It’s known as the gateway to Southeast Asia for a reason. Conveniently located with Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia to the north, Indonesia and Australia to the west, and the Philippines to the east, Singapore is the perfect stop-over. With less than 48 hours to spend in this supersafe island city-state, we hit the ground running.

BY { BETH WEITZMAN

Inspired by the romance of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the Cliff, a culinary retreat located on a cliff above Tanjong Beach at the 215-room Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa by Accor, is the first meal on our whirlwind trip. The elegant Art Deco interior features plush turquoise velvets accented by pops of bronze and brass. We settle in to enjoy epic panoramic views of South China Sea and delicious Italian cuisine with specialties such as tagliolini with scallops and truffle, and signature grilled octopus with Roman artichoke.

The ultra-luxe So SPA, which is housed within former barracks occupied by the British Army on Sentosa from the 1880s to the 1930s, is a beautiful blend of colonial architecture with whimsical details inspired by Paris’ Jardin du Luxembourg. The building was restored in the early 2000s, and Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority gave conservation status to the building—along with 15 others on the island—in 2004. Situated among lush tropical greenery, and with a view of South China Sea, So SPA comes alive with waterfalls and tropical plants that set the tone for absolute relaxation. While taking in the scenery, take note of the Sofitel resort’s signature scent, Essence de Sofitel, which blooms with bright notes of bergamot, white rose and jasmine of grasse. Consisting of 14 indoor treatment rooms and six outdoor pavilions in which to enjoy a bevy of facial and body treatments, the spa garden inspires further R&R post-treatment. Amenities include three bodies of water: a cerulean-tiled lap pool; a float pool with cascading waterfalls; and a mud pool filled with detoxifying Moroccan rhassoul clay. To elevate the spa experience, we took a meditative walk through the spiraling labyrinth, and drank a detoxifying juice from The Garden Restaurant.

Time spent relaxing by the hotel pool or walking down to Tanjong Beach Club and exploration of Sentosa Island is a must—it’s the southernmost point of Continental Asia. Attracting more than 20 million visitors each year, Sentosa Island is a popular island resort located close to Singapore’s main island. You’ll find a wealth of attractions, such as golf courses, a 2-kilometer sheltered beach and the Universal Studios Singapore theme park. While here, uncover the myth behind the Merlion statue, Singapore’s legendary, 121-foot-tall resident. You can walk up or take an elevator and climb up into the Merlion’s mouth for a stellar a photo op. Spectacular views abound, even at night, when lighting displays bring this ancient symbol to life.

Sofitel Singapore City Centre by Accor opened in October 2017 as Accor’s landmark 800th hotel in Asia Pacific. The 223-room luxury hotel features elegant design with undeniable French flair, nestled among historic shops and towering skyscrapers in Singapore’s financial district. Once inside, a quick elevator ride takes guests to the check-in area at the Club Millésime Lounge. The chic club towers over the city, offering magnificent views in addition to a wealth of additional perks. Expect a dedicated guest-service manager, butler service, daily Continental breakfasts, afternoon tea, happy hour beverages and canapés throughout the day. Open exclusively to guests staying in the Club Sofitel rooms and suites, this is a popular gathering spot from early morning until evening hours.

Located adjacent to Racines, the hotel’s definitive lobby bar, 1864, is a happening spot with plenty of action. With signature barrel-aged cocktails, martinis and handcrafted tapas, it’s a great option for unwinding any time of day. The lobby bar offers breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks, plus the Coffea take-away station offers an array of coffees, gourmet sandwiches and fresh-baked pastries. For a real treat, order Champagne; it comes complete with a sabrage.

Racines focuses on the finest local and seasonal ingredients; unforgettable meals here showcase refined French and Chinese cuisine. Four cooking stations provide for a culinary journey, with flavors spanning the breadth and depth of Singapore and France. Dishes like the wok-tossed Szechuan frog legs, bisque de homard, roasted French pigeon and Ee-Fu noodles with scallops and XO sauce delight the palate. We marvel as a talented team of chefs prepare innovative dishes before our eyes. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

An after-dinner excursion is in order, so we head straight to the iconic 57th floor rooftop of Marina Bay Sands and enjoy great views from the infinity pool. It’s as wow as it looks in the photos—and, yes, a bit Vegas-style. It’s for sure worth a visit for drinks or dinner at Spago, on the same floor. Marina Bay Sands opened in 2010, and has been billed as the world’s most expensive stand-alone casino property. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is a mall comprised of a museum, two large theaters, celebrity chef restaurants, two floating Crystal Pavilions, artscience exhibits and the world’s largest atrium casino with 500 tables and 1,600 slot machines. The complex also features a 1,120-foot SkyPark with a capacity for 3,900 people, and the 490-foot infinity swimming pool, set atop the world’s largest public cantilevered platform.

