Just off the Wangfujing shopping street, the main front building’s ultra-modern bronze façade with its floor-to-ceiling windows has all the bling beloved of the Chinese. Inside, its 170 contemporary-style rooms have just a hint of local detailing, but the real stars are the traditional courtyard buildings behind which house suites with thoroughly Chinese interiors. High levels of service include a personal concierge.
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The legendary polished service of the long-standing Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong extends to the group’s new Beijing property. Its large rooftop terrace houses a cocktail bar of huge reputation, with sweeping views of the Forbidden City’s waves of yellow roofs. The well-appointed rooms are larger than average for the city, with four-poster beds, walk-in closets and freestanding bathtubs.
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If you’re looking for something fun to watch and listen to on your next Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight, you’ll love the SEVENTEEN category. Among various entertainment offerings featuring the global k-pop sensation, you’ll be able to watch SEVENTEEN’s latest music video, “MAESTRO”, on KrisWorld, your very own theatre in the sky. The 13-piece group also gives an exclusive shoutout to SIA customers. This collaboration with the iconic South Korean boy group is part of KrisWorld’s “Young Forever” theme in June.
The SEVENTEEN members are celebrating their ninth debut anniversary this year. This music phenomenon, who rose to fame thanks to their talent for writing their own songs and choreographing their own performances, has charmed audiences worldwide. They’re the seventh k-pop group to top the prestigious US-based Billboard Artist 100 chart. Their worldwide concert tours have taken them across different countries, including Singapore, which was one of the stops on their Be the Sun tour back in 2022. The group has four top 10 albums in the Billboard 200 chart, including their 10th mini-album, FML, which was recognised as the bestselling global album of 2023 by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, with over 6.4 million copies sold worldwide.
Most recently, they released 17 IS RIGHT HERE, an album containing all the singles they’ve released throughout their career, along with four new songs. The music video for their new track, “MAESTRO”, garnered 14 million views on YouTube within 24 hours of its release. This action-packed clip shows the boys taking back the reins in a world where AI rules.
Whether you’re a veteran CARAT – as their fans are called – or newly discovering their charms, here are six ways you can enjoy SEVENTEEN content on KrisWorld when you fly with Singapore Airlines this June.
NANA TOUR with SEVENTEEN (2024), six episodes
This travel-themed variety show helmed by one of South Korea’s iconic producers, Na Yeong-seok, takes the boys on a surprise vacation to Italy sans any luggage. Between admiring scenic spots such as the Colosseum in Rome and the Grotta di Lord Byron in Porto Venere, and feasting your eyes on delectable local cuisine, you’ll get to experience SEVENTEEN’s unique personalities beyond the stage as they navigate all sorts of wacky games that will have you laughing in no time.
In the Soop Season 2 (2023), three episodes
The boys get a well-earned break from their busy tour schedule in this slice-of-life show where they get to hang out, pick activities they’d like to try and share their innermost thoughts. Just watching them cook for one another is a heartwarming experience. If you’re a newbie CARAT, this show is a great gateway to learning about the individual members’ personalities.
SEVENTEEN “Ode to You” in Seoul (2020), one episode
SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND (2022), one episode
Now that you’re on your way to being a full-fledged CARAT, you can immerse yourself in the ultimate fan experience: attending a concert or fan meeting. KrisWorld’s catalogue includes SEVENTEEN’s Ode to You concert in Seoul, which kicked off their world tour in 2019. Among the highlights are impressive performances incorporating top-notch music production and elevated stage sets. You can also check out their 2022 fan meeting, SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND, where fans enjoyed watching the boys play games, chat and perform songs.
KrisWorld features a diverse roundup of SEVENTEEN’s music videos. Aside from “MAESTRO”, the list of 10 includes recent tracks like peppy chart-topper “God of Music” and catchy hip-hop bop “Hot”.
Older jams from their Japanese releases like the energetic “Call Call Call!” and groovy electro-pop song “Happy Ending” are on the list as well. Finally, don’t miss “Fallin’ Flower” and “HOME;RUN”, both of which are CARAT favourites thanks to the excellent cinematography and stunning visuals.
If you’d rather just listen to music on your flight, SEVENTEEN has a plethora of earworms to suit any mood. Whether it’s catchy dance tracks or smooth ballads, you’ll find them in KrisWorld’s 15-track singles compilation called SEVENTEEN: The Singles. Feeling festive? Check out upbeat songs like “Super” and “Left and Right”. For a slower jam, try “Kidult” or “I Don’t Understand But I Luv U”.
