Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A380 Returns to Sky in Nov 2021
Singapore/ The Lux/ Luxury Recreation

Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A380 Returns to Sky in Nov 2021, Here’s What It’s Like to Travel in Luxury

Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 Returns to Sky in Nov 2021

As Singapore begins to welcome travellers again from selected countries, Singapore Airlines (SIA) also returned to the sky last Nov. 19 using the superjumbo Airbus A380 aircraft for flights going to London.

For context, pre-pandemic A380 flight routes include Singapore to Auckland, Beijing, New Delhi, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London Heathrow, Melbourne, Mumbai, Osaka Kansai, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo, Zurich, New York, and Frankfurt.

As part of the city-state’s Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) quarantine-free services, the A380 operations will fly until March 26, 2022.

Singapore Airlines is known to delight passengers with comfortable and safe travels with their luxurious first-class suite. In 2007, the flag carrier of the city-state was the first to operate the superjumbo and also the first to reach the United Kingdom the year after.

Singapore Airlines’ A380 operates with a total of 471 seats, including six first-class suites (with own beds and privacy doors), 78 business class seats, 44 premium economy seats, and 343 economy seats.

To warmly welcome its patrons, Singapore Airlines going to Heathrow is offering a special promo and discounted fare worth S$734 per person. The schedule is as follows:

  • SQ322 Singapore to London departing 11:45 PM arriving 5:55 AM (+1 day)
  • SQ317 London to Singapore departing 10:55 AM arriving 7:50 AM (+1 day)

In case it’s your first time to experience a first-class suite in Singapore Airlines, here are some of its ultimate luxurious features:

Amenities

Considering that the airline’s main goal is to provide “space and privacy” among its luxurious, top-tier passengers, SIA upgraded its cabin products in 2020, thanks to Paris-based architectural designer

Pierrejean Design Studio. Despite cutting down its suites from 12 to six, each suite was revamped with a two full-flat bed (can be converted to a double bed), a plush leather chair from Poltrona Frau, plush mattress bedding and embroidery by French luxury brand Lalique, a 32-inch full HD monitor, a wardrobe, two lavatories, customised handbag stowage compartment, and mood lighting.

Services

For in-flight services, Singapore Airlines is highly regarded for providing delicious meals and premium drinks. As a standard refreshment for long-haul flights, suite class passengers are offered with the finest champagne (Dom Perignon and Krug) and two main courses served on their room’s dining table.

Tableware used in dining are from Wedgewood fine china dinnerware that costs around $1,000 (S$1,353) or more. The in-flight menu features international cuisine that constitutes healthy dietary requirements. For special meal orders, tap SIA’s Book the Cook service where you can choose among the creations of the International Culinary Panel. Your request should be submitted 24 hours before your actual flight. 

To ensure a smooth flight, check out Singapore’s pre-travel requirements and border controls via this link.

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an accountwith us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.

This Week's Events In Singapore View more

This Week's Events In Singapore

Singapore/ The Lux/ Luxury Recreation

Reimagined Three-Bedroom Manors at Capella Singapore Showcase Global Design

Untitled design 2024 11 29 T125626 690 Photo by Courtesy of Capella Singapore

Curated by acclaimed design talent Simone Haag, Capella Singapore have unveiled their refreshed manors, offering a new level of sophistication for the modern global traveler.

Nestled within the lush rainforest of Sentosa Island, Capella Singapore, crowned the #1 Best Hotel Brand in the world by Travel + Leisure in both 2023 and 2024, proudly presents the redesigned Capella Manor and Colonial Manors. These private retreats seamlessly blend luxury and history, offering bespoke furnishings, curated artwork, and interiors designed to inspire both intimacy and grandeur.

capella manor
Courtesy of Capella Singapore

Each standalone bungalow reflects its own distinctive design aesthetic. Capella Manor, reimagined by Melbourne-based Simone Haag, exudes modern elegance infused with Asian-inspired elements, featuring fabrics, art, and lighting thoughtfully selected for contextual relevance. Its 576 sqm layout includes three ensuite bedrooms, separate living and dining areas, a study, and an expansive outdoor terrace with a private lap pool enveloped in verdant greenery.

colonial manor
Courtesy of Capella Singapore

The Colonial Manors, originally British military quarters from the 1880s, have been transformed by MSDO into luxurious sanctuaries that honor their storied heritage. Spanning 500 sqm, these residences are adorned with vintage maps, artifacts, and timeless décor. Upon entering the manor on the upper floor, guests are greeted by lush greenery and eccentric artifacts that lead to ‘The Nest,’ a living space designed for reflection and tranquility.

