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West Australia’s ‘wine region’ is a must visit for its lush produce, premium wines and welcoming vineyards. Travelling with kids? Margaret River – a small town south of Perth – provides tons of fun, without compromising the grown-ups’ need for fine wine and cuisine. At these seven wineries and breweries, dedicated kids’ menus, playgrounds and activities aplenty will keep your children entertained.
1. Brews on tap at Cheeky Monkey Brewery
If you are visiting Margaret River with kids, Cheeky Monkey Brewery is a must visit. The grounds are lush and allow for ample space to run about. It has one of the largest, most inviting, fenced-in playgrounds where kids of all ages can have hours of fun. They serve award-winning brews on tap and in canned form for you to take home to enjoy. The restaurant menu has a ton of hearty eats (specialty burgers, pizzas and fries). Grab a table outdoors – the vista views of the lake and vineyard are amazing. The spacious grounds are very welcoming to four-legged kids too.
The fenced playground at Cheeky Monkeys Winery
2. Sparkling fruit wines at The Berry Farm
The Berry Farm’s jams, preserves, sauces and syrups are as popular as their sparkling fruit wines and dessert wines. At their Cottage Café, little ones can enjoy tucking into their freshly baked scones with house-made jam and clotted cream. After which, they can muck about in the rustic adventure playground, or on the colourful slides and climbing structures. Walking around the lush grounds is a great way to work up an appetite and it is also a great spot for bird watching.
Scones with The Berry Farm’s artisanal berry jam
3. Hand-crafted wine at Flametree Winery
Even with the kids in tow, you should still visit some of the more prolific wineries at Margaret River. Located on the shores of Geographe Bay, Flametree Winery has a whole list of award-winning wines made with fruit sourced from growers within the Margaret River Wine Region, including their Embers and Flametree range. Their beach house style cellar door building is elegantly furnished and perfect to visit at any time of the year. Not only can you participate in wine tasting and gourmet make-your-own platter sessions, it features an inviting deck, beautiful gardens and a spacious lawn for the kiddos to play a bout of frisbee or to wind down for a family picnic. Also, Flametree Winery is pet- and wheelchair-friendly!
4. Award-winning restaurant at Leeuwin Estate
This family business may not have a dedicated children’s playground, but Leeuwin Estate makes up for it with their expansive front lawn and their family-style outdoor seating. The restaurant adopts a paddock-to-plate philosophy and their food is fresh, local and mostly free-range. At the cellar door, sip their opulent and age-worthy wines under the ‘Art Series’ labels, which will keep the parents happy while the kids run about on the grounds outside.
View of the Leeuwin Estate building from the outside
5. Sports cars and decadent wines at Aravina Estate
When it comes to family-friendly wineries, the guys at Aravina Estate win top honours. Their large and lush lawn have views of undulating vines, sparkling lakes and a beautiful garden that has a range of roses, hydrangeas and camellias. Their cellar door serves decadent wines, and the restaurant boasts exhaustive menus for both kids and adults. For motor enthusiasts young and old, Aravina Estate has an enviable collection of rare sports cars and vintage vehicles – have a drink, grab a bite, and go ahead and browse.
The kids playground at Aravina
6. Vineyard views at Swings & Roundabouts
You know the estate boasts a host of kiddie-friendly fun when you see the name Swings & Roundabouts being used. The wine aspect is kept light-hearted to appeal to novice wine drinkers and they have wood-fired pizzas to pair with the drinks. There are many things for kids to enjoy: the estate is equipped with a large wooden playground, outdoor seating and there is even an old-school tyre swing. There are often local live music acts on Sundays, when the cellar door backyard takes on a picnic vibe.
Xanadu’s grounds may be smaller than other Margaret River wineries, but it ticks all the right boxes. A well-stocked cellar door with friendly and personable service, outstanding wines, and lush grounds to run about in. There’s also a casually elegant restaurant serving delectable cuisine by head chef Aaron Lim. The chef Lim grew up in Singapore and Malaysia, has worked in top restaurants around the world and now uses seasonal produce to create delicious dishes at Xanadu. Kids are well taken care of, and so are the adults.
Xanadu has the most beautiful green lawn to go with their outdoor seating
Please check the establishments’ respective websites for opening hours as well as booking requirements before visiting, and remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.
The information is accurate as of press time. For updated information, please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
To learn more about Singapore Airlines flights, visit singaporeair.com.
