Singapore and Bangkok have long been seen as stopover destinations to other cosmopolitan or glamorous destinations. But their proximity to exotic, far flung places only supports their claim to being amazing cities in their own right. If these cities aren’t on your honeymoon shortlist, then add them now, and if you happen to be stopping over, then prepare to enhance your dream holiday.
SINGAPORE
Singapore is a modern day marvel. Built on the concept of charm, luxury and human ingenuity, this city has got it all. From shopping streets that are the fifth avenue of the Orient, to beach resorts a short ride away from a glistening metropolis.
Over here our ignorance of the city may just extend to the countries industrious laws – yes its true, you can’t bring chewing gum into the country, but don’t let that fool you into thinking its some draconian state, marshalled by the gum police. Singapore is a country of today and tomorrow, with famous nods to its rich past, namely the majestic Raffles, where the Singapore Sling was invented. But, within a sprawling urban landscape that’s littered with grand glass and steel buildings, there’s an abundance of lush greenery, which sparkles in the afternoon sunshine.
WHERE TO STAY
Glistening like a jewel in the midst is the latest addition to the luxe lifestyle that the Lion City expects, the newly built 5-star, St. Regis Hotel. The first international luxury hotel that has been built in Singapore in the last eleven years, it is simply breathtaking.
Furnished with chic décor, silks, antiques and gleaming glass, you’ll have to mind you don’t trip over your jaw when you enter. Elegant without being vacuous, it has incredibly generous rooms, high ceilings and butler service, with every sense and whim is attended to.
After what can only be described as a very long flight, the last thing you want to do is face the suitcase. The St. Regis, will happily take the entire contents of your wardrobe, and have them pressed and laundered. And if you want to feel and look as fresh as your clothing then soak away the aches of air travel in what has to be one of the sexiest and glamorous bathrooms of any hotel. With a free standing golden bath tub, luxurious toiletries from their own Remède Spa, it’s time to crack open the bubbly and lay back and watch TV on your flat screen in the bathroom.
It’s the attention to detail that really sets this hotel apart from the numerous others. The ever-helpful staff ensure your stay is remembered, from organising excursions to booking tables at restaurants, of which their numerous fine dining options will definitely be ones to sample. Make sure you leave room for the decadent St Regis Sunday Brunch, where vintage Moet & Chandon champagne is free flowing.
Reality will be suspended and left behind as you take in the skyline from the rooftop pool and if you don’t leave the sanctity of their four walls, enlivened and raring to make the most of your honeymoon, then check that you didn’t leave your pulse at home.
www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis
WHAT TO DO
With surroundings this beautiful it will be a miracle if you can tear yourself away from your super-king, Egyptian linen draped bed, but if you do then there are some other sights you can indulge in. For a country that could have easily been an urban jungle, every effort has been made to give green life to it. Take a leisurely stroll in the Botanic Gardens, which are adorned with exotic plants and the sweet smell of flora. Sit under a canopy, sip refreshing cocktails and melt with the breeze as the evening descends.
www.sbg.org.sg
Then as night falls make your way to the unique Singapore Night Safari, a feat of modern engineering. The safari experience is based on an entirely man-made jungle, with free roaming wildlife, from tigers to elephants, you’ll soon forget that you are in Singapore and not in the middle of the Serengeti. The animals are mere feet away in many cases and as you travel in an open tram under the canopy of stars, the sights, sounds, and smells will leave you speechless. There is an undeniable sense of serenity and you feel privileged to have witnessed their majesty at night.
www.nightsafari.com.sg
Barmy nights in Singapore are themselves a spectacle to behold. The city seems to come alive at night, with an explosion of light and colour. The place to be seen is Clarke Quay, where you can take a boat ride up the canal towards a host of culinary delights. Whether its Pan Asian, Indian or Italian you want, every taste bud is catered for. Throw caution to the alfresco winds and embrace your bulging waistline.
www.clarkequay.com.sg
The diversity of the country is its proximity to gorgeous beach destinations. If you have only a day to spare then head to Sentora Island, a popular island resort that’s part of Singapore. There are many ways to get there but the most romantic by far is via the Mount Faber Cable Car. Opt for a glass carriage and take in the spectacular views as you zip across the sea to the entertainment isle. With beach bars, amusement rides, restaurants, and sea-life, there’s an endless array of things to do or you can just layback on one of the many beaches. After a hard day of sun bathing take the evening cable car back to Mount Faber and enjoy a sumptuous evening meal at the spectacular hilltop restaurant, the Jewel Box.
www.sentosa.com.sg ,
www.mountfaber.com.sg
If you have a little longer than a day, then take advantage of overnight stay at the gorgeous Banyan Tree Bintan. A mere 50-minute boat ride away, you’ll be amazed to find yourself suddenly in Indonesia! Bintan Island is home to Tajong Said, a private beach that houses the resort, which is nestled around lush terrain. Book into a Balinese style villa and enjoy the South China Sea view or indulge in the Banyan Tree Bintan Spa.
