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Travel Styles
Luxury Travel Guides
Singapore at its most indulgent: the hotels, dining and experiences worth the splurge.
Luxury travel in Singapore means grand hotels, long tasting menus and smooth service from the moment you land. This page is for travellers who want the very best of the city. The guide below covers five-star areas, special dining, spa days and private experiences. Use the links to compare hotels and restaurants.
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Luxury travel in Singapore: what to expect
Luxury travel in Singapore is easy to plan. The city has a wide choice of five-star hotels, and many sit within walking distance of Marina Bay. Service is polished, and the food ranges from street stalls to long tasting menus. Changi Airport is calm and efficient, which makes for a smooth start and finish.
Top-end travel here does cost a lot. The good news is that many of the best views, gardens and walks are free. You can mix a splurge dinner with a cheap and excellent hawker lunch.
Five-star hotels by area
Marina Bay: views and landmarks
Marina Bay Sands is known for its rooftop infinity pool, which is open only to hotel guests. The Fullerton Bay Hotel sits right on the water. Mandarin Oriental Singapore and The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore are short walks from the bay. Stay here for skyline views and easy access to Gardens by the Bay.
Heritage hotels: history and character
Raffles Hotel Singapore is a famous colonial-era hotel and a national monument. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore fills the grand former General Post Office building by the Singapore River. Goodwood Park Hotel is a heritage hotel near Orchard Road.
Tanglin: quiet and leafy
The Tanglin area lies at the western end of Orchard Road, between the shops and the Botanic Gardens. Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, The St. Regis Singapore and Shangri-La Singapore are all here. It suits travellers who want calm streets and easy shopping.
Sentosa: resort stays
Capella Singapore and Raffles Sentosa Singapore are 5-star resorts on Sentosa island. They feel far from the city but are only a short drive away.
Read our Luxury Hotels topic for more help choosing.
Fine dining and special meals
Singapore has many chef-led restaurants with tasting menus. A few to know:
- Odette: French cooking in the City Hall area.
- Les Amis: French fine dining near Orchard Road.
- Burnt Ends: modern Australian barbecue cooking in Dempsey.
- Labyrinth: modern Singaporean dishes that rework local flavours.
- Waku Ghin and Shoukouwa: Japanese dining in the Marina Bay area.
- Summer Pavilion: refined Cantonese food at Marina Bay.
Book the best-known tables well ahead, sometimes weeks before your trip. Tell the restaurant about allergies and diet needs when you book. Most fine-dining rooms expect smart casual dress. For more, see Michelin & Fine Dining.
Experiences worth the splurge
- Spa days: many five-star hotels have full spas. Book treatments early, especially at weekends.
- Private tours: a private guide can show you Chinatown, Little India or Kampong Glam at your own pace.
- Shopping: Orchard Road and Marina Bay have the big luxury brands. Read Luxury Shopping, and see Tax-Free Shopping to claim back GST, the local goods and services tax.
- The arts: catch a show at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay or visit National Gallery Singapore.
- Time on the water: charter boats can take you around the Southern Islands for a quiet day at sea.
Tips for a smooth luxury trip
- Budget: five-star rooms often start from around S$500 a night and go much higher. Tasting menus can cost several hundred dollars per person. Prices change with dates and demand.
- Hidden extras: a price marked "++" does not yet include service charge and GST.
- Transfers: most luxury hotels can arrange a car from Changi Airport.
- Special occasions: mention a birthday or anniversary when you book.
- Weather: plan outdoor time for mornings and evenings, and keep a plan for rain.
FAQs about luxury travel in Singapore
Which area is best for a luxury stay in Singapore?
Marina Bay is best for views and big sights. Tanglin is quieter and close to Orchard Road. Sentosa suits a resort-style break.
Can non-guests use the Marina Bay Sands infinity pool?
No. The rooftop pool is for hotel guests only. Non-guests can buy a ticket to the SkyPark Observation Deck for the view.
Do I need to book fine-dining restaurants in advance?
Yes, for the best-known places. Popular tables can fill weeks ahead, so book as soon as your dates are fixed.
Is tipping expected at luxury hotels in Singapore?
No. Tipping is not expected, and most bills already include a service charge. A small tip for great service is welcome but optional.