Sydney-bound explorers should take time to (re)visit places like the Opera House and the signature rock pools – along with all of the non-touristy attractions that the Harbour City has to offer. But if you have time, make sure to hit the road and see a bit more of New South Wales. From epic multi-day trips to quick weekend getaways, we have listed out options for every type of road tripper.
If you’re short on time… Moss Vale
You don’t have to venture far to come up against scenes of spectacular beauty. Starting your trip on Taronga Road, make your way to the scenic Nepean Dam where you can stop for a picnic and some photos before continuing on through the Southern Highlands’ lush rainforests and resplendent valleys. The Southern Highlands has tons of heritage towns ripe for exploration. It is also known for being stuffed with plenty of antique treasures so if you’re a vintage lover, be sure to pull over and poke around the many antique shops in the area. After a quick coffee break, drive for another 15 minutes or so before you hit Moss Vale, home to bucolic farmlands, expansive vineyards and picture-perfect gardens. Schedule time for a meal at Mount Ashby Estate. Nestled in the north face of the mountain, you can enjoy fine wines and French-inspired modern dishes, while spotting farm animals wandering the grounds. The whole journey from Taronga to Moss Vale, if you choose not to stop, takes just 90 minutes.
Resident ducks on the grounds of Mount Ashby Estate, Moss Vale. Photo credit: Kramer Photography; www.kramer.photography
If you’re longing for expansive coastal views… Grand Pacific Drive
Often touted as one of Australia’s most beautiful road trip routes, this drive combines the best of land and sea – from the sweeping wilderness of the Royal National Park to the wild and rugged coast. Your journey depends on how much time you have. If you’re pressed for time, you can drive through the 140km route, slowing down only to marvel at the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, a 665m-long curved portion of the highway that wraps around the steep slope and stretches toward the Pacific Ocean.
For those with a bit more flexibility in their schedule, make time to stop at laid-back seaside towns such as Austinmer or Thirroul for some local grub before heading on to Wollongong, a vibrant coastal city jam-packed with trendy art galleries and funky restaurants. From Wollongong, it’s a 30-minute drive to the famous Kiama Blowhole, a natural rock formation where seawater shoots through and upwards, sometimes up to 20m in the air. Stay the night in Kiama town or make your way back to Sydney – just two hours away.
The iconic Sea Cliff Bridge. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com
If you’re looking for an idyllic drive… Greater Blue Mountains Drive
For those who prefer exploring the hinterlands of New South Wales, this epic journey should be on your list. The entire area comprises some 1,200km of major connecting roads that will take you through rugged backroads, spectacular landscapes and mountains and valleys. Whether you explore part of the drive in short trips or take time for an extended tour, you’ll surely appreciate the myriad experiences that this beautiful region has to offer. Many road trippers head to Katoomba (90 minutes from Sydney), where you have the option of hopping on a railway, cable car, skyway or walkway for views of the famous Three Sisters rock formation.
From Katoomba, there is a 7km stretch of road to the Valley of the Waters, where you meander through scenic cliff-tops packed with Instagram-worthy lookout points and tranquil walking paths. History buffs will love Jenolan, located about an hour from Katoonba, where you’ll find ancient calcite formations and marine fossils in the spectacular Jenolan Caves. Don’t miss Kanangra, a small town about 45 minutes away that acts as the perfect base to explore the pastoral beauty of the Kanangra-Boyd region.
Catch the sunset on the peaks of the Three Sisters landmark in the Blue Mountains. Photo credit: Adobe
If you are raring for some adventure… Sydney to Snowy Mountains
Heed the call of the wild with this journey that takes you through the picturesque valleys, river plains and mountain peaks of the Snowy Mountains, known colloquially as “The Snowies”. Located about 490km from Sydney, be sure to pack equipment for fly-fishing as you can enjoy year-round fishing in the pristine lakes of the Snowy Mountains. If you’re travelling with young children, you’ll love the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, where they can check out interactive exhibits on the Snowy Mountains Scheme, a hydroelectricity and irrigation complex in south-east Australia that’s on the Australian National Heritage List. To work off any pent-up energy, get them to jump on the “power bikes” and see if they can paddle hard enough to power an Xbox. The Scheme is located within the Kosciuszko National Park, home to the eponymous mountain where you can explore walking trails of varying levels of difficulty, check out scenic falls and native species, and stay overnight at the many campsites.
