Solo in Singapore
Getting There:
Here’s the thing: when you’re staring down nearly 19 hours in the air from New York to Singapore, the idea of a non-stop flight sounds like both a blessing and a punishment. Singapore Airlines gets you there in one go—efficient, elegant, and utterly relentless. On the flip side, there’s the option to break things up: fly Qatar Airways, stretch your legs in Doha, and indulge in the Qsuite, arguably one of the best business class experiences out there. So the question becomes—do you prioritize speed, or sanity?
Qatar Airlines Q-Suite for the win:
If you’re flying solo, go for one of the window Qsuites which may alternate with even/odd numbers depending on the type of aircraft you are flying.
Traveling as a couple? Pick the center seats that can convert into a double bed:The dividers slide down so you can actually see each other—unlike many “couple” seats that just mean you’re both stuck in the middle.
Bottom line: window seats for privacy, center seats for togetherness. Just avoid the rear of the cabin near the galley or lavatories unless you want a soundtrack of clinking cutlery and door slams.
Insider Tips:
Getting “de-suited”: Qatar Airways is known to occasionally change aircraft types at the last minute, which can result in your Qsuite being swapped for their standard business class product. While service remains excellent, privacy is notably reduced. Watch your email for any aircraft change notifications or removal of the Qsuite label. You’re allowed one free date change, but be aware that the new flight isn’t guaranteed to retain the Qsuite either.
Have a Lounge Game Plan:
Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Gold Standard
This is Qatar Airways' flagship business class lounge at Hamad International Airport. It’s massive, elegant, and packed with amenities—from à la carte dining and quiet rooms to showers and a game room. But here's the catch: access is only for passengers booked on a business class ticket, not upgrades or award redemptions in some fare classes. Check your ticket details carefully.Al Mourjan Garden Lounge – A New Contender
Located in the new airport expansion, this lounge rivals the original Al Mourjan in design and amenities, with the added perk of being slightly less crowded. Think luxury spa vibes with lush greenery and natural light. Same access rules apply. There is a small fitness center in this lounge that has a couple of treadmills but is quite limited.Al Safwa Lounge – Technically First Class
If you're flying Qatar's First Class (or business on a First-class configured route, like intra-Gulf flights), you may get access to Al Safwa. It's quiet, ultra-exclusive, and features private nap rooms, fine dining, and even an art gallery. Some business class passengers can pay for entry—worth it if you have a long layover and want true tranquility.
Jet Lag Strategy: Mapping Sleep on the NY–Doha–Singapore Route
Where I stayed
The Four Seasons Singapore:
Singapore’s full of great hotels, but the Four Seasons quietly stands apart. It’s not flashy or towering like Marina Bay Sands, and that’s the point—it’s an understated luxury escape tucked just off Orchard Road. You’re steps from shopping, but once inside, it feels calm, almost residential.
The rooms are classic without feeling dated: clean lines, plush bedding, deep soaking tubs. Service is polished but personal—staff seem to remember you after one interaction, and nothing feels scripted. The gym is surprisingly well-equipped, and the two pools (one lap, one more leisurely) give you options depending on your mood.
If you’re a tennis player, you’ll love the courts—some of the only ones at a hotel in the city. And the breakfast buffet is worth waking up for: think dim sum, tropical fruit, and made-to-order everything.
Bottom line: if you want a refined, restful base in Singapore without the scene, the Four Seasons nails it.
JW Marriot Singapore: After a few restful nights at the Four Seasons, I moved over to the JW Marriott Singapore South Beach to be closer to the Suntec Convention Centre, where I had a presentation. The shift was purely logistical—but it turned out to be a smart one.
The JW has a modern, design-forward vibe: lots of glass, bold art, and clean architectural lines. Rooms are compact but well thought-out, with excellent lighting (key for reviewing slides late at night) and strong water pressure in the rain shower (essential post-presentation).
The best part? Location. I was able to walk to the convention center in under five minutes, which meant no stress, no taxis, no racing the clock. There’s also a solid breakfast spread, good coffee, and multiple quiet spots to sit with your laptop if you need to prep.
It’s less of a resort and more of a sleek, efficient hub—which, when you're presenting, is exactly what you want.
Where We Ate
National Kitchen by Violet Oon: A Celebration of Singapore on a Plate
Tucked into the City Hall wing of the National Gallery, National Kitchen by Violet Oon is more than just a restaurant—it’s a love letter to Singapore’s culinary heritage. The space is stunning: black lacquer walls, vintage Peranakan tiles, and mirrored panels create a mood that’s both old-world and unmistakably Singaporean. Sit inside for the atmosphere or grab a table on the verandah for Marina Bay views that steal the show after sunset.