For those on a longer flight, check out KrisWorld’s Best of SEVENTEEN section, which includes a wider discography of the band’s albums. Here, you’ll find their third studio album, An Ode, which earned the boys their first daesang (grand prize) for Album of the Year at the Asia Artist Music Awards in 2019. The compilation also includes some mini albums close to CARATs’ hearts.
There’s also Heng:Garæ, which sold more than a million physical copies within the first week of its release in 2020, making member Hoshi shed tears when he heard the news. Meanwhile, their latest mini album, SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN, broke records when it sold more than 5 million copies within the first week of its release.
For more information on where you can enjoy SEVENTEEN content on board Singapore Airlines, visit KrisWorld Digital.
Hero image: SEVENTEEN is back with their new album 17 IS RIGHT HERE – and a collaboration with Singapore Airlines on KrisWorld. Photo: ⓒ PLEDIS Entertainment
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London’s well-connected and speedy rail system makes exploring the surrounding counties as easy as a walk in the park, especially when you’re venturing out from London Gatwick airport. From there, you can easily discover the quaint charm of the counties south of London.
Whether it’s an indulgent day in the picturesque English wine region or a wholesome family outing at the beach, here are three ideas for a day trip from the airport – choose between Brighton, Surrey Hills and the East Sussex town of Battle.
How to get there: Trains run from Gatwick Airport to Brighton every day. Alight at Brighton train station, which is closest to the city centre. The journey varies from 30 minutes to 55 minutes depending on departure date and time.
Best known for its beaches, Brighton plays host to throngs of tourists and locals alike looking for seaside fun at Brighton Beach and the fairground rides at Brighton Palace Pier. But there’s a hidden creative enclave to be discovered in this East Sussex town, just 10 minutes’ walk away from the main stretch of Brighton Beach.
Start at Fabrica, a contemporary art space housed within a gorgeous church that runs workshops, talks and film screenings. Then there’s the Phoenix Art Space. This six-storey gallery space is a great place to mingle with Brighton’s creative community. It hosts a diverse roster of creative courses and exhibitions open to everyone, alongside its two public galleries.
Five minutes away, wander the labyrinthine alleys of The Lanes which house boutique shops, indie jewellers and traditional pubs. If you prefer small local artisans, take a leisurely 19-minute walk through The Level, Brighton’s busiest park, straight to the Brighton Open Market. Here, make a beeline for Rainbow Organic Chocolates offering handcrafted chocolates made of seasonal, organic ingredients. And don’t miss the quirky, hand-poured soy candles from Vintage & Vintage.
End off your Brighton jaunt with a 20-minute walk across town to feast at Shelter Hall along the beachfront. At this buzzy food hall of seven rotating kitchens, you’ll find everything from beloved Asian comfort food at Little Bao Boy to trendy ice cream brand Happy Endings. Find a table on the mezzanine level for the best view of the kitchens below.
How to get there: Trains run between Gatwick Airport and Surrey Hills daily with the journey taking just over 60 minutes one-way. Boxhill & Westhumble Railway Station is the closest to Surrey Hills.
Located in the county of Surrey, the southeastern countryside of Surrey Hills is known for its breathtaking views and popular walking trails such as Leith Hill, Devil’s Punch Bowl and North Downs Way. Nature lovers will delight in the terrain of open heaths, woodland scenery and wildlife here.
Since the turn of the century, this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has also developed a formidable reputation as a wine-producing region. With its chalky soil and a climate comparable to that of France’s Champagne region, the Surrey Hills is now known for some of the best sparkling wines in the world.
Many head to Denbies Wine Estate, one of England’s largest single estate vineyards, to savour local wine. For an alternative British Sunday lunch, opt for the Spice Tales & Vine Trails event at Albury Organic Vineyard. Albury Estate collaborates with Mandira’s Kitchen to host exceptional Sunday lunches where you can enjoy their wines alongside a spread of spicy Indian flavours. While there, you can also learn more about bee-keeping, take a wildlife walk and enjoy a vineyard tour.
But long before Surrey earned its reputation as the English wine region, a humble sand-mining industry thrived here. Take a 30-minute cab ride to Diver’s Cove in Godstone. You can catch a glimpse of the county’s past at this reservoir; it’s where miners used to extract sand for glass-making and horticulture between the 18th and early 20th century. Today, its glistening waters are ideal for swimming, especially on a warm summer’s day.
For the adventurous, venture 15 minutes by taxi towards the Reigate Caves for a guided tour of the underground network of tunnels. Do note that tours only operate from May to September, and traverse steep steps and soft sand terrain. Book your tickets in advance, and tread with caution.
