Honeymoons in Cornwall and Devon

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Honeymoon in Singapore

Honeymoon in Singapore

Singapore is so much more than a stopover. Wed discovers a dizzying mix of culture, wildlife, cuisine - and honeymoon heaven

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Straddling the South China Sea and Indian Ocean off Southern Malaysia and one of just three surviving city states in the world (along with Monaco and Vatican City), Singapore is an extraordinary island nation and top honeymoon destination.

It's a strange yet inviting paradox of people and places. Ranked amongst the world's 20 smallest, sixth wealthiest and highest populated countries in the world, Singapore is also home to some of the most myopic and fastest walking people in the world.



A financial global force jam-packed with shopping centres, skyscrapers and architectural jewels, Singapore is a visually striking, fast-paced hub of activity.

However, beyond the blinding neon lights of the metropolis' skylines exists its alluring antithesis. Otherwise known as the City in a Garden, half of Singapore is, in fact, green space. The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in the island's interior, for example, contains more tree species than the entire North American continent.



A fascinating mix of manmade and natural sees a smattering of wild nature parks, reservoirs, gorgeous gardens and idyllic offshore islands seamlessly coexist with dizzying structures such as Marina Bay Sands along with the largest fountain and highest artificial waterfall in the world.





What's more, Singapore spoils its visitors with attractions and entertainment aplenty, from its famous Zoological Gardens to S.E.A. Aquarium, Universal Studios, Jurong Bird Park and Singapore Flyer.

Presenting an intermingling mix of languages (English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil), cultures (Chinese, Malay, Indian) and religions (Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Taoist) - Singapore is a mesmerising melting pot of sounds, flavours and sights to savour.

Its rich, multi-ethnic heritage means that whether it's food, culture, amusement or exploration you desire, Singapore will sate your appetite in enigmatic style.



Stay at the Hilton's Conrad Centennial Singapore for a truly spoilsome sojourn in the uber stylish lap of luxury.

Located in Marina Bay, just minutes walk from the waterfront and electric dazzle of downtown Singapore, the Conrad offers couples everything required for a comfy, convenient and supremely relaxed experience.



It's home to a bevy of original artworks, bars, lounges, two award-winning restaurants (sample some traditional dim sum and Cantonese cuisine at Golden Peony, and extensive local and international menus at Oscar's), a modern fitness centre and exquisite outdoor pool. In addition, every room boasts beautiful marble bathrooms, spectacular city views and a daily turndown service.



Choose an executive room or suite to enjoy additional treats including afternoon tea, evening cocktails with hors d'oeuvres, personalised check-in and check-out services, Executive Lounge access and various service discounts such as treatments at the sublime Centennial Spa.

Plus, their award-winning and innovative travel mobile application - Conrad Concierge App - provides even greater convenience with a range of features including pre check-in, mobile check-out and even the option to pre-select your pillow preferences (pick from a lavish menu featuring porcelain, buckwheat and tatami).

Visit The Ritz-Carlton Millenia for a free iPod tour of their extensive art collection and admire masterpieces from Henry Moore, Zhu Wei, David Hockney, Andy Warhol and Tay Bak Koi.



Venture to Sentosa Island for a cable car tour over the magnificent Mount Faber Park; meander down Orchard Road for a spot of shopping followed by a spell in the beautiful Botanic Gardens; or simply stroll the cityscapes around Chinatown (for street food, markets and the Sri Mariamman temple), Little India, the Singapore River and Fort Canning Park.

Then there's Marina Bay and its eye-catching collection of must-sees like The Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, the ArtScience Museum and Asian Civilisations Museum.



Across the water lies Gardens by the Bay, a spellbinding, futuristic fusion of horticulture and artistry featuring The Supertree Grove where 18 giant structures showcase a daily music/light show: the OCBC Garden Rhapsody.

Sit in the grove or admire from afar - the display illuminates both sky and imagination, aptly signifying Singapore's intriguing collision of fantasy and reality, humanity and nature, creativity and science.



What better way to commence married life than with Singapore's symbolic culture of fusion? A sweetly hypnotic honeymoon starts here.

Raffles Hotel
Whether you wish to blow the budget and stay a night or two for a memorable, movie star moment or simply sink a famous Singapore Sling at its famous birthplace - the iconic Raffles is a must-see on your honeymoon itinerary.



Everyone from Charlie Chaplin and John Lennon to Ernest Hemingway, Alfred Hitchcock, George Bush, John Wayne and Ava Gardner have graced the hotel, which offers a wealth of history, character and, of course, the butler-led five-star service it's also famed for.



Declared a National Monument by the Singaporean Government, the great 19th century hotel serves as an important remnant of Singapore's colonial past and has been both restored and preserved to ensure its status as one of the world's most atmospheric, exclusive and legendary hotels.



Oozing a sense of old school romance, any couple visiting Raffles will swoon over the classic architecture, incredible dining and stunning surrounds.



Tantalise your taste buds with the Northern Indian curry buffet in the delightful Tiffin Room before retiring to the Long Bar for Raffles' signature Singapore Sling. Divine.


(Images courtesy of Raffles)

words Hannah May
photography Thomas Foreman