www.banyantree.com/bintan
Relaxed and revived you are ready to head back to Singapore and shop! Considered a national hobby, they take shopping seriously, with entire months dedicated to the celebration of spending, it makes our January sales look amateurish. The great thing about the St. Regis is that is located on the corner of Orchard Road, the Oxford Street of Singapore. And if you overdo it and can’t carry your bags home, then pre-arrange to have the hotel send their car to pick you up – which by the way is a fleet of Bentleys, well would you expect anything less?
www.singapore.com/singaporeshopping
BANGKOK
Thailand may be known as a country of exotic beaches but its capital city is a non-stop 24-hour experience, with an abundance of culture, entertainment and glorious food, the city really is an assault on the senses. If Singapore is like the New York of the East then Bangkok is the oriental Mumbai. Full of hustle and bustle, the energy rush you get from the surroundings to the people is exhilarating.
WHERE TO STAY
But amidst the organised chaos you will find a contemporary sanctuary. The Centara Grand in Central World is remarkable modern oasis of calm. Chic, sleek and sophisticated the hotel is a glorious contrast to the old heritage of the city. Free from clichés, its clean lines are what modern Bangkok is about. Newly built in the latest shopping metropolis of Central World, you have the luxury of creature comforts such as a Waitrose and Starbucks to hand. But don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s a haven of soulless commercialism; to the contrary, the gracious hospitality that the hotel extends represents the true warmth of the Thai people.
The rooms have glass walled bathrooms that look into the bedroom itself, the perfect ingredient for any honeymoon (but don’t worry, if you’re feeling shy then you can always draw the curtain…) The huge walk in rain showers are also essential to reviving you after a hard days shopping, and the 5-star experience extends to the hotels spectacular skyline view, and delicious restaurants and bars. The place to be and be seen is the hot Red Sky bar on the rooftop. The perfect place to spend an evening, sipping martinis at the specialist bar, as you look onto the view of Bangkok below you.
www.centarahotelsresorts.com
Thailand is also famed for its masseuses, and you can take full advantage of this in Centara’s elegant Spa Cenvaree, which was recently voted Asia’s Best Spa. You’ll be truly pampered as a spa concierge takes into account your treatment needs and guide you to blissful nirvana. We recommend the taking a treatment together in their spa suites, which are specially made for two and have their own spa showers and floral soak baths.
www.spacenvaree.com
THINGS TO DO
Apart from having the town’s hippest bar, best spa and amazing shopping centre, the Centara Grand has one of the greatest locations. Nowhere in the world is location more important than in Bangkok. With so much to see and do its vital you don’t waste any of your precious honeymoon sitting in the infamous Bangkok traffic. The cars may be moving slowly, but the pace of the famous shopping scene is frantic.
Make sure you leave a sizable amount for splurging in the Thai City because the shopping malls are amazing, with porters opening the door for you, and discount cards for tourists, you will soon join the masses in retail hedonism. If its bargains you’re after then head to MBK, with over 2,500 shops to visit, you’ll be pounding its maze of floors for hours.
www.mbk-center.com
If size matters then your very own hotels shopping complex, Central World is a sophisticated goliath of retail venues. With designer stores and high street favourites, you’ll be spent in more ways then one. Most malls shut around ten in the evening but that doesn’t been Bangkok stops its endless shopping spree.
www.centralworld.co.th
The evening is when the city revs up a gear and the night markets take over. Infamous for their replica goods, Bangkok is turning over a new leaf and we recommend that you go to Suan Lum market, which is less frenetic than Patpong, and has better quality goods. You’ll find unique designs from Thai Clothing designers, artists and furnishers to tempt you under the night sky. If you’re staying over the weekend then you have to visit the mother of all markets, which is Chatuchak weekend market. Take your bargaining skills, a map and spare a whole day for this huge event.
If you want to feed your soul then you’ll find a huge beating cultural heart in Bangkok. The majority of Thai people are Buddhist and you must visit the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, which means the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It houses the most sacred statue of the Buddha in Thailand, and is situated in The Grand Palace complex, which is awe inspiring. Even if you are not a history buff, it’s worth the visit to admire the architecture and be in the presence of such serene beauty and opulence. Also worth a visit is Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, which houses a 46 meter long gold plated statue. Please remember to respect local customs and leave the short shorts at the hotel.
www.tourismthailand.org
After a days sight seeing its time to inject some romance back into the experience, and take a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. Set in traditional rice barge, the Manohra Cruise will gentle shimmer past the lit vistas of the riverbank as you enjoy a delicious Thai banquet. It will be the perfect end to any day.
www.manohracruises.com
Bangkok’s appeal extends beyond its city limits, where there’s everything from the floating markets to elephant trekking through the jungle. Whatever your tastes, it has something for everyone, as does its neighbour Singapore. Both are more than just overnight destinations, so treat them with the respect they deserve and make a honeymoon of them. Between the gorgeous hotels, culture, food and people you will leave with an experience of a lifetime.
