Singapore Travel Guide

 

 

WHERE TO STAY:

 

  • Grand Hyatt Singapore: Centrally located in the busy and bustling Orchard shopping district, with a pool and no shortage of delightful dining options.

 

 

 

 

  • Andaz SingaporeOverlooking Marina Bay, a design hotel with an infinity pool, rooftop bar, and beautiful interior details by the renowned designer André Fu.

 

 

 

 

  • W Sentosa: Modern tropical-inspired rooms with a 24hr pool for a perfect getaway from the city of Singapore.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHERE TO EAT:

 

  • Hawker Centers: You can’t leave Singapore without experiencing a hawker center! A variety of cuisines are available at low prices, ranging from local Singaporean, Malay, Indian, etc. Personal favorites are Maxwell and Tiong Bahru. BRING CASH!

 

 

 

 

  • National Kitchen by Violet Oon: One of our memorable dinners was at the famous Singaporean chef Violet Oon’s restaurant. We tried the laksa and the cod in laksa sauce, both of which were equally delectable. Reservation recommended.

 

 

 

 

  • P.S. CAFE: First opened in 1999, P.S. Cafe is a popular brunch spot for many with multiple branches in Singapore (+ Shanghai, and Seoul soon!) We went to the one at Dempsey for more of a relaxed ambiance, and absolutely loved it.

 

 

 

 

  • Merci Marcel: French restaurant/cafe with several locations in Singapore, serving bakery delights, brunch plates, cheese boards, and wine!

 

 

 

 

  • Jumbo Seafood: Another Singaporean classic. I recommend the Riverside Point location for the view. Reservation recommended.

 

 

 

 

  • Ya Kun Kaya Toast: Singaporean toast with Kaya jam with refreshing kopi (coffee) drinks, multiple branches.

 

 

 

 

  • Tiong Bahru Bakery: One of the best croissants I’ve had, and trust me I’ve had one too many (living in France).

 

 

 

 

  • Tanjong Beach Club: Perfect place to chill and do nothing by the beach in Sentosa Island.

 

 

 

 

  • Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel: An iconic hotel with rich heritage (established circa 1887), Raffles Hotel is a must visit in Singapore. Head over to their Long Bar, where the Singapore Sling was first invented!

 

 

 

 

  • Atlas Singapore: Absolutely beautiful bar with an extraordinary selection of drinks and art deco design in an iconic building.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT TO DO:

 

  • JEWEL @ Changi Airport: With jaw-dropping views of the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, and fun attractions, Jewel @ Changi Airport is definitely a must visit.

 

 

 

  • Marina Bay Sands: An iconic hotel with an infinity pool. If you are a first-timer to Singapore, I could recommend staying a night there for the access to the pool, but otherwise it is good enough to admire from afar.

 

  • Gardens by the Bay, Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest: Cool place to visit and explore the nature park/garden/tropical vegetation. Go during the nighttime for a colorful light show!

 

 

 

 

  • Kappong Glam: Singapore’s oldest urban quarter with rich history and living Muslim-Malay traditions. Visit Haji Lane and Arab Street for a fun colorful buildings and murals.

 

 

 

 

 

  • Orchard Road: Popular street known for shopping malls and designer boutiques.

 

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  • Sentosa Island: If you have a day or two to spare, I’d definitely recommend a visit to the Sentosa Island, which is only a 20min car ride from Singapore.

 

 

 

 

The St. Regis Hong Kong

 

 

Hong Kong is often times referred to as the Manhattan of the East, so it only makes sense that the New York native, St. Regis has finally made its debut in Hong Kong.

 

 

 

 

Unveiling a luxurious yet modern space designed by the renowned interior designer André Fu, The St. Regis Hong Kong’s aim was to blend architectural creativity, cultural diversity and timeless elegance.

 

 

 

 

Taking great importance in heritage and legacy, The St. Regis Hong Kong focused on the design concept of “East-meets-West” which can be discovered in and around the property, such as the lighting fixtures reminiscent of old Hong Kong gas lamps, and the panelling suggesting wooden shop shutters.

 

 

 

 

 

Modern and contemporary with a mix of heritage, the concept continues in the rooms, with the signature St. Regis Butler Service which allows convenient in-room check-in’s, providing a tailored experience.

 

 

 

 

 

A staple of St. Regis hotels around the world, the St. Regis bar is the perfect place to wind down for a craft cocktail, or their signature Canto Mary, their own take on the Bloody Mary, with a delicious mix of exotic Cantonese ingredients.

