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Nestled within the lush Capella Singapore on Sentosa, the longstanding Chinese restaurant continues to evolve under the guidance of new chef, Ben Wong. The dedicated chef, who has amassed 30 years of experience at some of the region’s best, shapes every dish with meticulous care and balance. His signature double-boiled sakura chicken soup with conch, fish maw and dendrobium is double-boiled for six hours – a time-intensive labour that shows in the deep, nourishing broth.
Another highlight is the steamed leopard coral grouper, served with the chef’s signature yellow chilli sauce. Prized for its delicate taste and springy texture, it’s a masterclass in technique and finesse, accentuated by a light punch of preserved chilli. If you’re complementing the meal with tea, and you should, try the white peony and melon tea, served in beautifully textured ceramic. The dining room, designed by the famed André Fu, blends modern chinoiserie with understated elegance, offering a polished setting for special occasions.
A new year is the perfect moment to discover treasures that add meaning, style and value to everyday living. From refined indulgences and memorable experiences to thoughtful investments and timeless favourites, these curated picks are designed to elevate the months ahead. Consider this your guide to four irresistible finds worth making room for as you step into the new year.
1. A timeless signature: Herbal Roast Duck
At Dian Xiao Er the new year begins with a dish steeped in heritage and flavour. Prepared using premium Cherry Valley ducks, each duck is marinated for hours in a refined blend of Chinese herbs and spices before being freshly roasted to achieve crisp skin and succulent meat, finished with the brand’s signature herbal sauce. KrisFlyer members who dine in at participating outlets will receive a return voucher for a complimentary quarter Herbal Roast Duck, redeemable on their next visit – a delicious reason to come back.
Available while stocks last until 15 February 2026 at selected outlets: Parkway Parade, Great World, Downtown East, City Square Mall, Northpoint City, Lot One, Hillion Mall, Jewel Changi Airport and Marina Square. Terms and conditions apply.
Succulent, crispy Herbal Roast Duck roasted daily at precise temperatures
2. A waterfront escape that always feels like a discovery
Luxury unfolds at an unhurried pace at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove. Set within an exclusive waterfront enclave, this premier lifestyle destination invites guests to stay, dine and explore in refined style. From private yacht charters gliding across sunlit waters to tranquil marina-view rooms designed for dreamy escapes, with every detail thoughtfully curated. Culinary highlights range from Cantonese signatures at WOK°15 Kitchen to laid-back sundowners at the floating Boaters Bar, making it a destination you’ll want to return to time and again.
A refined escape, tucked within an exclusive enclave
3. A smart investment that stands the test of time
With over a decade of expertise, Indigo Precious Metals has earned a reputation as one of Asia’s most trusted names in bullion investment. Helmed by a veteran institutional trader, the Singapore-based firm offers investment-grade gold, silver and other precious metals sourced exclusively from LBMA-accredited refiners. From personalised advice to secure, fully allocated global storage, Indigo provides discerning investors with a transparent and reliable way to safeguard wealth and preserve legacy for generations to come.
Indigo is known for its premium service, trusted reputation and exceptionally competitive pricing
4. Where advanced technology meets body confidence
INDIBA® is a leader in radio-frequency technology. This patented approach is shown to boost cell metabolism and blood circulation through a range of treatments like body sculpting and postnatal abdominal recovery. Not only is it safe and painless, but it’s also non-invasive with zero downtime. From targeting stubborn fat and cellulite to firming, lifting and contouring your body shape, there’s no end to the results you can get. Enjoy your first trial session for $168 at Musee Platinum Tokyo.
Regain your confidence and book your trial session here.
Experience an innovative treatment designed to restore and refine
End-of-year travel is a wonderful time for families to come together, reunite across the globe and celebrate the festive season. When travelling with young children, it can be stressful to keep them entertained on the plane or to ensure they will have food they enjoy. Singapore Airlines (SIA) has made this easier, both before and during the flight, with tips, entertainment, and food options that make travelling with children a much smoother experience.
Plan ahead a smoother journey
To help parents plan a smoother travel journey, this checklist is a must-have. It highlights pre-flight tips, packing suggestions, and key considerations when travelling with small children or infants, making preparations easier.
Breeze through the airport
Families can make their airport arrival more seamless by checking in online ahead of their flight up to 48-hours in advance. When travelling with young children in the same booking, you may select seats for free, subject to availability. At the airport, families with compact strollers can check them in at the gate, so that children may use them until they board. The stroller will be counted as one piece of cabin baggage.
