On the Road: Singapore
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We know there are a million travel guidebooks out there, but we’ve created a handful of destination miniguides designed specifically for working girls on the go. So whether it’s a quick stopover for a meeting or a weeklong conference, here’s everything you need to know about…
Singapore
Where to Stay
Expense Account: Raffles Hotel. With its sumptuous Oriental carpets, dark wooden furniture, and potted plants everywhere, it’s not hard to see why Raffles tops luxury-hotel lists worldwide. Book a lunch meeting at the world-famous Tiffin Curry Buffet, or at the very least have a Singapore Sling (a lethal mixture of gin, brandy, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine and bitters) in the Long Bar. Rates vary depending on date of travel and type of room, but always book online for the guaranteed best rate. 1 Beach Road; 1.800.768.9009 (toll-free from the USA and Canada); www.raffles.com
Romantic Weekend: The Sentosa Resort and Spa. Situated on the tiny tropical island of Sentosa, this hotel of the same name seems thousands of miles away from the bustling city-state, though it’s just a short cable-car ride away. The hotel also runs a convenient shuttle service right to the main shopping district on Orchard Road, though with a pristine beach, gorgeous pool, and luxury spa right outside your room, there might not be any reason to leave. Room rates available upon request, but ask for “room only” for the cheapest per-night deal. 2 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa; +65.6275.0031; www.beaufort.com.sg
On the Cheap: The New 7th Storey Hotel. Offering both hotel and “backpacker-style lodging,” the New 7th Storey Hotel provides clean, safe rooms and a business center and is within walking district of historic areas like Arab Street, Little India, and Bugis Street. Backpacker rates with four to a room begin at just S$15/$10 per night, while standard rooms go for just S$53/$36 if booked online. 229 Rochor Road; +65.6337.0251; www.nsshotel.com
Where to Eat
Business Dinner: Raffles Grill. If you’ve got company plastic, burn it up at Raffles Grill. This formal dining room “recommends” a jacket and smart dress code, but given the imposing nature of the room and the fabulous French cuisine, you’d want to make the effort anyway. Order anything with seafood (the lobster and scallops are to die for), or be daring and try the pigeon breast. Located at the Raffles Hotel. 1 Beach Road; +65.6337.1886; www.raffles.com
Hot Spot: Mimolette. If you’ve got a hankering for a plateful of mini burgers (be honest, who doesn’t?), then get yourself down to Mimolette. Throw in a side order of mac and cheese and you might believe you’re at a barbecue back home, though the gorgeous, colonial-esque surroundings will remind you otherwise. 55 Fairways Drive; +65.6467.7748; www.mimolette.com.sg
Eating Alone: Jumbo Seafood. Indulge in the one dish you must experience while in Singapore: chili crab. This messy meal may leave you in tears (whether from joy or the pain of the spices), so perhaps it’s best eaten alone anyway. Order some fried rice and a cool Tiger beer to round out your dinner. Blk 1206 East Coast Parkway; +65.6442.3435; www.jumboseafood.com.sg
Coffee and Internet: The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia. Get ready to put on the ritz, because for a small surcharge you can order up some Wi-Fi to accompany your latte in any of the public areas of this hotel. If you finish your work early, pack up the laptop and head to the Chihuly Lounge for a traditional afternoon tea or the weekend afternoon tea buffet. 7 Raffles Avenue; +65.6337.8888; www.ritzcarlton.com
Where to Shop
Business Critical: Takashimaya. Whether you want Kate Spade or KFC, you’ll find them both in this amazingly big (and amazingly cold) department store. Throw on a cardigan, fill up at the killer local food court, and shop till you drop. 391 Orchard Road; +65.6738.1111; www.takashimaya-sin.com
Date Night: Holland Village Shopping Center. When you need something slinky, head to Holland Village for beautifully embroidered silks and figure-hugging cheongsam dresses—a traditional Chinese frock that women of all races don for a big night out. Located on Holland Road.
Techie: Parisilk. Don’t be fooled by the name—Parisilk is all about technology. This shop is crammed to bursting with gadgets and gizmos, and the knowledgeable staff can help you with most common tech problems. If you need an international charger, want to view a range of digital cameras, or need help with your laptop, the men at Parisilk are your go-to guys. 15A Lorong Liput (Holland Village); +65.6466.6002; www.parisilk.com
Where to Play and Primp
One-Stop Shopping: Orchard Road. Orchard Road is Singapore’s premier shopping district. Large, leafy trees and the shadows of towering shops keep the sidewalks beautifully shaded and even somewhat dry during the monsoons. The Orchard Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stop serves this street, meaning you can make a quick getaway when you’ve bought out shopping centers like Ngee Ann City, Paragon, Wisma Atria, and Wheelock Place. From plastic chopsticks to haute couture, Orchard Road’s got it.
Best Day Spa: Estheva Spa. Inspired by thermal spas in Italy, Estheva is a women-only spa smack in the middle of Orchard Road. Pop in for a massage, wrangle a corporate treat with a spa party, or book a spa night with treatments so relaxing you’ll want to head to bed long before they’re finished. 390 Orchard Road, Level 3, Palais Renaissance; +65.6733.9300; www.estheva.com
Best Blow-Dry: Le Papillon. If Singapore’s humidity leaves you sporting a ’do the likes of which the world hasn’t seen since the ’70s, head to Le Papillon to tame your tresses. S$50/$33 for a wash and dry, S$60/$40 for a cut. 600 North Bridge Road, Park View Square, #01-01; +65.6392.3886; www.lepapillon.com.sg
How to Get Around
Preferred Airport: Changi Airport. Over 160 retail outlets and 80 eateries are found here, as well as a swimming pool, spa, business center, and special “snooze chairs” in the designated rest areas. Changi is also served by an airport shuttle service, taxis, limousine taxis, car rentals, public buses, and MRT tram lines that all run right downtown.
Hit the Road: As a small city-state, Singapore is bursting with public transport options. Car services, taxis, public buses, and MRT trams all run island-wide.
Weather and Wardrobe: Singapore is hot and steamy most of the year, except for monsoon seasons (December to March, May to September), when the pelting rain may be all you notice. But don’t forget that air-conditioning can be frigid, so make sure that all of your suits have jackets and that you bring a wrap to go with your sundresses.
Where to Do Business
Host a Meeting: Suntec City. It might sound like the name of a videogame, but Suntec City is one of Singapore’s premier conference and exhibition centers. It houses meeting rooms, convention halls, and exhibitions halls as well as a theater and ballroom, and can host just about anything—even weddings! Just be sure to start planning early, as events can be booked years in advance. 1 Raffles Boulevard, Suntec City; +65.6337.2888; www.suntecsingapore.com