 

 

 

 

 

Adjacent to the St. Regis Bar is the Drawing Room, where cultural heritage is continued to be preserved. Their afternoon tea is served in trolleys like the ones at traditional dim sum restaurants, wheeled around the room for a pick and mix service, instead of a typical afternoon tea set. This modern twist is just another great example of the St. Regis Hong Kong paying homage to the legacy of the brand and putting in a more modern reinterpretation for the 21st century.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the two dining options at St. Regis Hong Kong is Rùn, a high-end Chinese restaurant serving traditional Cantonese dishes led by the award-winning chef Hung Chi-Kwong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upstairs at L’Envol, Michelin-starred chef Olivier Elzer offers contemporary and innovative French gastronomy with carefully curated menus behind the open kitchen. The name ‘L’Envol’ means ‘the flight’ in french, making a reference to an aircraft taking off, and the soaring start of a memorable meal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breakfast can be enjoyed either in-room or downstairs at Rùn, and everything was fresh, delicious, and nothing short of wonderful.

 

 

 

 

The St. Regis ritual of champagne sabrage lives on here at the St. Regis Hong Kong. With a storied tradition, the signature ceremony enables guests to take part in the rich celebration for an unforgettable experience.

 

 

There’s not enough words to express how grateful and honored I feel to have been given this opportunity to discover the beautiful space at the St. Regis Hong Kong, and learn about its legacy and traditions. There were so many memorable experiences for me during my stay, such as getting to know the history of the St. Regis Bar, pop opening a Ruinart Champagne with a sword, but above all, what struck me the most was the people. I was able to connect and chat with the team members, and I soon realized these people truly pour their heart into hospitality, and that genuine passion really shows through. It’s dedication like this that really makes a stay at the St. Regis Hong Kong an unforgettable one. 

 

 

 

 

 

The St. Regis Hong Kong (@stregishk)
1 Harbour Dr, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

 

 

 

 

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

 

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong is a 5-star hotel conveniently located in the lively Wan Chai district, connected to the Hong Kong Convention Center.

The lobby at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong was very spacious and truly stunning. The two floored open area provided a majestic yet welcoming atmosphere, with a lit oval ceiling and softly curved design details.

 

 

 

While most check-in/out’s can be done at the lobby, guests with Grand Club Access can take advantage of a personalized check-in/out up at the 30th floor of the hotel.

The Grand Club also provides exclusive and luxurious experiences throughout the day, with breakfast, light refreshments, all-day champagne to evening cocktails.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Featuring 3 layers filled with savory and sweet delicacies, the afternoon tea at Tiffin was the most wonderful way to spend the day. Live dessert stations and ice cream counters are also readily available.

 

 

 

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Other great dining options at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong include: Grissini (Italian), One Harbour Road (Chinese), Kaetsu (Japanese), and many more. You can find out more here.

 

 

 

 

 

Easily one of my favorite areas of the hotel was the 50m swimming pool, which boasts a beautiful skyline of the city, making it the perfect place to unwind and relax.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
(@grandhyatthongkong)
1 Harbour Road, Hong Kong

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rosewood Hong Kong

 

 

The ultra-luxury Rosewood Hotel has made its much-anticipated landmark debut on the majestic Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong.

 

 

 

 

Setting the bar high, Rosewood Hong Kong provides tailored hospitality and an all around exceptional experience: After being picked-up for a journey on their signature Range Rover, I was welcomed by the delightful team members and my personal butler for my check-in.

 

 

 

 

As evident from the carefully curated collection of artworks and the beautiful design details, it was clear that there was an immense amount of attention put into every little corner of this property.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Harbour Corner Suite, with the ever so beautiful views of the Victoria Harbour was nothing but a dream. As in all areas of the hotel, the concept of mixing contemporary and traditional design was present to showcase Hong Kong’s rich heritage and to pay homage to the city in a thoughtful manner.

The luxurious furnishings, a bar cart for DIY cocktails, a bed big enough for a crowd, and a leather-clad dressing room with cashmere covered walls were just a few of the many many reasons why I found it quite difficult to leave the room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The highlight of my Harbour Corner Suite was perhaps the stunning bathroom, featuring an elegant bathtub, marble shower for two, heated walls for your monogrammed bathrobes to be kept warm, and a vanity with a Dyson hairdryer. With no exaggeration, this is the most beautiful bathroom I ever did (and will) see.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The hotel’s restaurant, Holt’s Café, offers both local and international cuisine, in a stylish upscale setting.