The playroom in the new First Class SilverKris Lounge at Terminal 2 is perfect for little ones to relax in.
Children travelling in First or Business Class have access to the SilverKris Lounges at Singapore Changi Airport Terminals 2 and 3, both of which feature playrooms. The new playroom at the First Class SilverKris Lounge in Terminal 2 welcomes young travellers with an interactive Beary-themed wall and busy boards. The space is thoughtfully designed to keep children happily engaged, allowing adults to unwind before boarding. A dedicated nursing room is also available, complete with a baby-changing station.
Onboard entertainment for the little ones
To keep young travellers entertained in the air, SIA has launched Sky Quests, a collection of three mini-games to provide additional in-flight entertainment options. Young adventurers can test their knowledge with Travel Trivia, sharpen their memory with Memory Match, or bond with family over an interactive game of Charades Chase. Simply access these games via KrisWorld Digital during your flight.
Kids can test their skills out in the mini-games on Sky Quests.
Families can also enjoy a curated selection of cosy, family-themed movies, TV shows, and more on our seatback in-flight entertainment system. Enjoy family favourites, including movies such as How To Train Your Dragon, Animal Tales of Christmas Magic, and Superman on KrisWorld, your theatre in the sky
There’s family entertainment for all ages on KrisWorld.
Kid-friendly meal options
Children can enjoy meals that cater to their preferences and dietary needs. Choose from Western, Asian or vegetarian options, thoughtfully prepared to make mealtimes on board a breeze. Infants can also enjoy age-appropriate meals that are easy to chew and digest. These meals must be requested at least 32 hours before flight departure.
Kid-friendly meal options means everyone is fed and happy onboard.
There many ways that Singapore Airlines can help you have a smoother journey with your children. Click here to find out more.
Opened in 2022, Wakuda Restaurant and Bar is chef Tetsuya Wakuda’s most recent venture at Marina Bay Sands. The contemporary eatery features warm wood, works by Japanese artists and a window framing a pocket of greenery and is a more casual destination compared to Chef Wakuda’s other venture – the one Michelin-star Waku Ghin, inviting guests to visit and dine before or after a day of sightseeing.
The Japanese-born Australian chef’s signatures include Canadian lobster with chili and quinoa, and the richly marbled A5 Japanese Wagyu Ohmi Beef. Fresh sushi and sashimi feature prominently in both the à la carte menus and the premium Sushi Experience Menu that ranges from 13 to 17 courses. Counter seats provide a close view of the chefs at work.
The bar is another draw, serving well-made craft cocktails alongside exclusive sakes and rare spirits bottled specifically for Wakuda. Leave space dessert, in particular the Miso Coconut Soft-Serve, a dairy-free ice cream layered with gentle umami.
Conveniently located in the lobby of Tower 2, Wakuda is an ideal stop for a relaxed, dining experience for lovers of contemporary Japanese cuisine.
Not many know this, but parts of Cambodia enjoy a “mild winter” season from November to February, when temperatures can drop to as low as 15ºC in the early mornings and rise to 26ºC through the course of the day.
Cool temperatures in dry season make for bright, beautiful days – not to mention cosy nights – and in Siem Reap, and you can make the most of these glorious hours walking along the riverside, browsing the markets or sipping coffee in the city’s many outdoor cafés.
And if you’re looking for adventure, book these limited, seasonal experiences that are best done in the cool weather.
1. Ride a hot air balloon over the Cambodian countryside
What could be dreamier than peacefully drifting across a scenic landscape, hundreds of feet in the air, in what is essentially a basket lifted by a giant balloon? If a hot air balloon ride is on your travel list, book a sunrise or afternoon flight with Cambodia Balloon Adventures, which operates flights from December to March, or for as long as the cool weather holds.
The sunrise tour is totally worth the early start (pickup time is around 5am). The basket fits a maximum of eight, but if you’re aiming for a romantic couples’ ride, you can also buy out the entire basket for two (get a quote through your hotel or directly from the company).
A view of Siem Reap from this height is unforgettable. Photo: Cambodia Balloon Adventures
Rides last anywhere from 25 minutes to an hour, depending on wind direction. And you can ride with ease knowing the company maintains their balloons according to the strictest international safety and quality standards. All pilots are licensed in the UK and the US, and have decades of experience in aviation.