On the same level, three bedrooms feature king-size beds with textured headboards and soft Roman blinds, creating a serene atmosphere. Downstairs, the dining room serves as the central gathering space. Next to it, ‘The Nook’ offers a cozy alcove with cushions and soft curtains, perfect for unwinding. The outdoor dining area, surrounded by Capella Singapore’s lush landscape, includes a barbecue, a dining table for six, plush seating, a canopy, and a private pool.

pool Colonial manor
Courtesy of Capella Singapore

A dedicated Manor Culturist also personalizes each stay, curating bespoke experiences in wellness, culture, and gastronomy, ensuring every moment feels like a seamless extension of home.

To find out more information, visit them on their website, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.

Singapore/ The Lux/ Luxury Recreation

Marina Bay Sands Unveils New Vision and Luxury Transformation

Marina Photo by Courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is raising the bar for luxury with its new brand vision ‘Above Beyond’, marking an important milestone in its US$1.75 billion reinvestment program.

The crown jewel of this transformation has arrived: the Paiza Collection, which consists of first-class rooms and suites across all three hotel towers, signaling an adventurous new era for the resort.

As part of an ambitious, multi-phase project that started in 2022, Singapore's renowned resort destination had already begun its transformation, starting with its new hotel rooms and suites across all three hotel towers. They have since introduced high-end dining and lifestyle offerings, and revamped amenities like the Sands SkyPark and wellness facilities.

suites
Courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

Nestled in the upper floors of the resort's iconic towers, this exclusive collection of suites offers the epitome of opulence, with personalized service to match.

The Paiza Collection's first-class accommodations include the Chairman, Presidential, Skyline, and Horizon Suites—each designed to provide a lavish, residential-style experience.

luxury suite
Courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

Spanning an incredible 630 square meters, the Chairman Suite, is built for those who want to entertain in style, featuring a massive 146" TV, a baby grand piano, and even a spa and gym.

For golf lovers, the Presidential and Skyline Suites come equipped with a high-tech golf simulator, offering access to 45 of the world's best courses. If wellness is more your vibe, the Horizon Suite is a sanctuary, complete with a Himalayan salt wall, a hammam shower, and a private gym.

To date, Marina Bay Sands has completed over 1,540 new rooms, including 635 suites, and is on track to finish the Sands Collection in Tower 3 by mid-2025. Once done, the resort will boast 1,850 rooms, including 775 suites—far surpassing the original design.

All this forms part of the resort’s larger vision to redefine luxury and service, with a refreshed brand identity backed by world-class creatives like Pentagram New York and filmmaker Celine Song.

For more information, visit their website, and follow them on Facebook, and Instagram.

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.

Singapore/ The Lux/ Brands

Patek Philippe's ‘Eternal Icons’ Auction to Hold Preview in Singapore

Patek Philippes Eternal Icons Auction to Preview in SG Photo by Website/FutureGrail

Timepiece collectors, here’s something for you to check out! This September, Genevan luxury watchmaker Patek Philippe is holding its “Patek Philippe: Eternal Icons” auction, featuring more than 50 rare and vintage timepieces from the brand, carefully curated by world-renowned experts.

Prior to the auction, the brand is also hosting pre-auction viewings in three cities, including its home city, Geneva, as well as Singapore and Dubai.

In Singapore, the preview will be held from Aug. 5 to 21 at the FutureGrail Museum and Vault, with an exclusive VIP reception on Aug. 2. At the preview, collectors and enthusiasts in the city will be among the first to view the timepieces to be auctioned.

Other pre-auction viewing venues are La Maison de l'Horlogerie in Geneva and the Opera Gallery in Dubai. Those interested in visiting the previews are encouraged to register via FutureGrail’s event page.

To invite more watch enthusiasts and collectors, FutureGrail is also holding an Instagram competition where winners will receive two business-class tickets and a hotel stay at one of the auction preview cities.