The rooms at Sofitel Singapore City Centre come with killer views of the financial district, as well as Virgin Active workout gear, office essentials and a seriously comfy Sofitel MyBed with pillow menu, all wrapped in a stylish, welcoming design. Luxury can be found in every detail. From plush bed linens and designer furnishings to the vibrant decor, handcrafted decorative items and cutting-edge technology, the rooms and suites are thoughtfully curated. The floor-to-ceiling windows showcase city views, while leafy motifs and bright floral paintings pay tribute to the city’s rich botanical heritage. Bold artwork, premium amenities (custom-made vanity box, mobile phone with complimentary calls to 10 countries, deep bathtub and rain shower) and the latest technology give new meaning to sophistication. For a superlative stay, splurge on the Joaquim Suite, with a fully equipped kitchen, separate living room and access to Club Millésime.

Staying fit at Sofitel Singapore City Centre is easy with two state-of-theart gyms at your disposal (one located inside the hotel, and one in the adjacent Virgin Active). You can also work out in the 90-foot infinity pool. Grab a quick bite at Club Millésime, then hit the gym for a group fitness class, like Pilates Reformer or Body Combat, or Yoga at The Lawn Sofitel Singapore City Centre (run by Virgin Active). Part of the Virgin Group, founded by Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Active opened its first club in the UK in 1999, and has since grown to become the leading international global health club with 234 clubs spanning eight countries (South Africa, UK, Italy, Australia, Namibia, Botswana, Thailand and Singapore). This wellness center ups the ante on luxe gym offerings. It comes complete with the best-of-the-best wattbike, an altitude workout and innovative features such as the Relax and Recovery Zone, Altitude Room, Salt Room, Sleep Pods, Power Plates and Olympic Weightlifting zones. It’s seriously one of the coolest gyms, and definitely worth a visit! (Shorts, t-shirts and towels are provided complimentary for use at the facility).

The SO/ Singapore by Accor, a luxury hotel ideally located in the city-state’s central business district, is housed within an iconic heritage building and features a perfect blend of French and Singaporean influences. For an unforgettable dining experience, be sure to discover the talents of one of the city’s hottest chefs, Trevor Ryann Paulo, who helms SO/ Singapore’s Xperience Restaurant. With a mix of authentic French, modern European and pan-Asian flavors, the menu offers a local twist on contemporary Asian delights. This immersive dining concept engages all five senses, beginning with the magnificent 20-foot-long, custom-made Molteni oven that sits center stage. Start off with a cocktail in the restaurant’s fashionable lounge bar before taking a seat in the funky retro dining room. Then indulge in chef Paulo’s avant-garde yet accessible approach to gastronomy with the signature beef short ribs dish. And for dessert, the chocolate dome is not to be missed. From SO/ Singapore’s lobby to its iconic rooftop, the hotel’s sophisticated art-de-vivre is sure to delight with a wide selection of vintage and New World wines, state-of-the-art cocktails and the finest Champagne.

There are more malls in Singapore than in most cities, so retail therapy is a popular pastime. Smart shoppers use the underground walkways (peppered with shops, cafes, bake shops and restaurants) to beat the heat.

With plentiful art, shophouses, independent fashion and campy boutiques, Haji Lane in the Kampong Glam neighborhood is inspiring. Hip cafes, patisseries, watering holes and gift shops fill the area. Meanwhile, Orchard Road is home to all of the major labels, lending major glitz to the area.

As for seeing the sights, for a unique view of Singapore, book the Tale of 2 Quays Singapore River Experience through Singapore River Cruise. Highlights include Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Marina Bay. The company also offers a Laser Show Cruise, which should definitely be on your itinerary.

The hip Clarke Quay area, which is home to numerous restaurants and nightclubs, counts Violet Oon Satay Bar & Grill as one of its most popular spots. It’s a laid-back and fantastic option for trying some of Singapore’s famous satays, meats and seafood—all accompanied by fiery signature sauces. Pair dinner with specialty local and Nyonya cocktails, and marvel at the team of chefs at work in the open grill room.

Shanghai’s buzzy spot for the glitterati, Bar Rouge has come to Singapore, perched 71 floors above the city with an unobstructed view of the Marina Bay and all the skyscrapers boasting super cool architecture. Here, iconic nightlife meets an intimate clubbing experience that engages the senses. The high-octane party atmosphere takes shape with themed nights, raised-cage performances and some of the region’s hottest DJs. If you’re looking to see and be seen, this is the place.

No longer does time at the airport need to be daunting. Head to Changi Airport’s Qantas Lounge, which is operated by Accor, to find the perfect environment in which to relax before your flight. The business lounge is currently being expanded and is due to open midyear. Enjoy a range of options, from the plate of the day at the communal dining area to food from the live cooking station. There’s also an extensive buffet and bar. Spice Temple-inspired cocktails are available alongside a world-class wine selection and a barista service. The Singapore Lounge seats 460 guests and has 20 showers, 80-inch television screens and technology pods located across the various zones. Also keep an eye out for Qantas’ new First Lounge, which is set to open at the end of 2019. It will offer seating for 240 customers, luxe design and premium a la carte dining with Asian-inspired menus.