The lunch menu provided a contemporary take on Hong Kong’s traditional “Cha Chaan Teng” culture, with a variety of dim sum selections, and delicious drink menus.

 

 

 

The dinner menu at Holt’s Café featured Western Specialties, Noodles & Rice, Barbeque, etc, however, I trusted the recommendations and opted for the lobster salad, pan-seared cod, and matcha sundae, which all turned out to be delicious.

 

 

 

 

Holt’s Café also provides top-quality tea experience with an extensive tea list including classic Chinese teas, Hong Kong-style milk tea, premium aged single-origin herbal blends, and rare blends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjacent to Holt’s Café is The Butterfly Room, where a luxurious afternoon tea can be enjoyed in a delightful setting (with Damien Hirst’s renowned butterfly artworks!)

 

 

 

 

 

The hotel’s bar, Darkside is a timeless celebration of rare aged spirits and classic cocktails complemented by sultry live jazz. The creative cocktail list pays homage to Kowloon district, also known as the “Dark Side.”

 

 

* More food and beverage venues are scheduled to open in the upcoming months at Rosewood Hong Kong.

 

 

 

 

 

Set on the 40th floor, the Manor Club provides exceptional yet discreet service and exclusive privacy in a sophisticated atmosphere, with a panoramic views of Victoria Harbour.

 

 

 

 

 

For wellness, Rosewood HK embodies the philosophy of Asaya, which means “setting an intention or hope” (to propel self-change and transformation) in Sanskrit. While its full spectrum of services will unveil soon, the gym with state-of-the-art equipments, and the infinity outdoor pool with panoramic views are readily available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to take this moment to express my gratitude towards each and every member of the Rosewood Hong Kong, for giving me this incredible opportunity to learn about the hotel, and going above and beyond to make my stay so special. The passion and dedication of the team at Rosewood HK is truly unparalleled, and I have absolutely no doubt in mind that it will play an important role in redefining luxury hospitality and in bringing a distinctive vibrancy to the city of Hong Kong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rosewood Hong Kong
No18, Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/hong-kong
(@rosewoodhongkong)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The PuLi Hotel and Spa, Shanghai

 

 

Created as China’s first urban resort, The PuLi Hotel and Spa is a 5-star hotel centrally located in Shanghai’s Jing’An district, yet magically secluded enough for a serene retreat.

 

 

 

 

Stepping inside the property, the striking interiors are hard to miss. Polished tile floors, silk wall coverings, and contemporary furnitures all help to provide tranquility, and the ultimate Zen atmosphere.

 

 

 

 

 

The hotel’s appreciation and effort to preserve its authenticity was clearly visible from the reproductions of ancient Chinese household items and the historic and cultural references they hold.

 

 

 

 

 

The theme continued in the rooms, with contemporary design beautifully accentuated by oriental decoratifs, as a subtle pervade. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UR Spa at The PuLi is also not to be missed. Embodying the principles of “modern science” and “ancient healing,” UR Spa provides tailor-made treatments using bespoke organic formulations, for result-driven wellness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Garden Terrace at The PuLi is truly a green oasis in the midst of the Jing’An Park. The gorgeous greenery in the open space provides the utmost tranquility, almost making you forget you are located in the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city of Shanghai.

With tasty finger foods and the most extensive wine selections in Shanghai, the Garden Terrace is the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Focusing on intuitive French cuisine with seasonal ingredients, PHÉNIX eatery & bar is a one Michelin star restaurant of The PuLi. Breakfast is also served here every morning.

 

 

 

 

.. or can be enjoyed in-room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you to The PuLi Hotel and Spa for such a wonderful stay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The PuLi Hotel and Spa
Changde Road, Jingan District
Shanghai 200040, China
https://thepuli.com/
(@thepulihotelandspa)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Middle House, Shanghai

 

After a wonderful stay at The Upper House, Hong Kong, I knew The Middle House would be the perfect place to stay for my first trip to Shanghai.

 

 

 

As the most recent addition to The House Collective, The Middle House offers intimate luxury in the heart of Shanghai. Italian interior designer Piero Lissoni, known for his use of sleek and bold lines with clean silhouettes, redefined the modern space with classical Shanghainese elements, taking inspiration from Shanghai’s rich heritage of craftsmanship and culture.

