Singapore Hotels & Resorts

Afternoon tea at Raffles is something of a Singapore institution and it’s a stylish and indulgent way to mark a special occasion or just treat yourself. It may have moved from the celebrated Tiffin Room, a part of the hotel’s story since 1892, to the recently restored Grand Lobby, but the experience is as evocative as ever. Sitting in the suitably palatial atrium, where three layers of Victorian pillars soar up to a vast skylight like a giant wedding cake, you’ll feel as if you’ve travelled back in time to a more elegant era. The effect is enhanced by the meal itself: delicious finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and cream, and impeccably made seasonal cakes and pastries served on a three-tiered silver stand. Complementing the food, the exquisite teas come from a long-established French company, Mariage Frères, with everything from Earl Grey Imperial to South African rooibos.

• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Operates Monday to Friday from 1.00pm to 5.00pm and Saturday & Sunday from 3.30pm to 5.00pm
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
The dress code is casual chic: collared shirts and trousers or dress shorts for men, and dresses, skirts or trousers for women. Please advise of any dietary requirements when booking.

For those short of time, or who just like to make the most of every minute, this action-packed three-and-a-hour tour will give you a comprehensive overview of Singapore. The journey begins at Kampong Glam, one of the city-state’s oldest areas, whose colonial-era buildings now house trendy bars and eateries. After that, you’ll drive around the Civic District, home to the wide-open space of Padang playing field and Singapore Cricket Club, the historic Parliament House and the National Gallery Singapore, well worth returning to later for an insight into south-east Asian art. Afterwards, you’ll stop at Merlion Park to enjoy the impressive views of Marina Bay and take a selfie with one of two statues of Singapore’s part-lion-part-fish official mascot. You’ll continue to the 200-year-old Thian Hock Keng temple, before driving past Chinatown and on to your final port of call, the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens. A walk through the National Orchid Garden, with an eye-popping display of 60,000 orchid plants, makes a perfect finale to the trip.

• Duration: half day
• Daily departures
• Private experience

Good to know
Merlion Park will be replaced with Mount Faberon on car-free Sundays.

In multicultural Singapore, food is something of a national obsession and you’ll soon discover why on this culinary adventure through two of its most vibrant districts. You’ll dive into the hustle and bustle of Geylang Serai and its popular covered market, designed to look like a traditional kampong, which has been a hub of the local Malay community since it opened in 1964. It’s packed with stalls selling all manner of ingredients, from live fish to spices, used in Malay and Middle Eastern cooking. Upstairs is the hawker centre, where there’s time for a local-style breakfast: perhaps a roti prata, a type of flatbread served with various spiced dips and chutneys. From here, you’ll head to colourful Tekka in Little India, Singapore’s largest wet market, where you’ll hear languages from all around the world and pass stalls selling everything from saris to piquant Indian snacks.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8.30am to midday
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Discover the rich cultural tapestry of Singapore on this immersive tour through its most vibrant heritage districts. Shaped by generations of Chinese, Malay, and Indian settlers, the city’s traditions have blended into a uniquely harmonious multi‑cultural identity – one you’ll experience firsthand as you journey through its historic neighbourhoods, colourful streets and treasured places of worship.

Begin in Little India, where the air is filled with the scent of spices, jasmine garlands and incense. Browse colourful saris, intricate silverware and traditional crafts before wandering through the lively Little India Arcade, packed with clothing, accessories and sweet treats.

Continue to Chinatown, home to beautifully restored shophouses and long‑standing trades such as herbal medicine, tea, calligraphy and acupuncture. A highlight is the impressive Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, whose ornate interiors and exhibits showcase centuries of Buddhist culture.

Next, explore Arab Street, the heart of Singapore’s Muslim community, framed by the golden dome of the Sultan Mosque. The surrounding streets burst with textiles, jewellery, antiques, and vibrant fabrics. Nearby, stroll down Haji Lane, a photogenic stretch filled with indie boutiques, cafés, and street art. After taking in these three unique cultural quarters, you’ll be comfortably transferred back to your hotel.

• Duration: half day (4 hours)

• Timings: 9am or 2pm

• Private experience

Discover the heart of Singapore’s culinary culture on this delicious journey through its famous hawker centres. These lively food hubs, found in nearly every neighbourhood, are where locals gather for flavourful, affordable dishes inspired by Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions.

Immerse yourself in Singapore’s vibrant street‑food scene as you explore a selection of neighbourhood hawker centres, each offering its own unique flavours and atmosphere. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll sample a mouth‑watering variety of local specialties, from savoury classics to beloved sweet treats, while learning how the island’s multicultural heritage has shaped its cuisine.

Between tastings, wander through nearby markets and shops, gaining a deeper glimpse into daily life as residents shop, chat and go about their routines. This culinary adventure offers not just incredible food, but also the chance to experience Singapore’s neighbourhoods up close, making it a perfect blend of flavour, culture and local charm.

• Duration: half day (4 hours)

• Departs at 6pm

• Private experience

Begin your morning with a grounding and revitalising cultural experience in one of Singapore’s most peaceful natural settings. This unique activity blends ancient Chinese practice with the beauty of the Botanic Gardens at sunrise – an inspiring way to start the day.

Rise with the sun and take part in a gentle Tai Chi session led by a master of this ancient Chinese martial art. Originally developed centuries ago for self‑defence, Tai Chi is now cherished for its powerful health benefits, helping to harmonise body and mind through slow, flowing movements. Practised with calm focus and relaxed intent, the sequence of graceful poses works to enhance energy flow, improve balance, and promote mental clarity, like moving through a meditative slow-motion dance.

After your session, your guide will lead you on a tranquil walk through the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the city’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the early morning light filtering through lush greenery as you soak up the serene atmosphere and begin your day feeling refreshed, centred and connected to nature.

• Duration: half day (3 hours)

• Departs at 7.30am

• Private experience