16 minute read
TRIED & TESTED FLIGHTS & HOTELS Singapore Airlines A380 Business Class; Intercontinental Singapore Robertson Quay; W Abu Dhabi- Yas Island; e Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore; Restaurant Reviews
INDIA
the eport75 75 Tried, Tested, Tasted.
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TRIED AND TESTED FLIGTHS Singapore Airlines A380 Business Class W Abu Dhabi- Yas Island 79 The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore 80 Singapore and Abu Dhabi Restaurants 81
TRIED AND TESTED HOTELS Intercontinental Singapore Robertson Quay TRIED AND TESTED HOTELS
BACKGROUND The first airline to fly the world’s largest aircraft called the Airbus A380 super-jumbo, Singapore Airlines prioritises comfort and security with specially curated broad seats, plenty of headroom, and increased storage space. The Singapore Airlines A380 ensures premium comfort and elegance in its spacious 471-seater aircraft.
CHECK-IN I arrived at Mumbai Chhatrapati Maharaj International Airport Terminal 2 at 2100, around two and a half hours early for my 2340 departure on SQ 423. There was quite a queue at the SIA’s check-in counters, so a sta member graciously checked my documents in the queue itself before I proceeded to the counter to collect my boarding pass. In keeping with the Covid-19 restrictions, all passengers must be fully vaccinated, or are required to take a pre-departure test to ensure that they test negative two days prior to reaching Singapore. In a speedy The crew members were extremely polite and cheerful and greeted us at the aircraft door with medical masks on their faces.
THE SEAT The Business Class of the Singapore Airlines A380 was well-designed with a soothing hue and comfortable seats. Each seat was 25 inches wide, with a seat
and stress-free process, travellers shall obtain their electronic Singapore Arrival Card, which is emailed in PDF format upon approval.
BOARDING Boarding began punctually at 2300 and was smooth and hassle-free.
pitch of 50 inches. The Business Class seat fully reclines to form a 78-inch full-flat bed. A deployable ottoman extends the seat to create a comfortable bed surface. For the centre seats, the central divider can be lowered to make two flatbeds, ideal for travelling couples. Each seat has a wide back and padded inner area, making it extremely comfortable to relax in.
BEST SEAT The Business Class seats are designed with the intent to provide a combination of privacy and convenience, with each plush seat having direct access to the aisle for ease of movement. However, seats in rows 11, 91, and 96 come with extra legroom, with rows 11 and 91 being situated right behind a bulkhead, and row 96 facing an exit area. The ideal spots are seat D and F of rows 11, 91, and 96.
THE FLIGHT The aircraft’s technology, design, airframe construction and engines make the A380 one of the quietest passenger jets ever built, reducing the noise energy at take-o and cutting the area exposed to equivalent noise levels around the airport runway. The Business Class seat is ideal for working in-flight with its spacious table, personal reading lights, in-seat power supply and USB ports. The Singapore Airlines Book the Cook programme o ers an eclectic range of mouthwatering dishes, but passengers may also choose from a variety of main course dishes and mezze platters, with decadent ice cream for dessert. I chose the lamb tagine with dried apricot for my main course followed by a flavourful serving of the tiramisu cake. I paired my filling meal with a glass of red wine. I chose the 2016 Fattoria Nittardi Chianti Classico Riserva which was a delightful accompaniment to my meal. The personal 18-inch HD touchscreen monitor was perfect for unwinding with a wide range of in-flight entertainment options to choose from, via KrisWorld. Customers may connect their electronic devices to the in-flight wifi network for seamless work and entertainment experience. Fliers are encouraged to download over 200 newspapers and magazines via the Singapore Air mobile app 48 hours before their flight, in order to have plenty of reading material whilst flying.
ARRIVAL I arrived at Changi Airport in a timely fashion at 0705. Disembarkment was a quick process. Post immigration, I went over to the baggage hall and was able to locate my luggage within ten minutes. The entire process was very quick, with no unnecessary waiting or delays. Changi Airport had taken adequate measures to safeguard against Covid-19, with disinfection stations and antimicrobial coating on frequently touched surfaces to reduce the risk of virus transmission.