 

 

 

Among two separate buildings (hotel, residence), we checked-in to our beautifully spacious Residence 90. The cream color scheme exuded a warm and inviting atmosphere, while bright pops of color of furnishings gave a bold touch to the room.

 

 

 

The bathroom provided discreet luxury and comfort, featuring ceramic parquet tiles with brushed bamboo textures, and an oval-shaped bathtub.

 

 

 

 

 

One of many dining options at The Middle House is Sui Tang Li, a Chinese restaurant offering a mixture of classic Sichuanese, Cantonese, and Shanghainese dishes.

 

 

 

 

We ordered the Hairy Crab XiaoLongBao, Quail Siu Mai (highly recommend), Scrambled Eggs with Fresh Shrimps and Black Truffle, and Crispy Fried Duck (which I was hesitant at first but so glad I tried!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhausted from a long day of sightseeing, we couldn’t think of a better place to rest and relax than the Mi Xun Spa at the hotel, where we received a 60-min CHA LING signature treatment. Guerlain and LVMH worked together to create specialized CHA LING treatments, which focus on using combined techniques of  traditional Chinese medicine to re-harmonise energy flows and detoxify the skin.

 

 

 

After our heavenly massage, we continued the R&R to the stunning pool for an evening dip.

 

 

 

 

We also tried out Frasca, the hotel’s modern Italian eatery, where we enjoyed a lovely Al Fresco dinner in the outdoor patio. The duck pappardelle was definitely my favorite and a must!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breakfast (lunch, dinner, and drinks) is served everyday at the Cafe Grey Deluxe. (a.k.a. my favorite hotel breakfast spot)

 

 

 

 

Cafe Grey Deluxe is not just your same old average hotel breakfast. Some of their creative and exquisite menu selections include the papaya mango salad, quinoa porridge, croissant truffle scrambled eggs, and short ribs egg benedict, to name a few.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much to everyone at The Middle House for a lovely stay and for the cool ride. Until next time!

 

 

 

 

 

The Middle House
Jingan Qu, No. 366 Shi Men Yi Road
Shanghai, China
www.themiddlehouse.com
(@themiddlehouse)

 

 

Hong Kong Travel Guide

 

 

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WHERE TO STAY:

 

  • The Upper House: Discreet luxury, excellent hospitality. Read more about my 5-star stay at The Upper House HERE. (average rate: $550+) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • The Fleming: Located in the vibrant Wan Chai district, the Fleming is an urban boutique hotel designed in a timeless style inspired by Hong Kong’s iconic cross-harbour ferries. (average rate: $230+)

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • TUVE: Located in Causeway Bay, TUVE Hotel is a chic hotel with minimalist design, beautiful marble details and Le Labo amenities. (average rate: $168+) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHERE TO EAT:

 

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WHAT TO DO:

 

 

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LOEWE PUZZLE BAG

 

 

I remember seeing this Puzzle bag when it first came out about 3 years ago under the new Loewe directed by Jonathan Anderson. My first impression was “what a cool bag” but I never thought I would actually buy one, as the unique cuboid shape made me doubt its longevity.

Fast forward to now, the bag proved me wrong with its staying power and has slowly but surely obtained the title of a true LOEWE icon as of today.

 

 

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The name of the bag, Puzzle, comes from the deftly carved geometric components, resembling the subtly sculptural puzzle pieces.

 

The bag comes in various colors, materials, and sizes. Personally, the design was already a unique statement enough, which is why I opted for the very classic options: Tan, Classic Calfskin, Small.
(24 x 16.5 x 10.5 cm)

The Small size is the perfect size for me on my petite frame, while still fitting a ton.
I’m the kind of person who carries very little with me, but just to give an example, I can also fit in my DSLR camera, on top of what is shown below..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This bag is by far, the most care-free and durable bag in my collection. I am not at all concerned about ruining its shape because it is supposed to have that natural slouch over use, which I am looking forward to. It is also super resistant to scratches or stains, compared to other bags.

 

Although it has only been about 2 months (so still relatively new), I have no doubt in my mind that it will age beautifully.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Though there are 5+ different ways to wear the bag, I usually carry it by the handle, or on my arm/shoulder if I need to be hands-free. The bag can also be folded until it is completely flat – I have not tried this yet but it should come in handy especially when traveling..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While I have been enjoying this bag to bits, like all things in life, it comes with some negatives.