To join, participants must post photos of at least two of their own Patek Philippe watches with the hashtag #FutureGrailEternalIcons and tag FutureGrail’s official Instagram page. Winners will be announced on Aug. 5. Learn more about it here.

For those who would like to join the auction, bidders must register via FutureGrail’s auction page. The complete auction catalog will be released online on Aug. 1, which will include Patek Philippe’s best of the best timepieces, such as rare double-signed pieces and watches with Breguet numerals, among others.

For more details and updates on Patek Philippe’s “Eternal Icons” auction, visit FutureGrail’s website or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

Singapore/ The Lux/ Luxury Recreation

EDITION Hotels Celebrates Debut in Singapore With Grand Launch Event

Edition Hotels Debuts in Singapore Its First in SEA 1 Photo by EDITION Hotels

Marriott International’s range of “customised, individualised, and unique” hotels, EDITION, has finally made its way to Southeast Asia with its launch in Singapore!

The Singapore EDITION was officially unveiled through a grand opening event, held from May 9 to 12. The three-day event, which featured various luxury experiences and parties, was attended by local and international VIPs, including celebrities like Donnie Yen and wife Cissy Wang, Indonesian actress Happy Salma, and content creator Andrea Chong, among others.

At the event, guests got to explore the 13-storey boutique hotel’s lavish amenities and facilities. This included a multi-course dinner at FYSH, the hotel’s signature restaurant, which offers seafood fares crafted by Australian star chef Josh Niland.

The guests also attended high-octane parties at the Lobby Bar, which features three rave spaces: the Punch Room, the Pink Room, and the newly launched Wonder Room microclub.

At the Wonder Room premiere, guests immersed themselves in the venue’s red velvet drapes, intimate booths, and live performances from artists and DJs like Mantravine, Nathan Hartono, and DJ Mademoiselle Yulia.

Wrapping up the launch event, the hotel treated its guests to a relaxing experience over at The Spa at EDITION, along with a poolside brunch at ROOF, EDITION's rooftop oasis.

The Singapore EDITION is now open for reservations. To learn more about it or book your stay, visit their website.

Location: The Singapore EDITION, 38 Cuscaden Road, Singapore

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

Singapore/ The Lux/ Brands

Here’s How You Can Score a Free Chanel Perfume at Clarke Quay Until June 2

Chanel Pop up at Clarke Quay header Photo by Website/Chanel Singapore

Explore Chanel’s latest perfume collection and discover your signature scent at the French luxury house’s Parfumeur Fragrance Experience pop-up in Clarke Quay until June 2.

Spanning two floors, guests can experience an exclusive sensory journey into the art of perfumery and explore the “Les Exclusifs de Chanel” collection, which includes 19 fragrances that embody the brand’s identity on the first floor.

Aside from that, you can also take the “Les Caractères de Chanel” personality test to find out which scent suits you the best, or join the “Le Quart D’Heure Alchimique” program to help you understand the distinct characteristics of different scents. You can also take home a free sample vial without spending a dime!

On the second level lies the N°5 Immersive Experience Space, where guests can awaken their visual, auditory, and olfactory senses. Here, artworks inspired by the fragrance are also displayed.

Also located on the same floor is the Chanel Parfumeur Masterclass, where attendees can learn about the stories behind the brand's iconic fragrances and discuss the intricate details of their composition. The session also includes exclusive layering tips on how best to wear these scents. Unfortunately, the masterclass part is accessible by invitation only.

If you’re planning to visit, be sure to register since slots are limited and are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

Singapore/ The Lux/ Brands

Local Brand the Paper Bunny Reopens Its Flagship Store With a Fresh Look

Local Brand the Paper Bunny Reopens Its Flagship Store With a Fresh Look Photo by Facebook/The Paper Bunny

A new experience waits for you at The Paper Bunny’s latest revamped flagship store at Takashimaya. Unveiling its new look on May 3, the store has also introduced some of the brand’s latest products.

The store is splashed with neutral shades of brown and white, with an accent of green in the middle to balance the colours and highlight the displayed items, including sling bags, laptop bags, and pouches.

Aside from the reopening of their flagship store, the brand has also welcomed their new product, “The Arc,” lined up along with some of their well-loved bags. Boasting a water-resistant exterior, double zipper closure, pockets located conveniently for easier organisation, and a dedicated slot for your bottle, “The Arc” is the brand’s latest must-have work bag.