Enjoy the scenic views across Kosciuszko National Park. Photo credit: Destination NSW
If you are hungry for a gourmet journey… Tablelands Food and Wine Trail
For those who travel in search of good food, this is the road trip for you. Strap in and get ready for a five-day epicurean journey that takes you through wineries, boutique producers, farm stops and acclaimed restaurants in the Yass Valley, Hilltops region and NSW Southern Tablelands. Highlights of the trip include Gundaroo, a charming National Trust-classified village where you’ll find several cool-climate wineries; Murrumbateman, a former mining town that is now home to small-batch producers that offer everything from artisanal chocolates to smoked bushmeat; and the historic rural village of Bungendore, where you can wend your way through bustling markets, take part in a cooking class at Le Tres Bon Restaurant and Cooking School followed by a sumptuous feast of classic French dishes. In between all the eating, stop by the many art galleries along the way where you can pick up contemporary art pieces from local artists. The wine selection at Jugiong Wine Cellar, situated on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, is complemented with a range of ever-changing high quality art.
Jugiong Wine Cellar is one of the many stops along the self-guided Tablelands Food & Wine Trail
Please check the establishments’ respective websites for opening hours as well as booking requirements before visiting, and remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.
The information is accurate as of press time. For the latest travel advisory updates, please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
The compactness of the Little Red Dot, and the efficiency of its world-class public transport systems, makes Singapore the perfect city to enjoy a variety of experiences properly without rushing from one attraction to the next. Here’s a 48-hour itinerary to get you started.
Day 1 – Back to nature
8am – Henderson Waves
Get up bright and early for a revitalising walk along the 10km-long Southern Ridges trail that connects Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve. With options to get on or off the trail depending on the distance you’d like to do, these ridges have something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or walking enthusiast. The architecturally stunning Henderson Waves (Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge) offers sweeping views of the city – spot the Daniel Libeskind-designed Reflections at Keppel Bay – and at HortPark, peaceful green spaces and themed gardens fascinate and soothe.
To get to your next stop: Take bus No. 97 from the bus stop opposite HortPark to Marina Bay Sands, where you can walk to Gardens by the Bay.
The Southern Ridges. Photo credit: Huntergol HP/ Shutterstock.com
11am – Gardens by the Bay
Enjoy some cool respite from the Singapore heat in the air-conditioned conservatories at the award-winning Gardens by the Bay: Flower Dome, where it is perpetually spring, and Cloud Forest, a misty wonderland that’s home to rare plants that thrive in the mountains. Grab a coffee or ice cream at Mylos, a pet-friendly cafe set up alongside the newly opened Active Garden. For lunch, head over to nearby Marina Bay Sands for a plethora of celebrity chef options including Spago Dining Room by Wolfgang Puck and Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay
To get to your next stop: Hop onto the MRT train at Bayfront station and alight at Ang Mo Kio station. Take bus No. 138 to River Safari.
Cloud Forest
4pm – River Wonders
The river is calling at Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park. Learn about various river habitats and their inhabitants, including the Amazon (with its giant anteaters and tapirs) and the Ganges (with its Goonch Catfish and Indian Gharial). This attraction is also home to the well-loved Kai Kai and Jia Jia, two giant pandas that were gifted by China. In August 2021, the panda couple welcomed Singapore’s first panda cub Le Le.
Don’t leave the area so quickly after your visit – pop over to the neighbouring Night Safari, the world’s first wildlife night park where you can observe the otherwise hidden lives of a range of nocturnal animals.
River Wonders
Day 2 – Heritage trail
10am – Intan Peranakan Home Museum
After all that fresh air, book a visit to The Intan. This unique private space is home to Peranakan (Straits Chinese) heritage gems. From carefully curated pots and enamelware to intricate jewellery and beautiful Nonya kebaya (traditional blouse-sarong ensembles), guests will have an educational and holistic cultural experience.
Visits and tours must be booked in advance and include tea or lunch/dinner. But if you’re not having your meal at The Intan, there’s a plethora of delicious offerings to choose from as you’ll be in Joo Chiat, which is one of Singapore’s top foodie enclaves. Continue exploring Peranakan culture at Guan Hoe Soon for some traditional fare or Sinpopo for a more modern take on all of the favourite classics.
