Romantic Singapore - Part 1

CEBU, Philippines - Singapore has always been associated with classy shopping and variegated theme parks; for being a techie haven and a cultural hub. But…have you considered Singapore as a honeymoon destination? Or as your wedding anniversary get-away? A great consideration for the latter is the fun possibilities with children and grandchildren in tow. You can have your precious moments on your own, while the younger ones can do whatever they want – shopping, bungee jumping, theme parks, botanical gardens and the zoos.

Essential to a romantic get-away is the accommodation. It should be a world all its own, but conveniently located for other activities. Such a place is Fort Canning Hotel on historic Fort Canning Hill (ancient name: Bukit Larangan or “Forbidden Hill” in Malay, dating back to the 14th century as a site for Majapahit rulers’ palaces, then later on the address for the colonial governor’s residence, first of whom was Sir Stamford Raffles). The quiet hill is now a lush green park that overlooks Orchard Road (just 7 minutes away by foot) and a 10-minute stroll to vibrant Clarke Quay/Boat Quay area.

This 86-room chic boutique hotel was built in 1926 as a military office building, now bestowed the honor as an Architectural Heritage Building by the Urban Redevelopment Authority. Running coffee and tea service is always available in the private lobby for in-house guests, and daily cocktail time is offered from 6 – 8pm with a selection of wines and some delightful canapés, cheeses and fruits. Three exciting packages are on offer: The Weekend Treat until June 2012 @ S$320++ per room/night; “Bubblelicious” from S$368++per room/night; HFC Privilege from S$520++per room/night – the latter 2 packages until December 31, 2012.

Another hotel eliciting exciting memories is the Fullerton Bay Hotel which opened last July 8, 2010. It is part of the Fullerton Heritage that consists of One Fullerton – a series of chic restaurants and bars that serve international cuisines along the waterfront; The Fullerton Hotel Singapore – built in 1928 as the General Post Office Building; and The Fullerton Bay Hotel, among others. (www.thefullertonheritage. com)

The scent of The Fullerton Bay Hotel is customized, greeting guests “with a sweet top note of White Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, and Lily, followed by a lovely floral Red Rose and Neroli middle note and finishing with a Sheer Musk base note.” We were enveloped by this enchanting scent when we walked through the lobby on our way to Lantern, its equally award-winning al fresco bar on the roofdeck, with intimate bed-seats so ideal for romantic moments. Panoramic view of the Singapore flyer and the imposing Marina Bay Sands with its nightly fire/lights display can be best viewed from the “deck” of Lantern. Singapore’s beautiful crowd chill out here with chi-chi signature cocktails and gourmet hors d’ouvres like truffle fries (you can’t stop!) and wagyu short rib mini burgers with aged cheddar (tiny buns oozing w/cheese!) .

The five suites of this partly floating hotel in the Marina Bay area reflects the multi-cultural make-up of the city-state, themed according to the Chinese, Malay, Indian Peranakan (mixed Malay and Chinese sub-culture) and Colonial influences. Staying in any of these richly appointed suites is like being in a fantasyland worth the memories. No wonder that the hotel has garnered international prestigious awards in barely two years of existence: Best Business Hotel for Women Travellers (Travel + Leisure India), Gold List 2012 (Conde Nast Traveller UK), 4th Best New Hotel Worlwide 2011 (Business Traveller UK), Hot List 2011 (Conde Nast Traveller USA & UK), while Lantern earned CNNGo’s 30 of the World’s Best Hotel Bars award in 2010, among many more!

Still, one can opt to be like royalty for the giddy days of the honeymoon – or luxuriate in deserved bliss on one’s anniversary get-away – where else, but at the ultimate iconic address, the Marina Bay Sands Singapore! The property is overwhelming with three 55-story towers that prop the cantilevered SkyPark on the 57th floor, where you have an unhampered 360 degrees view of Singapore, with restaurants, an infinity pool and lush gardens! The hotel has 2,561 luxury rooms and suites; humongous convention areas; international top brands in The Shoppes; celebrity-chef restaurants of, among others, Mario Batali, Daniel Boulud, Wolfgang Puck, Guy Savoy, Tetsuya Wakuda – comprising over 60 dining choices; state-of-the-art theaters regularly showing top Broadway productions – The Lion King, Wicked (onstage until April 22), A Chorus Line (opens May 27, 2012); ArtScience Museum housed in the equally iconic lotus flower architecture at the base of the towers.

Enabling guests to spend the most of their time in the property’s numerous offerings (don’t forget the casino!), The Marina Bay Sands has express check-in while guests relax in the complimentary airport coach transfer: on the way, guest service agents can register the guests through handheld tablets, complete with credit card verification and room key-card release. Upon arrival at the hotel, the checked-in guests can go directly to their rooms.

Same convenience takes place upon checkout, with roaming guest service agents approaching departing guests for a tablet-based transaction. This is an option to the current express checkout (key drop box) and the in-room tv checkout.

Whatever accommodation you may want for your significant time together with your beloved, Singapore has the unique place to fit your taste!

Try it, lah!