Capella Hotels and Resorts newest program

Committed to maintaining excellence in the craft of hospitality, Capella Hotels & Resorts have launched Capella Curates. Carefully cultivated by the expert team in each locale, Capella Curates offer exclusive adventures, which incorporate interesting characters, whimsical traditions, and the opportunity to hone unexplored skills. The range of on and off-site experiences were thoughtfully designed by the Capella Culturist at each property to offer a glimpse into the soul of each destination. 

Capella Singapore

In Singapore itself, Capella Singapore team curated the Qi & The City, an exclusive Singapore Sidecar tour, as part of their Capella Curates programme. Guests will whizz around the city in vintage sidecars, learning about the unique design and fascinating Fengshui principles present throughout the urban architecture; the route will take in the Marina Bay Area, Singapore Flyer, Art Science Museum, and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, amongst other highlights.

Capella Ubud

Other destinations like Capella Ubud invites you to escape the city life through Confined to Quarters, a 24-hours total solitude within their uniquely styled tent which includes Balinese blessing and yoga session. Later, one of the Capella Ubud culinary masters will set up a rustic campfire in the grounds surrounding the tent, where he will create a feast of traditional dishes to be enjoyed al fresco, washed down with tailor-made cocktails

Capella Shanghai and Capella Sanya

Meanwhile Capella Shanghai will treat you to the city’s best-kept, most Instagrammable experiences and taught the essentials in order to be able to capture professional-standard images via Print, Shoot, Retouch. On the other hand, Capella Sanya will take guests on a behind-the-scenes tour of their villages, presenting the opportunity to mingle with the Li people and learn more about their rich crafts and cultural heritage namely Bolong to Me, Bolong to You. 

Capella Breidenbacher Hof

Well, if you are keen to explore farm to table concept, Capella Breidenbacher Hof, Düsselforf and their Himmel & Äähd offers the opportunity to join Chef Philipp on a culinary tour to local farmer, Christian Benninghoven, and his famous farm, “Gut Diepensiepen. Over the years, Chef Philipp and Christian Benninghoven have worked together to grow Capella’s very own potatoes and apples, which are used to create the traditional Himmel & Äähd (Heaven & Earth) dish. After getting their hands dirty on the farm, guests can join Chef Philipp in the kitchen for a cooking class, where they will learn how to prepare this local specialty, which they will later enjoy with Capella’s very own German wines.

Opening Soon: Capella Bangkok

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As time goes by, there are more and more coffee shops sprouting. In general I have never got turned down by a coffee shop in the city, but you must be wondering which are the best coffee shops in Singapore, especially if you're a first timer in the city. Here I listed down some of my favourites. Go and check it out.

Best Coffee Shops in Singapore

1. Omotesando Koffee

One of the top coffee shops in Japan, Omotesando Coffee is well known for their signature ice cappuccino with bubble foam and cocoa powder (pictured above S$7.5) I love how it has the milky taste but doesn't loose the coffee note. Located in the Downtown Gallery, you'll be greeted by their minimalist stall and friendly barista. Opens mon-fri until 6PM.
address: Downtown gallery #04-01

2. Kurasu Kyoto

Another coffee shop from Japan. Kurasu Kyoto offers simplicity and minimalist interior with various espresso based coffee and hand drip coffee using Kalita Wave method. I can feel the minimalist vibe just like their original Kyoto branch seen in their wooden furnitures, coffee cups, and kitchenware. The space is located within a compound of Odeon Tower building in City Hall area. Their latte is soft, smooth, and medium bodied. Unfortunately the Singapore branch does not sell as much coffee beans variety as in Kyoto.






 

3. The Glasshouse

Centrally located inside Chijmes area, this rather new coffee shop is certainly match its name. With high glass windows and plenty of plants inside, it has becoming one of my to go coffee shops. Their ice white is best paired with the banana cake, especially on a hot sunny day. It opens quite early as well starting from 8 am, so it's my go to place if I wake up early.