To get to your next stop: Take bus No. 33 from Tembeling Road, a short walk from the Intan, to the bus stop opposite Stamford Primary School. From there, Haji Lane is a 400m-walk away.
The Intan
2pm – Haji Lane
Chase down your lunch with a piping hot cup of teh halia (ginger milk tea) and soak in the indie vibes at narrow Haji Lane, a hip fashionista’s paradise located in the heart of the Malay heritage quarter. Check out beautiful Persian carpets along Arab Street or get some ohm-worthy yoga tights and accessories at Touch the Toes.
To get to your next stop: Take bus No. 80 from Parkview Square to the bus stop opposite The Treasury. The National Gallery is approximately five minutes away on foot.
Haji Lane
4pm – National Gallery Singapore
Located within two beautifully restored national monuments – the former Supreme Court and City Hall – the National Gallery, with its balanced architecture that deftly marries the old and new, is the crown jewel of Singapore’s contemporary art scene. The gallery’s complimentary guided tours are a great way to get to know the building and its collections: our picks are the one-hour Building Highlights Tour and the DBS Singapore Gallery Highlights Tour. World-class blockbuster exhibitions are also organised regularly. Another ongoing exhibition worth catching is Listening to Architecture: The Gallery’s Histories and Transformations, which traces the journey of the City Hall and Supreme Court buildings, from their origin to their dramatic transformation into National Gallery Singapore.
When you’re ready for a break, grab a coffee – and some souvenirs – at The Gallery Store., or if you have time to spare, have an early dinner at National Kitchen by Violet Oon, which serves delicious, elegantly-plated Peranakan fare.
To get to your next stop: Take a leisurely 500m-walk to Cavenagh Bridge, which will bring you past the historic Arts House and Victoria Theatre. Cross the bridge to The Fullerton Hotel, which marks the start of Boat Quay.
National Gallery Singapore
9.30pm – Chinatown
Round off your day with a tipple (or two) from one of the Singapore bars on Asia’s 50 Best Bars’ inaugural extended list. Many of these hip watering holes can be found nestled between the historic temples and traditional medicinal halls scattered throughout the streets of Chinatown. Stop off at Junior The Pocket Bar on Ann Siang and experience one of its ever-changing themes; or walk up to Gibson, a second floor Bukit Pasoh shophouse, known for putting Asian spins on classic cocktails.
The interiors of Junior The Pocket Bar are ever-changing based on the current running theme
Singapore Tourist Pass
The Singapore Tourist Pass is a special ez-link card (stored value card) that offers travellers unlimited travel on Singapore’s basic bus services, MRT and LRT trains for the duration that those services operate. With special commemorative designs, these passes are available in one- (S$10), two- (S$16) or three-day (S$20) options. This tourist pass is ideal for seamless and affordable use of the various public transport systems. Find out more here.
Check some of these places – and more – can be spotted in the Singapore Airlines safety video here:
Your journey with Singapore Airlines (SIA) on the day of your travel begins even before you step on board the aircraft. As soon as you enter the transit area at Changi Airport Terminal 3, walk towards the A1-A8 cluster gate and head up to the second floor, where a stunning wall façade with exquisite handcrafted glass flowers inspired by the Singapore Airlines Batik Motif welcomes you. Created by Singapore-based artist B. Jane Cowie, the wall façade features an array of flowers and leaves, gently illuminated against the iconic SIA blue background.
Once on the second floor, you will find yourself at the newly renovated SilverKris Lounge entrance foyer, which features Batik Flora, SIA’s signature scent in collaboration with Scent by SIX, that is concocted from six flowers that make up the Batik Motif. Step in and you will find yourself in a sanctuary of comfort, warmth and familiarity that will get you ready for your next adventure. The spacious foyer was designed with one key feature in mind: that customers can directly access The Private Room, First Class SilverKris Lounge and Business Class SilverKris Lounge from the main entrance.
Remember to take a selfie with the breath-taking wall façade and share it on social media (don’t forget to tag #FlySQ).
Frequent users of the lounges are sure to welcome the $50-million upgrades by SIA, which were thoughtfully designed to enhance the comfort and convenience of diverse groups of travellers and meet their evolving needs in the coming years. Favourites such as the live cooking stations have been enhanced, with added varieties of lounge seating such as productivity zones and rest areas, as well as upgraded shower and restroom facilities. Designed by renowned hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates, the new lounges incorporate contemporary finishes and modern amenities with a sense of timeless elegance.
