The New Nation - Internet Edition

Taqdir Ahmed

Just married and want to make her feel the princess she is, with no care for such a thing as 'budget'? If you want a slice of high-life or simply are accustomed to it, and expect the pinnacle of service, quality, and style, and experiences that are out of reach for the ordinary - it's all possible in Singapore. Pamper yourself in a lavish spa, shop the world's finest boutiques, score great seats to a hot new show, or enjoy the Singapore skyline from your penthouse suite in the sky - make it count!

Stay at the ultimate in luxury hotels, the Ritz-Carlton, which has 32 floors of unobstructed harbor and city views as well as sculptures by Frank Stella and limited edition prints by David Hockney and Henry Moore. Check into a suite with floor to ceiling windows offering spectacular views of the Marina. Even the spacious marble-tiled bathroom have views, as the huge tubs are placed under four square metre octagonal picture windows so you can gaze as you bathe. Decadent!

For old-world opulence, Raffles is second to none. it has the trappings of modern luxury yet retains the unique charm of the colonial era. Over the years, it has welcomed many famous guests, attracted by the hotel's luxury and elegance including Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, Joseph Conrad and Charlie Chaplin. There are no standard rooms; it's a suite or nothing less, and at rates which far exceed those of other top hotels in Singapore. The 86 Raffles Hotel suites are charming showpieces of old-world opulence, while the 7 Grand suites offer luxurious indulgence. A stay at Raffles is more than a luxurious escape in the heart of a modern metropolis; it's a chance to tap in to Singapore's colonial spirit (and live out those Somerset Maugham fantasies).

Singapore is an indefatigable destination for its expertise in wellness treatments, luxurious or otherwise. Try out and treat yourself to a different spa everyday of your honeymoon here. The list of spas is second to none, but here are our top picks. Singapore's most celebrated Amrita Spa at Raffles City is the largest luxury spa in Asia spread over three levels of spa and fitness facilities. The second, smaller Amrita Spa in the Raffles Hotel has a more intimate quality. Since it is for the exclusive use of hotel guests, and as the hotel attracts affluent travelers from around the world, the atmosphere here is of quiet luxury. The facility has six treatment rooms, VIP suites for couples (complete with private Jacuzzi, aroma steam bath, shower facility, and a lounge area), a picture-postcard relaxation verandah, and a swimming pool with a pool bar.

Indulge yourself in one of the luxurious signature spa treatments such as Total Body Wellness, Elixir of Youth and the Amrita Spa "Total Indulgence", which includes a Thermal Mineral Body Scrub, a one-hour full body massage followed by a Deluxe Pedicure, a 2-course spa lunch, a Spa Manicure, and a Traditional European Facial.

At the Grand Plaza Park Royal Hotel's Saint Gregory Spa, even non-guests can make advance appointments to enjoy services in quiet and luxurious surroundings. Inspired by the Balinese-styled poolside, its resort-like atmosphere is reflected in the use of natural elements such as water, bamboo and rattan, and even in the pebbled flooring embedded with real seashells and handcrafted doors, all beautifully restored by native Balinese artists. Pools are snuggled amid lush green plants, with soothing sounds of waves lilting through the air. The focal treatments are the hydrotherapy baths, but you can also get jet showers, steam baths, facials, body treatments, and hand, foot, and body massage. There is also a couple room and rooms with garden patios where guests can relax over a cup of tea after their treatments.

Escape now to the sublime tranquility of The Asian Spa. Located at Singapore's finest heritage hotel, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, The Asian Spa boasts a perfect union of panoramic city views and tantalizing spa treatments. With its posh contemporary Asian décor, The Asian Spa represents luxury at its finest. Spreading over 20,000 square feet, facilities include private couple's spa suites, exquisite treatment rooms, steam baths, a gymnasium, as well as a roof-top swimming pool which offers a breathtaking view of the Singapore River. Experience sheer romance while luxuriating together in the private Jacuzzi with a Fragrant Bath of Flowers or a Dead Sea Salts Minerals Bath, a relaxing bath treatment rich in mineral salts and trace elements.

An enchanting experience awaits at The Retreat Spa & Thalasso with the golden face and body treatment. Let the Golden Scrub, Golden bath, Golden Wrap and a sculpting body massage gently revitalise you and moisturise your body with their minerals in floral essential oils. Sojourn to a romantic setting and bask in each other's love while you renew your body, mind and spirit. You'll have an unforgettable experience together with your loved one.

Discover the ultimate spa experience at one of Asia's best-kept secrets, Spa Botanica located at The Sentosa Resort & Spa on Singapore's Sentosa Island. This is a delightfully idyllic retreat for lovers honeymooning here, offering beautiful gardens, outdoor mud pools, pavilions and Galaxy Steam baths. Pamper yourselves with a tinge of modern and traditional health and beauty practices. The Royal Suite, a sensuously romantic escape for couples will revitalize and spoil both of you, with the reviving aroma of the seven jet shower and all time favourite - the King's Bath, a 450 kg bath hand-tooled meticulously from cast bronze to retain the warmth of sensuous milk, floral or herbal baths.

If you're looking to sign off this precious time in style, take a cruise. If the regular cruises are too common for you, book yourself in the Asian leg of Regent Seven Seas' world cruise that embarks from Hong Kong and ends in Singapore, with stops in Vietnam and Bangkok in between. The all-suite Seven Seas Mariner features balconies in every suite, and the Master Suite, which costs $90,949 for the two-week voyage, has 1,403 square feet of space, a nearly 200-square-foot balcony, two bedrooms and marble bathrooms. Butler service is included.

Indeed, Singapore provides the perfect setting for a honeymooning experience. Each moment spent in Singapore will create memories to last, woven together with wonderful experiences to cherish for a lifetime.

For more information, check

www.ritzcarlton.com

www.singapore-raffles.raffles.com

www.amritaspa.com

www.stgregoryspa.com

www.apsara.com.sg

www.theretreat.com.sg

www.spabotanica.com

www.rssc.com