Singapore Emerges as the Global Epicentre of Purpose-Led Indulgence

Call it an island nation or a global city, Singapore punches far above its weight when it comes to decadence and first-class living. It’s the glitzy backdrop of Crazy Rich Asians for a reason—where for those who can afford it, luxury isn’t something you chase, it’s just... how life happens.

Five-star stays? Bare minimum. Take Marina Bay Sands, famous for its trio of soaring towers and photogenic infinity pool. The Presidential Suite is the real prize, accessible only by invitation. Come 2030, expect an all-suite tower to rise, complete with expanded dining, wellness retreats, and entertainment arenas. Because in Singapore, standing still is never an option.

A stone’s throw away from the city’s manicured skyline, Sentosa is where excess meets play. This 49-hectare resort island, home to Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), brings together Universal Studios, Dolphin Island, and Adventure Cove Waterpark into a high-end theme park for the global elite.

But it’s the new additions that tell the story. The Singapore Oceanarium—a design-forward, immersive marine showcase three times the size of its predecessor S.E.A. Aquarium—is a theatrical dive into wonder. Then there’s Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, a cinematic experience that proves luxury today isn’t just about exclusive stays or high-end restaurants; it’s about multigenerational spectacles that entertain, inspire, and leave lasting impressions.

Meanwhile, a S$6.8 billion RWS waterfront overhaul, set for 2030, promises to push Sentosa even further into decadent territory. Designed by Benoy, with a sculptural centrepiece from Heatherwick Studio, the project will add two new 700- key luxury hotels, a four-storey retail and dining hub, a waterfront promenade, and an experiential mountain trail.

“Today’s discerning travellers seek authentic experiences characterised by privacy, personalised service, and seamless connectivity. Singapore is uniquely positioned to meet their expectations from the moment they arrive,” says Serene Woon, area director, India, Middle East and South Asia (Mumbai) of Singapore Tourism Board. “Our infrastructure supports this through integrated luxury services—from private aviation facilities and marina berths to premium accommodation with dedicated concierge service.”

The New Face of Fine Dining

For far too long, Singapore’s fine-dining scene was all about precision, prestige, and Michelin stars. But, now, the game is shifting. Sky-high rents, razor-thin margins, and diners whose appetites are more curious than status-driven have shuttered once-celebrated temples of gastronomy, like the restaurant Euphoria.

“It’s a global effect: prices are up, and it isn’t feasible for people to keep returning anymore,” says Patrick Leano, group executive chef of Michelin-starred Australian-style barbecue Burnt Ends. “Fine dining is still going to be around, but it’s going to be exclusive.”

Leano gets it. He’s flipping convention on its head by crafting bold, unapologetic menus designed for intimate crowds. Because in this new era, real refinement is about curated experiences, personal connections, and flavours that linger long after the last bite.

“You see the same names appearing on all the best lists, which is great, but there’s no variety, no birth of new talent. Everyone is playing it safe,” he says.

Leano argues that set menus priced at S$250 (approx. 17,200) per person won’t pull diners back regularly, especially with service taxes and tipping culture piling on. Even at mid to high-end spots, à la carte options relieve the pressure on customers. Places with diverse profiles—like Burnt Ends, with its bar, bakery, and restaurant—are more likely to thrive than single concept outlets.

This isn’t a retreat; it’s a reinvention. Today’s traveller doesn’t want sterile white tablecloth affairs. They want a story, an experience that hits all the senses without politely asking permission. Picture chefled pop-ups in heritage homes, clandestine dinners aboard vintage trains, and tasting journeys where history, theatre, and food collide in surprising ways.

Luxury is no longer about excess. It’s about authenticity served with a side of audacity.

Slow Living in Style

As Singapore’s fine-dining landscape evolves, another form of elevated experience is making its return—the Eastern & Oriental Express by Belmond. Relaunched in 2024, this legendary train journey blends slow travel with indulgence, departing from Singapore and winding through Malaysia’s lush rainforests, plantations, and colonial-era towns.

The menu, crafted by André Chiang (former head chef of the three-Michelin-star restaurant Le Jardin des Sens in France), celebrates the region’s flavours. There’s Laksa Bouillabaisse, a bold mash-up that turns the humble Peranakan noodle soup into something elegant; and a ‘nine peppers jus’ that includes a 16-hour braised beef cheek—rich, slowcooked, and unapologetically spicy. On board, champagne flows in lounges that look like they were lifted from a high-end design magazine, while live jazz licks through the air, barely loud enough to drown out the gentle rumble of the rails. The real luxury here isn’t just the food or the service—it’s the sheer unhurried pace of it all. The slow passage of landscapes and the careful orchestration of tastes are designed to remind you that travel, when done right, is about discovery, not just consumption.

Up in the Air

If there’s one place where Singapore’s obsession with precision meets unbridled indulgence, it’s in private aviation.

Charter memberships are surging. Seletar Airport, a runway for the ultra-wealthy, is a discreet haven where the world’s elite touch down in style. In 2023, the number of private jets based in Singapore increased from 66 to 74, outpacing neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

This uptick isn’t coincidental. Singapore’s strategic position as a global business hub and its robust aviation infrastructure make it a magnet for private aviation. Charter companies like TAG Aviation Asia and VistaJet have reported significant increases in flight activity, with TAG Aviation Asia noting a 50 per cent rise in take-offs and landings from 2022 to 2023. VistaJet has seen a 31 per cent increase in flights and a 45 per cent rise in flight hours during the same period.

This isn’t just about convenience, but rather about total freedom. The ultra-wealthy design their own escape routes, complete with personal chefs, on-demand wellness therapies, and direct transfers to exclusive retreats.

In a world where luxury often means excess for the sake of excess, Singapore flips the script. As the city-state evolves, one thing is clear: luxury isn’t the future of Singapore’s appeal. It’s the present: fully lived, intentional, and unapologetically extravagant.

Where to Stay

Singapore’s hospitality scene is as dynamic as the city itself— layered with elegance, bold contemporary landmarks, and addresses that cater to those who value exclusivity above all else. Choosing where to stay in Singapore is, in essence, choosing how you wish to experience the citynation: through its rich history, its daring design ethos, or its pockets of refined seclusion. Take Grand Hyatt Singapore, for example: Located on Orchard Road, this 54-year-old icon has undergone a multiyear transformation. Today, it offers 699 redesigned rooms and suites, seven distinctive dining experiences, and an integrated wellness hub, all set amid lush garden landscapes. Sustainability is also woven into its ethos— from renewable energy initiatives to zero-waste dining practices. Meanwhile, Andaz Singapore, a luxury urban retreat just steps from Kampong Glam and within easy reach of Little India and Gardens by the Bay, makes a statement with its expansive spaces. Its modern suite, including the two-bedroom suite, offer sweeping city views, a complimentary minibar, and curated refreshments at the Sunroom, ensuring every stay is a blend of comfort and sophistication.