Southeast Asia’s melting pot city of ethnic diversity and international trade draws in leisure and business travellers year-round and the list of attractions are abundant. With a rich cultural history, the mix of old and new architecture throughout Singapore showcases heritage colonial buildings, temples of various religions, eclectic shophouses to iconic skyscrapers. Each of the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods house a list of 5-star hotels to choose from and with good reason. Be it Orchard Road for endless shopping, or at Marina Bay with instant access to the entertainment-fuelled esplanade, or on the fun-packed Sentosa Island, there is a myriad of activities and exquisite food to indulge. Whether visiting a Michelin star restaurant or a Hawker food centre, you cannot leave Singapore without trying the famous Singaporean mud crab or Hainanese Chicken rice. Singapore is also notorious for its green parks and lifestyle. This includes integrating nature as evident with the magnificence of their Gardens by the bay. The Singapore Night Safari is a must-visit Wildlife reserve. Observe and witness the animals that come alive in the cooler tropical climate at night rather than during the day. Have you decided which area has won your luxury hotel vote?
Rating: 8.7
Staying at the 5-star De Russie Hotel makes it difficult to go sightseeing – this luxury hotel boasts the romantic Secret Gardens filled with antique roses and orange trees – rich, exotic scents. Also in the garden is the Stravinskij Bar – people adore coming here for the classic Italian aperitivo and cocktails. The Le Jardin de Russie Restaurant is there too, boasting outstanding Mediterranean cuisine.
Choose bedrooms of classic or contemporary styles with views to suit everybody. Air-conditioning, mini-bar, and satellite TV offer no dull moments. To host a meeting, a party, a corporate event, a wedding – the Nijinsky Suite at the top of the hotel offers you just that – it overlooks Roman rooftops and the gardens. Bet you didn’t know there is a Picasso Suite where Picasso himself once slept!
To relax and rest your limbs, try out the wellness center – there’s a Finnish sauna, a Turkish bath, or a hydro-massage pool. You can look glam all day with beauty and massage treatments on tap. You will also find a small, but very modern fitness center and relaxing treatments at the luxury spa.
What can you visit from this ritzy address – just 5 minutes away you will find the Flaminio Metro and the Villa Borghese Park and Villa Doria Pamphili Park. The hotel sits between the grandiose Piazza del Popolo and the exquisite Spanish steps.
Rating: 8.7
Being the elegant, exclusive luxury hotel it is; Hotel Eden lies very near to the expensive Via Veneto Street. Timeless details and furnishings in the hotel invite visitors to experience exquisite views from fully-equipped suites – some with ceiling-to-floor windows! The rooftop is divided into three delightful spaces – the rooftop garden restaurant, the award-winning La Terrazzo dell’Eden restaurant, and the very posh indoor Bar la Terrazza.
Amongst the classic Italian furnishings, your accommodation will include satellite LED TV, air-conditioning, and, and of course unforgettable views – all for 100% comfort. The rooms are highly sophisticated and airy. As you gaze out, you realize why people come back here time after time. It’s about a beautiful location – everything you love is virtually at your fingertips.
Stroll over to Villa Borghese Park, or take some amazing pics at the Trevi Fountain – a relaxing stroll will get you there in 15 minutes. For the best shopping in town, head into the Via Condotti Street, so close to the awesome Spanish Steps, just 550 meters away.
When you get back from your exciting exploration of the city, relax in La Libreria; sheer elegance where you can spend time just to meet, relax, chat, or read. Or opt for the Eden Spa for pampering and relaxation. This is the classic Eden Hotel in the Eternal City – a place to unwind and be pampered.
Rating: 8.7
A five-star luxury hotel, Hotel d’Inghilterra Roma makes you feel like “when in Rome do as the Romans do.” Its old-world charm and captivating history date back to the mid-16th century. The rooms are all tastefully filled with handpicked artwork and antiques – people arrive here to find refuge from the hustle and bustle of life from the outside world.