The Angkor temple complex is a no-fly zone, so instead you get breathtaking views of the lush and spectacular Cambodian countryside just as the sun comes up. You’ll see swaths of green as far as the eye can see, punctuated by ponds, clusters of sugar palms and tiny villages. If the conditions are right, you’ll even drift over the gorgeous Bakong Temple, a sandstone mountain temple, among the earliest built during the Khmer Empire.
2. Cruise along the Tonle Sap
You can visit the Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, any time of the year, but there are certainly ideal months for it. The lake – famous for shrinking and expanding as the Tonle Sap River reverses course – fills up in rainy season, which ends around early November. After that, it’s cool and dry, with mostly clear, cloudless skies that make for perfect sunset cruises.
Book a ride on Saam Paan Villa for a relaxing half-day cruise. Photo: Saam Paan Villa
Private premium boats like Saam Paan Villa are perfect for small to mid-size groups (the boat can accommodate up to 15). Saam Paan has lounge beds and tables, an upper deck, a clean toilet onboard and chillers for ice and drinks. Pre-book the boat, pack some snacks and your drinks of choice, and head to the Chong Khneas embarkation point (about 15 to 20 minutes by car from the centre of town).
If you have the time, opt for the half-day cruise that includes a visit to the flooded forest – near the floating village of Kampong Phluk – where, for a little extra, you can row a canoe through the treetops. It’s a magical experience you shouldn’t miss. End the day by dropping anchor somewhere in the lake for a front-row view to an enchanting sunset .
3. Hike up Kbal Spean
Lace up your hiking shoes and get ready for a rewarding hike along the forested foothills of Banteay Srei’s Kulen Mountains, all the way to Kbal Spean, an archaeological site also called the River of a Thousand Lingas. It’s an ancient sacred site full of riverbed carvings, depicting Hindu deities and phallic symbols of fertility.
Kbal Spean the mystery waterfall on Kulen mountains range of the ancient Khmer empire in Siem Reap province of Cambodia.
The 1.5km hike uphill takes anywhere from 40 minutes at moderate speed to an hour and a half if you’re taking it easy and admiring the jungle flora. The trail narrows and widens, and features the occasional wooden stairs, muscular tree roots and boulders to climb over. It’s hard to imagine doing this during the hot season, but in cool weather, it’s a rewarding hike that nevertheless makes you sweat.
Pair this day with a visit to other highlights of the Kulen mountain range, which includes a 16-century monastery with a reclining Buddha.
4. Explore more temples – slowly this time
The usual temple itinerary includes the iconic Angkor Wat, Bayon (the temple of faces) and Ta Prohm (often called “the Tomb Raider temple”), after which most people tap out to escape the bright noonday sun. But the cooler months give you a chance to carry on exploring more temples, like the Grand Circuit, without baking in the heat.
Classical picture of Ta Prohm Temple, Angkor, Cambodia
Temples such as the 12th century Preah Khan, built in the reign of King Jayavarman VII, widely considered as the greatest emperor of the Khmer Empire, responsible for the massive building campaign that included schools, hospitals and the whole walled city of Angkor Thom. Built in honour of the king’s father, Preah Khan was one of the biggest projects of its time and the details – such as carvings of Garuda all around the outermost enclosure walk, and of Kenorei (half-woman, half-bird) along the wainscotting – are nothing short of spectacular.
The most rewarding discoveries lie in the act of walking itself. Here’s an insider tip: Grab at meal at Tevy’s Place on Wat Bo Street 26 where you can pick up one of Lucas Varro’s booklets on Angkor temples and the art of entering and experiencing them. The Siem Reap-based artist and writer has spent years going on daily pilgrimages to the temples, and you can pair your visit with some of his insights that have been distilled into collections of slim but elegant guides.
For more information on Singapore Airlines’ flights to Siem Reap, visit singaporeair.com.
Less than a 20-minute drive from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport – a detail that carries real weight in Jakarta – Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue opened in 2019 as part of the rapidly expanding Pantai Indah Kapuk township developed by the Agung Sedayu Group. Built on reclaimed land on the city’s northern fringe, the 412-room hotel forms part of a growing lifestyle district that continues to push outward toward the coast.
Both the spacious Swiss Signature Room (43 sqm) and Swiss Prestige Suite (88 sqm) feature elegant artwork, living space and en-suite bathroom – but for those looking for an ultra luxurious stay, the St Gallen Suite (216 sqm) has a separate living room, dining room and bathroom plus a king bedroom and complimentary champagne on your first night.
