. 1 0 WHERE TO STAY IN CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT/MARINA AREA MARINA BAY SANDS HOTEL 10 Bayfront Avenue THE FULLERTON HOTEL 1 Fullerton Square FULLERTON BAY HOTEL 80 Collyer Quay RITZ-CARLTON MILLENIA 7 Raffles Avenue The biggest hotel in Singapore, it comprises of three 55storey towers, 2,560 luxury rooms and suites, and 18 different room types. Its 230 luxury suites come with butler service; VIP privileged access and panoramic views of the South China Sea and the Singapore skyline. This multi award winning hotel blends the romantic past with the sleek modern to create a truly luxurious experience. The staff are friendly, the service impeccable, and the brunch outstanding. It is also conveniently located in the heart of Singapore’s business district and only minutes away from the swanky riverside area. Super-centrally located in Singapore's business and cultural district, this 5 star luxury hotel captures the best of the area's heritage and offers magnificent view of the Marina Bay. It features three signature dining destinations, luxurious rooms and an inspiring glass facade. This luxurious and ultra-modern hotel brings together striking art and futuristic design whilst offering modest comfort in the rooms. All the spacious rooms have great bay views which can even be seen from the decadent bathtubs! 1 1 WHERE TO STAY IN SENTOSA ISLAND CAPELLA SINGAPORE 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island HOTELS @ RESORT WORLD SENTOSA 8 Sentosa Gateway A luxury resort nestled on Sentosa Island, Capella Singapore offers an unparalleled luxurious and special experience. Six hotels with six unique themes; it’s like waking up to six different holidays. Resorts World Sentosa offers 1,800 rooms at its hotels, each with a distinct personality, but all sharing a touch of warm hospitality. 12 WHERE TO STAY BOUTIQUE HOTELS NAUMI HOTEL 41 Seah Street HOTEL 1929 50 Keong Saik Road NEW MAJESTIC HOTEL 31-37 Bukit Pasoh Road AMOY BY FAR EAST 76 Telok Ayer St A stone’s throw from the Singapore Grand Prix track and on the same street as the renowned Raffles Hotel, this new kid on the boutique block prides itself on offering personalised luxury service for each guest. Old world meets new in Hotel 1929 where traditional architecture contrasts the chic modern interior décor. The 32 individually designed rooms are decked in everything from retro furniture to vintage designer items. Two suites even boast outdoor baths set in tropical roof gardens. Each of the 30 rooms in this funky hotel were individually designed by emerging local artists. The lobby is crisp white with bold art pieces, while every room takes on a character of its own. You won’t see anything like this in any mainstream international hotel. The exterior may look like an elegant traditional Chinese mansion but don’t be deceived, this concept hotel is absolutely avant-garde. Located in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, this beautiful boutique hotel is set on a heritage site and will bring you back to a historically and culturally rich era. 13 WHERE TO EAT LOCAL CUISINE PALM BEACH SEAFOOD #01-09 One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Rd JUMBO SEAFOOD 1206 East Coast Parkway CHATTERBOX Meritus Mandarin Hotel 333 Orchard Road STRAITS KITCHEN Grand Hyatt Singapore 10 Scotts Road TRUE BLUE 49 Armenian Street A well-loved seafood joint with good service and fresh produce, Palm Beach claims to have invented the signature Black pepper crab. Founded in 1956, the restaurant has a great location, situated next to the Merlion along the Singapore River. Established since 1987, Jumbo Seafood serves Singapore’s famous Chilli Crab and Pepper Crab. Other popular items includes Fried Baby Squid (Sotong), Cereal Prawn and Fried Noodles (Mee Goreng) – A must try for everyone! Note that this is one of the five other outlets in Singapore. Chatterbox was the talk of the town since it opened in 1971 for its award-winning Mandarin Chicken Rice. Feast on other local delicacies famous both locally and worldwide such as Nasi Lemak, Herbal Bak Kut Teh and many more. Straits Kitchen takes inspirations and serves local favourites such as Laksa, Beef Rendang and Tandoori Chicken in a contemporary marketplace setting. *Halal-Certified Peranakan Chinese also known as Nyonya is used to term 15th Century immigrants during their arrival into British Malaya (Now, Singapore). True Blue is an award-winning restaurant which has charmed visitors with their excellent authentic food and ambience since opening in 2003. 