For Australians, a trip to Southeast Asia feels almost like a rite of passage. Bali is often the go-to destination, but I’m here to say that Singapore deserves a place on everyone’s travel wish list.
I got to discover the magic of Singapore recently and found it to be a modern, futuristic island. Sitting just an hour eight-hour flight away from Sydney, Singapore is a hidden gem that more people need to experience.
It’s no secret that the first thing you’ll notice is the humidity. Singapore sits close to the equator and experiences year-round heat so staying at a hotel with a pool is necessary.
My whirlwind Singapore stay began at The Singapore EDITION, which is a tranquil, greenery-filled retreat in the heart of the city.
From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle outside. The hotel has a signature Le Labo scent that mixes perfectly with the soft white interiors and lush greenery to create a spa like environment. A complimentary welcome drink while you check in is a thoughtful touch that sets this hotel apart from others.
Opened in 2023, The Singapore EDITION’s standout features are the garden courtyard and the signature EDITION spiral staircase. The courtyard runs through the heart of the property, drawing natural light into the rooms and public spaces.
The room I stayed in looked into the courtyard and made me feel a million miles away from the city. Some hotels have a way of making even staying in a room feel special and The Singapore EDITION does this like no other, I’ll be dreaming about this for a long time.
Above the courtyard sits the hotel’s spectacular pool. The 43-metre pool is framed by daybeds both in and out of the water, making it feel like a private sanctuary suspended above the city. Look closely when swimming and you’ll discover a transparent panel in the pool floor, offering a unique view into the garden courtyard below.
The hotel’s food and beverage offering stand out just as much with each venue bringing its own personality. For evening drinks, the Lobby Bar is a standout. A magnificent pink backlit bar takes centre stage and is complemented by plush pink velvet accents and a rose-coloured pool table. The Punch Room and Wonder Room offer further spaces to settle in and enjoy the evening.
At the heart of the dining experience at The Singapore EDITION is Tanica, where modern Asian cuisine is elevated by regional herbs, spices, and bold flavours. A few standout dishes made the experience particularly memorable, including a 72-hour Wagyu beef short rib and dry-aged Murray cod fillet. I can see why people rave about this food.
Beyond the hotel, the location makes exploring effortless. Orchard Road’s world-class shopping is within walking distance, while nearby transport links connect you to Marina Bay Sands and the city’s major attractions.
Leaving The Singapore EDITION was harder than expected. It’s the kind of place where thoughtful service, beautiful design, and a calming atmosphere come together so seamlessly that you could happily stay a little longer.
For me, the best way to experience Singapore is to split your stay between the energy of the CBD and the slower pace of Sentosa Island. Known for its beaches, resorts and theme parks, Sentosa offers a different side of Singapore, one that’s made for switching off.
I checked into the newly renovated W Singapore Sentosa Cove, a resort that makes a statement from the moment you arrive. Deep marina blues and vibrant coral tones run throughout the property, creating a cohesive, contemporary aesthetic that feels both luxurious and inviting.
My Premier King room exceeded expectations. The balcony looked over the pool and into the marina offering stunning sunset views. The pool is open 24 hours a day and with Singapore’s tropical heat being able to take a dip whenever the mood strikes is hard to beat.
The resort’s signature steakhouse, SKIRT, is an experience in itself – one that people travel across Singapore for. The open plan kitchen puts the chefs’ craft on full display, while the dry-ageing room offers a glimpse into the care behind each cut of meat.
I sampled several of the restaurant’s signature dishes, including the Wagyu, and can confidently say it was one of the best restaurant experiences I’ve ever had. The team’s knowledge of the produce is exceptional, and guests can even select their own steak knife, adding a personal touch to an already memorable meal.
Wellness is another standout at W Singapore Sentosa Cove, with both AWAY Spa and the AiRE Wellness experience on offer. I opted for AiRE Wellness, where the attentive team made me relaxation feel like their highest priority. My session began with 30 minutes in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, followed by red light therapy and compression boots. It was a highlight of my stay and perfect after a flight – for me this is a must do.
For something a little more social, WOOBAR is the resort’s go-to for cocktails and light bites. The food was delicious, but the signature cocktails stole the show – you might even find yourself being served a cocktail in a hippo! With atmospheric lighting and a laid-back marina-side setting, it was the perfect place to wind down in the evening.
Singapore offers so much more than a quick stopover. Whether you’re unwinding beside a rooftop-style pool at The Singapore EDITION or indulging in island life at W Singapore Sentosa Cove, there’s something special about experiencing both sides of the city.
I left already looking forward to my next visit. Singapore has a way of making you feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface.
The writer travelled as a gust of W Singapore Sentosa Cove and The Singapore EDITION.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate is a western Sydney-based journalist covering local news. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist. She has worked at The Western Weekender newspaper since 2024.
