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Despite being located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Causeway Bay, Lanson Place offers a tranquil retreat from Hong Kong’surban bustle. Recently renovated by renowned designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, their 188 rooms exude French-inspired timeless charm.
There are plenty of culinary options in this neighbourhood, but the in-house Salon Lanson also provides dependable all-day service. This includes culinary delights like poached prawn and egg topped with caviar during evening cocktails. For those who imbibe, explore staples on the themed cocktail menu such as the Leighton 133 and The Little Ginza, both of which reference the hotel’s address and neighbourhood area.
Global demand for Champagne surged post-pandemic, with sales topping a record S$8.78 billion in 2022. And although some of that ardour has cooled since then, this prestige sparkling wine continues to enjoy its moment in Singapore. “Champagne has evolved beyond celebratory toasts and milestones,” comments Machelo Tagala, sommelier at ATLAS bar, which houses one of Asia’s largest collections of gins and Champagnes in Asia. “There’s been an emerging trend of enjoying it casually, independent of a specific occasion.”
Bars and restaurants are also going beyond the marquee houses like Dom Pérignon and Krug and adding a spectrum of smaller, lesser-known producers to their menus. Here are some of the best spots in the city to dive into the world of premium bubbly.
1. Singapore’s first specialist Champagne bar
Where better to begin the journey than Convivial, a wine bar dedicated to all things bubbly? Launched in 2023 by sommelier Yeo Xi Yang, its arched ceilings and minimalist interiors evoke the chalky caves of Champagne. The wine list is deep as it is extensive, ranging from the connoisseur-beloved Salon Cuvée ‘S’ Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut 1990 to the stylistically rare Laherte Frères Les 7 Solera Extra Brut NV.
“We want to represent the Champagne region to the best we can – from the esteemed and revered houses to the farmers who toil the vineyards and make artisanal Champagnes with the little that they have,” says Yeo.
The Champagne is always flowing at Convivial. Photo: Convivial
For those who prefer not to commit to a whole bottle, there’s also an impressive array of nine Champagnes available by the glass, including the Krug Grande Cuvée 171ème.
Convivial’s eclectic culinary menu provides a range of pairing options, from classic charcuterie to the Asian-inspired tako karaage (deep fried octopus). “I like to explore different food pairings with the variety of styles that Champagne has, and lately I have been enjoying zippy and racy Blanc de Blancs with crispy fried frog’s legs,” Yeo shares.
2. A natural wine bar with a Champagne list that centres sustainability
Wine RVLT might not seem like an obvious choice for Champagne, given that they are better known for their organic and biodynamic wines. But as industry peer Davis Tan – Michelin-recommended FOOL’s head sommelier – remarks, “Not only is Wine RVLT a pioneer of organic and biodynamic wines in Singapore and the industry’s watering hole, they also have an impressive Champagne list.”
A whole wall, in fact. Naturally, the selection reflects the bar’s ethos of sustainability, featuring Champagne by Elise Dechannes and biodynamic producer Francis Boulard. “Champagne made with biodynamic and organic grapes will soon be normalised,” predicts co-founder Ian Lim. “Being ecological is a social responsibility and not a trend.”
Co-founders Alvin Gho and Ian Lim against their wine wall. Photo: Wine RVLT
“Champagne made with biodynamic and organic grapes will soon be normalised. Being ecological is a social responsibility and not a trend”
While the Champagne region is obviously best known for its sparkling wine, don’t be surprised if you’re invited to try Lelarge-Pugeot’s Coteaux Champenois, a little-known still wine that’s been capturing the attention of sommeliers in recent years. It’s all a sign of the trend that co-founder Alvin Gho believes to be “the shift from sparkling to still wines”.
“Due to global warming, and the fact that Côte de Bar is the southernmost region of Champagne – compounding factors that create a more ideal environment for grape ripening which impacts the quality of wines – Coteaux Champenois is looking really good these days,” says Gho.
3. An exclusive wine bar with sparkling wines from exciting regions
Park90 at Conrad Singapore Orchard is a sophisticated wine bar with a membership programme which offers enthusiasts exclusive access to rare and limited release wines. Needless to say, its wine list is spectacular, with a well-curated by-the-glass menu and a comprehensive collection of Champagne. Sitting snug alongside familiar players like Charles Heidsieck, are under-the-radar producers like Francis Boulard and Champagne Marguet that are ripe for discovery.
