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Guide to Luxury Travel in Singapore for a Touch of Class

| Last Updated: July 2024

I’m more of a budget traveller myself, but I have a few friends who know how to party hard and splurge on luxurious experiences. I got to join them in some of these and let me tell you you really get what you pay!

From crazy expensive tours to luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants, I tried them all thanks to my affluent friends (hopefully best friends for life)! Let me share some of these luxury travel options when in Singapore for you to blow some money on.

Things to Do

1. Rent a limo with a chauffeur

Address: 21 Bukit Batok Crescent, WCEGA Tower #28-75  

Website: https://swishcarsg.com/   

Contact Number: 91156894   

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Sunday, Open 24 hours

Cost:

  • SGD 50 per hour for a 4-seater luxury car

When my affluent buddies invited me to join their luxury trip around Singapore, I immediately said yes! However, when I said I was going to take a taxi to get to my friend’s mansion, he laughed and said, “Stay put. A limousine will come to pick you up.”

A few minutes later, a black limo pulled up in front of my apartment, and out came a chauffeur who opened the car door for me. Once I got in, I asked the driver about his gig and he told me this was a rental from Swish Car Rentals.

The rates were pretty steep at around SGD 50 per hour (minimum of 2 hours rental), but again, you get what you pay for. The seats were immaculately maintained leather and the interiors smelled brand new—on top of the ride comfort such luxury cars offer!

Pro Tip:

Aside from four-door sedans, they rent out other luxury vehicles like vans and minibuses. You can check out their website to learn more.

2. Go on a tour via Speedboat

Address: 2 Keppel Bay Vista

Website: http://www.rhib-rides.com/ 

Contact Number: +6591892001

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Cost:

  • SGD 600 for 5 passengers for a 60-minute speed boat tour

After my friends and I got out of the limo, we were then dropped off at Keppel Bay Vista to go on a speedboat tour around the country’s southern and western islands. I wasn’t sure how we’d appreciate the sights while on a speedboat, but I went along with them.

Fortunately, we were able to enjoy the sights surrounding the marina, and the boatman took us to popular spots like Sentosa, Lazarus Island, and Sisters Island at cruising speeds. The real “speed” of the tour came when we had to go zipping to another area.

Pro Tip:

RHB Rides Singapore also has other packages that will let you swim near the Southern Islands. You can check their other packages here.

3. Play golf at an exclusive country club

Address: 180 Island Club Rd 

Website: https://gis.sicc.org.sg/ 

Contact Number: +6564592222

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Wednesday and Sunday, 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Thursday to Saturday, 6:30 AM to 1:00 AM

Cost:

  • SGD 36,000 per year for a term membership

One of the most expensive things you can do in Singapore is to enjoy a game of golf with your buddies for the long term (one whole year to be exact). If you have the funds for it (and are planning to stay in Singapore), then check out this exclusive country club.

It’s called the Singapore Island Country Club, and we visited this spot after our speedboat tour. One of our buddies had a yearly membership here, and he treated us to a round of golf for the day. What else can I say, the facilities are top-notch!

The grounds are immaculately trimmed and lined with trees. Plus, there’s an airconditioned pavilion where we stayed for a bit to relax and get away from the heat of the sun.

Pro Tip:

The country club also offers other forms of membership like ordinary and corporate.

4. Enjoy a Formula One race

– From milesaubrey 

Address: 1 Republic Blvd

Website: https://singaporegp.sg

Cost:

  • SGD 11,772 for 3 days per person

I’m a big F1 fan, so imagine how delighted I was when my rich friend said that he was giving me exclusive tickets to watch these legendary races from a VIP seating area. I was given a 3-day ticket which gave me access to an exclusive viewing deck.

Here, you can watch the races from an airconditioned room up close while enjoying free-flowing food and champagne. Plus, I got to connect with other rich folks while in this VIP venue—something that I usually don’t get to experience with my day job! 

Pro Tip:

I highly recommend that you book your tickets in advance, as they get sold out really fast (sometimes months in advance).

5. Try your luck at a casino

– From calvin0807 

Address: 10 Bayfront Ave 

Website: https://www.marinabaysands.com/casino.html 

Contact Number: +65 6688 8888

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Sunday, Open 24 hours

Cost:

  • Depends on how much you’re winning (or losing!)

To cap off our luxury tour, my friends convinced me to join them for a few hours at the Marina Bay Sands Casino. I’m not into gambling, but the sheer size and elegance of this venue were enough to make me try a few slot machines.

My friends proceeded to the Blackjack tables, and I heard them cheer and protest a few times. I just sat in one of the slot machines and pulled on the lever without any luck, but at least I got to admire the festive feel of the site and people trying to hit the jackpot!

Now I understand why casinos can be part of your luxury tour around Singapore. The money you gain or lose here can quickly pile up!

Pro Tip:

Check out the different games this casino offers here. After checking, I think I’m going to try some roulette and craps on my next visit!

