As a Leading Stewardess with Singapore Airlines, Christine Lim has an unwavering commitment to service. Even when she’s not donning the kebaya, the 34-year-old demonstrates a strong desire to help others, regularly participating in volunteering activities to give back to the community.
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This article is part of Singapore Airlines’ Beyond the Cabin Season 2 video series, in which cabin crew unveil experiences in their favourite destinations.
In Shanghai, one’s gaze is inevitably drawn towards the glittering skyline, which is punctuated by famous landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center. However, many wonders can be found at ground level too, as Singapore Airlines cabin crew member Tan Ai Vee shares.
“My favourite thing about Shanghai is its unique blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern-day cosmopolitan vibes,” Ai Vee says. “It’s a fantastic destination for fans of street culture thanks to its vibrant street art, great fashion, diverse nightlife and more.”
Join Ai Vee as she takes us on a tour of Shanghai’s colourful streets.
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Staying connected while you’re soaring at 30,000 feet is easy with Singapore Airlines (SIA). Whether you’re flying Economy, Premium Economy or any other cabin class, you can now enjoy free in-flight Wi-Fi on most SIA flights*. But before you start browsing, here’s what you need to know.
First things first – if you’re a KrisFlyer member, you’re all set for unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi. Just make sure you do one of the following:
Not yet a member of SIA’s frequent flyer programme? Not a problem. You can sign up for free here before your flight or even on board. It’s super easy.
Once cruising altitude is reached, getting online is simple. Check out the details below on how to do so, as well as some tips on how to get connected easily.
Now that you’re connected, feel free to message, email, surf the web (here are some ideas for you) and check your social feeds. Keep in mind, in-flight Wi-Fi doesn’t support streaming, voice/video calls, VPN, software updates or cloud services. Also, don’t be surprised if the speed isn’t quite what you’re used to on the ground – factors like satellite coverage, regulatory restrictions, weather conditions and the number of concurrent users can all play a part.
*Please note: in-flight Wi-Fi is available on most SIA flights. Flights departing from or arriving in Europe or India may experience intermittent Wi-Fi connectivity due to limited satellite coverage over certain air spaces. It’s also not available on the Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft.
To make the most of your in-flight connection, switch on low data or low power mode, turn off automatic updates and media downloads, close any apps you’re not using and avoid data-heavy activities like gaming or file transfers.
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Canlis was the first fine dining restaurant in Seattle, and the third-generation family-run institution is still hitting every note 75 years later with artful service and flawless Pacific Northwest flavours. Filipina Chef Aisha Ibrahim offers a choose-your-own-adventure style tasting menu, where diners select an appetiser, main course and dessert with plenty of delicious surprises sprinkled in along the way.
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Savouring the journey is as important as reaching the destination, and Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) Suites, First and Business Class customers can now look forward to enjoying bespoke dishes from some of the best chefs in the world even before they land at their destination.
For a limited period, on top of the exquisite menu created by the airline’s International Culinary Panel, Suites, First and Business Class customers flying from selected cities can also enjoy a taste of an array of notable chefs’ creations at 30,000 feet.
Chef Søren Selin of the acclaimed two-Michelin-starred Restaurant, AOC, in Copenhagen joins as one of the guest chefs, offering his specially designed menu for Business Class customers flying from Copenhagen. Chef Søren’s menu is a celebration of Danish gastronomy, carefully crafted to bring the flavours of Denmark to the skies.
The appetiser is a visual feast where slow-poached lobster with piquillo yuzu kosho (Japanese citrus chilli paste) mayonnaise, complemented by pickled butter squash, rose hip, micro herbs and semi-dried cherry tomatoes.
For the main course, customers can enjoy a comforting, creamy medley of roasted and glazed monkfish served with mussel beurre blanc (French butter sauce), local potato puree, roasted potato, fried potato chips, smoked oil and trout roe.
“I wanted to find some ingredients that were really in peak season and also something that’s Danish and local, bringing the terroir of Denmark to Singapore Airlines,” says Chef Søren.
All customers will still enjoy a full three-course meal, with dessert included as part of the offering, though it will not be part of Chef Søren’s menu.
This blend of exceptional service, comfort and gourmet dining continues to define Singapore Airlines’ commitment to creating memorable journeys for their customers.
If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, here are five more reasons to get excited about SIA’s exclusive partnership with Chef Søren:
Even before joining AOC as its executive chef, Chef Søren (who is now its co-owner) made a name for himself with stints at several acclaimed establishments around Europe.
Chef Søren cut his teeth at the then-two-Michelin-starred Le Relais Louis XIII and then-one-starred Le Jules Verne in Paris, before becoming the executive head chef at the iconic Alberto K, which used to be located at the top of the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Copenhagen.
Since Chef Søren’s arrival at AOC in 2013, he has made his mark by accentuating the playfulness in Nordic cuisine – resulting in the restaurant acquiring and maintaining a second Michelin star since 2015.
Dining at AOC is a wonderful way to enjoy both the historic and contemporary aspects of local culture. The restaurant is nestled in the wine cellar of a 17th century mansion in the heart of Copenhagen, and its culinary philosophy is centred on working with fresh Nordic produce.
With a capacity of only 40 seats in the main dining area – and an additional private room that accommodates up to 14 guests – it’s a bespoke experience indeed. Bookings are hard to secure, but with the exclusive partnership with SIA, you can now sample Chef Søren’s dishes without the stress of reservations.
To cook up the dishes in a fully-equipped kitchen is one thing – to do so in the sky is another. But that’s a challenge that Chef Søren relishes.
“Of course we had to modify [the dishes] because they don’t have a lot of space in the aircraft to do the things we do at AOC,” he shares. “That’s part of the challenge, and that’s also part of what makes it fun.”
To ensure the utmost quality and freshness, most of the food is prepared in a kitchen on the ground, with only minor final touches completed on board. This thoughtful adaptation guarantees that guests enjoy a dining experience that mirrors the excellence of AOC – even at 30,000 feet.