4. Chye Seng Huat Hardware

nearest MRT: Lavender

5. Common Man Coffee Roasters

Common Man Coffee Roasters is definitely a specialty coffee shop, roasters, and wholesaler. My favourite thing is that they have so many single origins to choose from, which is also distributed through various coffee shops nationwide. They also serve various brunch menu, so fret not of being hungry.

address: 22 Martin Road

6. Hinoki

This Japanese style coffee shop is located inside Habitat by Honestbee, an integrated shopping complex in Pasir Panjang area. They use Kyoto roasted beans and Hokkaido Milk, making their cappuccino one of a kind. All order and payment is done within the application, so you have to download it before entering the Habitat.


nearest MRT: Pasir Panjang

7. 40 Hands

This cozy and warm coffee shop in Tiong Bahru has been my go to places for years. Their coffee beans are roasted by the people from Common Man Coffee Roaster. 40 Hands also serve delicious food. Perfect for brunch or those lazy day while reading your favourite book.


nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru

8. Atlas Coffeehouse

With marble and navy interior and industrial component, Atlas Coffeehouse is a go to neighbourhood coffee shop in Bukit Timah Area. Their coffee is roasted by the local roasters, 2 Degrees North Coffee Co. Totally love their food menu as well ! You can also try their bottled cold brew to go.


nearest MRT: Botanic Garden

9. Brawns and Brains

nearest MRT: Mountbatten

10. The Apartment

This scandinavian vibe coffee shop has becoming a cult favourite. With white space and plenty of light, the owner is inspired to create a space where people could feel like home. Their menu is simple and they also have seasonal beans from time to time.


nearest MRT: Lavender

11. PS Cafe

Most probably my most favourite branch in the entire city, the PS Cafe Harding Road is nestled in the lush Dempsey Hill area. Choose the indoor or the outdoor alfresco seating. It is a nice break amidst the busy city. They have various food and delicious cakes too !
address: Harding Road

12. Plain Vanilla Bakery

This local bakery features not only good croissants and cupcakes, but also good coffee. With quaint interior, the cafe is a joint of two buildings. It opens as early as 8am for breakfast. Choose from the cakes and pastries on display or choose their granola bowl. It is a must visit for those who venture to Tiong Bahru Area. They also have opened a new branch in Telok Ayer area recently.
address: 1D Yong Siak Street, Tiong Bahru

13. Sarnies

Most probably my old time favourite, as it is located across my first office in Singapore (so much memories hehe) I would grab a coffee first and foremost if I reach earlier and not only because it is near my workplace, but because they serve legit coffee. All of their beans are roasted in house. Aside from coffee, they also serve brunch menu starting 7.30am on weekday and 8.30am on weekend. It is definitely still one of the best coffee shops in Singapore.
address: 136 Telok Ayer Street

14. Pacamara Coffee Roasters

Located at the neighbourhood of Upper Thomson, the coffee shop is easily spotted as it is located nearby a shell petrol station. They are a local independent coffee roaster, with several types of beans you can choose from. They also serve brunch starting at 9am everyday. With white Synesso machine and long communal table, this quaint coffee shop can be a good gathering place with your friends on the weekend.
address: 185 Upper Thomson Road

15. Toby's Estate Singapore

Tucked among residential buildings facing the pier. The Singapore branch is the first one in Asia.  Serving delectable home roast coffee, the chain from Australia has been a favourite in different cities they're in. We had their ice cappuccino, chai latte and the caramelized brown sugar cake which is the bomb. They are known for the signature Woolloomooloo espresso blends made of high quality Arabica beans. Other than that. they also have several single origin beans available. See my full review of Toby's Estate here.
address:

Also check out the best brunch places in Singapore.

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Valentine's Day is coming soon, and I think finding a great staycation is one of the great ideas to spend Valentine's Day with beloved partner or friends. Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, a luxury resort hotel offering a tranquil environment for work, rest or play set amidst lush tropical greenery, welcomes families and couples to treat themselves to three exclusive staycation packages. Guests are able to choose from Club Tiny, Villa Escape or Beauty Escapade to pamper themselves as well as their loved ones with 5-star accommodation and services, sumptuous buffet breakfasts and breath-taking views of Sentosa island.