Where to Stay

1. Raffles Singapore

Address: 1 Beach Rd 

Website: https://www.raffles.com/singapore/ 

Contact Number: +6563371886 

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Sunday, Open 24 hours, Check-in time 3:00 PM and check-out time 12:00 NN

Cost: $$$

Book Now

Raffles Singapore is a popular luxury hotel in the country, and from what I know, a lot of VIPs usually stay here. I went to this hotel a few months back, and one word comes to mind when describing it—presidential!

In fact, the facade of this hotel looks like an Asian version of the White House with ivory-coloured walls highlighted by the brick-red colour of its roof. I also liked that the interiors have an elegant modern look. 

The rooms I saw were also impressive with large comfy beds and huge windows that gave me a great view of the area. A night at the hotel will cost an arm and a limb, but if you’re the type of person looking for luxury accommodations, this is the hotel to be!

Pro Tip:

Prices for this hotel can vary depending on where you make your booking. Some websites offer it at a slightly cheaper rate (around SGD 1,250) while others will offer the same room but a tad bit more expensive (around SGD 1,700).

2. Capella Singapore

Address: 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island

Website: https://capellahotels.com

Contact Number: +65 6377 8888 

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Sunday, Open 24 hours, Check-in time 3:00 PM and check-out time 12:00 NN

Cost: $$$

Book Now

Considered one of the classiest and most expensive hotels in Singapore, Capella is an awesome hotel to stay in if you want an elegant but retreat-like stay. I checked this place out for a friend’s wedding a few months ago, and I liked what I saw!

It’s not as vertical or as tall as the other luxury hotels in the metro, but it more than makes up for it with its sprawling grounds, gardens, and outdoor pools. I strolled through its well-maintained lawns and marvelled at the views surrounding the hotel.

The interiors are also immaculately maintained. Thanks to its solid dark wood pillars and comfortable beds and chairs, this hotel is fit for a king!

Pro Tip:

If you don’t want to stay outside to swim in their outdoor pool, you can also book a room with a private jacuzzi. From this spot, you can still enjoy the fantastic views of the hotel’s surroundings and idyllic countryside vicinity.

3. The Fullerton Bay Hotel

Address: 80 Collyer Quay

Website: https://www.fullertonhotels.com/the-fullerton-bay-hotel 

Contact Number: +6563338388

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Sunday, Open 24 hours, Check-in time 3:00 PM and check-out time 12:00 NN

Cost: $$$

Book Now

What I liked most about the Fullerton Bay Hotel, aside from its elegance and grandeur, is that it’s literally located just a few steps away from the city centre and it has a great view of the quay. If this hotel wasn’t that expensive, I’d book a few nights here!

It was enough for me to check out the surroundings and interiors of the hotel. The hotel’s grounds had fountains, outdoor swimming pools, and gardens overlooking the tall buildings of the city. Imagine seeing the bright lights here at night!

On the other hand, the interiors are astounding with modern decor, comfortable beds, and rooms with large windows and a balcony for a great view (and whiff) of that salty quay water. 

Pro Tip:

Check out their exclusive packages such as Getaway by the Bay which includes a delicious daily breakfast for two.

Where to Eat

1. Odette

Address: 1 St Andrew’s Rd, #01-04 National Gallery

Website: https://odetterestaurant.com/ 

Contact Number: +6563850498 

Operating Hours:

  • Monday, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 NN to 1:15 PM and 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Cost: $$$

A luxury tour around Singapore wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this fine dining restaurant called Odette. The place is truly charming with its use of pastel colours for its walls and the predominantly white colour of its furnishings.

The food here is also fantastic. The steak and chicken wing combo bursts with just the right amount of spiciness and saltiness. I also think that the plating is divine with minute touches of artsy sophistication!

Pro Tip:

The restaurant accepts reservations up to 1 month in advance. I recommend you reserve your slot early, as Odette can quickly get fully booked.

2. Ce Soir Restaurant

Address: 5B Portsdown Rd, Unit 01-03 

Website: http://cesoir.com.sg/ 

Contact Number: +6591779993 

Operating Hours:

  • Wednesday, 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM
  • Thursday to Sunday, 12:00 NN to 4:00 PM and 6:30 to 11:00 PM

Cost: $$$

If you have the funds for it, I recommend checking out this classy and lovely restaurant on Portsdown Road—Ce Soir Restaurant. I got to drop by this establishment during a corporate event, and everything about it just screams expensive!

The interiors had a classy bar look with simple wooden tables and steel minimalist chairs with comfy cushions. What made the place pop out, though, were the flowers all over the dining area. The setup looked like an elegant wedding reception!

I recommend the steak and asparagus drizzled with a slightly sweet and salty caramelised sauce. The meat was tender, the asparagus was fresh and crispy, and the sauce just made everything better!

Pro Tip:

Reserve a table here. Remember to place your reservation at least 72 hours before your preferred dining schedule.