Chef Søren’s main inspiration comes from nature and the changing of the seasons, and his creations are a celebration of taste, smell and colour.
“In AOC, we have 20 [dishes] so I have to spread out all the ingredients so we don’t repeat the same [ones],” he says. “For example, we use a lot of herbs and wildflowers.”
Describing himself as a “thoughtful” chef, Chef Søren maintains that “the expression that I try to create in AOC is something where I can see myself in the dishes.”
While Chef Søren champions Danish ingredients, he also seeks inspiration from his travels. In fact, one of his most cherished memories is when he tried gazpacho (a cold vegetable soup) for the first time, aged 10, while holidaying with his family in Andalusia. “It blew my mind!” he recalls.
As a chef now, Chef Søren still enjoys visiting different cities around the world and sampling authentic local dishes and flavours, which he subtly incorporates into his unique cooking style.
When asked about his essentials for traveling, Chef Søren reveals, “I always bring my noise-cancelling headphones so I can watch a good movie or listen to a podcast.” He also shares what he looks forward to most when flying with SIA: “I look forward to the hospitality, the comfort, and of course, the dining experience.”
Chef Søren Selin’s menu is available to Business Class customers on Singapore Airlines’ flights from Copenhagen from now until 30 September 2024.
Chef Søren Selin’s menu is now available to Business Class customers on Singapore Airlines’ flights from Copenhagen, for a limited time only.
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This article is part of Singapore Airlines’ Beyond the Cabin Season 2 video series, in which cabin crew unveil experiences in their favourite destinations.
Many people visit Sri Lanka for its lush plantations, which produce a wide array of fine teas. But did you know that the tropical island is also home to some of the best beaches in the world?
“Sri Lanka is nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, and for good reason – it’s a beautiful island surrounded by crystal clear waters. Visitors can enjoy beach activities such as surfing, snorkelling, sunbathing and so much more,” says Andy Chong, a cabin crew member with Singapore Airlines.
Dive into Sri Lanka’s beach scene with Andy and discover the best things to do on – and along – the water.
If you’re hoping to carve some waves, Andy recommends heading to Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s east coast. Surf aficionados relish its warm waters and mellow right-hand point breaks, which are a joy to ride. Visit between April and October for the most consistent swells.
If scuba diving or snorkelling is more your thing, Andy suggests checking out Unawatuna Bay in southern Sri Lanka. “Here, you’ll find colourful coral reefs and a wide variety of marine creatures, including sting rays and moray eels,” he says. Experienced divers can explore several shipwrecks including the SS Rangoon, an Australia-bound steamer that sank in 1871 after setting sail from Galle Harbour.
Around a 90-minute drive from Colombo lies the coastal town of Bentota, which is known for its marine reserves. Here, you can embark on a leisurely cruise along the Bentota River, which will take you through verdant mangrove forests that provide an important habitat for thousands of animal species. Keep your eyes peeled for monitor lizards, fruit bats, herons, kingfishers and more. “It’s the perfect activity for nature lovers hoping to spot a range of wildlife,” Andy says.
As an island with long stretches of coastline, Sri Lanka is, quite naturally, famous for its delicious seafood. In Mount Lavinia, a suburb south of Colombo, you can tuck into deep-fried prawns and steamed garoupa at popular beachfront eatery Barracuda. “The restaurant offers a range of seafood dishes prepared in various ways. Opt for an outdoor table for great sunset views,” Andy says.
Over in Colombo, Upali’s by Nawaloka is beloved for its hearty, homely fare. Signature dishes include the maalu oluwa (fish head cooked in a light, coconut-based curry) and the yapane kakuluwo (crab curry marinated with spices from the northern city of Jaffna). Round off your meal with some wiskothu pudima, a baked biscuit pudding layered with chocolate sauce and topped with vanilla ice cream. “It’s truly a local culinary experience,” Andy enthuses.
Lined with bars, pubs and nightclubs, Hikkaduwa Beach along Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast is a veritable nightlife hotspot. Andy’s pick is Sea Salt Society, a trendy bar and restaurant with a laid-back vibe and excellent live music. “The food is great, as is the service. In fact, one of my favourite things about Sri Lanka is its warm hospitality. It makes visitors feel right at home,” Andy says.
Andy also enjoys hanging out at Locale in the southern town of Weligama. “Overlooking the crashing waves, it’s a great place to unwind after a surfing session. The cocktails pay homage to Sri Lankan culinary culture and often feature local ingredients,” Andy shares. Try the Island Dodum Iced Tea, a mix of Old Arrack (a distilled alcoholic drink), ginger, local oranges, kithul palm syrup and orange bitters – a refreshing tipple that encapsulates the spirit of Sri Lanka.
At Singapore Airlines, we’re all about taking you places – whether that’s 30,000 feet in the air or 3,000+ attractions across the globe. Check out our travel experiences platform Pelago and lifestyle rewards app Kris+, and discover how you can get the most out of your next trip.
Singapore Airlines flies to Colombo daily.
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Seattle has its fair share of attractions, but if you want to experience this US city not as a tourist but as a resident, here are a few favourite spots that locals love. From great dining with secret menu tips and blissful natural escapes to a hidden skincare sanctuary and making your own glass art masterpiece, this is an insider’s guide to Seattle that you wouldn’t uncover on your own.
After visiting the jaw-dropping, larger-than-life sculptures at Chihuly Garden and Glass head to the Seattle Glassblowing Studio just a few blocks away in Belltown and browse glass objets d’arts by dozens of local and international artists. If you’re overcome with a burst of artistic inspiration, you can even make your own glass, bowl, ornament or paperweight to take home in less than an hour. Private lessons are available for individuals, couples and small groups and the talented staff makes classes fun without an ounce of pretension as you colour and shape your piece with a helping hand. They’ll effortlessly salvage your piece if you falter so you’re guaranteed a spiffy one-of-a-kind souvenir.