Park90 is not to be missed for the serious oenophile. Photo: Conrad Singapore Orchard
The elegant lounge is also an ideal place for trying notable sparkling wines from other regions. Group wine director Mason Ng says, “Hokkaido is the next up-and-coming region. I’ve paid several visits to its vineyards, and I see a great potential there as it shares many similarities to the Champagne region. Producers like Yamazaki Winery and Niseko Winery are particularly good and quite different in style.”
“Hokkaido is the next up-and-coming region. It shares many similarities to the Champagne region”
On where he likes to go for Champagne, Ng says, “Restaurant Matera’s bar is pouring a range of Champagnes at S$100 a bottle and serves bar snacks, casual bistro food and fine dining fare at a fraction of what you’d normally pay elsewhere. S$18 for a cacio e pepe or S$48 for an abalone donabe (Japanese-style claypot rice) for two!”
4. A retro funk bar by an acclaimed chef
Established by two-Michelin-starred Cloudstreet’s Rishi Naleendra, FOOL is a distinctive bar on buzzy Boon Tat Street that’s made a name for its playful, unconventional approach to wine. The relaxed, ’70s retro-tinged space, paired with a playlist of funk, disco and jazz, sets the mood for an evening of vino complemented with eclectic plates by chef Naleendra.
Boon Tat Street is lined with trendy dining spots like FOOL. Photo: FOOL
Navigating a menu of more than 300 wines might seem intimidating, but the personable head sommelier Davis Tan is always on hand to recommend a bubbly. He notes a rise in interest towards exploring wine producers with sustainable, transparent farming practices. “One interesting bottle is N.V. Laculle Frères Val Moignot Bertil Andersson ‘Extra Brut’, a 100% Pinot Blanc Champagne by a sustainable producer from Côte des Bar,” he says. “A deviation from the three main Champagne grapes (Chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier), this is a composition you rarely see. It’s a softer and more delicate style of Champagne and pairs well with our crumbed Japanese saba with yuzukosho tartar sauce.”
A few of the sparkling options available by the glass. Photo: FOOL
Besides FOOL, Tan recommends “Nicolas Le Restaurant, a small French bistro that has one of the most comprehensive French cellars in town, enough to make any wine professional geek out.” He adds. “Recently, I had a 2009 Francis Boulard & Fille Les Rachais Rosé ‘Extra Brut’ which was exceptional. It is a Saignée-style Champagne rosé where the skins were allowed to macerate in the juice for some time before being pressed, creating an intensely fruit-driven yet savoury wine. Superbly complex and vinous with a touch of oxidation, it’s one of the best champagne rosés I’ve tasted in a while.”
5. Champagne treasures in this classic cocktail and gin joint
The world might know ATLAS for its cocktails and its formidable gin library, but did you know that it also boasts an equally impressive Champagne collection? Look to the base of its iconic Gin Tower to find a dedicated room that houses its Champagne. One of its most famous bottles is the Champagne once served on the ill-fated Titanic: the Heidsieck & Co Monopole “Goût Américain” that was salvaged from the bottom of the ocean, priced at a cool S$190,700.
Drink in the grandeur of ATLAS’ Art Deco-inspired interior along with your bubbly. Photo: ATLAS
Good thing there’s plenty of quality bubbly within reach, such as grower Champagne Godmé Père et Fils. “In my view, all grower-producers deserve more recognition and attention from consumers,” declares sommelier Machelo Tagala. “These artisans not only craft Champagne but also cultivate the grapes used in its production. In contrast to larger Champagne houses that source grapes from diverse sources, a grower-producer, exemplified by Godmé Père et Fils, owns and tends to their own vineyards, ensuring control over the entire winemaking process. This dedication results in unique expressions, with a focus on terroir and individual vineyard characteristics.”
For our full list of things to try and places to see in Singapore, check out our Singapore City Guide. For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Singapore, visit the official website.
Some of the world’s most beautiful places skirt around towering cliffs and a sparkling shoreline. If you’re dreaming of an adventure with glittering views of the big blue sea, these winding roads offer the perfect escape this summer. Enjoy a leisurely jaunt to a Unesco Global Geopark in Izu, Japan or the fossil-filled Jurassic Coast in southern England. If you’re more daring, try the hairpin turns along the Amalfi Coast or the hair-raising twists on a challenging Cape Town drive. No matter your speed, we’ve rounded up the most scenic coastal routes around the globe for an unforgettable road trip.
Tokyo
For a peek of where local urbanites go to slow down, head to Izu Peninsula
Izu has long been a weekend escape of choice for Tokyoites, as it offers surfing, diving, hiking trails and mineral-rich hot springs. It’s also ideal for a leisurely drive, especially on the coastal Route 135 that offers a spellbinding sight of Sagami Bay.
