How to plan a shopping trip to Singapore

Thanks to its roots in trade and commerce, Singapore attracts some of the world’s best fashion brands. Even better, some of its chic homegrown brands like Aijek, Biro and Rye have become global exports in their own right. The size and variety of the malls, coupled with the many outdoor shopping arenas provide both luxurious and pocket-friendly shopping experiences. If you’re planning a shopping raid, use our guide to make the best of your trip:

WHERE TO SHOP IN SINGAPORE

Matter Prints: This sustainably- produced brand has gained a following for its pants that are comfortable and versatile. They operate out of pop-up stores in Singapore, and have a website that ships globally. Produced in India, Matter’s wares are sure to garner you compliments, and offer you a wardrobe staple with eco-conscious credentials. (matterprints.com)

Robinsons: One of the city’s oldest department stores, Robinsons, located in The Heeran, has done a great job
in reinventing itself. It carries a good mix of local, international and independent brands but most importantly, it offers a great personal shopper service for no additional charge. Take advantage and in a short time, you will have a changing room full of suitable clothes that have been expertly picked for you. (robinsons.com.sg)

Dover Street Market Singapore: For those seeking to keep up with the array of street styles that keeps Instagram interesting, Dover Street Market (from the team behind cult French brand Commes Des Garçon) is a one-stop-shop. From limited edition collaborations (think Nike x CDG sneakers and other apparel), special drops and drool-worthy installations. It’s a weird and wonderful overload for the senses. (singapore.doverstreetmarket.com)

Ngee Ann City: The imposing complex is filled with some of the biggest (and most expensive) names in fashion, from Piaget to Chanel and more. The Japanese department store Takashimaya is also spread across numerous floors of the complex, which is located in the heart of Orchard Road, the famed shopping street. (ngeeanncity.com.sg)

SBTG: For customised shoes, jackets and more, SBTG’s online store is a one-stop shop. Mark Ong started off customising sneakers and now has a range of jackets, badges and of course, sneakers. Ong’s designs have been worn by basketballer Kobe Bryant and Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda, so you’re definitely in good company. (sbtgsurplus.bigcartel.com)

HOTELS IN SINGAPORE

Naumi Hotel: Naumi pronounced ‘know-me’ means ‘the 9th day’ in Sanskrit—it carries an auspicious meaning based on the Hindu calendar. 
A boutique hotel which takes
 its art and personalised service seriously, it is located in the 
city centre. The intimate retreat has 73 well-designed, brightly appointed rooms. It is also a stone’s throw from the Suntec Convention Centre, Raffles City and other shopping centres. (naumihotels.com; doubles from S$310 or 15,600)

Marina Bay Sands Hotel: Besides its location in a complex which offers theatre, great restaurants, a casino and museums, this hotel has a whole lot of shops. Catering to their guests, MBS offers a personal shopping service to help get through their 250+ stores. Take them up on the offer to get from Cartier to Calvin Klein and squeeze in a stop at Céline along the way. (marinabaysands.com; doubles from S$409 or 20,600)

Grand Hyatt Singapore: An old favourite with a fresh, refurbished look, this hotel is 
at the start of Orchard Road, which means that you can easily walk to all your favourite stores. Drop off your shopping in-room and then take a nap or have a drink at their Martini Bar at mezza9, before visiting one of the five hotel-based restaurants. (singapore.grand.hyatt.com; doubles from S$420 or 21,200)

WHERE TO EAT IN SINGAPORE

Kimme: Simplicity and minimal ingredients in their dishes
is what would describe this eatery on Amoy Street. Their succinct menu is divided into three categories—small, big and sweet. With 48 seats across three floors, a meal here is intimate and rewarding. (kimmerestaurant.com)

LAVO: Dine in a club-like atmosphere and stay on for drinks and dancing at the Italian- American restaurant which includes a lounge and DJ booth on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands. Try the classic chicken parmigiano or the famous LAVO meatball, topped with whipped ricotta cheese. End with their signature 20-layer chocolate cake—layered with peanut butter mascarpone for dessert —before hitting the dance floor to burn off all those calories. (marinabaysands.com)


Publico: This Italian restaurant with a contemporary twist 
has a casual Mediterranean 
feel to it and whips up hand- crafted pizzas and pastas, with 
a tomato sauce base that is 
rich, tangy and very fresh. It’s a great place for an early dinner by the Singapore River, with its Robertson Quay location. Order a Prosecco to have with the burrata pizza. (publico.sg)

Xin Divine: This restaurant blends flavours from the East and West in an artistic and innovative manner to produce distinctive dishes. They want to stretch boundaries as dishes like the uni eggs royale and szechuan tortellini typify. (xindivine.com)

WHAT TO DO IN SINGAPORE

Visit a spa With a prime location on Orchard Road’s Wheelock Place, Spa Esprit offers massages, body treatments and facials for those looking to indulge. Pamper yourself with one of their massages, that use natural ingredients to relax and restore. (spa-esprit.com)