For the best facial massage of your life, find Seattle Facialist tucked in an unexpected location within Shred 415’s high intensity workout studio conveniently located downtown by the I-5 Express. Esthetician Patty Huang previously worked at Lotte Seattle but now she’s working for herself. Rest assured she will help you get your glow back after a long flight with her soft deft hands and cold-pressed botanical skincare from Parisian skincare brand Vie De Mer. Every facial is precisely tailored for each guest, and Huang’s unique “fassage” facial massage technique feels like a natural facelift.
There’s always an hour-long line outside the original Starbucks at Pike Place Market, but you’re better off heading down the steps to indi chocolate’s café for far better coffee and drinking chocolate. The bean-to-bar chocolate maker serves a variety of espresso and cold brew drinks, along with tea, chocolates and fresh baked pastries. The mole caramel latte is savoury and sweet and their single-origin mochas are to die for, showcasing the impact of terroir on cacao’s flavour. Pair your coffee with the best chocolate chip cookie in Seattle, studded with roasted cacao nibs and flaky sea salt and buy a few bars to take home as gifts.
On the East side of Seattle by Lake Washington, Washington Park Arboretum recently launched Outdoor Wellness Fridays, where a certified forest therapy guide and yoga instructor leads guests through breath meditation and gentle yoga suitable for all abilities, followed by a restorative sound bath in nature with a gong and crystal singing bowls. It’s an ideal break from urban hustle and bustle and a chance to meet likeminded nature lovers as you literally stop to smell the roses.
While Pike Place Market is definitely worth visiting, locals don’t often shop here because of the congestion and higher prices. The Sunday Ballard Farmers Market is Seattle’s favourite neighbourhood farmers’ market with everything coming exclusively from Washington State farmers. Enjoy live music, loads of samples and stock up on fruit and vegetables from SpringRain Farm & Orchard, cheese from Fantello Farmstead Creamery, sockeye salmon from Eva’s Wild, bread from The French Guys and roasted hazelnuts from Holmquist. Take your treats to go and enjoy a picnic at nearby Discovery Park or Golden Gardens Beach. There are plenty of prepared food vendors too, for crêpes, pastries, popsicles, grilled quesadillas and hot tamales.
Wine lovers, head to Le Caviste in downtown Seattle for the city’s best selection of French wines by the glass on a chalkboard menu. There are wine cases stacked in the simple bare bones space, but friendly owners and staff create a convivial atmosphere. They also have cheese, charcuterie and steak tartare, perfect for a light dinner. If you prefer Italian wines, Neb Wine Bar just a few blocks away is your best bet.
Canlis in Queen Anne Hill is well-known as Seattle’s fine dining icon. You may try their multi-course dining experience, but locals know there is also an à la carte bar menu if you want to listen to the live music and enjoy the views but aren’t in the mood for a lengthy tasting menu. The cocktails are excellent and you can also order from the full wine list. Pair your drinks with approachable comfort food like the Canlis twist on McDonald’s filet-o-fish sandwich, burgers and a classic ice cream sundae. Walk-ins are welcome, so you’re free to indulge your spontaneous culinary cravings.
Take a day trip to Bainbridge Island for a low-key city escape and quintessential Seattle experience. The scenic 35-minute ferry ride is convenient and costs US$9.85 (S$13) for adults or around US$17.50-$22.50 (S$23.50-30) for a passenger and vehicle combination. Consider renting a car and driving onto the ferry since rideshares like Uber and Lyft are not available on the island. Once you arrive on Bainbridge there are plenty of beautiful hikes of varying difficulty, along with the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, cute shops and dining.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Seattle, visit the official website.
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Beach clubs in Bali are a dime a dozen, but what makes Luna special is its gorgeous bamboo architecture, which will make you believe that you’ve been transported to James Cameron’s Avatar. Add to that the thumping beats and a soon-to-be-launched otherworldly light show, and you’ve got something spectacular. There’s much to do here, including water slides down to the cave club’s poolside bar, a beer garden and a dessert bar called Jelly Beans – so take your time to explore.
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Shangri-La Tokyo’s greatest feat is how it retains a refined calm despite being in the heart of action in Tokyo’s Marunouchi district. Enjoy sweeping views of landmarks like Tokyo Sky Tree tower and the bay, from the comfort of some of the largest rooms available in this metropolis. And in the rooms and across the facilities, keep an eye out for over 2,000 exquisite pieces of artwork that add a touch of poetry to your stay.
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This sprawling cliffside resort by Jimbaran Bay is not the newest kid on the block, but at just 12km from Bali’s international airport and with four hotel concepts that appeal to different types of travellers, it’s a good choice for those who seek a conveniently located integrated resort experience. You’ll find 27 dining options, a private beach and 14 swimming pools – yes, even a brand-new cultural museum where you can immerse yourself in Balinese heritage. Whatever you do, don’t miss a trip to the spa’s aquatonic pool, a seawater pool where a succession of water jets will pummel your tension away. For gorgeous villas with ocean-facing private plunge pools, AYANA Villas Bali is the one to pick.
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Though not quite as massive as the famed 1920s-inspired bar ATLAS, this gorgeous Art Deco-inspired drinking den certainly makes it worth the detour from the main Orchard Road shopping belt. A bronze-chested fairy nymph presides over your raucous revelry, while ornate motifs and Tiffany-teal tiles glint in the low light. There’s a solid selection of cocktails here, but don’t skip the High Mountain – a buttery, oolong-infused vodka concoction which comes with a delicate milk foam crisp that dissolves like a cloud in your mouth. Just for a moment, you can pretend you’re in wonderland.
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Beijing’s rapid modernisation since the 1950s has seen the city gradually encircled by six ring roads at ever greater distances from the centre, like the ripples in water created from a dropped stone. Beijing’s Daxing International Airport, sitting far south of the city, beyond the furthest ring, seems at first an unlikely location for sight-seeing.
