Home of the Singapore Sling and named after Sir Stanford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore in the 1800's, the Raffles Hotel is an iconic hotel to visitors and one of the most beloved grand hotels in history. It's British colonial charm and contemporary elegance amid the lush green landscape is an inviting destination to travellers. It is now a National Monument and a must visit when coming to Singapore.
Laurent, the new General Manager shared what he believes to be one of the greatest secrets and values for this property: the Butlers. Guests will be privvy to the personal attention and service of their own private butler in one of the 100 all-suite guest rooms.
We enjoyed a fine dining experience at Raffles Grill with the General Manager after cocktails in the garden courtyard. Visits to the Longfin Bar must not be missed. This two-story bar is home to the Singapore Sling and the bar's design was inspired by the Malayan plantations of the 1920's.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Singapore's China Town - by Trishaw!
Kristin and I travelled throughout China Town and the Financial District of Singapore in a Trishaw! This is similar to a rickshaw; however, it requires "pedal power" in the form of a bicycle. We had a Chinese driver that spoke very little English so we enjoyed the breeze and scenery of this colorful part of Singapore. We were followed by fifteen or so other Trishaws with our friends from Travel+Leisure. It was a perfect way to navigate the narrow streets where the shop vendors could show their wares. Several continued on foot to shop and some to visit the Buddhist Temple or to feast on the famous "chicken-rice" dish.
After a tour of the city, we boarded a "bum boat" to take in the view of this vibrant city and coastal area on the Singapore River. We terminated our cruise at the Fullerton Heritage area where the infamous Merlion statue is positioned. This area draws more than a million visitors each year.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Business Class with Singapore Airlines
Some say Singapore Airlines is one of the most outstanding airlines, and it's true. The gracious service and beautiful Singaporean women are a welcome respite in the world of air travel today. Singapore has a new fleet of aircraft that make it an extremely comfortable way to travel.
I experienced the First Non-Stop All-Business Class flight between North America and Asia, offering the newly designed Business Class seats.
The seat configuration is 1-2-1 and the seat width is 30". The best part was that the seat fully reclines to a flat bed with a generous 6'4" length! There is A/C power, a USB Port, and a 15.4" TV monitor at every seat.
You can immerse yourself in non-stop entertainment which offers more than 1,000 on-demand entertainment options, ranging from the latest blockbusters, TV programs, interactive games, and an extensive menu of audio CDs and radio channels. There are even learning applications including foreign language learning, management and leadership Executive book summaries, and culture quest. This competes with your discipline to carve out some time for sleep.
During my flight, I enjoyed a review of the book called "Primal Leadership" and gained some great insight! I also brushed up on my conversational French. The flight was actually shy of 16 hours and despite the many video options, I enjoyed a restful sleep arriving in Singapore around 430am. My daughter Kristin arrived two hours earlier and was there to greet me upon my arrival. It was a wonderful way to be welcomed to this beautiful island.
I experienced the First Non-Stop All-Business Class flight between North America and Asia, offering the newly designed Business Class seats.
The seat configuration is 1-2-1 and the seat width is 30". The best part was that the seat fully reclines to a flat bed with a generous 6'4" length! There is A/C power, a USB Port, and a 15.4" TV monitor at every seat.
You can immerse yourself in non-stop entertainment which offers more than 1,000 on-demand entertainment options, ranging from the latest blockbusters, TV programs, interactive games, and an extensive menu of audio CDs and radio channels. There are even learning applications including foreign language learning, management and leadership Executive book summaries, and culture quest. This competes with your discipline to carve out some time for sleep.
During my flight, I enjoyed a review of the book called "Primal Leadership" and gained some great insight! I also brushed up on my conversational French. The flight was actually shy of 16 hours and despite the many video options, I enjoyed a restful sleep arriving in Singapore around 430am. My daughter Kristin arrived two hours earlier and was there to greet me upon my arrival. It was a wonderful way to be welcomed to this beautiful island.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Singapore with Travel+Leisure 2011
Singapore will complete my third trip to Asia in the past 12 months. The Asian people define hospitality beyond what we pride ourselves in the South as Southern Hospitality. It is a joy for me to return to Singapore with many of my esteemed colleagues within the travel industry, and more importantly to share this wonderful experience with my daughter Kristin.
Singapore is a tiny island state in Southeast Asia, south of Malaysia. It encompasses over 250 square miles and is half the size of the island of Kauai in Hawaii, and a little larger than the island of St Lucia in the Caribbean. Over 5 million people call Singapore home with over 75% of the population Chinese. Despite it's small size, the island is expanding. There is much "reclaimed land".
Singapore is 12-hours ahead of Eastern time zone. So, if it is 5pm in Atlanta, it is 5am the next morning in Singapore. Simply advance 12-hours and you will know the time difference!
I am sitting in the relaxing Star Alliance Lounge in Los Angeles waiting for my 9pm Singapore Airlines departure. We will be flying on their all business class flight non-stop to Singapore, for what I believe to be a 16-hour flight! I plan to enjoy a good night's rest in the flat-bed business class section. Pictures hopefully to follow... good night...good
morning...I guess it depends where in the world you are :)
Singapore is a tiny island state in Southeast Asia, south of Malaysia. It encompasses over 250 square miles and is half the size of the island of Kauai in Hawaii, and a little larger than the island of St Lucia in the Caribbean. Over 5 million people call Singapore home with over 75% of the population Chinese. Despite it's small size, the island is expanding. There is much "reclaimed land".
Singapore is 12-hours ahead of Eastern time zone. So, if it is 5pm in Atlanta, it is 5am the next morning in Singapore. Simply advance 12-hours and you will know the time difference!
I am sitting in the relaxing Star Alliance Lounge in Los Angeles waiting for my 9pm Singapore Airlines departure. We will be flying on their all business class flight non-stop to Singapore, for what I believe to be a 16-hour flight! I plan to enjoy a good night's rest in the flat-bed business class section. Pictures hopefully to follow... good night...good
morning...I guess it depends where in the world you are :)
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