Jogasaki Coast’s wild rocky cliffs and pine trees. Photo: Shutterstock
Take a 1.5 hour-long drive from Tokyo’s city centre down to Atami Beach Line. From there, it’s a gorgeous hour-long drive to Jogasaki Coast, a Unesco Global Geopark. Walking along the dark, jagged curves of this geological marvel is a feast for the senses. If you have to peel yourself away from the coast, head inland to Shuzenji, one of Japan’s oldest, most celebrated onsen destinations. This hot spring town in the middle of the mountains has a Zen-like environment best experienced at the venerable ryokan Asaba.
Melbourne
For a classic Aussie road trip passing iconic natural wonders, drive along Great Ocean Road
Stretching from the seaside resort town Torquay in Victoria to the fishing village of Nelson along the South Australian border, the Great Ocean Road is an over 400km-long route that can be comfortably completed in three days. Along the way, you’ll pass a host of striking attractions, the most popular of which is the Twelve Apostles – a series of rock formations jutting out of the sea formed by millions of years of erosion. Other highlights include the impressive limestone stacks at the Bay of Islands, the beach town of Lorne and the consistent swells for surfing at Bells Beach.
The iconic Twelve Apostles along Great Ocean Road. Photo: Shutterstock
Jeju (via Seoul)
For a unique way to experience one of Korea’s best beach destinations, loop around coastal Ilju Road
This relaxed coastal drive runs along the circumference of picturesque Jeju island and offers stunning views of the ocean and Jeju’s iconic basalt rock formations. From Jeju city, drive anti-clockwise along the coast and take a pit stop at two key attractions: the mountains Sanbangsan and Songaksan. The former is a craggy rock mound surrounded by eye-catching bright yellow rapeseed flowers in the spring, while the latter is an active, double-cratered volcano bordering the sea.
Songaksan Mountain. Photo: Shutterstock
The drive alone takes under two hours, but plan to stop along sights such as Hyeopjae Beach to enjoy its white sands and emerald waters. If you’re not pressed for time, make a 30-minute detour to Hallasan – this shield volcano and national park in the centre of the island is South Korea’s highest peak.
Hong Kong
For a leisurely jaunt across this harbour city’s “back garden”, head to Sai Kung Peninsula
Far from the dense concentration of buildings in Central are the serene coves of Sai Kung Peninsula, ideal for a day of driving and exploring. Experience a more idyllic side of Hong Kong just half an hour’s drive away at Tseung Kwan O and Clearwater Bay Country Park. Head further northeast for another 30 minutes and you’ll reach Sai Kung East Country Park. Stroll through the fishing villages and swim in unspoilt beaches like Tai Long Wan, but don’t leave the so-called back garden of Hong Kong without sampling the city’s freshest catch. One great option is Loaf On, a Michelin-starred Cantonese seafood restaurant.
Los Angeles
For a quintessential California drive with famous pit stops, take the Pacific Coast Highway
Apart from Route 66 that cuts through the entire country, the Pacific Coast Highway (which locals call the PCH) is another quintessential American road trip. The 200-km classic California drive runs between Monterey and Morro Bay and boasts breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and redwood forests that the region is famous for.
The dramatic Bixby Creek Bridge was considered a construction marvel when it was built back in 1932. Photo: Shutterstock
It passes through plenty of gems including the fabled Big Sur, the much-photographed Bixby Creek Bridge and the fairy tale-like seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Take a break from soaking in the scenery at beach shacks like Neptune’s Net, a Malibu institution that opened in 1956 and appeared in films Fast and Furious and Iron Man 3. The drive itself takes around three hours, not including stops.
Rome
For a picture-perfect road trip and a taste of la dolce vita, drive down the Amalfi Coast
With hairpin turns leading to gorgeous views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and colourful villas dotting the cliffs, the Amalfi Drive or Costiera Amalfitana (SS163) is the most cinematic coastal drive in the world. It weaves its way along the Italian coastline for over 60km, starting at Sorrento and heading south before ending at Vietri sul Mare, near Salerno, passing through picture-perfect towns such as Positano, Amalfi and Minori.
Stop by the picturesque seaside town of Positano. Photo: Shutterstock
This drive will take you a little under two hours on the road, but you’ll want to plan stops along the way to explore these charming towns. Enjoy a stay in legendary hotels like Le Sirenuse and Il San Pietro di Positano, or rent a traditional gozzo boat to admire the coastline from afar.
