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It’s a chilly October afternoon in a tiny village on the outskirts of Shaxi, Yunnan, nestled within rugged mountains and golden paddy fields. I’m here on a slow living retreat to learn natural dyeing, hosted by Shenzhen native Ting Wang.
In the backyard of her rustic two-storey home, we peel and chop five kilos of overripe bananas and apples. The airy space is scattered with a dozen or so dye vats. Hundreds of walnut shells lay drying across the ground, while piles of chopped firewood sit neatly in the corner. We boil the fruits over a hot charcoal stove until they become pulped water. Then, we stir this into a mixture of indigo paste and limestone powder, carefully transferring it all into an enormous ceramic vat.
Are you travelling around Asia with kids in tow this school holiday season? A raft of new attractions – from Hong Kong to Tokyo, Dubai to Mumbai – have opened their doors over the past couple of years, while others have undergone a refresh. Check out these recently launched family-friendly attractions that will delight all ages:
For a taste of the fantastical
1. Explore the magical world of Harry Potter in Japan
Book a flight to: Tokyo
Following its success in London, The Making of Harry Potter makes its Asia debut in Japan’s capital city. Since its opening in June 2023, it also boasts the title of the world’s largest indoor Harry Potter attraction.
Make like your favourite Harry Potter character and get ready to board the Hogwarts Express. Photo: Warner Bros
Visitors will get the chance to explore some of the most iconic sets from the movies – some exclusive to this location – alongside the props, costumes and special effects that brought the wizarding world to life. Wander the colourful winding streets of Diagon Alley, enter the eerie expanse of the Forbidden Forest to try casting a Patronus and board the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾.
2. Walk Middle Earth at this Shire replica in Malaysia
Book a flight to: Penang
Those planning a trip to Malaysia should stop by Hobbitoon Village, where you’ll be greeted by replicas of the distinctive Shire cottages from blockbuster fantasy films The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Located in the Perak region, it’s just under three hours’ drive from Penang International Airport, and around an hour away from scenic Cameron Highlands Flora Park.
Hobbitoon Village is replete with charming photo-taking opportunities. Photo: Hobbitoon Village
After you’ve explored the quaint structures and taken your fill of pictures, meander up the hill for a breather at Hobbitoon Café. It serves a selection of Western dishes and colourful, whimsical beverages that you can enjoy while drinking in panoramic views of the verdant surrounding landscape.
3. Find yourself spirited away at Japan’s favourite Ghibli Park
Book a flight to: Osaka
The buzziest theme park launch in Japan, Ghibli Park, which opened its gates in November 2022, has announced all-access ticketing for 2024.
Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the dreamlike world of Studio Ghibli, the creative minds behind classic anime favourites like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle. The park is divided into five sections. This includes Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, a mind-blowing maze of all things Ghibli; Hill of Youth, with dazzling architecture from the sets of iconic Ghibli films; Dondoko Forest, a wonderland modelled after scenes from My Neighbour Totoro; and the Mononoke Village inspired by the mountainous landscape of Princess Mononoke. The Valley of Witches, the newest section debuting in March this year, will include a fantastical carousel and a flying machine spinner-type ride.
Nagoya City is about an hour away from Osaka by bullet train, or a two-hour train ride from Tokyo. From Nagoya Station, take a bus or train to the Aichi Expo Park. Note that entrance tickets sell out quickly so you’ll want to book as far in advance as you can.
To whet curious minds
4. Get crafty at Southeast Asia’s largest museum for regional modern art
Book a flight to: Singapore
Among the Lion City’s myriad of family-friendly attractions is Keppel Centre for Art Education at National Gallery Singapore. Reopened at the end of 2023 following a four-month revamp, it’s a dedicated space filled with hands-on activities for kids to nurture their inner creative.
A child immersed in play at the Keppel Centre for Art Education. Photo: National Gallery Singapore
New features include the Makers Studio, where children can experiment with different materials to assemble their own 3D creations, and a place for families to paint, build collages and craft clay pieces together. Other fresh offerings range from immersive digital exhibitions to a cosy book corner and a portrait gallery.
5. Nurture conscious world citizens at the Museum of Solutions
Book a flight to: Mumbai
Most museums require that children be chaperoned by an adult. At the Museum of Solutions, grown-ups can only enter if they’re accompanied by a kid. Opened in Mumbai, India in late 2023 and spread out over a whopping 10 floors, its mission is to inspire young minds to make meaningful change by becoming responsible, conscious and caring world citizens.
Teach your kids about water conservation and climate change through an interactive exhibition; dabble with design thinking, robotics, woodworking and photography at the maker space; and get them thinking about nature and sustainable living at the soon-to-open rooftop tropical garden.
To delight your inner child
6. Enjoy thrill-seeking family fun at Dubai’s brand new indoor adventure complex
Book a flight to: Dubai
Recently opened at Dubai’s Al Ghurair Centre is GLITCH. At this massive indoor playground, adventurous families can take on adrenaline-pumping challenges that run the gamut from obstacle courses to gravity-defying experiences.
Among GLITCH’s many family-friendly experiences is this Jungle Scout obstacle course. Photo: GLITCH
Popular adventures include Sky Surf, Dubai’s first and only indoor roller glider. You’ll be strapped into a harness and soar sky-high through the air. There’s also Newtons Walls, home to an array of themed climbing courses. There’s also a 10-metre-high slide, bowling alley and immersive arcade games to enjoy.
7. Let it go at the world’s biggest Frozen attraction
Book a flight to: Hong Kong
Step into Elsa and Anna’s enchanting universe at Hong Kong Disneyland’s brand new World of Frozen. Built to resemble Arendelle – the fictional, Norwegian-inspired kingdom where the Frozen films are set – this is the world’s first and largest themed land based on the blockbuster franchise.
Photo: Hong Kong Disneyland
Attractions include Frozen Ever After, a musical boat ride to Elsa’s Ice Palace where beloved characters charm you with song and laughter; Playhouse in the Woods, an interactive theatrical experience in Elsa and Anna’s childhood hideaway; and Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, a family-friendly rollercoaster adventure that whizzes through the scenic Arendelle Forest.