VERDICT The Singapore Airlines A380 Business Class seat is ideal for the business traveller, as it pays attention to minor details that enhance the in-flight experience, with plush seats, plenty of personal space, and excellent service. Ravi Lalwani
BEST FOR Comfortable seat and bedding, excellent service
FLIGHT TIME 5 hours 25 minutes
CONFIGURATION 1-2-1
SEAT WIDTH AND PITCH 25 inches; 50 inches
SEAT RECLINE Full-flat bed, bed length: 78 inches
PRICE Internet rates for a return business class flight from Mumbai to Singapore in December start at `199,855, or £ 2066 (US$2,459)
CONTACT singaporeair.com
Intercontinental Singapore Robertson Quay
BACKGROUND Intercontinental Singapore Robertson Quay has been named Singapore’s leading lifestyle hotel at the World Travel Awards from 2019 to 2022. The incredibly picturesque riverfront hotel showcases 225 spacious rooms filled with natural light and soothing views, ideal for a relaxing stay.
WHAT’S IT LIKE I admired how the hotel utilised modern architectural and design techniques to create a chic atmosphere. The hotel has an array of wonderful dining options, plenty of places to unwind, and is located in a premium area with access to many attractions.
WHERE IS IT Nestled in the heart of Robertson Quay, Intercontinental Singapore Robertson Quay lies on the side of the Singapore River. Singapore’s central business district is conveniently located just a five-minute drive away. Take a walk down the scenic river and spot the Merlion statue and Cavanaugh bridge. Visit the marvellous supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, just a fifteen-minute drive away. ROOMS The hotel o ers 225 spacious rooms and suites. With a variety of options to stay in, the hotel boasts standard studio and deluxe rooms, executive rooms with access to Club Intercontinental, as well as suites with river views, and the penthouse. I stayed in the king bed junior suite riverview, a spacious room that spreads over 36-44 sqm. The suite was equipped with a comfortable king-size bed, a tea and Nespresso co ee machine, a walkin shower and a separate bath. The suite o ered complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, cocktail hour, and use of the study meeting room.
FOOD AND DRINK With a collection of restaurants, the hotel o ers a bespoke experience that is a gastronomic delight. I had a sumptuous breakfast spread at Publico Ristorante, where I dined on egg-white omelettes, a warm oatmeal porridge, and freshly-cut fruits. Club Intercontinental was perfect for spending relaxing evenings with a glass of red wine and a platter of finger food. At the hotel, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is famous for its dry-aged beef.
MEETINGS With 4 meeting and event venues over 189.5 sqm, the hotel is equipped to provide world-class meeting experiences. The hotel has state-of-theart technology and a dedicated Club Intercontinental team which curate perfect events. The meeting spaces have floor-to-ceiling windows and the hotel also has al fresco terraces that can host events against the spectacular backdrop of the river.
LEISURE The hotel’s 24-hour fitness centre is ideal for an early morning workout. The swimming pool is perfect for taking a refreshing dip after a long day. Tokyo Bikes are also available on the hotel premises and can be used for a relaxing warm-up. The hotel organises an enjoyable and informative heritage tour to learn about the Singapore river and Chinatown.
VERDICT With a prime location, good service, and well-equipped meeting rooms, Intercontinental Singapore Robertson Quay creates a perfect mix of relaxation and practicality to appeal to both, business and leisure travellers. Ravi Lalwani
BEST FOR Singapore River views
DON’T MISS The hotel’s heritage tour
PRICE Internet rates are upwards of 387 SGD (22,575 INR)
CONTACT 1 Nanson Rd, Singapore 238909 ihg.com
W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island
BACKGROUND The luxury hotel, known for its contemporary design and aweinspiring views of the Yas Marina and Yas Marina Circuit features vibrant 499 guest rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows o ering views of the race track or marina. Welcoming features of the luxe property include Whatever/Whenever canoe desks, referencing the Abu Dhabi waterways and the mode of travel to the city.
WHAT’S IT LIKE Paying homage to the local culture the inspirational architecture unravels in the form of a bold welcome area, bespoke welcome desks shaped like oil drops and jewel-tone furnishings depicting the colours of liquid gold. Each nook of the hotel is a design marvel and proudly represents the W’s aim to create a welldesigned, contemporary space.
