Grounded Luxury
Is it possible to get cabin fever – even with an entire country to explore? From the chatter I've been hearing, yes. Frustrated with having to listen to another grounded jet-setter reminiscing about the Louvre and whining about how she misses “having Champagne in the airport lounge” or a travelling foodie going on about missing nding new places to eat at, I chec myself into the Valley Wing at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore to see if one can approximate an essential element of luxury travel – sans travelling. Here's a loose guide to indulgence.
9AM – CHECK IN
The Valley Wing has a designated drop-off point and chec -in concierge that s a fair distance from the main hotel lobby. It doesn't loo li e it from the outside, but Shangri-La covers 6ha of land with three wings, plenty of greenery and all the amenities you could ever want. There s even a mini water par , although it's only accessible to adults if they're accompanying a child – I as ed.
In light of the pandemic, the ShangriLa Group has launched Shangri-La Cares, an initiative detailing the extensive steps ta en to ensure the safety of guests – from more frequent sanitisation of the premises to the necessary travel declarations when chec ing in. Complete information on its measures is offered, although I've never felt uncomfortable with any of the practices. Each well-appointed room also has a care it with face mas s, hand sanitiser and wipes.
9.30AM – BREAKFAST
I eat in the Summit Room that s exclusive to Valley Wing guests. It has the ind of oldschool opulence expected of a grand dame of hospitality in Singapore: chandeliers, oor-to-ceiling windows, silverware and an indulgent brea fast menu to match. I give in a little too easily to the staff's suggestion of a con t egg topped with a mound of Kaluga Queen caviar and sitting in a pool of moreish parmesan sauce.
It also serves some of the best French toast I've ever had that's lightly sweet, delicately crisp on the outside and almost unbelievably uffy and custardy inside. Of course, there are other international options. Tip: stretch your time with brea fast because the wing's all-day Champagne – the perfect start to hours of blissful leisure – begins at 11am. The house pour is a toasty, relatively complex Veuve Clicquot and the perfect impetus to start your day of leisure.
“The house bubbly is a toasty, relatively complex Veuve Clicquot and the perfect impetus to start your day of leisure.”
11.30AM – TIME TO EXPLORE
After a few years of avoiding Orchard Road, I set out to give it another go. As usual, there's no lack of shopping options nor drinking and eating ones. I happen upon Bacha Coffee in Ion Orchard that was rst established in Marrakech in 1 10 and is inspired by the architecture and interiors of the Dar el Bacha Palace. Further down, No. 5 Emerald Hill opens at noon and does a very decent dry martini.
Orchard Road might be an upscale district, but it's also home to some of the best casual food in Singapore ideal for countering all the rich European cuisine you've been having. Hit up the semi-hidden Inasal at 04-4 50 51 Lucky Pla a for great sisig and its namesake dish of savoury grilled chicken served with steamed white rice. If you like a little heat, the famous Ayam Penyet Ria is in the same mall. Its crispyskinned, smashed chicken accompanied by a ferocious sambal and washed down with sugary Teh Botol is the stuff of legends.
While not traditionally considered an arts district, the area also boasts a surprising number of independent galleries, each with a unique focus. Located at Ion Orchard is the si able Opera Gallery Singapore that showcases 20th to 21st century masters as well as renowned contemporary artists.
Tours aren't currently being offered because of Covid-1 but visitors are encouraged to check in periodically since works rotate quite often. British-American Anthony ames, known for his minimalist, geometric sculptures, has a solo exhibit there from Oct 1 to 1 . White Space Art Asia, which leans towards Chinese artists, is at Paragon and contemporary ne art space ang Gallery is at The Shopping Gallery Hilton.