8. Revel in Pop Mart collectors’ paradise in Chaoyang Park
Book a flight to: Beijing
If you or your little ones collect Pop Mart’s eye-catching figurines, a visit to Pop Land in Beijing, China should be on the cards. Launched in September 2023, it spans a relatively compact 40,000 square metres within the lush and leafy confines of Chaoyang Park.
The attraction is split into four whimsical zones that include a castle, treehouse, mini maze, themed play areas, game booths and retail shops for you to stock up on adorable Pop Mart toys. Life-sized displays of the brand’s flagship characters are scattered throughout the park, providing plenty of picture-perfect moments.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to the above destinations, visit the official website.
Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye: we’ve all heard of these iconic British landmarks. But if you’re seeking memorable experiences off the beaten path, check out these underrated sights in the Greater London region and beyond. These nature, culture and entertainment spots are worth venturing beyond the city for, and better yet – they’re all easily reached from Gatwick Airport.
1. Explore the sprawling greens of Surrey Hills
Hiking, biking, paddle boarding or forest bathing? The choice is all yours in Surrey Hills, a protected national landscape just half an hour’s drive northwest of Gatwick Airport. Spread across a lavish 422km², this is a great place to enjoy the British outdoors during your London getaway.
The breathtaking landscape of Surrey Hills. Photo: Shutterstock
Its most famous landmark is Box Hill, where you’ll experience sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Other highlights include Leith Hill, the highest point in Southeast England, where you can see as far as London. Visit the 13th-century Frensham Ponds – named Little Pond and Great Pond, the larger of the two has its own sandy beach.
2. Indulge your inner shopaholic, then admire London from above at Battersea Power Station
A working power station up until the 1980s, Battersea Power Station is now a trendy South London landmark that houses over 140 shops, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. Visiting in the summer? Enjoy lunch at the sun terrace before or after your shopping tour or sink into a deck chair at their open-air cinema at night. In winter, check out the skating rink and the Light Festival, a free, family-friendly trail of glowing installations by British and international artists.
For those who enjoy panoramic views, book your ticket for Lift 109 to marvel at London’s most famous sights from 109m above ground level.
Since its revamp, Battersea Power Station has become a shopping and entertainment destination. Photo: Shutterstock
3. Stand on the Prime Meridian, the line that divides the Eastern and Western hemisphere
Greenwich Park south of the Thames River is one of London’s eight Royal Parks – and a great place to take in the skyline from the famous One Tree Hill. Once you’ve had your fill of the view, head to the Greenwich Conservatory where the Greenwich Prime Meridian begins. This line represents the historic Prime Meridian of the world – the line from which every place on Earth has measured its distance east or west. Get your picture taken standing with one foot in the Eastern and one in the Western hemisphere, and bask in the thrill of being in two places at once.
An imaginary line made real. Photo: Shutterstock
For a full-day adventure in Greenwich, add the nearby National Maritime Museum and the Cutty Sark – a historic sailing ship – to your itinerary. Along the way, Greenwich Market will satisfy your street food cravings and souvenir shopping needs.
4. Catch a performance at South London’s Old Vic Theatre
While the West End is London’s most famous theatre district, the independently run Old Vic Theatre is a historic space with programming that’s just as star-studded and high quality. You’ll find an eclectic mix here, from musicals (Bob Geldof’s Live Aid musical Just For One Day is on until the end of March) to theatre classics, modern plays and the popular Christmas play A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
The theatre is located south of the Thames River – near Waterloo station and connected to Gatwick by a 45-minute train ride.
Catch a range of performances here at the historic Old Vic. Photo: Shutterstock
5. Admire the Old Masters at Dulwich Picture Gallery
If you’re an art enthusiast, you’ll want to stop by Dulwich Picture Gallery between South London’s Brixton and Peckham districts. Not only does it house a permanent collection of over 600 works by 17th and 18th century European masters such as Rembrandt, Canaletto and Poussin, it was also the world’s first purpose-built public art gallery when it opened back in 1811.
Aside from its permanent collection of Old Masters, Dulwich Picture Gallery also has temporary exhibitions featuring other styles of art. Photo: Dulwich Picture Gallery
If you prefer to get more hands-on, there is also a range of fun workshops where you can learn how to create beaded embroidery, cyanotypes and textural collages. Nature lovers take note: the gallery is surrounded by 1.2 hectares of beautiful gardens with over 25 species of trees, including Japanese Maple and Kentucky Coffee trees.
6. Sample fine British wines at Denbies Wine Estate
London’s pub scene is legendary, but did you know that some of the UK’s finest vineyards can be found just beyond the capital’s borders? Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey Hills, conveniently located between Gatwick and the capital, has been around for almost 40 years and is one of England’s largest single estate vineyards.
Visitors can tour the whole estate in a mini-train and explore a vineyard trail with a guide or opt for a classic wine tasting (with an optional lunch). Always wanted to wake up on a vineyard? They also have a charming 17-room hotel right on site.
7. Spot wild deer and other animals in Richmond Park
Richmond Park on the southwestern outskirts of London is the city’s largest park. About 45 minutes away by car from Gatwick Airport, this is where you can spot wild deer (over 600 call the park their permanent home!), foxes, voles, bats and 144 species of birds in their natural habitat.
Wild deer are fun to photograph, but remember not to get too close. Photo: Shutterstock
Explore Tamsin Trail, a scenic 12km-walk peppered with the odd café or ice cream van, or wander around Pembroke Lodge, a picturesque Georgian mansion at the highest point of the park.
8. Peek into the extravagant Eltham Palace
Located in South London, a little over an hour from Gatwick by train, Eltham Palace is a historic building with a varied past. Originally a medieval palace and then a favourite royal residence of the Tudors, it was turned into an extravagant mansion by millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld in the 1930s. Today, visitors can walk through their lavish home and explore all the quirky details, including the heated sleeping quarters of the couple’s pet lemur.
Eltham Palace is full of quirkily designed spaces that give a glimpse into the Courtauld’s lives. Photo: Shutterstock
Eltham Palace is surrounded by 7.6 hectares of gardens that are just as stunning as the Art Deco-styled mansion. Schedule in some extra time to have a look around, then sip a coffee (or some British tea) at the beautiful adjoining glasshouse café.
Singapore Airlines’ flights to Gatwick will commence from 21 June 2024. For more information, visit theofficial website.