The property sits directly above the PIK Avenue mall, placing guests within easy reach of cafés, waterfront promenades and the area’s newer mixed-use zones, including PIK 2 and Pantjoran PIK. For travellers who prefer to stay outside the city centre, the location offers a degree of convenience that is increasingly hard to find elsewhere in Jakarta.
Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue functions as a straightforward, well-run base for short and longer stays. Rooms are contemporary and quietly furnished, with adequate soundproofing and workspaces suited to business travellers. Its position above the mall means access to dining and basic amenities requires little effort, which is useful for late arrivals or brief stopovers.
Facilities include Pürovel Spa & Sport, which caters to guests maintaining fitness routines, though the atmosphere varies depending on occupancy. The Chinese National, the headline restaurant, offers a confident take on moden Cantonese cuisine in a polished setting, while Letterpress, a hidden speakeasy bar, provides a subdued space for an evening drink without venturing out.
Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue is best suited to travellers who prioritise proximity to the airport and the self-contained convenience of PIK. It serves as a functional base for early flights, nearby meetings or for those looking to avoid Jakarta’s more congested central districts.
One of two properties in Jakarta by the well-known Swiss chain, this serviced apartment opened in April 2025 with 240 rooms across 19 floors. Located right in the heart of the Golden Triangle – where most of the capital city’s skyscrapers, multinationals and embassies are located – it’s ideal for meetings in Sudirman or SCBD. There’s also shopping and dining options at Lotte Shopping Avenue and Kuningan City Mall just minutes away.
You’ll feel as though you’re just at home. Designed for both short and long stays, the property features spacious studios and multi-bedroom suites equipped with kitchenettes, dining areas and laundry facilities – ideal for business travellers or families settling into the city for weeks at a time.
The Japanese-inspired décor is contemporary yet soothing: pale wood tones, sleek lines and floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of Mega Kuningan’s skyline. Guests enjoy access to an impressive fitness centre, outdoor pool and breakfast lounge, plus five-star, precise service from a team that balances discretion with warmth.
There’s also Embers Open-Fire Grill, where hot charcoal and huge flames turn simple cuts of meat and seafood into smoky, show-stopping plates.
This humble and cosy eatery in trendy Pererenan serves up homestyle Balinese recipes by Nusa Penida native, Cchef Wayan Kresna Yasa – who also heads KAUM at Potato Head Bali. Delicious, comforting and plated to perfection, signature dishes include the Tempe Lodeh with young jackfruit and eggplant, Bebek Se’i (Hay smoked duck) and Ayam Srosop – pan-seared chicken in a spiced coconut broth.
Set in a rustic one-storey bungalow in the leafy dining enclave, the cafe offers a relaxing view of its green-filled lawn through its huge windows. Their all day dining menu takes inspiration from global cuisines, like the moreish Turkish bread with whipped ricotta and feta cream, spiced with za’atar, or the deliciously fusion Mee Siam Cacio Spaghettini, served with tiger prawns, tau pok chips, sakura ebi and flying fish roe. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss dessert. Their signature sticky date pudding with toffee sauce remains a must-order. For those with furry friends, the pet-friendly outdoor terrace is a cosy spot for sundowners – try the Paul Mas Claudeval Rosé or the refreshing strawberry and mint spritz.
Tucked away in an industrial building on Henderson Road, this tasteful bistro is the perfect escape from the bustle of life. Led by sommeliers Alvin Gho and Ian Lim of the now-defunct RVLT, it features sculptural pieces by Danish design house Fritz Hansen, setting the table for a no-rules menu built on instinct and flavour. Chef Sunny Leong’s dinner tasting menu cleverly balances whimsy with technique; highlights include the chicken skin stroopwafel served with ‘drunken’ foie gras and rose wine, and a delicate crystal bread in the shape of a Japanese sensu fan, topped with lobster roe bavarois and caviar. Of course, there’s also plenty of minimal intervention vino to go around. The blue mussel ‘cheong fun’ with Jerusalem artichoke finds a wonderful match with a gentle orange wine from New Zealand’s Kunoh Wines. On busier nights, the vibe is lively and intimate – it’s almost like visiting a friend’s house party, clinking glasses and sharing plates over nostalgic pop.