How to get there: Trains run daily from Gatwick Airport to Battle and the journey takes roughly two hours one-way. Alight at Battle station.
Battle’s claim to fame is that it is England’s most historic battlefield. During the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, defeated the Saxon King Harold II to become William I of England on these very grounds. Most visitors head to the Battle Abbey and the Battle Museum of Local History to learn about this storied town. But venture a little further north and you’ll find a host of uncommon, charming experiences nestled within nearby villages.
Head to the village of Brightling a mere 15 minutes’ cab ride away to check out Fuller’s Follies. These six eccentric structures were built by John “Mad Jack” Fuller to serve no purpose but for this wealthy Georgian squire’s entertainment.
Peppered around the village and connected by footpaths, the Follies include the Sugar Loaf, the Tower, the Needle, the Temple and his own mausoleum in the shape of a pyramid in the village churchyard. While the footpaths aren’t always clearly marked, villagers are more than happy to point you in the right direction.
Then, take a 15-minute taxi ride to Eggs to Apples in Etchingham. It’s a fabulous coffee shop, delicatessen, pantry and cellar that makes for a great lunch pit stop. Venture another 10 minutes by car and cap off your countryside experience by hanging out with alpacas over tea and scones at Fisherwood Farm in Robertsbridge, or admire local contemporary art at the blackShed Gallery.
If literature is more your jam, just 14 minutes west is Bateman’s in Burwash, the former home of the famous English author Rudyard Kipling. This 17th-century house has an excellent tea room and bookstore not to be missed.
For our full list of things to try and places to see in London, check out our London City Guide.
Singapore Airlines’ flights to Gatwick will commence from 21 June 2024. For more information, visit the official website.
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One of Singapore’s most multifaceted districts, Chinatown originally began as a humble settlement for Hokkien, Cantonese and Teochew immigrants in the early 19th century. Back then, the sprawling neighbourhood was organised by dialect groups and trades; today, a charming hodge-podge of murals, teahouses and temples makes it a must-visit stop on your itinerary.
Located just west of the city-state’s Central Business District and south of its lively Clarke Quay nightlife district, Chinatown comprises four sub-districts that are bounded by Cross Street and Keong Saik Road in the north and south, and Robinson Road and New Bridge Road in the east and west. Among them are Bukit Pasoh and Telok Ayer, where trendy bars and restaurants proliferate along streets of low-rise shophouses. Its key landmarks include the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple and the touristy Chinatown Street Market. That said, the historic district is best enjoyed by venturing off the beaten path.
Climb a few flights of stairs of a heritage shophouse along Sago Street or Pagoda Street, and you’ll find a soothing modern tearoom like SILK Tea Bar or a vintage thrift store like NearesTTen. Seek delicious local eats in hawker centres such as Maxwell Food Centre and Amoy Street Food Centre, though there’s also remarkable fine dining to be had at nearby Born and Restaurant Fiz.
And if you’re around during festivals such as Lunar New Year and Mid-autumn Festival, don’t miss the eye-catching light sculptures that line the main artery of New Bridge Road.
Not sure where else to begin your exploration? Hear from four people intimately familiar with this lively district – jeweller Carrie Kan of Carrie K atelier; restaurateur Travis Masiero of Blue Label Pizza & Wine; entrepreneur Cheryl Ou of The Social Space; and owner Cliff Chua of Café Monochrome.
Founder and designer, Carrie K.
A former advertising powerhouse, jewellery designer Carrie Kan’s love for storytelling never left her. With Carrie K, the eponymous jewellery brand that she founded in 2009, she uses her skills to immortalise conversations with friends and clients into meaningful, elegant pieces.
“I love talking to people to uncover their stories and solve their problems,” she shares. “For example, when clients had jewellery they were gifted but never wore because it was not their style, we created our Heirloom Revival service where we repurposed the precious metals and gemstones to create new modern meaningful jewellery for our clients.”
After almost 15 years in the business, Kan finally achieved her dream of establishing Carrie K Atelier, her own beautifully decked out shophouse space along Neil Road. This studio not only provides personalised jewellery services and workshops, but also serves as a physical embodiment of Kan’s vision for her brand – one that is elegant, timeless and warm.
Kan appreciates the eclectic mix of old and new influences in this part of town, and some of her favourite dining spots include Tong Heng Bakery for what she calls “the island’s best egg tarts” and NOA Lounge for Mediterranean cuisine. “For something local, Tong Ah Eating House’s Moonlight Hor Fun (stir-fried wide rice noodles served with a runny yolk) is unbeatable,” Kan says.
