Over the last 20 years, it feels like I go to Singapore every year or two. And with every visit I am impressed in how the city has changed. Always hot and muggy, but thank goodness it’s clean and very civilized. The transit system is one of the best in the world, so getting around is very easy.
Changi Airport (SIN), is generally considered one of the best Airports in the world, because it is. After customs, the best and easiest it to get a Taxi, the Taxi Stands are well marked and well managed, it’s Singapore.
► Wikipedia information on SIN Singapore Changi Airport
The best source to check which airlines are servicing the airport.
Tourist Visa for US Citizens: Currently, a Valid Passport is the basic requirement for US Citizens.
► US Department of State Singapore Information
Part of the APEC Business Travel program
• Expedited Passport Clearance
• All full members of APEC have no need to apply for a visa or entry permit, as the card is treated as such (except for transitional members, USA and Canada)
► SG Singapore Arrival Card
Digital Entry Card that should be submitted within 3-day of arrival.
Central Singpaore
Size: 115 rooms
Style: Colonial Masterpiece
Year Opened: 1887
Most Recent Renovation/Update: 2019
One of the Best Hotels in the World. A destination unto itself.
There are few hotels in the world whose names have become virtually synonymous with the cities in which they are located – and none more so than the Raffles in Singapore. An all-suite hotel with graceful service that is the city’s icon and a well-loved destination. With over eight dining and bar concepts set amidst charming colonial architecture and surrounded by tropical gardens, it is a social haven that is complemented with a shopping arcade led by the success of Raffles Boutique, completed with wellness experiences by Raffles Spa. The hotel also placed 17th on the World’s 50 Best Hotel list in 2023.
2023: #17
I AM A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival
• Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
A few other surprises as well.
Sentosa Island
Size: 112 rooms
Style: Classic Contemporary
Year Opened: 2009
Designer/Architect: Lord Norman Foster
An excellent getaway hotel from Singapore, or for long stays.
Capella Singapore, a creation of architect Lord Norman Foster, blends Singapore’s colonial heritage with modern designs and a touch of Asian tradition. Choose from 112 guest rooms, suites, villas, and colonial manors decorated by renowned interior designer Jaya Ibrahim. Swim in one of three cascading pools, sunbathe alongside the lush greenery, or be pampered in the award-winning Auriga spa. Dine at Cassia for Chinese cuisine or at The Knolls for Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy a drink while watching the sunset at Bob’s Bar or an elegant Afternoon Tea at its quintessential Chef’s Table. Create your memories with Capella Culturists.
2023: #28
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
I AM A CAPELLA PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival
• Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
• Complimentary set-menu lunch or dinner for two guests, once per stay
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out
Marina Bay
Size: 98 rooms
Style: Classic Contemporary
Year Opened: 2010
Designer/Architect: André Fu
This or THE FULLERTON HOTEL across the street make for an exceptional stay.
With its stunning glass facade illuminated by the sun, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore sparkles on the Marina Bay waterfront. You will enter the hotel – built entirely over water – from the historic Clifford Pier, once the landing point for Singapore’s early settlers. Inside, you’ll be amazed by the spellbinding interiors of design wunderkind André Fu – comfortable and chic accommodations fuse natural hues, rosewood latticed screens, leather, and chrome to full effect. Head to the rooftop for a dip in the swimming pool or a tête-à-tête at the Lantern bar.
I AM A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade at time of booking
• Daily Buffet Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• One Fullerton bear per room, per stay
• Bookings in the Suites will also receive complimentary one-way private airport transfers
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out
and more
facing Marina Bay
Size: 510 rooms
Style: Contemporary
Year Opened: 1987
Most Recent Renovation/Update: 2023
Recently remodeled, I am happy this is back on my preferred hotels list.
Located in the heart of Marina Bay, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is a prime location to explore Singapore’s arts, culture, luxury boutiques, and entertainment venues. After an extensive transformation journey, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore recently reimagined its spaces, design and signature service to deliver a truly unique hospitality experience that embodies what it means to be Exceptionally Singapore. An oasis of luxury comprising luxuriously-appointed rooms and spacious suites overlooking the sea, bay or city, as well as residential suites ranging from one to four bedrooms, ideal for short and long-term stays.
I AM A MANDARIN ORIENTAL PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking for selected room tiers
• Daily buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100 USD equivalent in local currency Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
and more
Orchard Road area
Size: 156 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary
Year Opened: 2023
Most Recent Renovation/Update: 1988
Designer/Architect: Atelier Ikebuchi, Milan-based OTTO Studio headed up by Paola Navone
Great location for those who visit often.
After more than 25 years, COMO Hotels and Resorts finally brings its trademark hospitality home. COMO Metropolitan Singapore marks a debut homecoming, celebrating the first time COMO Group’s signature brands – multi-label fashion retail space curated by Club21, Michelin-starred gourmet concepts, and a new urban wellness space by COMO Shambhala, will be housed under one prestigious address: COMO Orchard.
I AM A COMO PREFERRED PARTNER
National Gallery Singapore
Named The Best Restaurant in Asia 2023, Odette is a modern French eatery founded by Chef Julien Royer in 2015. Coming from a family of farmers, Royer cares deeply about produce, sourcing ingredients from artisanal producers in Asia and Europe and treating them carefully to highlight their purest flavour.
2023 #14
2022 #36
2020 #8
► GO TO ODETTE’S WEBSITE
Tanjong Pagar / Duxton
Dining at Zén is an experience that almost transcends a conventional meal. Dinner is broken into three acts: beginning with a series of snacks or small bites on the first floor; the diner then ascends the stairs to the second floor for the main portion of the meal with plated dishes; finally the desserts and petit-fours are presented on the third floor of the restaurant. Set aside a good 3 to 3.5 hours to dive fully into the experience.
2023 #69
2022 #70
► GO TO ZÉN’S WEBSITE
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Dates of Departure: 14 December 2025
Vessel: Luminara
Nights: 9 Nights
Sailing ID: 13251214
Port of Embarkation: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Port of Debarkation: Singapore
Delve into Sri Lanka’s colonial history in Colombo and the Old Town of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then cross the Bay of Bengal to enjoy jet skiing, snorkeling or diving in the Andaman Islands and sail along the towering limestone islets in the bay of Phuket.
Contact me for Details and Special Amenities
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is a participant in the Marriott Bonvoy Program.
► MORE DETAILS ABOUT THIS SAILING
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
A RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION PREFERRED PARTNER
► UBIGI eSIM
For Asia / Africa / Oceania, Ubigi is my favorite selection for a travel eSIM.
Singapore Travel Guide
Visitors are coming in droves for the food scene, from hawkers to fine dining; cocktail culture (Atlas Bar has the world’s largest collection of gin); the shopping (practically a religion here); and some of the safest, cleanest city streets and subways we’ve ever seen.
► VIRTUOSO: Singapore Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
► WIKIVOYAGE: Singapore Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Singapore.
► VISIT SINGAPORE
The official visitor information for Singapore.
Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express
or leave a comment below
page updated: March 2025
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Singapore Tourism Board
Please Note: All Hotel / Resort / Cruise / Services Amenities are subject to availability and may have changed since the date of this being originally published.
Stephne cole
Singapore is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of dining options that cater to all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re searching for a quick and delicious lunch or indulging in an exquisite fine dining experience, the city’s dynamic food scene never fails to impress.
Finding the Best Lunch Near You
With countless eateries spread across the city, choosing the perfect spot for lunch near me in Singapore is an exciting challenge
For those seeking a more sophisticated dining experience, fine dining Singapore offers world-class options that showcase culinary artistry and exceptional service.