There’s no doubt that Singapore punches above its weight (and size) in terms of global and cultural relevance. The city’s smorgasbord of cultures and experiences is well documented, but how often do we slow down and explore the best of the island’s domestic charm? This weekend, take a moment to savour local excellence—explore the works of a Singaporean artist famed for his acerbic takes on modern life, experience the best of home-grown hospitality at a luxury hotel collaboration, and round out the weekend with a taste of a local cocktail spot named one of Asia’s best. With National Day just around the corner, there’s no better time to relish in Singapore’s cultural offerings.
Friday Night: Indulge In A Cantonese Fine-Dining Spectacle At Cherry Garden By Chef Fei
Cherry Garden at Mandarin Oriental returns with a new name and a (Two Michelin) star-studded makeover, just in time for a fine-dining indulgence this weekend. Located at Mandarin Oriental, the newly revamped interior blends modern elegance with traditional Chinese stone and wooden accents, and lest you think the transformation is skin-deep, the new menu crafted by chef Fei offers an equally opulent dining experience. Chef Fei blends Cantonese and Teochew influences in artfully plated dishes—think wok-fried lobster in basil broth, roasted pork belly, and double-boiled soups.
Cherry Garden by Chef Fei is located at Mandarin Oriental, 5 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 050335.
Saturday Afternoon: Get Moving With SK-II’s CHIJMES Pop-up
This suncare trio may have flown off the shelves in Japan, but you’ll get the chance to see if it lives up to the hype at SK-II’s new CHIJMES pop-up this weekend. The event boasts mini-games, a pickleball court set-up for pictures, and, of course, the chance to be among the first in Singapore to try the new GenOptics Airy UV Cream & CC Primers. Get active, get moving, and don’t forget to cool off with a frozen treat before you leave.
SK-II Glow & Go Court @ CHIJMES runs from 18 July to 20 July at CHIJMES, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996.
Saturday Night: Revel In A Luxury Staycation At Amara Sentosa’s Collaboration With MCM
Look no further than Sentosa for this weekend’s luxury getaway. Amara Sanctuary Sentosa’s MCM Experience Villa sees one of the resort’s two-bedroom villas adorned with MCM’s signature home and pet design items in a bold blend of nature and comfort. Guests will experience Amara’s homegrown hospitality with accents of MCM’s design excellence peppered throughout their stay—from arriving at your villa in MCM buggies, the chance to savour a fragrance-inspired afternoon tea experience, to rounding off your stay with a curated MCM gift set, this exclusive experience is sure to be the luxe and relaxing reset you need.
The MCM Experience Villa is available for stays until 10 August at Amara Sanctuary Sentosa, 1 Larkhill Road, Sentosa Island, Singapore 099394.
Sunday Afternoon: Get Critical With Heman Chong At SAM
Tackling the shared human condition in the 21st century is certainly no small feat, but Heman Chong’s solo exhibition at SAM does not shy away from the breadth of its subject material. The Malaysian-born, Singapore-raised artist’s work is boldly conceptual, spanning his career from 2003 till now—don’t expect to walk away with clear answers so much as a critical eye and burning curiosity about the digital age in which we live. In conjunction with SAM, The Projector is also screening a series of films curated by Chong, should you wish to apply your newfound curiosity outside the exhibition space.
Heman Chong’s solo exhibition runs until 17 August at SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Road, #01-02, Singapore 089065.
Sunday Night: Visit One Of Asia’s Top Speakeasies
This half-hidden speakeasy on Duxton Road has jumped an impressive 33 places on Asia’s Best Bars list in the span of a year, finding itself ranked in the top 50 bars in Asia for the first time. Helmed by former Atlas and Paradise Lost bartenders, Cat Bite Club is a minimalist space that rewards the adventurous, as you’ll have to squeeze past heavy grey curtains at the back of Monument Coffee to enter. Be sure to try the famed Cat Bite Margarita, revered by patrons and bartenders alike for its punchy blend of tequila and mezcal.
Cat Bite Club is located at 75 Duxton Road, Singapore 089534.
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