14 WHERE TO EAT LOCAL HAWKER DELIGHTS OUTRAM PARK AH HUA BAK KUT TEH (PORK RIBS SOUP) 7 Keppel Rd 01-05 Tanjong Pagar Complex 593 Havelock Road 01-01/02 Isetan Office Building Day 6.30am – 3.00pm / Night 7.00pm – Late / *Closed on Mondays YA KUN (KAYA TOAST) Far East Square, 18 China Street A true Singaporean classic, Bak Kut Teh is a typical breakfast and supper staple. Outram Park’s Ah Hua Bak Kut Teh is said to have the best pepper pork rib soup in Singapore. Ya Kun is one of Singapore’s famous breakfast chains with many outlets scattered throughout the island. Be sure to try the famous Kaya (Coconut Jam) Toast served with thin and crispy slices of bread. Have it together with Half Boiled Eggs and Milk Tea – The combination is a popular breakfast option amongst Singaporeans. NEWTON FOOD CENTRE Also known to many as Newton Circus, Newton Food Centre is Singapore’s most famous hawker centre – the best concept to sample all local delights under one roof. Besides excellent seafood, be sure to taste other dishes such as Fried Oyster Omelette (“Or Lua”), Carrot Cake (“Char Tow Kway”) and other local favourites. BOON TONG KEE Hainanese Chicken Rice is considered by many as the “national dish” of Singapore. Started in 1979 as a small stall in Chinatown serving Cantonese Chicken Rice, Boon Tong Kee soon became a household name amongst many Singaporeans for the local delicacy. 425 River Valley Road 15 WHERE TO EAT CHINESE CUISINE CRYSTAL JADE GOLDEN PALACE 290 Orchard Road LEI GARDEN #01-24 Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street MIN JIANG 22 Scotts Road TONG LE PRIVATE DINING OUE Tower, Level 4 & 5 60 Collyer Quay Crystal Jade Golden Palace is a Chinese fine-dining concept restaurant drawing notes from Teo Chew to Cantonese Cuisine dishes with a contemporary twist. The restaurant offers an extensive spread of dim sum and other traditional favourites infused, guaranteed to impress your taste buds. Be sure to indulge in healthy, traditional favourites incorporated with a modern flair. The restaurant also boosts elegance and a classic style through its architecture featuring hints of chandeliers, dark wood furniture and themes of deep reds. Traditional Cantonese cuisine inspired from the Michelinstarred Lei Garden Restaurant in Hong Kong. The house specialty is its truly authentic Beijing Duck, served with 8 different condiments. This delicacy is prepared by chefs from China according to an ancient Chinese recipe and roasted to perfection in a custom-made wood-fired oven. Opened by The Tung Lok Group, Singapore’s longest standing Chinese restaurant groups – Tong Le Private Dining offers diners the experience to savour a selection of fine Chinese cuisine with a panoramic view of the Marina Bay Waterfront. 16 WHERE TO EAT JAPANESE CUISINE WAKU GHIN The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Atrium Level 2, 10 Bayfront Avenue AOKI 1 Scotts Road #02-17 SHINJI BY KANESAKA Raffles Hotel 1 Beach Road #02-20 Or The St Regis Singapore Lobby Floor, 29 Tanglin road Waku Ghin is helmed by Chef Tetsuya Wakadu who is the chef/owner of Tetsuya Sydney – Ranked 39th in S Pellagrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Enjoy a 10course degustation menu created for the best seasonal produce in an exclusive 25-seater setting. Enter through the fabric-covered doorway and you'll find yourself in an elegant Japanese restaurant marked by cool wooden decor and interior design. Sit up front at the bar counter with the chefs, as they prepare memorable meals with fresh ingredients and well-honed skills. Specializing in Japanese Haute Cuisine, Aoki is one of the finest Japanese restaurants in Singapore offering the ultimate fine dining experience with a wide range of Japanese cuisine, from sushi and sashimi to sukiyaki, shabu shabu and tempura. Shinji by Kanesaka, tucked away in a quiet corner of Raffles Hotel, Singapore’s oldest and best-loved hotel, is an extension of 2-star Michelin Chef Shinji Kanesaka’s Edo-style sushi restaurant first set up in Tokyo’s exclusive Ginza district. The deep-rooted philosophy underpinning this endeavour is simply a passionate desire to share an appreciation for age-old Japanese culinary traditions without compromising its integrity. Shinji by Kanesaka is Chef Kanesaka’s first venture outside Japan and it honours the same prodigious quality that made him an esteemed character in the culinary world. 