Chef Jim Ophorst hops aboard an electric buggy and quietly motors inland. His kitchen team arrives soon after him on a fleet of bicycles and buggies. Phuket’s morning sun shimmers on the surface of a pond and lights up the deep green of the surrounding forest.
This is a ritual for Ophorst, chef of PRU, the first and only Michelin-starred restaurant in Phuket. Each morning, he visits Pru Jampa, the restaurant’s 96-hectare organic farm, to pluck produce for his plates. The goods that he and his team gather – snow peas, mulberries, Japanese cucumber, mint and more – make up the bones of PRU’s “farm-to-fork” dining experience. What they can’t grow, they buy from wet markets, farmers and fishermen. Sometimes, they forage for ingredients, too.
Chef Jim Ophorst at the Pru Jampa farm. Photo: PRU
“We try to support the whole community. We search for people and suppliers who are not known by other restaurants to present their products or show their work through our restaurant,” says Ophorst, who was was part of PRU’s opening team in 2016 and one of Phuket’s earliest adopters of sustainability initiatives, especially in the food business. “Even the artwork we display at the restaurant is a collaborative exhibition with local artists.”
The restaurant’s progressive initiatives have made it Thailand’s first to earn a Michelin Green Star, an accolade reserved for venues at the vanguard of sustainability. PRU has received a Green Star three years in a row.
Visit this tranquil farm on a tour, then finish off at chef Ophorst's Saturdays-only al fresco dining spot, HiDEAWAY at Jampa. Photo: PRUPru Jampa's produce supplies both fine dining restaurants, PRU and Jampa. Photo: PRU
Ophorst says that restaurants worth travelling for have begun to open here year after year, citing examples like the fermentation-focused Hom and fine-casual southern Thai spot Laad. Most, he notes, employ initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint, whether it’s sourcing locally or reducing food waste and water consumption.
Prior to the pandemic, Phuket was synonymous with luxury resorts and gorgeous – if overcrowded – beaches for some, and gritty nightlife and street food for others. But now Phuket has exciting new claims to fame, and fine dining is only the start.
Phuket’s sustainability-minded new chapter
Tourism makes up nearly 50 percent of Phuket’s economy, and the pandemic years were devastating. Border shutdowns brought business to a halt, and unemployment climbed to around 10% in 2021, according to the National Statistical Office. At the same time, green sea turtles returned to nest, and it was once again possible to enjoy golden hour without having to rub shoulders with hundreds of sun-crisped strangers.
With the island at its quietest, hospitality groups started initiatives to support local fishermen, farmers and unemployed service workers. Island leaders amplified their sustainability pledges. Phuket had never been so connected as a community.
Keemala Hotel Phuket is a longstanding advocate of environmentally responsible practices. Photo: Shutterstock
“For the longest time on Phuket, it was about nice hotels and keeping people on the beach. That’s great, but there’s more to the island”
And though 14 million people visited Phuket in 2023, more than 100 times the population of 79,000, some hospitality leaders believe there’s hope for sustained change. According to Bill Barnett, founder and managing director of hospitality consultancy C9 Hotelworks and founding advisor of the Phuket Hotels Association (PHA) – a group of 94 hotels engaged in community and environmental development initiatives – the numbers don’t tell the whole story.
Aside from restaurants like PRU, which are drastically reducing their carbon footprint, Phuket is “pioneering sustainability in [other] ways,” Barnett says.
Whether it’s bringing in battery-operated vehicles or helping to retrofit properties so they can use biofuels, the PHA has helped hotels transition to greener practices. “We really stress the economic imperative [to get hotels to buy in]. While you’re making your hotel more profitable, you’re also benefiting the local farmer and the broader market,” Barnett tells me.
“When we start new hotel projects or real estate developments, we tell our clients that sustainability advisors need to be at the table when the architect is there.”
Those efforts may have helped to ignite a paradigm shift. Barnett points to Tri Vananda for example. Scheduled to open by 2025, the wellness-focused resort and residences are built on a former tin mine. The developers, the Montara Hospitality Group, who also own Trisara, where PRU is located, created gardens, farms and ponds that provide produce, water and community spaces for guests and residents. They also built a protected wetland and committed to developing only 15 percent of the land.
Barnett notes that many existing properties are changing the way they are run. The InterContinental Phuket in Kamala now captures and treats rainwater for use in toilets and irrigates its gardens with recycled wastewater. It also installed electric vehicle chargers for guests. The Slate, on Nai Yang Beach, uses African nightcrawlers to help manage food waste and create compost for its gardens. And at Keemala near Kamala Beach – already long considered one of Phuket’s greenest hotels – all the fabrics and textiles found on the property are produced by indigenous groups in Thailand.
Making Phuket a home for creatives
Sustainability aside, new cultural initiatives such as the Junkyard Theatre are also positively impacting the local community and expanding Phuket’s claims to fame.
Hiding behind a garden of monstera plants and ferns, the theatre is not what you would expect to find in the residential Ratsada district. Each Saturday, local performers take to a stage upcycled from literal junk – bits and bobs collected from scrapyards – to riff on Phuket culture in a show that evolves slightly from week to week.
The cabaret-style performance takes place against a set created out of upcycled trash. Photo: Junkyard Theatre
As crowds tuck into three-course meals, singers belt out show tunes under a sign that says “Suzy Wong’s” – a nod to Patong Beach’s colourful nightlife. There’s a choreographed dance-slash-fight in a Muay Thai ring. Sometimes, breakdancers who used to busk in Patong a year ago join the show. You never know what to expect.
“We don’t care about being too perfect. We want to use humour to connect with people and entertain,” says the cabaret’s creative director, Zac Underwood.
Zac is the son of commercial fabricators John and Judy Underwood. Since the late 1990s, the family has run a workshop on Phuket where they upcycle scrap into immaculate décor for luxury hotels such as Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia and the Tree House Villas on Koh Yao Noi. In 2020, the three had an epiphany.
It’s always a lively time at Junkyard Theatre. Photo: Junkyard Theatre
“For years, we had staged these elaborate dinner parties for friends. We would create props and sets and serve food and drinks,” says Zac. “We’ve always had a passion for recycling and building things from objects that people don’t perceive any value in.”