WHERE IS IT The hotel is six kilometres away from Abu Dhabi international airport and is in close proximity to Ferrari World, Warner Brothers Studios and Abu Dhabi’s biggest shopping centre, the Yas Mall. All of the most popular attractions of Yas Island are a stone's throw away from the hotel.
ROOMS I stayed in the Wonderful room and true to its name, the room was well-equipped with amenities such as a flat-screen T.V, a large working desk and a Nespresso co ee machine. The room was spacious and had a beautiful balcony that overlooked the expanse of the circuit. The most luxurious o ering of the hotel is the Extreme Wow suite. The one bedroom bi-level suite is spread across 409 sqm and has one-of-a-kind features such as a private lap pool, a sauna and a 180-degree view of Yas Island. The chandelier in the suite is an example of extreme opulence as it is made up of Swarovski lights.
FOOD AND DRINK I lived by the famous saying “don’t count your calories on holiday” during my stay at the hotel as every meal I had here was always better than the last. I began each day with a breakfast bu et at their multi-cuisine restaurant Garage where I gorged on endless amounts of fresh hummus and pitta from the mezze counter. For dinner, I was seated in the outdoor section of the restaurant where I could soak in the serene views of Marina Bay alongside the racing circuit. My favourite dishes were the ceviche de hongos, the torched salmon sushi roll and the chicken shawarma roll.
MEETINGS The hotel o ers a total of 3,520 sqm of event space, including the Great Room, seven studios, and four strategy and outdoor terraces for meetings and social gatherings.
LEISURE If you wish to unwind after an exhilarating day of exploring Yas Island, the spa is the perfect place to do so. The treatments are a melange of style, sophistication and Middle Eastern traditions. The spa features nine treatment rooms, a couple’s massage room and a hammam, one can revel in a delightful multi-sensory experience at the two-story spa.
VERDICT The W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island is ideal for those who wish to make the most of their stay in Yas Island inside and outside the hotel. The plethora of options to explore, entertain and indulge in, surrounding and inside the hotel, leaves one spoilt for choice.
BEST FOR Its views of Yas Marina Circuit
DON’T MISS The breakfast bu et at Garage
PRICE Internet rates are upwards of ₹20,000
CONTACT Yas Island - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates 131808 marriott.com
The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
BACKGROUND The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore exudes a sense of warmth and is described as a waterfront jewel in Singapore’s heritage precinct. The hotel is appointed with 100 impeccably designed rooms that echo the heritage of Singapore, along with a touch of modernity to keep up with the times.
WHAT’S IT LIKE The hotel employs a contemporary international style that balances modernity and heritage. It features panoramic views of Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline. I was impressed with the prompt and dedicated service provided by the sta , and the overall sense of elegance and serenity.
WHERE IS IT The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore is located in the hub of the Central Business District. It is merely a short walk from Ra les Place metro station and 2 km from Marina Bay. The waterfront hotel adds elegance and glamour to Singapore’s heritage precinct. The hotel is also in close proximity to Merlion Park, Gardens by the Bay, Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore Flyer, and National Gallery Singapore. ROOMS Every room o ers stunning 360-degree views of the shimmering Marina Bay. The hotel o ers 100 spacious rooms and suites. With a variety of options to stay in, the hotel includes the presidential suite, theme suites, premier bay view rooms, and deluxe rooms, among others. I stayed at the premier bay view room. At 58 sqm and a spectacular view of Marina Bay, this room was a delight to stay in. The outdoor sundeck was ideal to enjoy some quiet time. Other amenities included a pillow menu, a co ee machine, and an LCD television.
FOOD AND DRINK The array of restaurants at the hotel o ers cuisines from Singapore to France. At La Brasserie, I dined on a wholesome breakfast spread consisting of egg-white omelettes, freshly baked sourdough bread, and a colourful platter of fruits. La Brasserie’s airy modern setting is ideal for its cake boutique, where guests can indulge in pastries paired with tea and co ee. The Landing Point is a mustvisit for caviar-topped smoked haddock and other bite-sized treats. Lantern is the ideal place for relaxing to some beats with a cocktail in hand.