But while the airport is well-connected by high-speed rail and metro to the city’s world-famous palaces, temples and monuments, the outlying Beijing districts such as Daxing, Fengtai and Fangshan also contain much to explore. These sights are within two hours’ ride-share or taxi journey from the airport, but few Beijing visitors venture far enough out to see them. Here are underrated experiences you won’t want to miss.
A forty-minute drive from Daxing International Airport, at the labyrinthine market of Shilihe Tianjiao on the edge of the city’s third ring, you’ll find flowers, fish, birds and insects – everything needed for the four great traditional pastimes of Beijing. Mynahs compete for your attention, schooled to call out: “Come in. Come in. Come in.” Smaller birds such as the black-capped wutong spring skywards to collect blowpipe-blown beads, returning to their trainer’s hand for a reward in flax seed.
Meanwhile, brilliant slivers of orange – lionhead and celestial eye goldfish, bred for their bulbous heads and skyward gaze respectively – dart around in coloured buckets, and singing crickets pose on the hands of potential buyers. It’s a rousing atmosphere that provides plenty of photo opportunities. Those seeking a souvenir that’ll survive the flight home can also find colourful, handmade ‘sand swallow’ kites and other local crafts.
At 60 hectares, this remaining fragment of the walled southern hunting ground of the Qing emperors is modest in scale, but one of the best-run animal exhibits in China. Milu Yuan in Daxing district, just 40 minutes away from the airport, is home to endangered Père David’s deer, reintroduced from England in 1985 after the herd here, the last in China, had all been poached. It also functions as an ecological research centre, and plays an important role in conserving this species.
Colloquially named sibuxiang, or ‘four dissimilarities’, these creatures have the horns of a deer, the face of a horse, the hooves of a cow and the tail of a donkey – according to a traditional saying. Conservation-minded signage introduces other deer, too, and identifies owls, crows, kingfishers and more, while making it clear that you’re only a guest in what is the deer’s space.
The Ming Tombs, much closer to Beijing, are on most tourist itineraries. But the Western Qing Tombs in Yi County, Hebei province, almost two hours’ drive from the airport, offer a more extravagant imperial burial site with far more to see and a more tranquil experience. The 18th-century Yongzheng emperor first ordered his tomb to be built here, rather than with his immediate Qing forefathers about 300km to the east. There are multi-courtyard complexes here for four emperors, four empresses, four princes, two princesses and 57 concubines, many with a charmingly timeworn air, along with ornate memorial arches and a semi-circular wall with curious sonic effects – see if you can locate the right spot to stand in where anything you say echoes back to you multi-fold.
Those buried here include the Pearl Concubine, who was thrown down a well and drowned in 1900, and the very last emperor of China, Puyi, whose remains were moved to a small modern shrine in 1995.
The Luguo Qiao, meaning “reed ditch bridge”, gets its English name from Marco Polo’s account of his travels. Originally built in the late 12th century, the bridge lies about 45 minutes north of Daxing International Airport in Fengtai district and remains little changed since a 1698 restoration.
Its 11 balustraded arches are studded with carved stone lions, and counting these is supposed to make you go mad. Even modern guidebooks give the number as anything between 140 and 501 – so be careful.
The walls that once surrounded even China’s smaller settlements were torn down in the 20th century, and little Wanping’s charm lies in being one of the few to retain them. This was not due to their 17th-century construction, but rather to their 20th-century significance. Located near the militarily important Fengtai railway junction, about 45 minutes from the airport, this town witnessed the opening battles in the 1937–45 Sino-Japanese war. A half-hour stroll around the battlement walls offers views of the tracks in one direction and of city alleys in the other.
These battlements are unusual in having no north or south gate, and no central drum and bell towers, but the west gate is right by the Marco Polo Bridge, and it is here that the walls may be mounted.
This Buddhist temple in the Fangshan district, 70km southwest of Beijing and about an hour’s drive west of Daxing International Airport, was founded in the 7th century. Although its current buildings are much more modern, it is home to more than 10,000 stone tablets on which Buddhist sutras were carved, which date back to the temple’s founding. Known as the Stone Canon of Fangshan, these were discovered inside nearby walled-up caves in 1957, and famed for being the authoritative versions of key Buddhist texts.
Some of them are translations by the 7th century expeditionary scholar-monk Xuanzang whose journey to India to obtain authoritative scriptures was mythologised in the classic Chinese Novel, Journey to the West. The temple is full of the sound of people tamping colour onto wetted pieces of paper stuck to the front of these stones in order to take impressions of the scriptures.
Recently Beijing has become a major showcase for the most remarkable creations of fashionable foreign architects, and despite the other nearby attractions described here, the airport itself, designed by the late Anglo-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, should not be overlooked.
A Pritzker Prize winner, Hadid left several notable buildings in the city, including the world’s tallest atrium between the sinuous twin towers of Leeza SOHO and the Galaxy SOHO office, residential and retail complex, copied elsewhere in China even before it was completed.
But the 700,000m² terminal at Daxing, the largest in the world, is her greatest achievement. Inside, the easy-to-navigate, starfish-shaped building seems more liquid than solid, pouring itself from one floor to another beneath a dizzying gridwork roof that allows natural light into its vast halls.
From 11 November 2024, Singapore Airlines (SIA) will operate new daily services to Beijing Daxing International Airport, in addition to existing services to Beijing Capital International Airport. Flights between Singapore and Beijing Capital International Airport will also increase from 18 to 21 weekly services from 5 August 2024. For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Beijing, visit the official website.
For our full list of things to try and places to see in Beijing, check out our Beijing City Guide.