Your own private space: Upon presenting your boarding pass, you will be escorted directly into The Private Room by one of our friendly hosts. With around 78 seats, The Private Room was designed with a true sense of privacy and exclusivity in mind. There are various rest and seating areas to suit your needs – pocket seating booths separated by ornamental bookshelves for the solo travellers, duo seating booths for customers travelling in small groups, four day rooms for those in need of privacy and relaxation, a play area for kids and a phone booth for those who would like to take their calls in private.
Design details: Keep your eyes peeled for the understated elegance of the lighting fixtures at The Private Room. At the lobby, be captivated by an exquisite light dome adorned with Lalique crystal flowers inspired by Aquatic Ginger, one of the flowers used in SIA’s Batik Motif. It has been specially designed by Lalique for SIA. At the centre of the lounge, a ‘Room within a Room’ that is framed by tall architectural glass screens is a spacious seating area perfect for families. Light installations uniquely customised by Lasvit add to the lush ambience inspired by nature, oceans and greenery. Crystal frames aroundthe dining boothsare alsocreatedbyLasvit.Adding a touch of familiarity and history are two art pieces by Hong Zhu An, Peace and Prosperity I and Peace and Prosperity II, that have adorned the walls of The Private Room since its inception.
The flower crystals in the Lalique light dome are inspired by the Aquatic Ginger, a critically endangered species that is native to Singapore and one of the flowers used in SIA’s Batik Motif.The ‘Room within a Room’ features custom light installations by Lasvit.
Dine and drink: With a total of 28 dining seats in a spacious setting, having a meal in The Private Room is an intimate and pampering experience. Customers can order from an à la carte menu featuring an international selection. You’ll also find well-loved local dishes with a premium twist, such as laksa with lobster and wagyu satay. Help yourselves to a warm drink at the self-service tea area or simply ask for a freshly made coffee from our barista who is available all day.
Rest: Rest or relax in comfort while waiting for your flight. If you need more privacy or have a longer layover, you can book one of the four spacious day rooms where you can work, relax, freshen up, and even squeeze in some exercise. All rooms have adjustable lighting and are fitted with Poltrona Frau reclining armchairs. Two of the day rooms come with single-size Tempur Zero G beds paired with the brand’s Supreme Firm mattresses, which have a unique zero gravity preset that puts your body in total weightless relaxation. Two types of Tempur pillows are available – medium and soft – and the bed base can be raised for those who wish to read or use their personal devices. To put you into a deeper mood of relaxation, COMO Shambala’s signature scents ‘Invigorate’ and ‘Sleep’ are available upon request. COMO Shambhala‘s Yoga blocks and yoga mats are also available for customers who wish to do some light stretching.
Recharge in one of the exclusive day rooms with Tempur Zero G beds that come with vibration massage options.
Freshen up: The Private Room has three large unisex ensuite shower rooms and one wheelchair-accessible toilet with shower facilities. They each have sanitary and shower fittings from GROHE, including the Sensia Arena toilet with personalised cleansing settings and touchless features such as automatic seat opening, closing and flushing, as well as GROHE showers featuring rain spray, jet spray and hand shower options. Customers can also embark on a wellness journey pre-flight with COMO Shambhala’s Invigorate shower amenities. Child facilities in the restrooms, as well as a standalone baby care room are also available for families travelling with young children.
All shower facilities in The Private Room feature sanitary and shower fittings from GROHE and amenities by COMO Shambhala. Photo credit: GROHE Pacific Pte Ltd
Access: The Private Room is only accessible by passengers travelling in SIA Suites or First Class. You can enter directly from the SilverKris Lounge main foyer – cutting short the distance you would normally walk with the old layout.
First Class SilverKris Lounge
Your new old favourite: This lounge accommodates 134 customers and comes with upgrades to our lounge users’ favourites – an updated flagship bar, a bigger dining room and chef’s live station, a dining area twice its previous size and an upgraded bar, productivity pods, a dedicated meeting room, and a new see-through play room for kids with an adjacent sitting area where parents can keep a watchful eye.
The First Class dining room now boasts double the seats, comfortably fitting 52 customers, with four family booths that are embossed with the SIA Batik Motif on the back panels.