 

 

  1. THE STRAP: If you have been following the journey of the Puzzle bag, you may have noticed some changes throughout the seasons. One of these changes is that the Small version now comes with a thinner strap (the Medium still comes with the wide strap) I was aware of this prior to my purchase, however I did not expect the inconveniences it would bring. The new thinner straps do not stay in place and tends to dangle making the whole look of the bag a tad bit messy. See below for example 😦

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. THE OPENING: I read this on almost every review of this bag, and I also agree with the fact that the short opening is quite cumbersome. While the bag can fit much, getting things in and out of the bag could have been easier if the zippers were wider.

 

 

 

 

 

Despite these minor concerns, my only regret about this bag is not getting it sooner. I truly adore this piece and its incredible craftsmanship and functionality. The stunning shade of Tan magically elevates any kind of outfit, with an understated yet feminine touch, while adding subtle branding with the stamped white logo.

 

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CLICK TO SHOP the Loewe Puzzle bag below: 

 

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The Upper House, Hong Kong

 

 

A haven in the bustling city of Hong Kong, The Upper House is a 5-star contemporary hotel, embracing the concept of understated luxury.

 

 

 

Designed by the renowned architect André Fu, the hotel simultaneously exudes modern luxury and sophisticated comfort with its highly refined aesthetics and thoughtfully considered details.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Centrally located yet magically secluded, the Upper House was named to represent a design philosophy of an upward journey from the bustling city to a calming haven.

 

 

 

 

 

Taking the journey upwards, the hotel’s 117 studios and suites start on the 38th floor, and are spacious and airy, featuring natural materials, bright woods, and muted fabrics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But perhaps the highlight of these rooms at the Upper House is the bathroom featuring thrilling views, Italian marble, a limestone bathtub, and a walk-in rainfall shower, providing the utmost tranquility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Located up on the 49th floor is the Café Gray Deluxe, where breakfast is served every morning with a side of breathtaking views of the Victoria Harbor..

 

 

 

With so many delicious options to choose from, we opted for the Upper East (dim sum, congee, egg noodles) and the Upper West Breakfast (eggs, salmon caviar, fruits, yogurt) – needless to say we were in ultimate #foodheaven!

 

 

 

 

 

Lunch, dinner, afternoon teas are also available at this modern European dining spot by Chef Gray Kunz, as well as drinks at the stunning 14m-stone bar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Across from Café Gray Deluxe is the Sky Lounge, a space to relax and unwind in its cosy atmosphere, surrounded by fireplace and panoramic views.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another spot for rest & relaxation is down on the 6th floor at the Lawn, where the secluded green space perfectly resembles a beautiful urban jungle. The Upper House offers complimentary yoga classes here at the Lawn, with mats and towels all provided.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking of fitness, the gym is also available onsite with a variety of cardiovascular and weight training equipments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In and around the Upper House, divine collection of artworks from leading contemporary Asian artists can be found. Original art pieces, sculptures, and a 10-story atrium were carefully chosen and curated to complement André Fu’s concept of serenity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above all, it was the impeccable service of the attentive staff members at the Upper House that really made our stay ever so wonderful. From remembering our names and faces to thoughtful gestures, it was evident that the Guest Experiences team was dedicated to providing personalized services to each and every guest.

Thank you Upper House + Swire Hotels for this unforgettable experience.
Until next time!

 

 

 

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The Upper House (@upperhouse_hkg)
Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong

 

 

 

 

 

Stay tuned for my Hong Kong guide, coming soon… 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay in Paris: Terrass Hotel

 

 

 

 

First opened in 1911, Terrass Hotel is a historic hotel situated in the vibrant district of Montmartre.

 

 

 

 

 

The 85 rooms and 7 suites have all been re-designed with contemporary elements, taking inspirations from the spirit of artistic Montmartre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The hotel’s airy location on top of Montmartre allows guests to enjoy views over Paris from most of their rooms, some with breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower.

 

 

 

On the 7th floor of the hotel is the beautiful rooftop restaurant + bar with a boasting panoramic views over Paris.

 

 

 

The leather and wooden decor creates an industrial chic feel, where the atmosphere is reminiscent of a bustling Parisian bistro.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TERRASS HOTEL (@terrasshotel)
12-14 Rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018 Paris, France