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Sitting on the west of Port Philip Bay, a mere hour’s drive southwest of Melbourne, Victoria’s second-largest city tends to fly under the radar. Yet this waterfront city of about 289,000 people is a destination in its own right. With expansive views of Corio Bay to the east and the dramatic granite ridges of You Yangs Regional Park to the north, Geelong is a thriving cosmopolitan coastal town. Here, you can stroll along the historic promenade with the wind in your hair, take a walking tour to immerse in the heritage and local art scene or learn about Aboriginal culture and spiritual connections to the land.
Geelong also marks the start of the Bellarine Peninsula, just a 25-minute drive east. It’s home to some of Victoria’s best vineyards, gourmet offerings and beaches perfect for surfing or swimming with wildlife. Like Singapore, Geelong is Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design – a mark of how both cities use creativity to build more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities. Geelong is also a global innovation hub on advanced manufacturing and clean energy, spearheaded by Deakin University, a partner of Singapore Airlines.
Here are seven great ways to experience the vibrant Victorian coast along Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula.
Geelong is a magnet for artists who are drawn to its sweeping mountain backdrop and expansive seascapes, as well as its small-town community feel. In this vibrant university town, some of the best art is free.
Geelong art trails are a popular way to get to know the town and take in some history and culture. There are 15 trails to choose from, including the First Nations NBN Box Art Trail, the Women’s Street Art Project and the St Leonards Heritage Trail. Each trail ranges from 3–6km, taking between one and three hours from start to finish – although you can jump in and out as you like.
Try the quirky Baywalk Bollard Trail, a two-hour walk starting from Rippleside Park through the waterfront to the Geelong Botanic Gardens. Admire more than 100 bollards painted to resemble pivotal characters from Geelong’s history, from its original Indigenous inhabitants to modern day heroes and entertainers.
To find your nearest art trail, street art, gallery or temporary installation, download the free Geelong Arts and Culture Trails app.
The Bellarine Peninsula is home to more than 30 vineyards, from small boutique growers like Oneday Estate and Oakdene Vineyards to sprawling properties such as Bellarine Estate. Just take a 25-minute drive east from Geelong city centre, along Portarlington Road, and let the wine tour commence. Most of these vineyards specialise in cool climate wines, which are produced from grapes that have a long, cool growing season and thrive in close proximity to the ocean.
For a vineyard that offers breathtaking views of Port Philip Bay and the You Yangs Regional Park, visit Jack Rabbit Vineyard. Across the road at Terindah Estate, you can sample a variety of wines in a refurbished W Class tram bar – it looks like an old-school Melbourne tram on the outside but has the feel of an intimate country wine bar on the inside.
Finish off with The Whiskery just around the corner, a rustic-chic cellar door for Bellarine Distillery that produces gins and whiskeys, matured in oak barrels from regional Victoria. See if you can identify their notes of orange blossom honey, plum and red berries that make them uniquely Australian.
In the coastal town of Portarlington, just beyond the vineyards and a 30-minute drive from Geelong, you’ll find a thriving mussel farming settlement known nationwide for the quality of its shellfish, thanks to the coolness and depths of the bay. Dig into fresh catch at Pier St Café, or hop aboard a Portarlington Mussel Tour to learn more about the trade. Mussel farmer Lance Wiffin takes visitors on an intimate cruise – no more than 12 people at a time – of Port Philip Bay on his refurbished 40-year-old mussel trawler.
Here, you can witness the mussel ropes being pulled from the sea – or even try it yourself. Then watch a live cooking demonstration and taste the day’s catch, cooked in various ways such as classic style mussels Kilpatrick (broiled and topped with cooked bacon, seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and ketchup) or in a cider broth, all with a glass of Bellarine wine in hand.
Another way to sample great Australian produce while on the move is to hop aboard The Q Train at Drysdale Railway Station, a simple 20-minute drive from Geelong or 15 minutes from Portarlington. This luxurious restored train offers guests a gourmet experience while it chugs along the historic Bellarine railway tracks. Over a three-hour journey that takes you from Drysdale to Queenscliff and back, you’ll experience a five-course degustation meal made from locally-produced ingredients. Think dishes like a seasonal vegetable bisque featuring Bellarine oyster mushrooms and Lard Ass Butter, or a cassoulet showcasing sausages created from Otway Ranges Dama Dama venison and Barongarook pork.
Savour your meal as the train gently winds through picturesque olive groves, farmland and dramatic coastal landscapes. For extra thrills, book the steam locomotive which runs on the first two weekends of each month. Its billowing steam and chuffing engine will enchant any train enthusiast.
Get up close to Port Philip Bay’s most stunning marine life at Sea All Dolphin Swims, located at Queenscliff Harbour 35 minutes from Geelong. Port Philip Bay houses the larger of only two known resident populations of Burrunan dolphins, and you can swim and snorkel among them, as well as spot wild Australian fur seals. All equipment is provided, and novices are welcome. If you prefer to stay dry, you can also embark on sightseeing boat trips.
While you’re at Queenscliff, wander down to the Observation Deck, where you might be lucky enough to spot stingrays that populate the harbour from September to June.
Around half an hour by car from Geelong is Serendip Sanctuary, a 250-hectare wildlife oasis that teems with kangaroos, wallabies, emus and birdlife. Explore four interconnecting trails that take you across the grassy woodlands and wetlands – each is clearly marked and no longer than a 2 km return journey, making it a family-friendly nature adventure.
Bellarine Peninsula is also an ideal starting point to experience Australian surfing culture along the Great Ocean Road, renowned for pristine coastlines, rugged cliffs and dense bushland. Start in the seaside town of Ocean Grove on the southern point of the Bellarine Peninsula. Try catching a wave with Great Ocean Road Surf Tours, with their two-hour lessons suitable for the beginner to the advanced.
Drive 30 minutes southwest to Torquay, the birthplace of Australian surf culture. Here you’ll find the iconic Bells Beach, where the annual Rip Curl Pro surfing competition takes place in March. Learn from the patient experts at Go Ride A Wave, who offer lessons for all ages and skill levels.
