A week guide to relaxing in Singapore

1 Pulau Ubin

Located on the eastern end of Singapore, the charming suburb of Changi is home to quaint cafes, laidback vibes and local fare. For breakfast, we recommend visiting Changi Village Hawker Centre and hunting for a dish of nasi lemak, before grabbing a cup of joe at Chock Full of Beans.

When you’re done exploring, make a beeline for Changi Point Ferry Terminal, where you’ll be able to hitch a bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin. With its rustic shrines, swamplands and scenic summits, this sanctuary is the perfect place for explorers looking to unwind and deepen their love for nature.

2 Jewel Changi Airport

In the evening, pay a visit to Jewel Changi Airport. You probably caught a glimpse of this glimmering ten-story nexus when landing in Singapore, but this gem of a building certainly warrants further exploration.

There’s a staggering array of retail and food options here. To get you started, we suggest taking a stroll through the lush Hedge Maze, shopping for souvenirs at Supermama and knocking back a cold brew at Tiger Street Lab. Round off your day with a visit to NING, where you’ll experience relaxing massages that fuse traditional Chinese treatments with contemporary techniques.

3. Sentosa Island

Accessible via cable car from Faber Peak Singapore or monorail at Vivocity in HarbourFront, this sun-drenched island resort boasts pristine white sands, laidback beach clubs and tranquil spaces.

While Sentosa’s three beaches each possess unique charms, Tanjong Beach has the most laidback vibes, and is perfect for a quiet day of sunbathing. If you’re looking to pamper yourself at a spa, the island is home to several stellar options, including Auriga Spa at Capella Sentosa and So Spa at Sofitel Singapore.

In the evening, drop by Quayside Isle at Sentosa Cove for an alfresco dinner with a gorgeous seaside view. This luxurious enclave is home to restaurants like Sabio by the Sea (Spanish-style tapas) and Mykonos on the Bay (authentic Greek fare).

4. Gardens by the Bay

With three gardens spread across 101 hectares of land, Gardens by the Bay is a living encyclopedia of new knowledge and fresh insights for nature lovers.

Take a quiet walk around this lush green wonderland, home to the Cloud Forest and its tropical highland greenery, the myriad flora of the Flower Dome and the surreal Supertree structures.

5. Marina Barrage

One of the best places in Singapore to catch a sunset, Marina Barrage is a favourite spot for families to have a picnic. The locale overlooks Singapore’s iconic skyline, and is home to a water park, cycling lanes and vast open fields. To relive memories from the days of your youth, grab a kite from Barrage Cove, and (literally) unwind with the families around.

6. Katong-Joo Chiat

A blend of old-world charm and hip cafes, Katong-Joo Chiat is the perfect neighbourhood to spend a lazy morning. Shop for authentic Nonya kueh (bite-sized snacks or desserts) at Rumah Bebe, grab a cup of coffee at Group Therapy Café, and find your inner equilibrium at Yoga Movement.

The latter offers single session classes for newbies and veterans alike, and is a great way to unwind while stretching your physical limits. Remember to book your class a day in advance! 

7. East Coast Park & Beach in Singapore

In the evening, take a stroll around East Coast Park. This 15-kilometre stretch of beach is a great place to people-watch and unwind. We suggest renting a bicycle at one of the kiosks here, and taking in the fresh sea air while cruising on two wheels.

8. Kampong Gelam

A favourite stomping ground of local hipsters and fashionistas, Kampong Gelam is home to traditional Malay culture, chic boutiques and buzzing nightlife.

To pamper yourself, be sure to visit the many indie beauty parlours along Haji Lane. This popular stretch is home to various beauty and grooming boutiques such as The Nail Social, 99 percent Hair Studio and the ‘A’ Street Barber Shop.

Other charming diversions in the neighbourhood include the Meomi Cat Café—where you can get both cat and caffeine fixes in one sitting—and Life By Design, a quirky New Age boutique that offers energy healing and tarot reading sessions.

9. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

A green jewel of a hiking spot that’s home to diverse wildlife and flora, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is a great place to bask in verdant greenery.

To scale new heights, take a trek up Bukit Timah Hill—We suggest taking the South View Path to experience the greatest diversity of local flora and fauna.

10. Singapore Botanic Gardens

If you’re looking for natural beauty that’s fit for monarchs, be sure to visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Singapore’s national gardens—and our first UNESCO World Heritage Site— has been graced by a who’s who of political luminaries, including Kate Middleton and Prince William.

Marvel at the 10,000 species of flora housed within the garden compound, take a leisurely walk around The Swan Lake, and admire Singapore’s national flower—Vanda Miss Joaquim—at the National Orchid Garden.

11. Civic District

Spend your last day in the city muse-hunting at the many museums of our Civic District. Lovers of heritage should pay a visit to the National Museum of Singapore—home to historical insights and cultural artefacts galore—while budding creatives can find inspiration at the Singapore Art Museum.

Round off your exploration of Singapore’s vibrant culture by viewing the many works of art on display at National Gallery Singapore. The gallery houses over 8,000 works of Southeast Asian art which are bound to have you meditating on new perspectives.

If you’re feeling knackered from all that walking, make Ritz-Carlton Spa your last pit stop. This ocean-themed spa offers a range of wellness regimes, from massages synchronised with classical music to facial care treatments.