London
For archeological finds and authentic English food, explore the Jurassic Coast Road
With sloping sand dunes and historic market towns, the over 150km-long Jurassic Coast isn’t just about the pristine shores. This Unesco World Heritage Site, which starts from Old Harry Rocks at Studland Bay in Dorset and concludes in Exmouth in East Devon, gets its name from the millions of years of history imprinted into the cliffs that hug this epic coastline.
Old Harry Rocks are chalk formations that mark the easternmost point of the Jurassic Coast. Photo: Shutterstock
Don’t be surprised if you feel like you’ve seen it before; it has been used as the backdrop to many films, including Dunkirk and Broadchurch. The drive itself takes around two hours. Along the way, seek out freshly caught seafood at Crab House Café and authentic fish and chips at Callaway’s.
Barcelona
For a road less travelled along the popular Spanish coast, head towards Coasta Daurada
Spain has over 4,800km of coastline and yet most travellers entering through Barcelona head north to Costa Brava. Skip the crowds and drive south towards the buzzing region of Valencia instead – a direction that leads you to Costa Daurada (or the Golden Coast) in Catalonia within 1.5 hours. You’ll pass by heritage-rich towns like Tarragona, which has centuries-old monuments like the Roman aqueduct and amphitheatre, as well as Reus, the birthplace of architect Antoni Gaudí, where the Gaudí Centre stands. Drive further south for 1.5 hours and you reach another stunning part of the Mediterranean coast: Costa del Azahar or Orange Blossom Coast. A favourite vacation spot for locals, it’s reputed to have the best langoustines in Spain, especially along the way in the seaside town of Vinaròs.
Cape Town
For hairpin turns and sweeping scenery, take on Chapman’s Peak Drive
Nicknamed Chappies, this popular Cape Town attraction takes you from Noordhoek to Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast on the southwestern tip of South Africa. This road built during World War I is considered one of the best marine drives in the world, but it’s not made for the faint of heart.
Chapman’s Peak Drives includes many twists and turns along the Atlantic coastline. Photo: Shutterstock
While fairly short at nearly 9km and less than 30 minutes’ drive, the cliff-hugging route features 114 turns. It’s ideal for drivers who revel in challenging curves and passengers who aren’t intimidated by them. The journey is truly the destination, so expect blissful views at every bend and reward yourself at the end with a meal at the renowned restaurant The Food Barn.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to the above destinations, visit the official website.
With a design style best described as eclectic, this hotel suits those with an adventurous sense of style. Ornate paper sculptures dot the lobby spaces while its 240 guest rooms feature elaborate floral panels that change colours with the touch of a button – perfect for igniting your sense of whimsy.
Its sprawling WET Deck pool replete with deck chairs and cabanas aside, the hotel’s best feature is the recently reopened SKIRT restaurant. This in-house steakhouse helmed by chef Paul Chong serves mouthwatering cuts of meat alongside delicious small plates the likes of wood-fired lobster pumpkin soup and dry aged Hamachi with burnt buttermilk and kohlrabi.
Best known for its cable cars, S.E.A. Aquarium and Universal Studios Singapore, this leisure island at the southern tip of Singapore has plenty to draw the fun-loving crowds. Lately, there’s even more reason to visit. The Palawan @ Sentosa opened last year, introducing a host of family-friendly attractions such as an electric go-kart circuit, an inflatable obstacle course, mini-golf and beach clubs within a massive 1.7ha complex. This past March, the glittering Sensoryscape corridor opened to much fanfare, increasing the connectivity between Sentosa’s north and south through the introduction of lush gardens, picturesque architecture and awe-inspiring light installations. Here’s what not to miss, on your next jaunt to Sentosa:
1. Rev up your engines at this new indoor go-kart circuit
For an adrenaline-pumping time, head to Hyperdrive at The Palawan @ Sentosa for Asia’s first indoor electric go-kart circuit. Put your mettle to the test with its 14 turns across a multi-level track against a backdrop of neon lights. Whether you’re aiming to beat your personal best times or looking to pit your skills against your friends and family, the exhilaration makes it a race to remember.
Live out your F1 dreams at Hyperdrive. Photo: The Palawan @ Sentosa
2. Lounge beachside with some mouthwatering bites
While this beachside haunt comes with all the usual offerings of a beach club – think pool, swim-up bar and deckchairs galore – +Twelve’s superlative food is its real tour de force. Tuck into mains like the black olive and rosemary-crusted milk-fed lamb cutlets and beer-battered black cod. The crispy camembert fritters are also a hit.