Next, head to Anglesea, another iconic surf town 20 minutes southwards. Here, you can experience surfing along the classic Great Ocean Road coast with SeaEarth Adventures or embark on a kayaking trip along Anglesea River. For family-friendly fun, drive 30 minutes down to Lorne, where dense bushland comes right up to the shore. If you need a break from surfing, admire the stunning Erskine Falls, or the nine other waterfalls within 10km of this coastal town.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Melbourne, visit the official website.
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Boutique bottle shop La Maison Du Whisky (LMDW APAC) is where connoisseurs gather to discover rare Scotches and hard-to-find cognacs. Located in the vibrant Robertson Quay, with a view of the Singapore River, more than 1,000 premium whiskies, rums, brandies, gins and tequilas line the shop’s illuminated shelves. The staff are both friendly and well-versed with their formidable catalogue, so ask away. If you’re contemplating a bottle (or even if you’re not), it’s worth nabbing a seat at the marble counter.
Though compact, the bar has one of most comprehensive by-the-dram menus in the country, ranging from a Thai rum by Chalong Bay to the exceedingly rare Karuizawa 34-year-old Japanese whisky. Try their signature Old Fashioned, made with Blanton’s Original bourbon.
Collectors will want to keep a keen eye out for limited special releases such as the Kavalan 2016 Virgin Oak that’s bottled exclusively for Whisky Live Singapore, a highly anticipated fine spirits show organised annually by LMDW APAC.
The brand’s close working relationships with distilleries mean they have incredible access to absolute rarities, like the Barbados 16-year-old 2006 single cask from their own Transcontinental Rum Line, released in celebration of its 18th anniversary.
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For a wellness-centric stay within easy reach of Sentosa’s key attractions and restaurants, Oasia Resort Sentosa is hard to beat. Its award-winning spa serves up satisfying massages and treatments, and there’s a full suite of activities that you can join in during your stay. These include morning yoga, aqua pilates and bath scrub and soap-making workshops. You’ll need to reserve your slot for these activities with the front desk, and do check before the commencement of each activity in case they are cancelled or rescheduled without notice.
As of April 2024, the hotel introduced a new room category – the 19 Courtyard Premier rooms feature spacious al fresco spaces with bean bags that are perfect for lounging in the evenings. Enjoy a sumptuous a la carte breakfast spread at the on-site restaurant, Bedrock Origin. A word to the wise: reserve your table or come early to avoid the long lines that start around 9am, as the restaurant seating is limited.
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The first thing you’ll notice about the 48 rooms at this boutique hotel is how every inch is thoughtfully designed and laden with local charm. Art by contemporary Singaporean artists clad the walls, while modern gadgets from Dyson and Bang & Olufsen sit alongside amenities by homegrown brands: think hand-thrown ceramics by Un Studio, repurposed glassware by Soda Lemon SG and bathrobes by IN GOOD COMPANY.
While more compact than most big hotel brands, 21 Carpenter boasts an unparalleled location and a stellar dine-in restaurant called Kee’s. The hotel occupies a former remittance house on the busy New Bridge Road, close to the artsy Civic District as well as the party central of Clarke Quay. When the sun goes down, adjourn to the high-ceilinged al fresco Garden Terrace on the third floor, and have the attentive staff at Kee’s send up your cocktails. The warm lights, cool breeze and chill vibes will make your evening one to remember.
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Set along four locations on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Pounamu Pathway is a collection of four experience centres, each charting the history of New Zealand’s Māori peoples. The experience centres are located at Kawatiri, Māwhera, Hokitika and Awarua. In each of these hubs, cultural stories are brought to life by creative partner Wētā Workshop which uses technology to present history in a rich and immersive way.
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Produced by SilverKris for PHS HAIRSCIENCE
This luxury Singaporean brand is revolutionising hair care through scientific innovation. Offering holistic, high-performance treatments, its expertly formulated products and services address various hair and scalp concerns using medical-grade ingredients and patented technologies, ensuring vibrant, healthy hair. Standouts include the FEM Fortify Shampoo, its bestselling hair loss prevention solution, and the dual-repair RES series, designed for dry, damaged, and chemically treated hair. For extra care, try the popular H2 Advanced Scalp Repair Treatment, which addresses common scalp issues like dandruff, sensitivity, and oiliness.
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What’s harder to design than a home? Well, a home away from home. Not only do hotels have to be more comfortable and stylish than our own abodes, but they should also serve as a portal to a destination. Designing a welcoming space that also expands one’s horizons is an art few have perfected. Here, highly sought-after interior architect André Fu, design master Bill Bensley, international design darling Tara Bernerd and leading hospitality designer Victoria Edwards reveal which properties rank five stars in their books.
How does a city hotel with no grand lobby, in-house spa or rooftop pool consistently rank as one of the best in Asia? The enduring appeal of The Upper House in Hong Kong largely comes down to the impeccable design of André Fu. Built in 2009, the first project of the Hong Kong-based interior architect is a great example of his “relaxed luxury” aesthetic. Featuring a mix of muted colours, sumptuous shapes and a deep understanding of cross-cultural design, Fu’s approach has a certain alchemy. It’s not surprising why global citizens are drawn – and fiercely loyal – to this sublime property.
Since then, Fu has been behind other prestigious spaces including London’s first all-suite hotel The Emory, which opened earlier this year (he also designed the spa of its sister hotel Claridge’s), the sprawling art-centric Villa La Coste in Provence, and the serene Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto. On designing hotels, he explains that “it’s almost like building a mental collage that pieces different inspirations and visual references together, conjuring up a world that truly reflects the original project vision that I am entrusted with.”
So what does this celebrated tastemaker look for in a hotel? “I tend to opt for hotels that tell a story—sometimes it’s the context of the project or the design approach. I’ve travelled extensively and have stayed in a countless number of specialty suites, so what I’m really looking for is a distinct point of view.”