The menu reads like a greatest hits of Singapore’s multicultural roots. You’ll find rich beef rendang that melts on the fork, flaky chap chye, and buah keluak anything—chicken stew or spaghetti, both earthy and bold.
If you only have one meal to understand the soul of Singapore, this is a strong contender. It’s not trying to reinvent heritage cuisine—it’s honoring it, elevating it, and letting the stories on the plate speak for themselves.
https://violetoon.com/national-kitchen-by-violet-oon-national-gallery-singapore/
Fiz: A Modern Malay Masterclass in Singapore
Fiz doesn’t shout for your attention—it doesn’t need to. Tucked along the buzzy Club Street stretch, this modern Malay restaurant lets the food and quiet confidence of its team do the talking. Founded by Chef Hafizzul Hashim, Fiz is rooted in deep respect for Malay tradition but pushes past nostalgia with a tasting menu that feels fresh, focused, and deeply personal.
You’re here for a journey, course by course, through flavors that are unmistakably Malay yet reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.
It’s not cheap, and it’s not trying to be. Fiz is for diners who want to experience Malay cuisine in a way that respects its roots but isn’t bound by them. If you’re curious about where tradition meets ambition in Singapore’s dining scene, Fiz is one of the most compelling tables in town.
L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele: If you're grabbing lunch in the heart of Singapore and craving real Neapolitan pizza, head to L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele on Club Street. Originally from Naples and featured in Eat, Pray, Love, this spot opened its first Southeast Asia branch in 2024—and it’s everything you’d expect from a pizza legend.
Expect a bustling but casual vibe—wooden seats, open kitchen, and that brick oven as the centerpiece. Lunch crowds do form, so arriving just as doors open at noon—especially on weekdays—makes sense
KOMA Singapore: Theatrical Dining in the Heart of Marina Bay Sands
If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s as much about the visuals as the flavors, KOMA Singapore delivers on both fronts. Tucked inside Marina Bay Sands, this modern Japanese restaurant stuns from the moment you walk in. The dramatic entrance—through a 20-meter-long passage of orange torii gates—sets the tone for a space that feels like part movie set, part temple, part nightlife hotspot.
KOMA’s menu blends traditional Japanese elements with bold, creative twists. Think truffle-infused sushi, crispy rice with spicy tuna, wagyu beef tacos, and expertly grilled robata skewers. The cocktails are equally impressive, with Asian-inspired ingredients and striking presentation.
While the food holds its own, it’s the atmosphere that makes KOMA stand out. A massive, Japanese bell-inspired chandelier anchors the main dining room, and moody lighting adds just the right amount of edge. It’s a great pick for solo travelers wanting a stylish night out or anyone marking a special occasion. Reservations are required.
Open Farm Community:
If you’re looking for luxury with a conscience, Open Farm Community hits the mark. Tucked in lush Dempsey Hill, this garden-lined restaurant grows much of its own produce and serves seasonal, locally-driven dishes with global finesse.
It’s refined without being fussy—greenhouse-chic interiors, Michelin Guide cred, and a vibe that’s grounded yet elevated. Perfect for travelers who want memorable food in a setting that feels both thoughtful and effortlessly stylish.
Spago Bar and Lounge:
Spago Bar & Lounge sits 57 floors up at Marina Bay Sands, pairing skyline views with standout cocktails and refined bar bites. Sip a tropical punch or a crafted classic while nibbling on laksa spring rolls or spicy tuna cones. It’s relaxed, stylish, and the perfect way to watch the sun drop over Singapore. Be sure to synchronize your visit with one of the light shows at gardens on the bay so you can watch from above.
What We Did
Glamorous Singapore: A Cinematic Car Tour inspired by ‘Crazy Rich Asians’: It’s not just sightseeing. This tour lets you cruise past iconic film locations—Raffles Hotel's Long Bar, leafy Kampong Glam, the upscale enclave of Good Class Bungalows—while a local guide weaves in behind-the-scenes stories and city history. You’ll experience that old-money Singapore aesthetic in real time, behind the tinted window of a luxury car.
What stands out is how tailored it feels. The guides work with you on your interests and pace, making it more of a personalized journey than a checklist tour. And it’s built for comfort: ideal for those who prefer not to walk long distances, want flexible hours, or just want to take it slow in air-conditioned style
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands: Luxury, Views, and a Little Bit of Vegas in Singapore
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands isn’t your average mall—it’s a full-on luxury experience set against the iconic Singapore skyline. With over 170 high-end boutiques, it’s home to every major designer you can name—Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and more—plus sleek flagships and limited-edition collections you won’t find elsewhere.
