Singapore through Gold‑tinted glasses

Day 1: Checking In, Toasting New Friends

We arrived at the Grand Hyatt Singapore, our home in the city and a perfect base for exploring. My twin‑bedded room felt like a contemporary city retreat, with a sunbed angled towards the skyline, a generous walkthrough bathroom with every amenity neatly tucked away, double sinks and a long workspace. 

A quick wander revealed serene pools with outdoor cool‑water showers for the tropical heat, plus a neighbouring bar and restaurant where live music drifted through the evenings. That night, our Gold Travel Counsellors group, support team and sponsors from Regent Cruises, Riviera Travel and EXO Travel gathered in the Martini Bar.

Dinner followed at Pete’s Place within the hotel, where seafood took centre stage. The atmosphere was warm and intimate as we were introduced to our small group and personally welcomed by the TC support team.

Day 2: Sidecars, Skylines and a Night in the Clouds

We began the day connecting with our sponsors and exploring how their expertise translates into exceptional trips for our clients. 

Late morning, breakfast at PS.Café at One Fullerton came with a waterfront backdrop and stories of the old hotel that once stood there, and of Beach Road before land reclamation. It was our first glimpse into how dramatically Singapore has reshaped itself, growing ever outward into the sea. 

Then came one of the most memorable ways to see a city: a vintage sidecar tour. For the next couple of hours, Singapore unfolded at eye level. We skimmed past landmarks and neighbourhoods, admired intricate architecture and clever infrastructure, and traced parts of the iconic F1 Night Race circuit. Our local guides were walking encyclopaedias with a sense of fun, giving us a taste of what an F1 driver sees and senses on the streets. 

The evening, we ascended to CE LA VI atop Marina Bay Sands for dinner with views to match. From the 57th floor, the city seemed to glow just for us. We watched the Gardens by the Bay light show from above, saw the race start area illuminated below, and watched domes and towers flicker to life as night fell. It felt like a 360‑degree theatre of light, water and glass. 

The menu was refined, beautifully presented and perfectly paired with wine, courtesy of a (my) very talented assistant. Most of our group were in no mood to call it a night, so we drifted into the club lounge.

Day 3: Icons, Illusions and a Garden of Dreams

The next afternoon we stepped through the doors of Raffles Singapore and straight into another era. Lunch in the Tiffin Room, with its sense of heritage, was a standout. We savoured North Indian cuisine as elegant as the setting, each dish vibrant with colour and layered with spice. 

After lunch, it was time to join a masterclass to learn how to make the iconic Singapore Sling and hear the story behind it. Created in the early 1900s, the cocktail was designed to look like a harmless fruit juice so that women could enjoy a drink in public without scandal.

From colonial charm to futuristic fantasy, our next stop was Gardens by the Bay. We took to the tree‑top skywalk for sweeping views of the Supertrees and skyline, then explored both cooled conservatories: one with “flowers of the world” and lily‑themed displays, the other with a Jurassic‑inspired experience, dramatic planting and immersive storytelling. 

As the sun set, we made our way to a tucked‑away “secret garden” area for canapés and live music. When the Supertrees began their synchronised dance of light and music, it felt like an open‑air performance, colours moving in time to the soundtrack.

The evening ended at Lau Pa Sat, one of Singapore’s most famous hawker centres. Under the cathedral‑like ironwork, we sampled local favourites including iconic chilli crab and sizzling satay from Satay Street outside.

Day 4: Speed, Sand and Sails

Our final official day took us over to Sentosa, Singapore’s island playground. Before beach mode, there was one more shot of adrenaline: a multi‑storey go‑kart experience, racing each other for pride and bragging rights. Afterwards, we slipped into relaxation at +Twelve, a chic poolside spot overlooking one of Sentosa’s beaches.

That evening, Singapore saved one more showstopper: dinner aboard the Royal Albatross, Asia’s only luxury tall ship. We boarded to find a beautifully set deck ready for a four‑course dining experience at sea. From our private deck we enjoyed front‑row views of a waterside firework display.

Dan, who curated our itinerary, delivered true bucket‑list experiences, and did such a superb job that many of us were not ready to leave. We extended for an additional four days to discover “part two” of Singapore: the Botanic Gardens, Chinatown, the MRT system, the National Gallery and a deeply personal tour through historic black‑and‑white houses in a sleek 1979 black Mercedes. But that is a story for another blog.

If this glimpse into our Gold Travel Counsellors Singapore trip has sparked ideas, I would be delighted to tailor something just as unforgettable for you. From sidecars and sky‑bars to tall ships and timeless hotels, we can shape a Singapore itinerary that feels truly “gold” in every sense. 

Contact me to start planning your own Singapore story.