You will find your room richly decorated, each suite featuring air conditioning, flat-screen TV, mini-bar, and high-speed internet – there is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Some rooms have saunas and kitchenettes. Your balcony will give you the most panoramic views over the rooftops of Rome.
Part of the hotel includes 2 very exclusive locations for events and meetings in the Palazzo Torlonia. These mythical type buildings and ambiance draw the international jet-set. Alfresco dining is to be thoroughly enjoyed at the highly popular classic rooftop Café Romano – a honey pot for locals and tourists. The outdoor sidewalk cafe and the British-style Bond Bar are open all day.
Nearby sights – all under 20 minutes away – There is the Via Condotti Street with its upscale boutiques. The Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, the Baths of Diocletian, Colosseum, and more will entertain no end. And just 40 minutes away is the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. It’s plain to see, the Hotel d’Inghilterra Roma is the heart of Rome at your fingertips!
No matter how incredible your luxury hotel is, you won’t want to spend too much time in the room when you’re in such a remarkable city like Rome. The ancient city’s vast history means there’s plenty of interesting sights to check out. And, of course, plenty of fine Italian food and wine to taste, too! Here are seven of our favourite things to see, do, and eat in Rome. 1. The Colosseum Even if you’re only in Rome for a weekend, you cannot leave the city without visiting its most iconic monument. During Roman times, the Colosseum served as the city’s largest arena, where gladiators shed an unimaginable amount of blood. The building’s structure is most impressive from the inside, but as you can imagine, it’s often crowded with tourists. Therefore, be sure to buy a skip the line ticket before visiting. 2. Roman Forum & Palatine Hill There are many historical sights in Rome, but some are much more worth seeing than others. The Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill are the oldest parts of the city, full of preserved ruins giving a glimpse into Roman life. As you walk around the grounds, you will feel like you have been transported back in time. Standing on top of Palatine Hill will allow you to look down on the historic town and ponder what life was like during that era. However, you will get the most out of this experience by taking a guided tour. 3. Eat Gelato to your heart’s content You’ll find gelaterias on almost every street in Rome, and honestly, most of them are exceptional. However, if you’re an ice cream connoisseur like me, I recommend the renowned ‘Giolitti’ or ‘Valentino’. Both are close to the Trevi Fountain, and they serve an overwhelming range of flavours. Even so, the pistachio one is to die for! 4. Explore Trastevere Trastevere is Rome’s bohemian neighbourhood and a great place to spend a relaxed evening. In these narrow cobbled streets, you’ll find both traditional and hip trattorias, fine wine bars, and craft beer pubs. There are also many quirky artisan and craft shops here, and the whole area is bursting with character. Trastevere offers an authentic slice of culture, along with a bustling, lively nightlife. 5. VIP access to the Vatican The Vatican Museum is one of the most iconic places to visit in Rome; however, it is also the most crowded. No one wants to spend their vacation queuing for hours for an attraction, and luckily at the Vatican, you don’t have to. Instead, you can avoid the crowds by joining a VIP only early tour of the museum, including a delicious breakfast buffet in the courtyard. This exclusive tour is limited to 20 participants, so you need to book in advance. It starts at 7 am, which gives you (almost) private access until the doors open to the public at 9 am. 6. Enjoy an aperitif at a rooftop bar An aperitif is an Italian tradition of having a pre-dinner drink to whet your appetite. Many of the city’s luxurious rooftop bars are ideal for having an aperitif while watching the sun setting over the city skyline. Ambrosia Rooftop Restaurant & Bar is one of my favourites. The view from here is incredible, plus they serve some of the best high-end Italian fare and cocktails. 7. Shop til you drop in Via Condotti If you fancy doing a spot of designer shopping while in Rome, head to ‘Via Condotti’. This street is lined with all the best high-end Italian designers, such as Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and Gucci.