17 WHERE TO EAT INDIAN CUISINE RANG MAHAL Level 3, Pan Pacific Singapore 7 Raffles Boulevard SONG OF INDIA 33 Scotts Road MUTHU’ S CURRY 7 Dempsey Rd Since opening in 1971, fine dining Indian restaurant Rang Mahal has grown from strength to strength and won numerous industry accolades. In 2009, it earned a distinct and longstanding recognition with the Singapore Brand Prestige Awards; a tremendous tribute paid only to homegrown brands with exceptional brand practices for more than 30 years. What has remained unchanged in Rang Mahal is its unrelenting pursuit of excellence in presenting an extraordinary dining experience, built on a foundation of unwavering passion in bringing authentic traditional Indian cuisine and impeccable service to its diners. Visit Rang Mahal and try out their Heritage Menu, a seven-course meal consisting of their classics in tasting portions. Song of India is set in a black and white bungalow backdrop which showcases opulence and sophistication. A must go location for fine Indian cuisine in Singapore. Muthu’s delivers reasonably priced Indian cuisine in a sophisticated but casual setting at its Dempsey Hill location. The restaurant serves up individual portions of favorite Indian staples which would be perfect for smaller groups of diners. Try the chicken tikka masala, lamb rack ananas and paneer makhani. Absolutely heavenly! 18 WHERE TO EAT FINE DINING- EUROPEAN JOEL ROBUCHON RESTAURANT Sentosa Gateway, Resorts World Sentosa- Festive Hotel LES AMIS 1 Scotts Road #02-10 Shaw Centre RESTAURANT ANDRE 41 Bukit Pasoh Road JAAN Level 70, Equinox Complex, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road Joel Robuchon Restaurant is helmed by internationally acclaimed Michelin Star Chef Joel Robuchon. In Singapore, the menu is filled with opulent ingredients from all across the world used to create a repertoire of inventive French classics. Les Amis Restaurant, flagship of Les Amis group, has been a recipient of numerous awards over the years. The exquisite cuisine at Les Amis goes beyond just playing with various texture and delicate flavours. Every part of the meal, right down to the tiniest touches, is infused with the restaurant’s passion for the craft and sincere dedication to serve guests with only the finest principally modern European gastronomy. Restaurant ANDRE is no stranger in the culinary world, the award-winning restaurant by Chef Andre Chiang was recently ranked No.5 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List as well as awarded the Best Restaurant in Singapore. Combining Mediterranean accents and French techniques, a dinner at Restaurant ANDRE is like a journey to the South of France where guests can discover myriad of flavours and textures that engage all senses. Located on the 70th floor of Swissotel the Stamford, a truly amazing view out over the bay accompanies the stunning, exquisite dishes at Jaan. 19 WHERE TO EAT SUNDAY BRUNCH/ HIGH TEA MEZZA 9 Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road THE LINE Shangri-La Singapore, Lower Lobby Tower Wing GREENHOUSE Ritz Carlton Millenia, 7 Raffles Avenue Discover an exciting and contemporary Orchard Road restaurant at Grand Hyatt Singapore featuring Asian and Western cuisine. mezza9 offers a multitude of culinary delights to satisfy diverse palettes and culinary connoisseurs. With nine different dining experiences to savour, diners can choose to sit in any area and still order from all the show kitchens around them; deli, yakitori grill, sushi-sashimi bar, the grill, steam basket, the patisserie and the martini bar. Located on the mezzanine level, mezza9 is a trendy, full service restaurant that delivers the highest culinary standards at a 400 seat capacity. Modern surroundings designed by Adam Tihany and stylish bites from our enthusiastic chefs, make this all-day dining restaurant the place to be. International cuisine is featured over 16 culinary stations, while the bar offers a large selection of premium wines, juices and smoothies The Greenhouse at Ritz Carlton Millenia