Sip on +Twelve’s signature mocktails or grab a bite at this idyllic beachside haunt. Photo: The Palawan @ Sentosa
As you graze, gaze into the distance and watch the daredevils slide, dash and leap their way through the Ninja Warrior-like inflatable obstacle course at the nearby Hydrodash. If you’re the sort with a penchant for action, perhaps even attempt it yourself; just don’t forget to digest your meal first.
3. Take an immersive jaunt through a light show at the newest kid on the block
Stroll through the newly unveiled Sensoryscape, a 350m footpath that connects you from Resorts World Sentosa to the island’s southern beaches and its numerous beach clubs. But that’s not all that it does; its six distinct segments are also destinations in their own right, especially at nightfall.
Photo: Sensoryscape
Every dusk at 7.50pm, lilac blossom-shaped lamps light the way at the Glow Garden, and digital floor projections and light shows play out across the Symphony Streams, Palate Playground and Lookout Loop. These fantastical visual spectacles are accompanied by a soundscape, and there’s even an augmented reality app that you can explore to truly immerse yourself in this luminous playground.
4. Swing by Sentosa’s eastern end for an earth-shattering steak
Reopened just last year after extensive renovations, SKIRT Restaurant helmed by chef Paul Chong is worth a detour to the island’s eastern tip. Cuts like the Omi wagyu are melt-in-your-mouth tender and served with flavourful regional ingredients like yuzu kosho and Kampot pepper. Don’t miss the small plates, especially the wood-fired lobster pumpkin soup and dry aged Hamachi with burnt buttermilk and kohlrabi. The high-ceilings, plush dusky rose seating and champagne-toned fixtures form the perfect backdrop to the kitchen’s culinary excellence.
SKIRT’s excellently executed steaks are worth travelling to the eastern edge of Sentosa for. Photo: SKIRT Restaurant
5. Feel on top of the world at Singapore’s highest open-air panoramic ride
Watch crowds diminish into pinpricks and the clouds go by at SkyHelix Sentosa. This leisurely ride takes you from ground-level to 35m aboveground in a gentle, spiral motion that gives you a breathtaking 360° view of the island and beyond. Enjoy the briny sea breeze with a drink in hand – tickets include the redemption of a non-alcoholic beverage at the adjoining kiosk.
Enjoy breezy views of Sentosa and beyond on the SkyHelix. Photo: Mount Faber Leisure Group
The SkyHelix is conveniently located near the Skyline Luge Singapore’s starting point, as well as Madame Tussauds Singapore, so you’re spoilt for choice. If you’re checking out the wax figures at the latter, book a ticket that includes entry to the Marvel Universe 4D Cinema. This immersive 8-minute short film is a surprising hidden gem – but saying any more would involve spoilers.
6. Check into a luxurious boutique hotel where history gets a glow up
Turn your day trip into a lavish overnighter at adults-only Barracks Hotel. This conserved building with its pristine white façade and distinctive balustrades used to be a British artillery outpost back in 1904. Today, its 40 rooms, warm brass tones and dark wood grain uplift the Barracks’ old-world charm into a sense of luxe. Leather-accented furnishings and a hand-sculpted marble bathtub complete the look.
The plush interiors of Barracks Hotel’s Garden Suite. Photo: Barracks Hotel
For the ultimate pampering, book the Garden Suite: each of these two capacious corner suites comes with your very own private outdoor patio and a semi-private jacuzzi that adjoins the 30m lap pool. But no matter which room you choose, don’t miss the complimentary all-day refreshments, evening cocktails and canapés in the light-filled living room lobby where live peacocks roam.
The lavish evening cocktail and canapé spread is not to be missed. Photo: Barracks Hotel
7. Walk down memory lane with veterans of Sentosa’s military past
Round off your fun-filled island day with a dose of trivia at the Barracks Hotel’s Heritage Tales and Tea Experience, where army veterans Winston Wong and Khor Sing Hong will regale you with their tales of Sentosa’s past over a cuppa. They’ve lived through the island’s transformation from military stronghold to resort destination, and have many personal stories to share about this very compound.
Army veterans Winston Wong and Khor Sing Hong return to their former barracks to share its stories. Photo: Barracks Hotel
Ask Wong, an avid sketcher, to show you his drawings of the mess hall from back in the day as a young navy officer, or Khor to point out spots in the resort where they once played football during their leisure time. It’ll give you a dramatically different understanding of this elegant property and how far it – and Singapore’s development – has come.
Note that this complimentary experience is exclusively available to guests of the Barracks Hotel and subject to availability.
For our full list of things to try and places to see in Singapore, check out our Singapore City Guide. For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Singapore, visit the official website.