Design details: Head to the flagship Crystal Bar and check out the new wall covered in Lalique crystal lighting. Each bespoke light is inpired by the shape of an Aquatic Ginger – you can catch a glimpse of its beauty even from the foyer. Spot more Batik Motif on the back panels at the First Class dining room. The curved walls near the buffet counter represents the dynamism of travel.
The First Class bar was a crowd favourite and has been given a fresh new look and name – the Crystal Bar – with lighting features specially designed by Lalique for SIA.
Get work done: Productivity pods – private cubicles ideal for customers who need to work in peace – were first introduced in SilverKris lounges overseas and have proven to be very popular. An updated version of these pods can now be found in the SilverKris Lounge. Another new feature is the modular seat, designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates, which allows customers to work and dine from the comfort of a sofa seat. A dedicated meeting room is also available, seating up to six people.
Dining: A big live cooking station where à la carte items such as bak chor mee and roti prata are prepared is the central feature of this lounge’s dining area. Replacing traditional buffet islands are self-service food counters, where customers can enjoy a selection of premium options such as laksa with king prawns, cold soba and ice cream. In the mornings, another station near the coffee counter serves up fresh waffles and pastries. Apart from the usual beverages that you can find at the lounges, thereare twootherareas for drinks: the Crystal Bar, which has a barista during the day and a bartender in the evening serving speciality cocktails like the SilverKris Sling and the iconic Singapore Sling, and a satellite mini bar called the Trunk Bar where customers can help themselves to various wines and liquors.
The live stations and chef-prepared meals have always been appreciated by customers and are now made the central feature of the revamped dining area.
Rest: There are four day rooms perfect for those who have a few hours to wait before their flight: two rooms come with Poltrona Frau reclining armchairs, while the other two have single-size Tempur Zero G beds with a Supreme Firm mattress. Two types of Tempur pillows are available – medium and soft – and in-room lighting can be dimmed or brightened. These are new to the First Class SilverKris Lounge.
Two day rooms are fitted with Tempur Zero G beds, which can lie flat for sleep or inclined for those who wish to read or use their devices.
Freshen up: The First Class SilverKris Lounge has five unisex ensuite shower rooms, and one wheelchair-accessible toilet with shower facilities. Each one features sanitary and shower fittings from GROHE, including the Sensia Arena toilet with personalised cleansing settings and touchless features such as automatic seat opening, closing, and flushing, as well as GROHE showers featuring rain spray, jet spray and hand shower options. Child facilities in the restrooms, as well as a standalone baby care room are also available for families travelling with young children.
Access: The First Class Lounge is accessible by passengers travelling in SIA Suites or First Class, Solitaire PPS Club members travelling in any SIA cabin class, or First Class passengers on Star Alliance flights. You can enter directly from the SilverKris Lounge main foyer.
Business Class SilverKris Lounge
Bigger and better: The new Business Class SilverKris Lounge is now the biggest of all SilverKris lounges with around 575 seats (the floor space is bigger than The Private Room and the First Class SilverKris Lounge combined). Since this lounge has always been the busiest, the new design features several zones to suit different customer profiles and needs, including a large dining hall, a relaxing living room, a quiet rest zone and an open concept area with generous seating spaces.
Take a break at the spacious living room overlooking the A1-5 cluster gates, thoughtfully situated near the dining area.
Design details: The brand new Business Class bar features overhead lighting that represents latitude lines and adjusts its brightness and color according to the time of day. The focal point of the living room is the signature wingback chairs with the SIA Batik Motif that has been embroidered on its plush burnt orange leather. Art pieces by Singapore artists Hong Zhu An and Lim Tze Peng are currently featured prominently in the lounge, as part of a collaboration with homegrown contemporary art gallery Ode to Art, evoking colourful and sedate scenes to expand the visual space. In the courtyard-style open concept area, vibrant seating options under the skylights and with the view of the runway will definitely excite you as you wait for your upcoming flight.
Get work done: The new lounge has its own meeting room that can seat up to six people now and several modular sofa seats that allow customers to work and dine in comfort. Productivity pods and a small phone booth to work in peace and privacy are also available.
Catch up on work at the productivity pods.
Dining: This lounge has two dining areas: those hankering for a full hearty meal can head to the main dining hall, which has close to 200 seats and a long self-service buffet spread, while the open-concept seating area on the other side of the lounge offers light food and refreshments in a more informal and relaxed setting for leisure and family travellers. The brand-new bar – deliberately placed in between so it is easily accessible from both sides – is manned by a barista in the morning and a bartender in the evening, so Business Class customers can also now enjoy their favourite brew or tipple with a view of the runway.