has been known to have one of the best buffet spreads in town. The restaurant serves up both concepts of a la carte and buffets showcasing a wide array of dishes local and international flavours alike. Be sure to try out their buffet dinners featuring a delectable selection of seafood dishes including Singapore’s iconic dish Chili/Pepper Crab. 20 WHERE TO EAT TAPAS/SHARING PLATES BURNT ENDS 20 Teck Lim Road, Singapore SABIO BY THE SEA 31 Ocean Way #10-02 BAM! 38 Tras Street New in the ever changing neighborhood in Chinatown is Burnt Ends, an Australian/ European roast and grill specialist along Teck Lim Road. With a custom built brick and ceramic dual-cavity over, Chef David Pynt whips out originals that are refreshingly new to Singapore’s gourmet radar. Using Apple and Almond wood to light the kiln, expect dishes such as Tartar Sriracha and Toast, Hot Roasted Quail and Aioli as well as seafood options such as Razor Clams with XO sauce and fresh coriander. With a no reservations policy, and an 18 seater communal table around the kitchen, expect to wait before getting a bite of Burnt Ends. Unlike their tapas bar at Duxton, the restaurant features grilled meats and fish using charcoal ovens flown in from Spain. To celebrate the seaside and nautical ambience, the new restaurant is designed to spend time far from the bustle of city life and while away the hours over the relaxed outdoor dining. Enjoy dishes such as Grilled Octopus Leg with Viola Mashed Potatoes, and Roasted Rack of Lamb with Honey and Rosemary Sauce. This industrial-chic restaurant welcomes guests to relish and enjoy cuisine specially crafted by Chef Pepe Moncayo paired with an exceptional sake collection. Exquisite Spanish small plates with a relaxed open concept bar. 21 WHERE TO DRINK 28 HONG KONG STREET 17 Jiak Kim Street MANHATTAN Regent Hotel, 1 Cuscaden Road CUFFLINK CLUB 6 Jiak Chuan Road ANTI:DOTE Swissotel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road Tucked away discreetly, the speakeasy bar 28 Hong Kong Street has created much fan fare. Squeeze by the tiny reception area and push past the heavy tapestry, you're greeted by the snug, intimate space of 28 HongKong Street. With a cozy set up with a few booths and tables along with a bar counter tucked away in a corner. That is where bartender Michael Callahan works his magic, whipping up alluring cocktails with equally outlandish names. The bar bites, especially the aromatic truffle mac 'n' cheese balls, make for excellent accompaniment. A grand hotel bar inspired by the 19th century‘s Golden Age of cocktails and fine drinking. Delivering on its name with a glamorous yet modern space reminiscent of old New York, craft bartending meets artisanal spirits to pay homage to classic and forgotten cocktails that leap from the pages of history. Integrating both concepts of cocktails and charcuterie, the Cufflink Club is nested in the edgy Jiak Chuan neighbourhood, right off Chinatown. Helmed by Joel Fraser, one of Singapore’s finest mixologist, each drink at the establishment is created with much creativity and detail. Traditional bartending meets experimental mixology here at Anti:dote. Drinks are crafted with premium spirits and house made bitters, reinterpreting classic recipes with modern flair. Cocktails and tapas are created using aromatic herbs and produce from the bar’s very own herb 22 garden which gives the bar its name. 23 WHERE TO DANCE ZOUK 17 Jiak Kim Street KU DÉ TA SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands North Tower 1 Bayfront Avenue BANG BANG 7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square Probably Singapore’s only nightspot of international repute, Zouk remains both an institution and a rite of passage for young people in the city-state. Zouk is made up of three clubs and a wine bar, with the main room showcasing techno and house music. Velvet Underground is more relaxed and exclusive, while Phuture is experimental and racier than the rest, just as its name suggests. A fusion of urban style, cutting-edge design and unrivalled standards, KU DÉ TA has captured the imaginations of the style set across the globe. Perched on the top at the stunning Marina Bay Sands sky park, patrons and guests can expect to encounter the finest entertainment destination in South East Asia. The stunning rooftop setting redefines the concept of sophisticated pleasure for the discerning, whether they seek a restaurant, a bar or a club. Newcomer club Bang Bang is a chic 5000 sq ft space at 5 star Pan Pacific Hotel located in Marina Bay. With international guest DJs spinning a mix of hip hop, nu disco and deep house, this is a sophisticated and savvy venue that will be sure to impress. 