During the pandemic, Zac says he noticed many local performers out of work, “and it just clicked.”
They gathered scrap goods, contacted performers and got to work. Now, their side project is a hit with locals, expats and tourists alike for the way it reflects the soul of the island. With its clever stage design and tight-knit cast, this one-of-a-kind show marks a shift in the kind of entertainment offerings that Phuket provides.
“We don’t care about being too perfect. We want to use humour to connect with people”
“I grew up on the island. When I was a kid, we didn’t have a cultural scene – there weren’t galleries, shows or theatre performances. For us, it was a bit of a push to fill that void and not do it in the same way as other cabarets on the island,” says Zac. “Any destination has to have many sides to it to keep people coming back. For the longest time on Phuket, it was about nice hotels and keeping people on the beach. That’s great, but there’s more to the island [than just that].”
You’ll soon get to explore more of FullMoon’s brews at their farm-brewery in Mai Khao. Photo: FullMoon Brewworks
Junkyard Theatre is not the one pushing creative boundaries on the Thai island. Local craft beer maker FullMoon Brewworks is in the midst of building a farm-brewery in Mai Khao where they’ll offer tours and tastings of experimental beers made with the island’s fruit and herbs. Meanwhile, expatriate creatives Austin Bush and Christopher Wise’s Phuket Town store, OMG (Outstanding Market Goods), which sells locally made products, has begun to host pop-up dinners and workshops in its grunge-chic space.
As Phuket’s dining scene, sustainability-minded projects and eclectic activities begin to blossom under the watch of its forward-thinking creative class, the island’s reputation for easy-money attractions like elephant shows and jet ski rides fade into the sunset, ushering in a new face of tourism that’s centred on sustainability and focused on the future.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Phuket, visit the official website.
A journey with Singapore Airlines (SIA) on First and Business Class wouldn’t be complete without a champagne in hand. SIA’s ongoing programme in Suites and First Class, A Celebration of Champagne, enhances this experience by adding five exceptional Champagnes to its selection, available on rotation since June 2023.
This month, customers can look forward to trying the Champagne Egly-Ouriet Vieillissement Prolonge (VP) Extra Brut Grand Cru 2016, an outstanding wine from an iconoclast grower Champagne brand. Grower Champagne is made and bottled by the same people who grew the grapes. These family-owned houses are typically smaller in size and adept at crafting small-batch, terroir-specific Champagnes via select vineyards in a handful of villages.
A coveted Champagne known for its rich intensity and satin texture
Francis Egly, a fourth-generation owner and winemaker, first started crafting wines under his family name in 1982. Today, Egly-Ouriet is highly sought-after amongst wine acolytes, and almost always sold out at its stockists.
Egly-Ouriet is a grower Champagne popular among the discerning. Photo: Egly-Ouriet
Give it a few minutes to unfurl notes of truffles, praline and nougat, and let it seduce you with its satin texture
Their vineyards are concentrated in Ambonnay, known for the best pinot noir grapes across the Champagne region. This particular label, the Vieillissement Prolonge (meaning prolonged ageing), is a blend of 70% pinot noir and 30% Chardonnay, sourced from top tier (grand cru) vineyards. True to its name, the wines age for an extended period of lees – in this case 87 months – before they are released on the market. The result is a powerful, structured wine.
Egly’s wines are celebrated for their purity and precision. The Vieillissement Prolonge is outstanding – it is rich, intense and textured, with baked apple tart and honeyed notes. Give it a few minutes to unfurl notes of truffles, praline and nougat, and let it seduce you with its satin texture.
Other Champagnes featured in A Celebration of Champagne
Aside from the Egly-Ouriet, A Celebration of Champagne also featured four other Champagnes on board since June 2023. This included three exclusive grower Champagnes – Henri Giraud, Vilmart and Cie and Champagne Geoffroy – and the iconic Charles Hiedsieck, a producer Champagne.
Where grower champagnes are akin to soloists, a producer Champagne is more like an orchestral ensemble. These brands own a legion of land across the chalky terrains of Champagne and buy additional grapes from several grape growers. Each parcel of fruit acts like a musician, lending a different note to the wine. The winemaker’s job is akin to that of a conductor who shapes the sounds of this ensemble.
Find out all about the featured Champagne pours for SIA’s First and Business class customers. Photo: Singapore Airlines
“We chose these wines to showcase how Champagne growers are connected to the vineyard and their land”
Each of these artisan wines were selected by SIA’s panel of wine experts for their uniqueness and exclusivity. “We chose these wines to showcase how Champagne growers are connected to the vineyard and their land,” says SIA’s wine expert and Master of Wine, Jeannie Cho Lee. “We want customers to delve deeper into each terroir to understand and appreciate the vineyards from where the grapes are grown.”
Learn more about these four Champagnes here:
1. Delicate notes from an oak barrel-aged process
Vilmart & Cie’s Vilmart Grand Cellier d’Or 2018 is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% pinot noir sourced from 50-year-old vines. Notes of mandarin oranges, lemongrass and vanilla emerge as one sips this Champagne. They are gradually followed by hints of toasty hazelnuts and shortbread, as well as a chalky minerality.
Vilmart Grand Cellier d’Or 2018. Photo: Vilmart & Cie
“Our philosophy is to make wine first and bubbles afterwards,” says Laurent Champs, the fifth-generation owner and winemaker of the Vilmart family. Champs is a firm believer that an exceptional Champagne is built on the base of a stellar wine.
This wine undergoes a 10-month ageing process in oak followed by 42 months in the cellar. The oak is a non-negotiable part of Champs’ winemaking process, as he is convinced that it adds roundness, complexity and density to the wine.
The Vilmart & Cie Champagnes are aged in these beautiful oak barrels. Photo: Vilmart & Cie
2. A voluptuous top blanc de blanc aged for six years
The Volupté Blanc de Blancs 2016 is Champagne Geoffroy’s best cuvée, a pure Chardonnay expression sourced from Cumières, a village otherwise renowned for red grapes – save one parcel that delivers exceptional Chardonnay grapes.
A red Champagne. Photo: Champagne GeoffroyChampagne Geoffroy Volupté Blanc de Blancs 2016. Photo: Champagne Geoffroy
SIA’s wine consultant Oz Clarke describes the Volupté as “one of the most voluptuous blanc de blanc Champagnes” – and rightfully so. This 100% Chardonnay wine is created with the highest quality first press juice.