The main dining hall features a long buffet island where customers can select their own meals.
Rest: Customers who have overnight transits or need to sleep off jetlag can rest and recharge in the rest area at the end of the lounge, where there are 14 chaise lounges, each nestled in its own semi-enclosed cubicle. Rest facilities are new to the lounge and was created to address customer feedback. The main seating area is styled as a living room for additional comfort and relaxation. Have a few minutes to spare? Head to the KrisShop interactive display, developed in collaboration with Sony, where customers can browse the catalogue and purchase online via QR codes.
Freshen up: The Business Class SilverKris Lounge has doubled the number of showers in its new design. There are now 15 unisex ensuite shower rooms, as well as wheelchair-accessible restrooms and showers. Child facilities in the restrooms, as well as a standalone baby care room, are also available for families travelling with young children.
Access: The Business Class SilverKris Lounge is accessible by PPS Club members flying in any SIA cabin class or Business Class passengers on SIA or Star Alliance flights. You can enter directly from the SilverKris Lounge main foyer.
KrisFlyer Gold Lounge
Twice the comfort: The new KrisFlyer Gold Lounge has doubled in size and can now seat around 350 customers. It is the second biggest lounge after the Business Class SilverKris Lounge. It is also now equipped with its own shower facilities. The lounge is located in a beautiful open space with double-volume ceilings, giving it a bright and fresh atmosphere – with an enviable view of the runway.
Watch airplanes take off and land as you anticipate your upcoming flight at the al fresco seating area.
Design details: The entrance of the lounge features curved walls to represent the dynamism of travel and lighting that evokes an aircraft tail light. Inside, the double-volume open space is anchored by tall light structures that are inspired by flight paths branching out.
Get work done: The KrisFlyer Gold Lounge has included high tables as well as open-concept work desks.
For customers who prefer to work from a desk setting, these spaces are also available at the lounge.
Dining: The buffet area is now expanded and features a refreshed and expanded menu. Both the lounge and dining sections are in the open area, for a fresh al fresco feel. Even at night, this space is bright and well-lit.
Freshen up: While the previous space did not have its own restrooms and showers, frequent users of the lounge will be very happy to hear that there are now three dedicated restrooms, three unisex shower rooms as well as a wheelchair-accessible restroom and shower. Child facilities in the restrooms, as well as a standalone baby care room, are also available for families travelling with young children.
Upgrades to the lounge facilities include shower and restroom facilities, as well as a baby care room.
Access: The KrisFlyer Gold Lounge is accessible by KrisFlyer Elite Gold or Star Alliance Gold members flying on SIA or Star Alliance flights, in Premium Economy or Economy Class. It has its own separate entrance, a short walk away on the same level as the SilverKris Lounge.
The KrisFlyer Gold Lounge has a separate entrance, a few steps away from the SilverKris Lounge’s main entrance.
Being a continent with such a rich history, it’s no surprise that so many castles in Europe have been converted into hotels. Some have spectacular, centuries-old architectural features such as turrets and portcullis, while others have sprawling grounds that are perfect for relaxing walks.
And while these historic sites may have been in existence for aeons, their hotel incarnations are not lacking in creature comforts. Luxurious accommodations, restaurants and bars serve hearty meals and drinks, and even spas with treatments help you to unwind. Whether it’s a romantic holiday, a family trip or a once-in-a-lifetime splurge with loved ones, here are five castle hotels to check out in Europe.
1. Amberley Castle, England
Nestled behind a portcullis, Amberley Castle is 900 years old and has an old-world charm history buffs will love. During the course of its existence, it has operated as a hunting lodge and even a fortified manor house, complete with battlements and a portcullis, under the supervision of resident bishops.
The castle was converted into a hotel in 1989 and there are 19 rooms. Some feature four-poster beds and en suite whirlpool bathrooms, and every room has luxurious touches such as crisp white linen, fine furnishings and antiques, and some have original features such as fireplaces, while others have added rustic charm thanks to exposed beams.
The beautiful formal gardens cover over 5ha and are contained within the castle walls. It’s a sight to behold, with features such as medieval stonework, rose-covered arches and topiary dating from the 1920s. There’s also a golf course and a tennis court, and you can play croquet in front of the castle battlements within the grounds. The hotel is less than two hours away by car from London, plus there’s a direct train from Victoria Station that runs hourly to Amberley Station, which takes about 80 minutes. Let the hotel know you’re arriving by train and they’ll arrange for a taxi to pick you up from the station.