24 WHERE TO GET PAMPERED HAIR AND NAILS KIM ROBINSON SALON 391 Orchard Road, 02-12 Ngee Ann City LS PHILOSOPHY 15 Scotts Road 01-03/04 Thong Teck Building SNAILS THE NAIL SPA 501 Orchard Road, 03-01 Wheelock Place JUUP NAILS MARINA BAY 8A Marina Boulevard #B2-71/72 Marina Bay Link Mall World renowned hair stylist Kim Robinson first entered the Asian market over 30 years ago. His salons are now known for their innovative approach to hair. Their classic signature dry-cut is a must for many celebrities, models and sophisticated women alike. LS Philosophy is a multi-concept luxury day resort that includes a day spa with spacious treatment suites complete with luxury amenities, a niche boutique showcasing the most exclusive high quality products to be found (available in Singapore for the first time ever, only at LS Philosophy), a Hair Room by Kératase, and an in-house bar featuring gastronomic delicacies sourced directly from Italy. Located in the heart of Orchard Road, pamper yourself at Snails with their signature manicure and pedicure. Patrons relax in individual cocoon seats designed to face the lush view of Orchard Road where 2 separate therapists are assigned to each customer. Using top notch European and US brand scrubs, moisturisers and nail products, you can also choose from a range of extra treatments to indulge in. After a hard day of shopping primp and pamper yourself at Juup, and watch some TV while you’re at it. Offering complimentary drinks, light snacks, entertainment airing up to date shows, relaxing ambience and over 250 colours to choose from with customizable treatments for each one. 25 WHERE TO GET PAMPERED SPAS So SPA 2 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa ESPA 8 Sentosa Gateway, Resorts World Sentosa REMEDE SPA Level 2, The St. Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Road AURIGA SPA Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls Private, Balinese-style outdoor pavilions, a manmade waterfall (all the better to pummel knotted backs with), mud pool, labyrinth garden and lounge pool to flop down beside, before and after your treatment. One will feel simply heavenly, as if tucked away on a tropical haven. ESPA at Resorts World Sentosa is an oasis of tranquility. Our wide range of luxurious treatment pavilions, private beach villa and garden spa suites are immaculately designed for total relaxation. Every encounter with ESPA brings with it a profound sense of pleasure and discovery. Exclusive to St Regis Hotels and Resorts, Remede Spa creates an exceptional experience by surpassing expectations and helping one to escape to a sanctuary of indulgence and relaxation. Auriga is focused on health and wellness, using natural and organic products, unique treatment offerings and specialised programs administered by a highly trained and caring staff of service professionals. 26 WHERE TO SHOP ORCHARD ROAD THE SHOPPES AT MARINA BAY SANDS CHINATOWN MUSTAFA CENTRE 145 Syed Alwi Road HAJI LANE This is the shopaholic's dream. With one shopping mall after another after another there is virtually nothing you can’t find on this epic shopping road. Just mop up your shopping sweat and try to look presentable before you march into Paragon (290 Orchard Road), the designer label haven. Boasting over 800000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, this is Singapore’s first large-scale luxury shopping destination. Right in Singapore’s historical centre, this hot shopping area is studded with funky boutiques in old fashioned shop-houses. Mustafa, which caters mainly to the budget market, consists of two shopping centres. Mustafa offers 15,000 types of merchandise at some of the lowest fixed prices in Singapore. Quaint boutiques offering painfully hip fashion by local designers and young entrepreneurs. Haji Lane has been given a new lease of life as a result with refurbished vintage shops and up-and-coming designers. Textile shops of the 1950s juxtapose in the background. 27