Aside from new products, fans of the brand can get their favourite “Multi-way Tote” and “Puffer Carryall” bags, which are also highly in demand in neighbouring countries, as well as their other offerings, including shirts, kitchenware, wallets, and more.

Starting as a stationery brand in 2013, as they gained more customers, The Paper Bunny has fully embraced being a lifestyle brand offering everyday life to wear, carry, gift, and more.

Check out their full catalogue on their website.

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

Singapore/ The Lux/ Style

Buying a Luxury Watch? Five Stores to Score Stylish Timepieces in Singapore

Instagram Leong Poh Kee Photo by Instagram/Leong Poh Kee

If you’ve got your heart set on a luxury timepiece, finding the right place to purchase it can make all the difference. While there may be plenty of watch stores in Singapore, not all of them are authorised retailers for the brands you’re eyeing.

For the widest selection and assurance of authenticity, it’s worth checking out the multi-brand shops that stock a variety of prestigious watchmakers under one roof. That way, you can explore all options and find the right timepiece for you. Ready your wallets! Here are the best luxury watch stores in the Lion City.

Leong Poh Kee

Dubbed the #1 watch retailer in Singapore, Leong Poh Kee sells a wide variety of timepieces to add to your collection, including exclusive Sarcar Geneve products, which start from S$276,000. This popular store also carries other niche luxury brands, such as Ball Watch, Leonard Montres, Romago Swiss, and Wolf 1834.

Located on Beach Road, Leong Poh Kee can be easily accessed through the MRT Bugis Station. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:30 AM-5:30 PM. Those who want to visit on a Saturday must book an appointment beforehand. Call the store via Whatsapp (+65) 6296 9988.

Location: Leong Poh Kee, 289 Beach Rd, #01-02, Singapore 199552

Cortina Watch

Founded in 1972, Cortina Watch is one of the pioneers in the luxury watch industry in Singapore. Specialising in the distribution and retail of high-end timepieces, this store offers a range of watch brands, including Rolex, Cartier, Franck Muller, Parmigiani, and Patek Philippe, among others.

One of the perks of buying from this store is that it has a service centre for “horology services,” such as repairs, battery replacements, and part upgrades to ensure your watch stays in top condition in the years to come. Contact Cortina Watch at (+65) 6339 9447.

Location: Cortina Watch, 391B Orchard Road, #18-01, Ngee Ann City Tower B, Singapore 238874

The Hour Glass

Servicing Singapore’s affluent population for more than 40 years, The Hour Glass is a luxury watch store that offers a range of brands, from Hublot and Rolex to Girard-Perregaux and Tudor. Whether you’re aiming to cop a simple yet stylish timepiece or you want something out of the ordinary that will turn heads, this decades-old store is the perfect place to buy a luxury watch.

For first-time buyers or those new to watches, The Hour Glass’ website has a handy tool to help you find your wrist size. For more information, consult a watch specialist through this link.

Location: The Hour Glass, 302 Orchard Road Tong Building, #11-01. Singapore 238862

Sincere Fine Watches

Dubbed the “oldest and most established name in luxury retail,” Smart Fine Watches was born in 1954 and has since become one of the most trusted retailers of renowned luxury brands in Asia. While Tudor is the main brand that it offers, the store also carries a flurry of other brands, including Chopard, Bell & Rons, Ferdinand Berthoud, Greubel Forsey, Kudoke, Laurent Ferrier, and Tutima Glasshutte, among others.

Customers may shop directly online, but its hospitable staff will also be glad to assist you in its branch in Orchard Road. For inquiries, contact [email protected].

Location: Sincere Fine Watches, 391B Orchard Road #21-01 Ngee Ann City Tower B Singapore 238874

City Chain Singapore

If you’re always on the lookout for the latest luxury timepieces in the market, trust that City Chain Singapore will always be among the first to offer them. The store offers a wide array of luxury watches for men and women, including brands such as Seiko, Casio, Fossil, Alba, Primo, Solvil Et Titus, and more.

If you want to get first dibs on its latest drops, be sure to sign up through this link. For product availability questions and other concerns, reach out via [email protected] or call directly at (+65) 6325 1883.

Location: City Chain Singapore, 1 Harbourfront Walk #b2-02, Singapore, Central Singapore, 098585, Singapore

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.