On the palate, it is full of rich tropical fruits like pineapple and lychee, followed by toasted brioche pastry notes. The chalky soil of Cumières brings a lick of minerality to this zesty yet luscious wine. Six years of ageing develops biscuit and pastry notes, giving the wine a gorgeous complexity.
3. Power and finesse in this blend of pinot noir and Chardonnay
Henri Giraud is celebrated for two things, which are evident in its MV 18 Aÿ Grand Cru: the intensity of the pinot noir from its home base of Äy, and the oak barrels that it sources from the nearby Forest of Argonne which lend powerful flavours to their wines. They are what this house – managed by the twelfth-generation owner Claude Giraud; his son Emmanuel; and son-in-law and winemaker Sébastien Le Golvet – takes prides in showcasing.
Photo: Henri Giraud
“We want you to taste the purity of Äy,” says the winery’s spokesperson, Stéphane Barlerin. He explains how Äy’s terroir shows through in its signature raspberry notes.
This emblematic cuvée of the house nods to the 2018 vintage on which it is based. A blend of 80% pinot noir and 20% Chardonnay, this wine brings together other aged vintages to add complexity and depth.
The MV 18 Aÿ Grand Cru invites you in with beautiful floral aromas of jasmine and honeysuckle, which leads into concentrated, complex flavours of berries, stone fruit, brioche, nutmeg and white pepper.
4. A prestigious producer Champagne that consistently tops blind tastings
The only producer Champagne in this programme, Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 2007 is a prestige cuvée – the house’s finest product. Made in the blanc de blanc (meaning “white from whites”) style, this pour uses 100% white Chardonnay grapes compared to other Champagnes that may include two other varietals, pinot noir and pinot meunier.
The Blanc des Millénaires 2007 is a consistent favourite amongst experts. Photo: Charles Heidsieck
“In blind tastings, Charles Heidsieck keeps coming out on top for its sheer quality and depth”
Blanc des Millénaires is only produced once every few years when the weather conditions are just right for Chardonnay. The 2007 vintage – a year of exceptional Chardonnay – was the seventh time that this wine has been crafted since its inception in 1983. You’ll find a melange of ripe citrus notes of lemons and grapefruit on the nose, leading to an expressive palate of lemon curd and alluring salinity that flow languidly on the tongue.
Chardonnay from five top growth vineyards in Champagne’s Côte des Blancs district is selected for this wine, each contributing their signature characteristics such as minerality and richness, before the wine is aged for 15 years in third-century UNESCO World heritage-listed chalk cellars.
As SIA’s wine consultant Lee explains the choice: “The reason is simple: In blind tastings, Charles Heidsieck keeps coming out on top for its sheer quality and depth.”
To learn more about the A Celebration of Champagne series or our wine experts, visit here.
If you’re one who thrills for the new, Singapore’s luxury hospitality scene is well and ready for you. The recent mushrooming of hotels continues well into 2024, so take your pick of tastefully designed stays or nostalgic heritage lodgings in cultural districts. There’s something for everyone, be it gorgeous infinity pools, co-working spaces or snack bars stocked with local goodies. And that’s not even mentioning the host of scintillating culinary options to choose from. Get the low-down here:
Along the bustling Orchard Road
The beating heart of Singapore’s shopping scene, Orchard Road is home to iconic malls and upscale boutiques. Many of the newly-opened luxury hotels are a mere stone’s throw away.
1. The Singapore EDITION
For a luxurious experience acclaimed by the trendiest tastemakers
This hotly anticipated luxury boutique brand opened its doors last November, becoming the first Southeast Asian outpost of this iconic brand by legendary hotelier Ian Schrager.
In keeping with the EDITION’s trademark of creating one-of-a-kind experiences that take inspiration from their locale, nature intertwines with architecture here at The Singapore EDITION. The light-filled conservatory at the lobby is lush and leafy, while a skypark and a sunken garden continue to deliver an expression of Singapore’s tropical abundance.
The Singapore EDITION’s lobby sets the mood with its gold leafed domed ceiling and tropical plants galore. Photo: The Singapore EDITION
The rooms themselves exude a plush minimalism, with every single room type featuring a marble bathroom with a bathtub, the fluffiest La Bottega bathrobes and exquisite Le Labo amenities. For further pampering, book an appointment at their signature spa, where plunge pools replete with powerful jets and an ice fountain await.
While there: Take a dip in their 43-metre long rooftop pool – the longest you’ll find along the Orchard belt – and enjoy the curious experience of peeking at the diners below from its transparent acrylic oculus base.
2. Artyzen Singapore
For picture-perfect infinity pool shots
Just down the road from The EDITION, Artyzen Singapore offers a different expression of luxury while also being a mere pebble’s skip away from the main shopping belt of Orchard Road.
Book a stay here if you enjoy a touch of eclecticism in your décor: its 142 rooms exude a fun, modern vibe with their splashy, colourful carpets and throw pillows alongside brushed chrome and black light fixtures.
Photo: Artyzen Singapore
The crowning glory of this hotel is its 25-metre long cantilevered infinity pool that has a transparent base, set alongside a leafy rooftop garden. Enjoy peering down on the crowds along Orchard Road as you unwind.
While there: For a charming morning adventure, take a ride to the nearby Singapore Botanic Gardens – Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site – on one of the hotel’s complimentary city bicycles.
3. Conrad Singapore Orchard
For a family-friendly stay that you’ll never have to leave
With staggering food and beverage options from Italian-style buffet brunch at Basilico to glitzy destination bar at Manhattan, to the Michelin-starred Summer Palace serving Cantonese fine dining, your every gastronomic need can be satiated without ever stepping out of the Conrad Singapore Orchard.
The Italian-style buffet brunch at Basilico features a sumptuous spread, including an extensive array of cheeses in a dedicated cheese room. Photo: Conrad Singapore Orchard
Its 445 guest rooms are furnished in calming sand tones with terracotta accents, and boast floor-to-ceiling windows with a breezy view. The hotel’s suites particularly feel like a home away from home, with their residential-style floor plan and plentiful seating options. All room types enjoy minibars stocked with favourite local snacks that celebrate the Lion City.
