Luxury Travel in Singapore – Planning and Budgeting

For those longing for extravagance and bountiful indulgence, Singapore luxury travel opportunities abound in the prosperous and economic powerhouse of this tiny, but lavish country.

Luxury tours to Singapore are ideal for those looking for world-class shopping, supreme dining, decadent accommodation, contemporary architecture and exceptional entertainment. With its cosmopolitan air and sophisticated city centres, Singapore has defined itself as one of the best international hotspots.

Package or custom tour – what to chose

There are various tour packages and custom tours that cater for those wanting to splurge on a luxurious holiday in Singapore and the nation’s wonderful fusion of art, culture, food, business and architecture lure visitors from across the globe. Deciding on whether one should opt for a package tour or a custom tour is the first order of business in planning any luxurious travel getaway; and with pros and cons for each, it becomes a personal and individual choice for each discerning traveller.

In the spirit of encouraging our readers to make the best decision for them, we have drawn up a brief list of the pros and cons of both.

The package tour – pros & cons

First up, the package tour. Definite pros of package tours are the minimal organising, reduced stress and nominal arranging as everything is scrupulously organised for you. The cheaper prices that are part and parcel of the last minute reduced rates and generally cheaper flight packages are yet another plus. Also, with plenty of variety in pricing structures and locations, as well as a plentiful variety of activities for different leisure interests, adds to the desirability of packaged tours. Lastly there is generally sufficient protection for the consumer if booking with a reputable agency or operator should anything go pear-shaped; as well as the fact that you’ll meet other likeminded travellers should you wish to do so.

The cons of packaged tours are obviously the minimal flexibility in terms of dates and times. This also means that one may end up feeling rushed at various attractions that are of extreme interest to you, as well as feeling bored at attractions that you might not have necessarily have wanted to visit. You might not always enjoy the constant company of other travellers or even your tour guide and the ridged punctuality of bathroom breaks, lunch stops and bus times can get tiresome for some.

The custom tour – pros & cons

Next up we have the pros and cons of custom tours and holidays. The pros of an experience perfectly tailored to your own travel needs and desires cannot be oversold. The complete customization means that the world is your oyster and all destinations, attractions and experiences are possible that might not have been included on a pre-packaged tour. As a result of this, custom tours nearly always include more destinations and can obviously be personalized to your own preferred order and length of stay. Recent popularity of custom holidays has also resulted in a market consisting of a great deal of travel experts that can meticulously plan the perfect holiday or recommend various sights and attractions after hearing about your needs and preferences.

Cons of custom tours are that they are significantly pricier than packaged tours and often only affordable for travellers with deep pockets and large bank accounts. Another downfall is the autonomy of travel that some travellers do not enjoy. They will be no tour guide shuffling you onto buses or making sure that you are on time. However, this freedom to explore is frequently a pro for many a traveller and so really, the hefty fee of personalized custom tours is often the biggest and only con.

Top itineraries for a luxury travel in Singapore

No matter what type of travel or tour you end up selecting, there are certain top itineraries that are highly recommended in including in one’s programme for a luxurious travel experience in Singapore. With such an array of high-end hotels, restaurants and decadent spas scattered generously throughout this sophisticated and spectacular country, knowing which spots are unmissable can oftentimes feel overwhelming.

Best attractions in Singapore

Unmissable attractions in Singapore city include Gardens by the Bay with the world-famous ‘Supertrees’ and Singapore Botanic Gardens, followed by a visit to the Singapore Flyer, a giant observation wheel where visitors can marvel at the city sights from 42 storeys high.

Shop ‘til you drop along the 2-kilometer Orchard Road, Singapore’s retail paradise, grab an English high tea at the world-famous, Raffels Hotel; or indulge in lavish pampering at one of the many decadent beauty spas in Singapore.

A perfect way to wrap up any evening in Singapore city centre is at Marina Bay Sands for a plethora of famous, celebrity chef restaurants including Gordon Ramsay’s, Bread Street Kitchen. Be sure to try the fish and chips or Shepard’s Pie. For those wanting to end the night off with a bang, mosey on over to the sky-high rooftop bar, Ce La Vi for a taste of the highlife as you sip icy drinks overlooking the iconic skyline.

A visit to Sentosa Island

Another must-do at the top of the list of travel itineraries here in Singapore is a day or two spent at Sentosa Island, an incredible island-resort jam-packed with non-stop entertainment and attractions. Any trip to Sentosa would be incomplete without a visit to Universal Studios Singapore, relax on one of Sentosa’s beaches (Tanjong, Palawan, and Siloso), Adventure Cove Waterpark to swim with masses of colourful fish and even rays, Skyline Luge Sentosa, as well as sightseeing at the stunning SEA Aquarium.