But it’s not just about shopping. The architecture is striking, with natural light pouring through glass ceilings and a canal running through the center where you can take a quick gondola ride (yes, really). You’ll also find standout dining—from celebrity chef restaurants to stylish cafes perfect for a midday champagne break.
Whether you’re there to splurge or just soak up the glamour, The Shoppes offers a polished mix of fashion, food, and scenic indulgence. It’s part retail therapy, part entertainment—and 100% Singapore sparkle.
Wandering Orchard Road: A Stylish Pause at Orchard Design
Orchard Road is Singapore’s most famous shopping strip—a vibrant stretch packed with mega malls, designer boutiques, and trendy cafes. But beyond the big brands and glossy storefronts, there are a few hidden gems worth seeking out. One of them: Orchard Design.
Tucked into the bustle, Orchard Design offers a curated break from the commercial chaos. It’s part concept store, part design showcase, featuring a mix of local and international home goods, fashion pieces, and lifestyle accessories. Think minimalist ceramics, artful lighting, handcrafted textiles, and clean-lined furniture that feels both modern and rooted in Southeast Asian craftsmanship.
It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, browse intentionally, and maybe pick up a thoughtful souvenir that isn’t mass-produced. Even if you're not in the market to buy, Orchard Design is a refreshing space to wander through—quiet, creative, and beautifully styled. On a street known for flash and fast fashion, it’s a welcome pause.
Secret View: Snapping Singapore from the Rooftop Garden at Orchard Central
Amid the nonstop energy of Orchard Road, there’s a quiet little escape hiding in plain sight—the rooftop garden at Orchard Central. Head to the top floor of this sleek mall and you’ll find a surprisingly serene green space with sweeping views of the city.
It’s free, open to the public, and usually uncrowded—making it a perfect spot to catch your breath, take in the skyline, or snap a photo that feels like a hidden gem. The view isn’t Marina Bay dramatic, but it captures a different side of Singapore: leafy, vertical, and full of quiet architectural detail.
Pro tip: Go around golden hour for soft light and fewer crowds. It’s not a tourist destination per se, but that’s what makes it special. Sometimes the best shots come from the places no one’s really looking.
When you wrap up your garden escape, head over to Emerald Hill, just across the street.
Quick Pitstop: Emerald Hill’s Hidden Charm
Just a few steps off the chaos of Orchard Road lies Emerald Hill—a quiet, colorful lane that feels like stepping back in time. Lined with beautifully preserved Peranakan shophouses, this short street is a perfect pitstop if you need a break from the malls and crowds.
It’s a photographer’s dream, with intricate facades, shuttered windows, and a peaceful vibe that contrasts sharply with the buzz just around the corner. Grab a cold drink from one of the bars tucked into the old houses (try No.5 Emerald Hill for a laid-back cocktail), or just wander for ten minutes and take in the blend of history and style.
It’s quick, it’s easy, and it gives you a glimpse of Singapore’s layered past—no entry fee, no lines, just a little pocket of calm and charm.
The ArtScience Museum in Singapore:
This isn’t your typical gallery—it’s where art, science, technology, and culture collide under one lotus-shaped roof. Designed by Moshe Safdie, those petal-like “fingers” rising from a central base give it its unmistakable look—and the nickname “The Welcoming Hand of Singapore”
Marina Bay Sands Hotel:
Marina Bay Sands isn’t just a hotel—it’s a skyline-defining experience. Three sleek towers linked by a dramatic rooftop SkyPark that stretches longer than the Eiffel Tower houses a 150‑meter infinity pool overlooking the entire city. Even if you aren’t staying here, take a few minutes to walk through the lobby and grab a drink at Spago Bar and Lounge for a sneak peak at the panoramic views and the iconic pool.
Traveling During National Day in Singapore? Here’s What to Expect
If you’re in Singapore around August 9, you’re in for a treat—National Day is one of the country’s biggest celebrations, and the whole city lights up with pride.
Expect the lead-up to be festive: flags everywhere, red and white outfits, and rehearsals you might catch by accident (think fighter jets overhead and military parades along Marina Bay). The main event happens on the 9th, with a full-scale National Day Parade, complete with music, dance, fireworks, and a dramatic aerial flypast.
Best spots to catch the action?
If you’re not ticketed for the official parade, head to the Marina Bay waterfront or find a rooftop bar nearby. Many locals picnic near the water to watch the fireworks and drone displays light up the sky after sunset.
Shops and restaurants stay open, but some roads may be closed, so plan ahead. And if you’re wondering what to wear—red and white will help you blend in with the sea of local pride.