Those looking to surprise their partners with an exquisite and indelible experience can do so with a private retreat in the lush oasis. Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa offers the Villa Escape – a package designed specially for couples. Priced at SGD 680++ per night with breakfast buffet for two, the package includes a glistening sun-kissed private plunge pool that is attached to a stunning One-bedroom Villa complete with an elegant bedroom, sun-filled living room and an outdoor bath for couples to unwind together as they soak in the rich ambience of the resort.










Parents who wish to have a quick family getaway with their little ones in tow can opt for Club Tiny, a staycation package designed for families. From SGD 650++ per night on weekdays and SGD 680++ per night on weekends (including PH), step into the spacious Family Suite that is housed in a colonial-style heritage building and features a king-sized bed, living room, and an outdoor private veranda overlooking the infinity lap pool.










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When cuisine travel, they tend to become oversimplified and stereotypical. For example, when you mention Chinese dishes, people will simply said dumpling or noodle or fried rice. But again, you will definitely ask what type of noodle is it? how the broth taste like? What is the filling of the dumpling? and so on. Moreover, in Singapore, where culture blend and gastronomical sense collides, it is not easy to find a modern cuisine that reflect both Singapore where the dish is made and the dish origin itself. Perhaps that statement was countered by Dumpling Darlings, a recently opened new restaurant in CBD area.




We visited Dumpling Darlings on a fine evening for dinner. Located in a quaint shophouse in Telok Ayer area, the front part of the restaurant has a red light dumpling on top of it. When we reached there, the queue was about 30 minutes. Nevertheless, we waited and finally got in. The Dumpling Darling menu is simple, but the menu book is adorned with eye-catching illustration.





We decided to get the Dumpling Party tasting menu (S$20) comprises of five different flavour three pieces each. The flavours are The Original, Veggie mind, Mom Curry, Fried Pierogi, Smoked Duck. Their dumpling is freshly made each day. The quality and flavour of each filling is simply amazing and we can feel that there's much effort and thought placed in creating each flavour. All in all, our most favourite flavour was the Smoked Duck and Fried Pierogi. Compared to all flavour, the original one is the most mildly taste. We also ordered the Miso Mushroom noodle (S$5) which is a handmade thin egg noodle, topped with mushroom, boiled egg, and scallion. We thought that it tastes quite flavourful.





To end the tasting, we ordered a dumpling dessert which is pear and cheese dumpling with honey ice cream (S6). Wow it sounds like something new to us, but we must say that the dish was a superstar! It comprises of sweet and sour filling and the fragrant melting honey ice cream. Who would've thought that dumpling can be made into an excellent dessert?

All in all, I give this Dumpling Darlings restaurant a 4 star for its innovative dishes but not overcomplicating the original version of dumpling. I really recommend this place for those who would love to try a modern version of dumpling.


Address: 44 Amoy Street. Singapore


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I always love art and constantly finding new things to do in Singapore. I heard about Gillman Barracks a lot but haven't had time to visit it yet. That morning I decided to wake up quite early for breakfast then head to the place.







There are 2 main entrance to the premise, I took the one on Lock road. Gillman Barracks is an entire complex of different art galleries and exhibition space. Aside from that, there are also various restaurants in the premises like Timbre, The Naked Finn, and Hopscotch. There are several exhibitions going on. You can always check the schedule in Gilman Barracks website. One of the exhibitions that I visited was Boedi Widjaja: Rivers and Lake Tanah Air at Shangh Art Gallery (pictured above).


















Another notable exhibition was by Jef Geys Quadra Medicinale Singapore held in NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore. His exhibition was about collecting different types of plant he found in various road intersection in Singapore. I was blown away by the details, his drawing, and all the photos taken over the years.






Gillman Barracks
9 lock Road Singapore
closed on monday and public holidays

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