MEETINGS The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore is a unique blend of contemporary and traditional waterfront architecture that provides a stunning setting for events and meetings, against the backdrop of Marina Bay. The hotel has three custom-built floating pods named Compass, Voyage, and Port of Call, that pay homage to the trading boats of ancient times that are intrinsically linked to Singapore’s heritage. These pods seat up to 20 guests. The luxurious Cli ord Pier seats up to 600 guests and is perfect for luncheons, cocktail receptions, and product launches
LEISURE The hotel’s gym is perfect for grabbing a quick workout, while one can unwind in the cool waters of the hotel’s 25 m swimming pool, upon the panoramic backdrop of Marina Bay and the city view. With glass-framed jacuzzis and a variety of relaxing treatments like facials and massages, Fullerton Spa is the perfect place to rejuvenate both, body and soul.
VERDICT The Fullerton Bay Hotel is truly a waterfront jewel, combining elegance with modernity to provide the ultimate bespoke experience for every kind of traveller. Ravi Lalwani
BEST FOR View of Marina Bay
DON’T MISS Expressions Afternoon Tea at The Landing Point
PRICE Internet rates are upwards of 774 SGD (63,996 INR)
CONTACT 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326 fullertonhotels.com
Luce By Davide Giacomelli At Intercontinental Singapore
A fine dining restaurant with excellent Italian cuisine, Luce is the ideal place to experience the essence of traditional Italian fare that is specially curated with fresh produce in Singapore. I commenced my dinner with a classic Bruschetta and was astounded by how the seemingly simple dish was so expertly prepared. The evenly toasted bread was topped with slivers of garlic, prosciutto, and creamy bu alo mozzarella. The cherry
tomato concasse lent a tart burst to the otherwise subtle flavours, while the basil and roquette leaves created a fresh herb-infused base. The main course consisted of pan-fried Atlantic cod, bathed in a freshly crushed tomato sauce, and topped with taggiasca olives, anchovies, Pantelleria HOURS Tuesday-Sunday: 1200 to 1430, 1730 to 2230
PRICE Starts from ₹8007
CONTACT Intercontinental Singapore, 80 Middle Rd, Singapore 188966 singapore.intercontinental.com
laid upon a bed of spongy ladyfingers. A single shot of espresso closed the curtains upon this symphony of flavours.
VERDICT A meal at Luce is a guaranteed culinary adventure to the heart of Italy.
Ravi Lalwani
West Bay Lounge Abu Dhabi
West Bay Abu Dhabi is a trendy new beach club located amidst the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf. This beachfront lounge o ers a range of Mediterranean dishes, seafood, and cocktails in the background of Abu Dhabi’s skyline.
The relaxing and casual atmosphere sets the mood for a variety of eclectic dishes specially curated by the chefs at West Bay Lounge. capers, and a flourish of green herbs. I paired this delicious meal with a glass of mildly spicy Tenute Rossetti Chianti Classico DOCG red wine. I concluded the delightful gastronomic journey with Luce Misu, a dessert prepared with mascarpone cream, espresso syrup, and culinary foam
For starters, I ate crispy rock shrimp tempura, fried Calamari, and an interesting pairing of tuna, crab, and creamy avocado to balance the ocean flavours. The main course was a whole sea bass grilled to perfection, set in a bed of fresh baby spinach, and garnished with tangy grilled lemon. A sprinkle of pomegranate seeds lent a pop of colour and sweetness to the smoky tones of the dish. A glass of Lebanese red wine brought out the subtle flavours of the grilled dish. I concluded
my hearty meal with a decadent Death by Chocolate caramel mud cake layered with creamy vanilla ice cream.
VERDICT A meal at West Bay Lounge is a transportative experience.
Ravi Lalwani
HOURS Monday-Sunday 1200 to 0100
PRICE Approximately ₹4,414 - ₹11,035
CONTACT West Bay Abu Dhabi, West Bay - W Corniche Rd - Al Bateen - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates westbayabudhabi.com
82 BIG PICTURE THE
Awe-inspiring Stonehenge
One of the most photographed landmarks in the world, Yogesh Chiplunkar, a full time photographer, was struck by the beauty of Stonehenge. The dramatic sky aligned with the stones was a visual he felt he had to capture using his Nikon D4 28mm lens. “I had heard about the beauty of Stonehenge for years but only when I saw it in real life did I realise the true extent of it. The historical significance paired with the striking sight of the stones just made the frame picture perfect”.