3. Whitegrass Restaurant

Address: 30 Victoria St, #01-26/27 CHIJMES

Website: https://www.whitegrass.com.sg/ 

Contact Number: +6568370402

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 NN to 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM

Cost: $$$

If I had the money to spare, I’d go to Whitegrass Restaurant every chance I get. It’s pricey, so I was just fortunate enough that a friend brought me to this establishment a few weeks back to sample their unique fusion cuisine, and it was totally worth it!

They combine French and Japanese cuisine to come up with some of the most unusual but delicious dishes like braised Wagyu and quail foie gras. I ordered the former and that tender and juicy Wagyu meat was just the right smokey, salty, and hickory!

Pro Tip:

Their Executive and Creation menu will cost you around SGD 130 and SGD 200 per person. To enjoy the full experience (like I did thanks to my friend made of cash), I recommend that you get the add-on wine pairing for SGD 128.

Where to Shop

1. VivoCity

Address: 1 HarbourFront Walk 

Website: http://www.vivocity.com.sg/ 

Contact Number: +6563776870

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

I don’t usually buy branded clothing or expensive apparel, but if I wanted to, then VivoCity is one of the first malls I’d visit. Aside from the well-organised set-up and immaculately maintained interiors of this mall, the boutiques onsite seem limitless!

Some of the exclusive shops that caught my eye here include Calvin and Klein which had fashionable (but pricey!) jeans and shirts.

I also saw a couple of high-end restaurants such as the Aroma Truffle and Co. and Astons Specialties. I tried out Astons’ sirloin steak, which was char-grilled on the outside and tender, juicy, and salty on the inside!

Pro Tip:

You can time your visit to this mall to get full advantage of their promos or mall-exclusive events.

2. Paragon Shopping Centre

Address: 290 Orchard Rd

Website: https://www.paragon.com.sg/ 

Contact Number: +6561385535

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

The first time I saw the Paragon Shopping Centre, I thought, “This isn’t just a shopping complex. It looks like an art gallery!” The interiors matched the facade—sleek and very artsy!

The mall is filled with designer brands like Armani Exchange and Balenciaga. I also saw a couple of beauty and wellness clinics like the Adeva Spa, Kelture Aveda Hair Salon, and Kenko Wellness Reflexology.

However, I took my sweet time just admiring the Longchamp store here, and fortunately for me, I was able to exercise my willpower and stop myself from buying that SGD 935 handbag!

Pro Tip:

They regularly add new stores to their lineup of boutiques. Check them out here.

3. Palais Renaissance

Address: 390 Orchard Rd

Website: https://www.palais.sg/ 

Contact Number: (65) 6737 6992

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Palais Renaissance, for me, doesn’t just look like a shopping mall but rather a 5-star hotel lobby. It may be because of the elegant carpet throughout the centre atrium of the Palais Renaissance and the mall’s relaxing lighting.

While I spotted a few luxury fashion boutiques like Luxehous, Luxlexicon, and Eye Werks, most of the shops I noted focused on beauty and wellness like the Bio Aesthetic Laser Clinic and DrSpa.

I wanted to avail of skin tag removal, but I was in a hurry and didn’t really have extra funds during my visit, so maybe I’ll get it during my next visit!

Pro Tip:

Check out the mall’s happenings and promotions. You can get discounts on your purchases and food items!

Neighbourhoods to Visit

1. Nassim Road

– From rja_2540

For that ultimate luxury travel, nothing beats visiting an area populated by billionaires! Drop by Nassim Road—an area here in Singapore that is filled with billionaire homes called GCBs or Good Class Bungalows.

Don’t expect to see these billionaires as you walk through this road though. We visited the spot a few days ago and the location was calm, quiet, and classy without many of the residents leaving their mansions (on foot).

You can also check out a majestic site at Nassim Road: Eden Hall. The British High Commissioner to the Republic of Singapore calls this hall his home and is a sight to behold (with its imposing white facade) even if we’ve seen it many times before!

2. Orchard Road

– From icebabby

Another neighbourhood you need to visit for that luxury experience when in the country is Orchard Road. Our family usually visits this area during weekends thanks to the many retail and shopping centres like 313@Somerset, Orchard Central, and Centrepoint.

I checked out the large and multi-level Gucci Boutique, which houses a ton of luxury goods (like bags, wallets, and belts) that I unfortunately can’t afford.

3. Cluny Road

– From nycars

If you ask me to describe Cluny Road, I’ll probably say “Nassim Road but surrounded by nature.” The location also has numerous billionaire mansions, but what I liked about this area for the rich is the lush greenery, trees, and overall rural vibe of the location.

So, if you’re a billionaire who loves nature and outdoorsy activities and you plan on visiting Singapore multiple times a year, then spend some of your cash and buy property at Cluny Road which can cost around SGD 108 million (wow!).

Plus, a visit to this billionaire heaven won’t be complete if you don’t drop by the Singapore Botanic Gardens. I might not be able to afford a house in the area, but at least my family and I can visit this green spot free of charge!

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