Amberley Castle in the distance. Photo credit: VP Photography/shutterstock.com
2. Castlehotel Schönburg, Germany
Overlooking the town of Oberwesel, Castlehotel Schönburg – less than two hours by car from Frankfurt Airport – has been operating as a hotel since 1957. Of course, the building’s history dates a lot further back to somewhere between 911 and 1166, which was around the time the Dukes of Schönburg ruled over the town.
The castle burned down in 1689 during the nine-year Palatinate heritage war and the grounds lay in ruins for two centuries until an American of German ancestry bought it from the town in the late 19th century and restored it. The Oberwesel town council subsequently bought it back from his son in 1950 and the Hüttl family has been living it in since 1957.
The hotel and restaurant they established is now operated by the third generation. There are 27 guestrooms and no two rooms look the same. Some have four-poster beds while many have a balcony or a terrace. Relax in the fireplace room, pick a book from the library or make a trip to the prison tower – something you’ll be telling your friends about later.
Views from the terraces are not to be missed as the hotel overlooks the gorgeous Rhine Valley. If you’re getting married, stay at the honeymoon suite in a little house within the courtyard that comprises a living room, a large bathroom and a walk-in closet. Bonus: Each reservation includes breakfast as well as a four-course dinner, which changes daily.
3. Parador de Cardona, Spain
Parador de Cardona overlooks the town of Cardona and dates back to the 9th century, during which it had been the site of a fort and church. More recently, it was damaged during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Following restorations, it has been operating as a hotel since 1976.
Around the property, you’ll see walls decorated with tapestries and wrought iron torch holders. There are also elements from the old times such as moats, towers and an ancient cistern for the storage of water. The medieval look extends indoors, too, as the furniture has medieval designs and Catalan antiques are found in the rooms.
There are over 50 rooms of various sizes and many have four-poster beds and woven bedspreads. Guests enjoy modern comforts in the rooms, with air-conditioning, central heating, WiFi and even a gym and sauna. Its location on a promontory means you’ll get sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and villages, too. And it’s less than two hours by car from Barcelona.
Parador of Cardona is now a state-run luxury hotel. Photo credit: joan_bautista/shutterstock.com
Believed to have been around since at least the 11th century, Castel Monastero, as its name suggests, was once a monastery. Other notable moments in its history include being conquered in 1270, and once being home to the aristocratic Chigi-Saracini family, who used it for hunting and harvesting the fruit of the vines in the area. Located in gorgeous Tuscany – about three hours by car from Rome – you’ll be surrounded by vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see.
There are more than 70 rooms and suites, all designed Tuscan-style with elements such as terracotta flooring and wooden beams, and there are historical prints around the rooms. There’s also the secluded Villa Lavanda that sleeps up to eight. While here, you will get to sample the region’s food and wine at the hotel’s two restaurants or unwind at its spa, which offers weight loss, anti-ageing and detox programmes. Alternatively, you could just luxuriate in one of its three swimming pools or book wine tours or a hot-air balloon ride over the Chianti hills.
Hot air balloons flying above Chianti hills in Tuscany. Photo credit: Marco Ramerini/Shutterstock.com
5. Södertuna Slott, Sweden
Outside the small town of Gnesta by Lake Frösjön sits Södertuna Slott (“castle” in Swedish), a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the Swedish countryside or even engage in activities such as hiking, biking and canoeing.
The castle’s history dates back to the 14th century and while the main building is of medieval origin, it was updated in the 17th and 18th centuries to give it a more modern look. The manor house has been home to various Swedish families over the centuries and it was officially inaugurated as a hotel and convention centre in 1986 by Princess Christina of Sweden.
What it lacks in history, it makes up for in its gorgeous surroundings. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale. Rooms are located in the castle’s wings and all guarantee views of the lake and the castle park or garden. Food is prepared with ingredients from local farms as much as possible and you’ll also enjoy freshly-baked bread from its bakery and wine from its cellar. The hotel is easily accessible from Stockholm – around 45 minutes by both car and train. If you stay here during the winter months, you might even be able to skate on the lake.
The information is accurate as of press time. For the latest travel advisory updates, please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