If you’re bringing the kids or travelling as a large group, you’ll be happy to know that connecting rooms can be requested for all room types.
While there: Start your morning right by signing up for their complimentary poolside sessions, which rotate daily between yoga, meditation and movement classes.
4. Pan Pacific Orchard
For sustainability-minded luxury
If eco-consciousness is your jam, look no further than Pan Pacific Orchard. The 347-key hotel embraces biophilic design and sustainable features such as rainwater collection, solar panels and a biodigester system.
The biophilic facade of Pan Pacific Orchard. Photo: Darren Soh / Pan Pacific Orchard
Its four lushly-vegetated terrace spaces offer tropical alfresco vibes, starting with a breezy check-in at the Forest Terrace. Over at the bar Florette at the Garden Terrace, guests can indulge in an impressive Champagne list that includes growers and rare vintages. Pair these with fresh oysters for an evening of decadence.
While there: Try their exclusive Singapore’s Orchard Gin, crafted in collaboration with local distillery Tanglin Gin.
5. The Standard Singapore
For first dibs on a glitzy stay in late 2024
As if travellers who intend to stay close to the main shopping belt aren’t already spoilt for choice, there’s one more highly anticipated hotel due to open in July. The Standard Singapore is slated to be the city’s next social hub, and will be the trendy global brand’s third property in Southeast Asia – the first two being in Hua Hin and Bangkok, Thailand.
The hotel will include 143 rooms on its prime – yet tranquil – Orange Grove Road location, directly across from the renowned grand dame Shangri-La Singapore.
Artist rendering of The Standard Singapore. Photo: The Standard
Along cultural hotspots and nightlife jaunts
These hotels near Chinatown, Robertson Quay and Clarke Quay offer the perfect roosting spot for those exploring Singapore’s cultural district, and those who plan to party into the night at trendy bars and clubs.
6. The Robertson House
For cosy rooms decked out in luxury colonial style
Stepping into The Robertson House is akin to entering the bygone era of British colonial Singapore. Every space in this 10-storey hotel is perfumed with bespoke scents inspired by the historic spice and tea trade along the Singapore River, while each of the 336 rooms are decorated with a nostalgic black-and-white print of the river and decorated with visuals narrating the city’s port history.
The room décor pays homage to Singapore’s port history in soothing monochrome. Photo: The Robertson House
The inspiration extends to its culinary offerings. All-day dining restaurant Entrepôt pays homage to Singapore’s trading port growth by way of its fantastic Anglo-Asian cuisine. The must-try is its grilled tiger prawn malfadine pasta with wok-roasted shellfish bisque and sakura ebi, an umami flavour bomb that does its inspiration, the Singaporean hokkien noodles, justice.
The private quarters are on the snug side at 24 square metres for most room types, but the views that look out to the Singapore River make this boutique stay a delightful one. Choose The Robertson House if you’re looking for charming digs to return to after an adventurous day out about town – historic Fort Canning Hill and party central Clarke Quay are right around the corner.
While there: Indulge in the complimentary in-room mini-bar, which features snacks by local businesses, such as spiced pepper chips by The Golden Duck Company and granola by Amazin’ Graze.
7. Pullman Singapore Hill Street
For a cosmopolitan food trip in railway style
Offering quintessential railroad charm, Pullman Singapore Hill Street welcomes guests with a replica Pullman sleeping cabin that serves as its luggage area. And right on theme, the marble and wood-clad lobby are adorned with vintage carriers and antique-style elevators.
Right on theme, the hotel’s entrance feature wall is filled with vintage suitcases. Photo: Pullman Singapore Hill Street
Its 350 rooms take some design cues from private railroad cabins, but unlike the locomotive experience of yore, here you can look forward to plush bedding, open-concept wardrobes and smart technology with customisable functions.
Pick a vibe and swing by one of the hotel’s three dining options. Madison’s on the ground floor offers New York-inspired, all-American deli bites, while El Chido on the rooftop is a Mexican-themed swim-up bar with an infinity pool and views of the Marina Bay Sands.
Last but not least, modern Japanese Izakaya and cocktail bar MOGA promises to please with its curated selection of sake and small plates – don’t miss their melt-in-your-mouth A3 Wagyu striploin.
While there: A stay at Pullman Singapore Hill Street puts you at the heart of the local cultural district. Art lovers, check out the National Gallery Singapore – a treasure trove of Southeast Asian modern art – while history buffs, make a beeline for the Asian Civilisations Museum.
8. 21 Carpenter
For a historic shophouse stay that art and architecture enthusiasts will love
Nestled between the lively nightlife of Clarke Quay and the cultural allure of Chinatown, heritage boutique hotel 21 Carpenter is a design-forward stay that breathes fresh life into a former remittance house. This architectural revival of the Chye Hua Seng Wee Kee house – which dates back to 1936 – was led by the award-winning local firm WOHA. 21 Carpenter is only Singapore’s second member of the international Design Hotels network.
The mix of textures and motifs in the Heritage Suite are understatedly chic. Photo: 21 Carpenter
The building’s interior blends heritage and contemporary design, with its 48 rooms exuding a quiet sense of chic with their mix of textures and motifs. At between 30 to 56 square metres, the rooms are amply sized for a city hotel. Enjoy sweeping views of the city and Marina Bay at the rooftop infinity pool, and lounge on the third-floor garden terrace.
While there: See if you can spot artworks by local artists dotted around the hotel, such as a hand-drawn charcoal mural by Dawn Ang, a tapestry by Heman Chong and bespoke vases by Jenevieve Studio.
On the city fringe
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, consider staying in the cultural district of Little India where there’s plenty to shop, eat and explore.
9. Owen House
For an immersive working-holiday stay in Art Deco style
Those looking for a flexible living experience should check out Owen House by Habyt, nestled in this characterful precinct. The hotel extends an array of flexible accommodations and co-living solutions, with some room types featuring kitchenettes and pantries. It’s a great stay to feel like a local while immersing yourself in a rich cultural hotspot.
Sunlight and Moonshine, Owen’s House lobby and bar space. Photo: Owen House
If you’re feeling social, whip up your meals in their two communal lounges that come with fully-equipped kitchens, or nurse a coffee while you work at Sunlight and Moonshine, a co-working space that transitions into a 35-seater cocktail bar at night.
