Glow Guide to SINGAPORE

Singapore, an island city-state off southern Malaysia, is a global financial center with a tropical climate and incredibly beautiful multicultural population.

// singapore //

Tara explored this amazing city, centering her stay at the Six Senses in Chinatown. Our favorite travel agent Two nights in found this gem for us, and its wellness-centered luxury is the perfect place to call home in the city. Singapore’s colonial core is juxtaposed by its grand and magnificent modern buildings. The city is lush with greenery like we’ve never seen before. You get the feeling that you’re in a total “futuristic” state while you’re here, where laws function well and people take care of their city. Here is where Tara explored on her 48 hour journey in this awesome city.

STAY:

Six Senses singapore //

Planned by our trusted travel agent Two Nights In, we had the pleasure of staying at Six Senses’ Duxton hotel, housed in a historical shop house that used to have a hidden an Opium den inside. The hotel plays off of this underground vibe, with chic yellows and blacks to mimic its historic past. Six Senses Duxton is situated in Tanjong Pagar, the island city-state's central district and the eclectic heart of Chinatown where business, socializing, dining and all come together with some of the city’s best offerings. Their sister hotel, Six Senses Maxwell which just opened at the end of this year, is located just minutes away by foot. Guests are able to enjoy the services of both properties and all the colorful community has to offer. We are in love with the wellness aspect of this hotel. When you arrive, you receive a wellness welcome drink that is quite refreshing to offset the tropical heat in the city. Before you see your room, you’re offered a meditative sound bowl healing session to settle into the city, with multiple sound bowls all around the hotel. In the lobby of the hotel, they house a Chinese Medicine Room and offer consultations with a trained TCM practitioner who is on-hand to read your tongue, take your pulse, and give you health recommendations. Six Senses believes strongly in sustainability and reflects this sentiment throughout their practices in the hotel.

coffee:

punch cafe //

This was one of our most favorite coffee shops we’ve ever visited. Chill industrial vibes that incorporate greens and nature. The coffee is top notch and their food offerings are amazing. You can sit at their countertop bar and watch them make your coffee and food. A must stop in the city.

Ronin cafe //

Ronin is Punch’s sister cafe, with a bit more of a food focus. And their food is mighty excellent. It’s a great spot for breakfast! It’s a bit hidden, so look out for a white circular light with a black cherry blossom on it.

mavrix Coffee //

This coffee shop is right next to the Six Senses Duxton. They offer iced coffee with coconut water, which is a super refreshing drink while exploring the tropical-weathered city.

Grid’s & Circles Coffee //

We stumbled upon this cute 3-story cafe that has delicious food, a modern take on coffee-shop pastries as well as a healthier take on Singaporean food.

food:

National Kitchen by Violet Oon //

This is one of our favorite spots we ate at in the city. Housed in the old City Hall building which is now the National Gallery museum, National Kitchen boasts local food made by famous local chef Violet Oon. The decor is fun and vibrant, and the food is extremely delicious. Reservations are a must. Don’t skip the chili crab if they have it available.

Yellow Pot //

Located at the Six Senses, Yellow Pot is clean, authentic Chinese food made with local and organic ingredients. Don’t miss their duck with crispy skin! We loved this meal.

Bincho at Hua Bee //

Bincho might be one of our most favorite food experiences ever. This hidden Japanese Izakaya in Tiong Bahru is situated discretely in the back of a local Singaporean coffee/food joint where literally no one speaks english. You walk through Hua Bee to get to Bincho. The vibey izakaya has ridiculously good Japanese food made by Japanese expats. Don’t miss the Ramen!

Tiann’s //

Tiann's Bakery and Cafe is a modern cafe situated along Seng Poh Road in Tiong Bahru, one of the best food enclaves in the city. They make healthy food SO delicious. They have a range of gluten-free and refined sugar free treats/gelato that are truly some of the best we’ve ever had. The refinement in skill was absolutely impressive here.

Candlenut //

This is the only michelin starred Peranakan (local Singaporean food) restaurant in the world. You feel like you’re eating straight from a grandmother’s kitchen here, in the absolute best way possible. The flavors are so complex and delicious, and the presentation is beautiful too. The restaurant itself is in the beautiful Como-Dempsey high-end food complex.

windowsill pies //

The tiny and cute window-service pie spot has some seriously delicious pies. We loved the lemon pie.

activities:

ArtScience Museum //

This might be one of the coolest museums we’ve ever been to. We were lucky enough to be there when “Future Worlds” was running, an experiential technicolor light exhibit. Truly magical.

Gardens by the Bay //

Gardens by the Bay is a nature park spanning 101 hectares of reclaimed land in the Central Region of Singapore. The park itself consists of a bunch of amazing gardens and attractions involving nature. Our favorites were the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. An absolute must when visiting Singapore.

bars:

Yellow Pot Bar //

Inside the Six Senses, this vibey bar, colored yellow and black, has some seriously amazing cocktails and bar food.

Mr Stork //

Housed on top of the Andaz hotel 39 floors high, Mr. Stork is a great place to get a drink, chill, and take in Singapore’s views and the lush tropical setting. You can get a private teepee hut where you can get a cozy spot to chill and enjoy yourself with your loved ones.

Ce La Vie //

On top of the famous Marina Bay Sands, this is one of the best spots in town to get one of the best views of the harbor. Be warned though, there are lines to get in and it’s cash only.