“I tend to opt for hotels that tell a story, that have a distinct point of view”
Based on a recent stay, Fu says he was enamoured by the sleek urban property Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo. “I was impressed by its rooftop bar and its adjoining outdoor terrace,” Fu says. Another highlight is Passalacqua in Lake Como, an hour’s drive from Milan, which sits on top of the 2023 World’s 50 Best Hotels list. He describes it as “a true dreamscape that captures the dolce vita lifestyle.” Lastly, Amanpuri in Phuket is a true winner in his books. “This is a legendary property that has really stood the test of time. I’m particularly fond of the steps leading to the beach.”
Utterly eclectic, full of character and ultra-Instagrammable – these are few ways to describe the ingenious work of Bill Bensley. Since planting his roots in Asia over 35 years ago, the American has worn various hats as a landscape architect, interior designer, hotelier and eco-crusader; he often combines all of these roles in a single project.
Known for being a prolific designer, Bensley has delivered over 200 hospitality projects in 50 countries including the antique-filled, luxury tented retreat Capella Ubud in Bali, Indonesia, the upcycled train carriages-turned-suites at Intercontinental Khao Yai Resort in Thailand and the 19th century hill station that he transformed into Rosewood Luang Prabang in Laos.
Bensley doesn’t look for the next project, he hand-picks it. “When offered urban projects, I usually pick the city I’m most curious about. Then I visit several times starting with the places of worship. I find that temples and churches tell the most about a society’s built language,” he says. Projects in remote destinations, on the other hand, leads Bensley to walk the site over and over to understand the environmental idiosyncrasies. “Oftentimes I will set up a tent and camp and sketch on the site,” he adds. Over the last decade, he has opened his own hotel collection under the Shinta Mani brand; its most recent opening is Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection in Nepal.
Where does this ardent explorer choose to stay? The charismatic Hoshinoya Kyoto in Arashiyama is a top pick. “I love Hoshinoya Kyoto. One arrives by boat and though it’s only minutes away from the village, the ryokan sits in a beautiful, natural and quiet environment. Every room is different, and while contemporary, it exudes local culture,” he says.
Another favourite is Huka Lodge in New Zealand’s Lake Taupo area, which speaks to Bensley’s adventurous side. “Any lodge suite that comes with a pair of rigged up fly rods and is just steps away from a gin-clear river full of giant brown trout is good enough for me!” Huka Lodge is a short 45-minute domestic flight from Auckland Airport.
When it comes to luxury interiors, there’s a tendency for designers to veer towards a safe territory. That’s not in Tara Bernerd’s playbook, who is sought-after for her bold and daring approach that embodies sophistication. The award-winning British designer has been crafting elegant, personality-filled interiors for yachts, homes and hotels since 2002, when she founded her eponymous practice.
“For me it’s always about a connection with the place, the property and the people involved,” says Bernerd. “We try to ensure that each project we undertake is indigenous to the surrounding environment which is key for a sustainable element and the local vernacular, and we therefore find each one has its own unique identity.”
Her two latest projects, the regal Rosewood Munich and chic Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, perfectly capture Bernerd’s wonderful ability to weave the old with the new. In Munich, the challenge was combining two heritage buildings and giving it a modern spin, while at the Riviera Maya, it was all about reinventing an iconic hotel and crafting a timeless interior.
When travelling for leisure, Bernerd says there are hotels she returns to year after year, but she’s still immensely curious about new places. “I prefer an alluring, intelligently designed, spacious room that’s light and has a view if possible.”
As someone with a deep love of Italy, Caruso by Belmond on the Amalfi Coast sits high on her list. “Caruso is magnificent, its dramatic views are literally breathtaking. Eating outdoors after an aperitivo in their bar speaks of a dolce vita glamour that brings the elegance of the past into the world of today.” Take a 3.5 hour-long drive southwards from Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport to get to Caruso.
Another favourite in Italy is Four Seasons Hotel Milano, which she calls an institution. “Once an old convent, the interiors celebrate the history and yet embrace a modern design. The garden is joyful as are all of the team, run by the amazing general manager Andrea Obertello.”
Lastly, the well-loved Claridge’s in London has also captured Bernerd’s heart. “The moment I step into Claridge’s, a wave of nostalgia sweeps through me. You’re transported into a bygone time yet paradoxically the hotel is alive with the bustle of the city. It captures everything that is magical about London! The recently redecorated rooms and suites are exquisite, the new restaurant is marvellous, cocktails at the Fumoir bar are seductive and the stunning new spa adds to the hotel’s stellar offering.”
There’s probably no major hotel brand that hasn’t worked with Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), a renowned hospitality design firm established in 1965 that has grown to become a global force. With 1,380 designers in 24 offices, it’s a fast-paced environment to work in, one where Victoria Edwards thrives.
“I love a property that feels storied, enchanting and leaves you feeling inspired”
The firm has completed 15,000 projects across 80 countries, including the Singapore Airlines airport lounges that feature an understated elegance befitting of the brand. When starting a project, Edwards says it’s important to take a 360-degree view. “Firstly, where is it located and what magical stories can you uncover about the location to inspire the design? Then who is the clientele and what can you create that will delight them now, and into the future? And of course, how can you best weave the essence of the brand into the project in ways that really sing,” says Edwards.
This meticulous approach pays off when one sees the end result such as Mondrian Hong Kong, the brand’s first property in Greater China. The 324-key hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui is fashioned as a lively, colourful space that captures the energy of the city. It recently won three major accolades at the LIV Hospitality Design Awards 2024.
When on personal holidays, Edwards seeks a little bit of luxury but also looks for charm. “I love a property that feels storied and enchanting – that tells a tale about where it is located and leaves you feeling inspired.”