It’s a slick, modern take on co-living, with décor that nods to the neighbourhood’s famous New World Amusement Park from the 1920s.
While there: Check out New World’s End, an immersive art experience and night tour where you’ll learn more about this historic neighbourhood.
Offshore in Sentosa
One of Singapore’s main entertainment destinations, Sentosa offers a gamut of attractions, from aquariums to beach clubs and adrenaline-pumping rides. And now, travellers can look forward to a new all-villa resort:
10. Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa
For a secluded island resort escape
One would not typically think of heading to Singapore for a villa stay, but this might all change when the Little Red Dot’s first all-villa resort opens its doors in the third quarter of 2024. Expect the height of tropical extravagance in the Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa, which will span over 10 hectares of gardens, with views of the South China Sea.
Each villa in Raffles Sentosa has its own private pool. Photo: Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa
The resort promises a serene island escape with its 62 villas, each equipped with its own private swimming pool. Guests can also look forward to top-notch amenities – including bars, restaurants, a fitness centre and state-of-the-art meeting spaces – alongside personalised hospitality by the renowned Raffles Butlers and luxury wellness offerings at the Raffles Spa.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Singapore, visit the official website.
Housed in a charming Kyoto townhouse-inspired building along Scotts Road – just off the main Orchard shopping belt – AMI Patisserie is a calming hideaway with exquisite treats to boot. Enjoy chef Makoto Arami’s inventive pastries a la carte or book the Chef’s Table Discovery Experience for a six-course tasting menu that will expand your horizons about what dessert and pastries can be.
Here, Arami boldly incorporates produce and savoury elements such as eggplant, mayonaise and caviar to create a dessert omakase that will well satisfy your hunger, proving that pastries can be enjoyed anytime. Poised at the precipice between sweet and savoury, the eggplant brulee with miso caramel and sansho pepper is a particular triumph of subtly shifting textures.
Every course is finished a la minute, giving diners at this intimate 8-person dining room front row seats to the chef’s precision and artistry.
It’s a chilly October afternoon in a tiny village on the outskirts of Shaxi, Yunnan, nestled within rugged mountains and golden paddy fields. I’m here on a slow living retreat to learn natural dyeing, hosted by Shenzhen native Ting Wang.
In the backyard of her rustic two-storey home, we peel and chop five kilos of overripe bananas and apples. The airy space is scattered with a dozen or so dye vats. Hundreds of walnut shells lay drying across the ground, while piles of chopped firewood sit neatly in the corner. We boil the fruits over a hot charcoal stove until they become pulped water. Then, we stir this into a mixture of indigo paste and limestone powder, carefully transferring it all into an enormous ceramic vat.
From making in-flight announcements to interacting with customers, every cabin crew member knows that effective communication is key. Many flight attendants are well-versed in several languages and this enables them to better serve customers on board.
Just ask Evelyn Lim, a Leading Stewardess with Singapore Airlines. Not only is she bilingual in English and Mandarin, but she is also fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), which enables her to assist customers who are deaf. As Evelyn explains, ASL is a complete language which uses handshapes, facial expressions and body gestures to communicate.
In the heart of Cambodia, where hand weaving and natural dyeing are in danger of extinction, Goel Community is a fair trade community that empowers its workers by providing sustainable livelihoods.
Shop here for handmade items like apparel and home décor, or take a class for a taster on techniques like natural dye or weaving.
Ride concrete, waves and even ‘snow’ at this boardsports paradise in the heart of Orchard Road. This unique park offers features a high tech Citywave Surf Machine and perpetual ski slope that allows avid surfers and snowboarders to hone their technique even in sunny Singapore. Or, if you prefer, drop into the park’s skate bowl and perfect your transitions. Trifecta also offers classes to kids aged six and above.
One of the world’s most diverse cities, Auckland has a dazzling cultural scene, delicious eats and stunning nature that will captivate you from dawn to dusk. Check out this jam-packed itinerary that will have you intimately familiar with this city curled around the sea.
1. Wake up next to the water
Book a stay at Hotel Britomart in downtown Auckland, where it looks over the Waitematā Harbour. The vibe is serene from the get-go, like an ultra-chic version of a bach, or Kiwi holiday house.
Enter an expansive lobby decorated with salvaged timber shelving and a giant slab of shattered stone as a coffee table. The rest of the spaces follow through with timber-lined walls, handmade ceramics and a selection of local books.
Book a corner room that looks down on Takutai Square for maximum views of the harbour and downtown city life.
The light-filled lobby of Hotel Britomart. Photo: Hotel Britomart
2. Fuel up with a flat white
A two-minute stroll from Hotel Britomart, Daily Bread on Galway Street is where you’ll find a flat white – milkier than a cortado, less diluted than a latte – that Aucklanders approve of.
The café’s extensive lineup of pastries will leave you spoiled for choice, but if you only have space for one, try a custard slice, where creamy vanilla custard is sandwiched between layers of pastry. While you can find this local classic in any neighbourhood bakery, Daily Bread’s is delightfully fresh, with custard flecked with real vanilla bean.
Go early to grab one of their beloved custard slices. Photo: Daily Bread
3. Experience world-famous haute couture
From Daily Bread, head up High Street and Lorne Street to the Auckland Art Gallery. It’s a 10-minute walk, if you don’t get distracted by the boutiques and bookshops along the way.
Once there, make a beeline for “Guo Pei: Fashion, Art, Fantasy”, a blockbuster exhibition showcasing more than 60 of the renowned Chinese designer’s haute couture gowns that’s ongoing until 5 May 2024.
Catch many of the celebrity couturier's iconic works at Auckland Art Gallery. Photo: Auckland Art GalleryGuo Pei's showstopping 'omelette' dress made a splash at the Met Ball in 2015. Photo: Auckland Art Gallery
The celebrity couturier’s most famous work, a lavish yellow robe worn by Rihanna to the Met Gala in 2015, is the star of the show, but you’ll also find her other creations that call to mind butterflies, bullfighters, cathedrals and clouds. They’re marvels of craftsmanship as well as creativity, and the exhibition does a great job of delving into the processes behind these immaculately wrought pieces.
