Editor’s note: This is the latest in a series of guest posts from Mr & Mrs Smith:
On a recent 17-hour layover in Singapore en route from London to Melbourne, I made every hour count and found plenty more to do for a lengthier stop next time.
Touchdown Changi Airport is regularly voted the world’s favorite, with distractions a-plenty for those in transit. Cool off in the rooftop swimming pool, float through the butterfly garden, have a foot massage or just grab a shower before heading into the city. The left-luggage service is slick, and a taxi into town takes about 20 minutes (the MRT tube ride takes 30).
The Fullerton Bay Hotel
Refuel Kick off with brunch at the chic waterside café Landing Point in The Fullerton Bay Hotel on Marina Bay, handy for ogling the new Louis Vuitton Island Maison, a glam angled-glass emporium perched bayside.
Culture Hit The Singapore Art Museum is set in a striking white-domed heritage building; I love the mix of traditional Chinese watercolors and out-there interactive art. Its Dome Café does a mean iced coffee, too.
Power Lunch Boost flagging energy levels with a Nihon salad (cue delicious soy-glazed salmon) at the airy, elegant PS Café on level two of the Palais Renaissance mall. Views out over Orchard Road’s main shopping drag mean you can people-watch while you eat.
Mega-shopping Hit cutting-edge megamall Ion Orchard, a dramatic edifice with a damaging amount of fashion brands inside. Go designer with Diane von Furstenberg, Dior Homme or Chanel; or sample niche labels such as Aussie handbag favourite Mimco.
Afterwards, check out H&M’s new flagship store, or for even more stylish mall action, try Paragon or Takashimaya. For quirky fashion, design and vintage finds, head to Haji Lane in Kampong Glam (aka the Arab Quarter), a tiny alley adored by the style set.
Afternoon Amble Wander Chinatown’s pretty temples, markets and shop-lined streets for a taste of old Singapore. If you need a coffee or cooling drink, pull up a pew at retro-hip Eight Café Bar.
Sunset Show Stroll Singapore River’s banks near Clarke Quay to watch dusk fall. Monuments, passing boats and waterside restaurants compete for your attention.
Auriga Spa at the Capella Singapore
Drinks with a View Take to La Terraza rooftop bar atop Screening Room for chill-out tunes, seductive views, great cocktails and films, too.
Dine Around Head a few doors up to number 24, to snack on French wine and cheese at Le Carillon de L’Angelus, one of several Gallic watering-holes in this atmospheric quarter. For fine Singaporean dining in nearby Chinatown, book a table at Restaurant André, helmed by well-known chef, André Chiang. Meanwhile, chef Ryan Clift, cooks up a storm at the nearby Tippling Club, which serves up delicious bar snacks as well as creative tasting menus.
Settle In If you’re stopping over for a few days, consider retreating to serene Capella Singapore on Sentosa Island, a 15-minute drive south of the central business district. With sea-view rooms, a cool pool, Chinese fine-dining at Cassia restaurant and respected Auriga spa, it’s the perfect pampering pit stop for unwinding between flights.
See Mr & Mrs Smith’s Singapore destination guide for more inspiration or book a stay at one of many boutique hotels in town.
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