A great example is Amanbagh in Rajasthan, India, which as Edwards puts it, is dripping with magic. “The dusty pink palace feels at once immensely luxurious and perfectly in keeping with the surroundings. I love the blurred design lines between the earthy rose haveli-inspired exteriors that melt into the perfectly appointed, wonderfully balanced interiors.” Amanbagh is a 3.5 hour-long drive from New Delhi International Airport.
In terms of hotel brands, Edwards really resonates with the ethos of the COMO group, best served up at COMO Maalifushi in Maldives. “The holistic approach to wellness is impeccably executed and pervades every element of your stay,” she says. “The relaxed, nourishing brand positioning combined with the hotel’s location on the stunningly remote Thaa Atoll results in a very special experience, indeed.”
Lastly, Mas Sant Marc in La Cerdanya, a little-known haven hidden away in the Pyrenees, is another one that Edward adores. “This small hotel is charm embodied. It’s a classic Catalan stone country home that has been reimagined into a jewel of a hotel. It’s designed to feel like it’s stuffed full of well-loved heirlooms, yet is intensely comfortable and friendly. It’s set in picturesque gardens that tumble out into the grassy mountain plains beyond.” Mas Sant Marc is a two-hour drive from Barcelona’s Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport.
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Produced by SilverKris for PHS HAIRSCIENCE
Jet-setting to another humid destination? It’s easy to get swept away by all the travel preparations, from booking flights to planning an itinerary. But don’t forget your travel must-haves; clothes and accessories are a given, but equally important are hair and scalp care products that shield against the sun, heat, humidity and other harsh elements.
Whether you plan on freediving into unexplored depths or conquering limestone formations, keep your summer mane in tip-top condition with these expert tips from Arica Sen, a senior education manager at PHS HAIRSCIENCE.
Exploring under the sun for hours can cause dirt, sweat and sebum buildup, so it’s recommended that you wash your head whenever it feels grimy. Sen says, “When the scalp is well-cleansed and cared for, it becomes a good environment for healthy scalp functions. This promotes optimal, natural hair growth and prevents problems like hair breakage or scalp issues. [A clean scalp also] aids in better absorption of other products.”
Though most hotels offer toiletries, Sen advises packing your favourite products that target specific concerns in travel-sized bottles. Start off with ADV Nutrition Shampoo (S$52) containing botanical extracts that deeply purify your mane and scalp without stripping away their natural protective barriers. Then, double cleanse with a correcting shampoo that restores hair moisture and protects the scalp (RES Repair Shampoo, S$54) or one that eliminates dandruff flakes and excess sebum (ADV Purify Shampoo, S$54). Nourish the ends of your hair by leaving the ADV Nutrition Conditioner (S$52) on for a few minutes before rinsing.
Aside from a cleansing set, take an ultra-nourishing, nutrient-enriched product with you. Working hand in hand with olive oil (for soft, manageable locks) and camellia japonica seed oil (to restore natural sheen), the pure argan oil found in ADV Argan Oil (S$88) provides hair with intense moisturisation to shield it against UV stress and pollutants.
Just as drinking water is essential to regulating body temperature in hot weather, your hair also needs hydrating products to keep it healthy inside out. “High temperature or humidity levels damage the cuticle layer of the hair and rearrange the bonds inside each hair fibre, turning a smooth look into a textured structure. Hair becomes frizzy and tangles easily,” explains Sen.
The solution? Apply leave-on hair products to restore and prevent cuticle damage. Spray the FAB Thermal Care Detangler Hair Mist (S$55) immediately after shampooing to loosen tangles, followed by FAB Anti-Frizz Hair Perfect Treatment (S$76) – an all-in-one lightweight product that moisturises and smoothens as it holds your hairstyle.
Exposing your head to the elements or wearing a tight cap all day can cause dandruff produced by sweat, overactive sebaceous glands and other factors. For travellers prone to getting pesky flakes, a pre-shampoo treatment such as ADV Purify Daily Essence (S$108) will come in handy. Not only does this treatment eliminate excess oil flakes and product buildup, but it also reduces inflammation and prevents the formation of yeast, bacteria and fungi. Additionally, it is powered by ProLac P3®, which supports the cell’s innate power for cellular renewal.
Saltwater and chlorine can wreak havoc on your tresses, especially when they’re dry or coloured. High levels of sodium draw out moisture from your hair, which can damage the cuticles. Similarly, the strong chemicals used to keep the pool water germ-free cause hair bonds to change their form.
To prevent locks from drying and breaking, Sen suggests applying a soothing scalp tonic and thermal care hair product. She says these can “act like a sunblock to protect against radical damage”. In addition to shielding your hair, the restorative botanical complex found in ADV Soothe Tonic (S$112) works to improve scalp resistance and balance.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can make your scalp extra sensitive. Sen reminds travellers heading to warm destinations to “bring along a scalp mask and a soothing gel to help calm the scalp and hair after sun exposure.” For extra hydration and UV protection, slathering a thin coat of FAB Anti-Frizz Hair Perfect Treatment will do the trick!
Packed with panthenol, salicylic acid, hydrolysed silk, grape seed oil, botanical extracts and skin-identical ceramides, RES Recovery Hair & Scalp Mask (S$125) is a dual-function bond repair and scalp care mask that provides deep conditioning care. Best used weekly, the mask more than just heals and revitalises damaged hair bonds. It even increases elasticity, prevents hair protein loss, and strengthens strands against breakage and environmental stressors.
Unlike most hair masks on the market that can only be applied to hair ends, what’s special about this mask is that it can be applied to the scalp too. This helps to rebuild scalp resilience damaged during chemical treatments.
Ease scalp redness, swelling or itching by applying ADV Soothe Soothing Gel (SG62) on the affected areas. The scientifically crafted blend of phyto stem cell, geraniol, apricot kernel oil and perilla leaf extract provides instant scalp pain relief. Even better, the lightweight gel forms a barrier against potential irritants.
All products are available at PHS HAIRSCIENCE’s official website.
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