Add an art twist to your travel

With such a staggering abundance of museums and art galleries in Singapore, cultural aficionados will be spoiled for choice on what to do and see. Unmissable museums and galleries include the National Gallery Singapore, Singapore Art Museum (SAM), National Museum of Singapore and the Art Science Museum in Marina bay Sands.

Other than museums and galleries, top itineraries for those who appreciate culture and heritage should include a few hours spent exploring Singapore’s three major cultural precincts; Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam. With Singapore’s melting pot of cultures, excellent transport system, proliferating and luscious gardens and vibrant cosmopolitan skyscrapers and energy, all top end travel itineraries should include a healthy mix of contemporary architecture, history, culture, delicious cuisine and bustling city life.

5 best luxury hotels in Singapore

Luxurious, top end accommodations in Singapore are only limited by the confines of one’s imagination and we’ve rounded up our five top spots for first-class extravagance.

1. Mandarin Oriental Singapore

Perfectly located in the heart of Marina Bay, lies the luxurious and prestigious, Mandarin Oriental Singapore. An elegant fusion of oriental and decadent contemporary comfort are the underlying characteristics of this award-winning 5-star hotel. Known for its panoramic views, impeccable service and tremendous attention to detail and extravagance, Mandarin Oriental is fit for royalty. Room rates range from SGD 380 for an Ocean View Room to a hefty SGD 5,500 for the crème de la crème, Mandarin Suite.

2. Rasa Shangri-La, Sentosa

For visitors finding themselves in Sentosa seeking luxury accommodation with all the decadent whistles and bells, Rasa Shangri-La is one of the most scenic hotels in all of Singapore. Direct access to the beach, a stunning swimming pool, superb restaurant, and exceptional facilities, this hotel is ideally suited to young families and couples. For those seeking 5-star pampering, there is also CHI, the world-renowned, in-house beauty spa offering treatments of every kind. Nightly rates begin at around SGD 400 and SGD 600, with the deluxe sea-view suite and panorama suite costing SGD 800 and SGD 1050.

3. Fairmont Singapore

Fairmont Singapore offers 769 lavishly decorated rooms and suites providing every amenity under the sun and the very best in dining, pampering and extravagance. Six tennis courts, a gorgeous swimming pool, conference rooms and wedding facilities make Fairmont the perfect hotel for every type of traveler or guest with generous budgets. Daily rates start at SGD 370 and increase to SGD 470 for breakfast, lounge access and evening cocktails.

4. The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore

Synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and decadence is The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore. A 4,200 piece museum quality art collection, iconic architecture and truly breathtaking views, this hotel is nothing short of a 5-star dream. With its Michelin Star restaurant, Ritz-Carlton Spa and perfect location in Marina Bay, guests will want for nothing. Rates start around SGD 440 and go up to around SGD 1,500 for a night.

5. Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel

Last but certainly not least lies the exquisite Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel. Ideally situated on the famous Orchard Road, one of Singapore’s most vibrant and buzzing shopping and entertainment hubs, this hotel offers everything from versatile meeting rooms, decadent rooms and suites, a pool, a restaurant and first-class pampering services. Rates range between SGD 350 and SGD 700 for a night of wonderful indulgence.

Luxury travel in Singapore – how much to budget per day

Knowing how much to budget in Singapore for luxurious travel expenses is an integral aspect of planning one’s trip and holiday. Taking into account that the average nightly rate of around SGD 400 for a high-end double-room in a luxury hotel, as well as meal prices of roughly SGD 50 per meal the average daily budget for those seeking luxury travel in Singapore would be around SGD 400 per day. This would cover transport, accommodation, food at high-end restaurants and entrance fees into tourist attractions and sights as well as a cocktail or two. For travellers staying in pricier establishments and eating at the very exclusive restaurants, this daily quote would obviously go up significantly.

Conclusion

The iconic skyline, glitzy atmosphere and its strong financial industry, has resulted in Singapore being one of the best destinations for travellers seeking opulence, luxury and the finer things in life. For travellers looking to splurge or spend their savings in this country, you won’t be disappointed in the lavish and exceptional attention to detail that Singaporeans take with architecture, interiors and service. Marvel at the beautiful merging of contemporary and traditional, immerse yourself in the beauty of the colonial Far East and enjoy the synergy of a hybrid of cultures all co-existing peacefully. It’s time to book your ticket. What are you waiting for?