Other places she frequents include Binary Style on Keong Saik Road for Singapore-inspired scarves, Living DNA for beautiful rugs and Hook on Books for Chinese children’s books.
Founder, Blue Label Pizza & Wine
“Great pizza should have an identity that comes from the maker behind it,” says Travis Masiero, the founder of Blue Label Pizza & Wine. “Mine, for example is a combination of my favourite pizza styles – New Haven and New York – with a dash of creativity given to our toppings.”
That dash of creativity emerges from the restaurant’s bespoke stone ovens as an explosion of flavours. The J-Dog is an umami delight stacked with pork sausage, bacon, pepperoni and jalapeño; while The Travis Supreme reimagines a burger as a pizza with ground chuck, cheddar-bacon melt and a secret sauce piled atop a sesame crust. For the more adventurous palate, try The Wu-Tang Clam – it tastes like the inspired offspring of garlic bread and pasta alle vongole.
Masiero opened the first outlet of Blue Label Pizza on Ann Siang Road following the success of Luke’s Oyster Bar & Chop House, a beloved establishment serving up fresh seafood from New England that’s located just down the road. Since then, he also founded Nixta, a Mexican grill and bar nearby. Needless to say, he’s intimately acquainted with the area.
When he’s not busy managing his restaurants, you’ll find him at Club Street enjoying a glass of wine and globe artichoke with aioli at Le Bon Funk, a roast chicken at 87 Club Street or a classic cocktail at Employees Only on Amoy Street. For a bit of fresh air, he says, “the park connector behind Gemmill Lane connecting to Ann Siang Hill is a wonderful little walk, and a nice place to take a break.”
Co-founder, The Social Space
“In 2016, my husband Daniel [Yeow]’s job moved us to Bali, Indonesia, for two years. There, we saw first-hand how socially conscious businesses across various industries could be mainstream and make a real impact on the community,” says Cheryl Ou. Upon their return to Singapore in 2018, they envisioned building a multi-concept space encompassing a café, shop, event space and nail salon. Soon, The Social Space was born.
Balancing purpose with profit is at the core of Ou’s philosophy. “Both Daniel and I truly believe that it is possible to build a business that is profitable, scalable and makes a difference to people and the planet,” she shares. “And as employers, we also have the chance to provide training and employment to those who need it the most.”
One of the reasons the duo chose to open The Social Space in Chinatown is because of the area’s diverse community. “What truly makes it special is the wonderful blend of people – young and old, locals and expats, as well as travellers from around the globe,” she enthuses.
Some of Ou’s favourite neighbours on Kreta Ayer Road include Vagabond Ink for tattoos and CHOO-P Leathercraft for beautiful products and workshops. For hearty local fare, she likes to indulge in chicken rice, claypot rice and xiao long bao (steamed pork dumplings) at the bustling Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre. To treat yourself, she recommends Don Dae Bak for Korean barbeque and Steamov for conveyor belt steamboat.
Partner, Café Monochrome
In 2020, Cliff Chua stepped into the working world as a fresh graduate in the midst of a global pandemic, armed with a degree in material sciences and a passion for cooking and art. While it’s a daunting prospect for some, Chua took a leap of faith and started his own business. The result is Café Monochrome, a concept that invites customers into a quirky, black and white 2D world. From the floorboards to tables and lampshades, everything here is designed to make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a comic book.
The first outlet of Café Monochrome, which features art created by Chua with the help of his family and friends, opened in Jalan Besar. Following its success, Chua opened another outlet on Trengganu Street in 2023. “We figured that Chinatown would be the perfect location for our second outlet for both locals and tourists,” he says.
“We get guests from all over the world, from Germany to Taiwan, and it’s interesting to chat with them and learn about their cultures while we share more about Singapore,” says Chua. “One time, I met a tourist who happened to run a 2D café in Nepal, except his concept is centred on anime and Marvel characters. During our conversation, we shared our insights on maintaining a café with each other, and he even ended up giving me recommendations on where to get dal bhat (lentil curry) if I ever visit Nepal.”
Some of the most popular dishes at Café Monochrome include the ragu pasta and all-day breakfast, which comes with a salted egg yolk croissant. But apart from the dishes at his own café, Chua loves going for local delicacies in the neighbourhood. He recommends the pig trotter rice from Shi Nian Pig Leg Rice and mutton soup from Ming Shan at Chinatown Complex, and omelette rice from Danlao at Maxwell Food Centre. He also enjoys the occasional indulgence in Korean barbecue at either Charim or Supulae along Tanjong Pagar Road, a little further afield.
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.
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