Ahead of the arrival of the young royal couple Raffles Hotel has pulled out the red carpet and redecorated the walls of its neo-Renaissance architecture.Renowned for its Singapore Sling cocktail, and named after the founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles, it is among the most famous hotels in the world – and is where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be based during their stay.With 125 years of outstanding service to its name, it's artistic presidential suites are an obvious choice, having also hosted the Queen's stay on her state visit to Singapore in 1989.
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One of Southeast Asia's most vibrant cities, this buzzing metropolis is a must-see destination for the ordinary visitor, too.A formidable urban centre, Singapore provides more than enough shopping destinations for our fashion-forward Duchess.An open-air thoroughfare, Orchid Road offers up a range of antiques to designer brands against an immaculate landscape of flowers and greenery.To get more out of these pockets of cool, natural calm amidst the contemporary city, travellers should treat themselves to an authentic Asian garden spa.
Immersed within the lush greenery of a national park, Aramsa infuses natural remedies with botanical extracts from the earth and sea. When in Singapore the therapeutic power of nature in one of the 63 islands that provide both bliss and entertainment is a must.After Queen Victoria's stately visit in 1849 to Singapore's Botanic Gardens, home to more than 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids, the young royals keep up tradition by attending an orchid naming ceremony.In the National Orchid Garden there is an orchid named after Princess Diana, which was presented to her son on Tuesday in one of the most significant appointments of the tour.
For the active traveller with free time in their schedule there are plenty of opportunities to water-ski and wakeboard on the Kallang River, or spot rare-clouded leopards on Singapore Zoo's magical Night Safari.During engagements with the Prime Minister and President of Singapore, the royal couple are sure to taste the local delights of a nation passionate with cuisine. Ranging from clay-pot seafood to vivid yellow 'Hokkien Mee' noodles and chilli-infused crab, the island's dishes are a wonderful way to experience the culture.
For the most stylish and innovative menus in the region visit Iggys and Jaan or Les Amis where fine dining recipes won them both a place in the World's Best 50 Restaurants.