Parents take note: your kids will receive their own guidebook to the exhibition on arrival, along with a small embroidery kit. It’s a cute souvenir that will enable the youngsters to experiment with some of the embroidery techniques, whether at home or at the gallery’s children’s centre.
4. Go souvenir hunting at an artsy local boutique
Take a leisurely stroll to Ponsonby through the inner-city oasis of Myers Park, where you’ll pass by a stunning new art installation titled Waihamara, en route.
From there, it’s an 18-minute walk to The Poi Room, a boutique showcasing work from more than 100 New Zealand artists. There’s pounamu (greenstone) jewellery, sculpture, photography, ceramics and traditional woodcarving: the perfect spot to find a souvenir small or large.
Check out art that you can take home at The Poi Room. Photo: The Poi Room
5. Take a lunch and ice cream intermission
Ponsonby Road is café central – perfect for a lunch stop. Check out Orphans Kitchen for some hearty fare featuring local produce, and be sure to leave space for dessert at Duck Island Ice Cream.
Indulge in New Zealanders’ favourite dessert here. Photo: Duck Island Ice Cream
New Zealanders eat the most ice cream per person of any nation in the world, and it’s easy to see why here. Classic flavours sit alongside local specialties: try Fairy Bread, a vanilla-flavoured ice cream sprinkled with sugary confetti, or Peppermint Slice, the frozen version of a bakery favourite. Seasonal fruit also makes an appearance throughout the year – don’t pass up the chance to try feijoa or tamarillo if either is on the menu.
6. Stroll up a volcano with a gorgeous view
Auckland is built around more than 50 extinct volcanoes, and Mount Eden, also known as Maungawhau, is the highest natural point in the city. Take a 10-minute taxi ride from Ponsonby to Takahi Reserve, where you can begin the half-hour walk to the summit.
Take in all of the city from the top of Mount Eden. Photo: Shutterstock
You’ll pass through a pōhutukawa (commonly known as New Zealand’s Christmas tree) forest, where you might spot native tūī, black songbirds with a puff of white at their throats. At the summit, enjoy a 360-degree view of the city, which includes Waitematā Harbour, the far cliffs of the Manukau Heads and even distant offshore islands.
7. Sample local wine on one of Auckland’s most hippest streets
Reward yourself with a tipple at Flor along Karangahape Road, a short cab ride away. This wine bar and bistro specialises in natural and organic wine – and if you find something you fancy, you can pick it up at their sister store, Everyday Wine.
Flor serves up solid bites aside from its wine selection. Photo: Flor
Then, have a pre-dinner wander along what the locals call K Road, one of the city’s most iconic streets. Formerly the city’s red-light district, K Road has since transformed into one of Auckland’s coolest streets thanks to its mix of vintage and secondhand stores, chic eateries and artist studios.
8. Dig into global flavours at the city’s top restaurants
While the array and quality of Auckland’s restaurants make it an excellent city for foodies, visitors are often surprised to learn that there’s no national cuisine. Instead, dining in Auckland takes inspiration from the many cultures that call it home. From Karangahape Road, walk towards the iconic Sky Tower; at its foot are a range of the city’s top restaurants.
You’ll need a reservation for Cassia, but it’s worth planning ahead to experience chef Sid Sahrawat’s elevated take on the flavours of his Chennai childhood.
9. Finish off with an aria – or some laughs
Being near Sky Tower puts you within reach of multiple theatres. Next door, the Aotea Centre is home base for ballet, opera, classical music and the Auckland Arts Festival in March. A little further, the Basement Theatre hosts comedy gigs most nights of the week, as well as the New Zealand International Comedy Festival in May.
The stunning interior of The Civic. Photo: Shutterstock
And if you’re swinging by for a show at The Civic, note that the building itself is as much of a spectacle as any performance: its century-old interior imitates the experience of being seated in a Moorish garden, complete with minarets, porticoes, life-size statues of panthers and a night sky filled with stars.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Auckland, visit theofficial website.
The newest kid on a still rather untouched island, the sprawling resort of Anantara Koh Yao Yai promises an indulgent stay for couples and families alike, with its private pools and dedicated butler services. You’re well taken care of from the moment the gong in the grand lobby resounds to inform the staff that you’ve arrived.
Families will delight in the sheer plethora of kid-friendly activities there are to choose from. Drop the tykes off at the Kids Club where they’ll be well taken care of as they explore a jungle gym with a giant ball pit and a daily rotation of activities from batik painting to mangrove seedling planting. Or explore the family pool, replete with water jets and four waterslides. Between these resort facilities and the extras that you can book such as kayaking and island-hopping, the little ones will never have a bored moment.
If you’re really looking to spoil your kids, book the Grand Family Sea View Suite – the children’s bunkbeds come with a fun slide that is sure to feature in their memories long after the stay is over.
The resort has two main dining spots: Pakarang, which offers a stellar menu of Thai classics such as tom kha gai (Thai coconut milk soup with chicken, kaffir lime leaves and galangal) and kai jiew poo (a textural Thai-style omelette with crab meat), as well as Beach Restaurant, which serves more international fare such as salads and grilled meats. A third restaurant option is presently in the works and set to serve Japanese omakase cuisine.
Kappou may have humble beginnings as a 12-seater speakeasy at Fortune Centre, but that hasn’t stopped its young – and award-winning – chef Aeron Choo from making waves as Singapore’s first female Japanese restaurant owner and chef.
These days, you’ll find Choo at Kappou’s refined new digs in the Central Business District, serving up an ever-changing kappo omakase menu organised around the 72 micro-seasons of the Japanese calendar. Taking inspiration from her frequent travels to Japan, Choo applies the concept of seasonality to the dining experience with the fervour of an artist – from the cuisine to the vintage lacquerware, to the ikebana.
Kappou checks all the boxes of a good fine dining experience – contemporary flavours, quality ingredients and certainly traditional cooking techniques elaborately executed. But what leaves the strongest impression, is the maverick chef’s inimitable sense of hospitality. Beyond her moreish caviar toastie and spectacular ice block tuna, it’s her sharp-shooting sense of humour and thekawaii(endearing or cute) elements of surprise that she concocts throughout your time there that will linger long after the meal is over.
