Mr & Mrs Smith

A week before our holiday we tried to get a table at the Cherry Garden restaurant as we wanted some great Cantonese food. Unfortunately there was nothing free, so if you want to eat here book early. Try Royal China at Raffles as an alternative as we did. On another day we stumbled on a food hall of sorts just behind the Esplanade Mall at the Marina. There was a mixture of food from all over Asia –very spicy and very cheap. We thought the food was good – so must the locals, because the place was packed.

Naumi has great staff and great rooms. Kudeta is open now – not as good as in Bali and far too busy, but the view is stunning. Marina Bay Supperclub has been closed since February. It's now a club called Soul – mostly youngsters up to 25.

As a Singapore travel vet, I am always super concious of tourist traps - particularly food establishments charging way too much in a city where you can eat like a king on the budget of a pauper. A couple of shops down from Naumi is a chicken rice venue that will knock your socks off - amazing food and not priced like you'd expect a restaurant opposite Raffles hotel to be priced at!

There are a wealth of local eateries and traditional "kopitiam" (literally, coffee-shop) on Seah Street (where Naumi is located) and Purvis Street (next parallel street). For example, try Shin Swee Kee chicken rice for one of the best examples of this Hainanese meal in Singapore (NB: expect a little pinkness in the chicken on the bone – not overcooking the chicken is part of the reason for the tenderness), or alternatively try the Killiney Road Kopitiam for breakfast (the kaya toast is sublime).

Singapore is more than the sum of its parts. In order to "get" Singapore, it's essential to venture further than the admittedly gorgeous hotel bars with a view and the malls on Orchard Road. How about starting with a bit of history? The Battle Box movingly recreates the last days before the fall of Singapore to the Japanese during the second world war. Next stop Little India – it's truly hard to believe you are merely steps away from the airconditioned malls. Fill yourself up on a fantastic good value lunch served on banana leaves - try Banana Leaf Apolo, for a restaurant crammed with locals of all ethnicities and tourists alike. In the evening, try a drink at the roof-top bar of the Screening Room in Chinatown. From your vantage point, admire traditional Chinatown with the CBD looming behind. Above all – do what Singapore does best – eat and shop!

Perfect rooftop view. Brilliant dim sum at Ah Teng's Bakery, at the nearby Raffles Hotel (+65 6412 1816).

Just got back from Asia and thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Naumi – a home away from home. The staff there are incredibly helpful, and all creature comforts catered to. The only down side is that the bar (including room service) closes at 10:30 in the evening, which is too early! Had dinner one night at the restaurant Blu on the 24th floor of the Shangri-la Hotel. Incredible views over the city, and very creative food à la Heston Blumenthal. Every dish was inventive and surprising – a feast for all the senses! Also had dinner one night in Rang Mahal in the Pan Pacific hotel. This is Indian food at its best. Request a table by the water feature at the entrance. Tried to complement my culinary indulgences by doing some serious walking through the tropical rainforest at Macritchie Reservoir. Definitely worth the trip out there – you must not miss the the treetop walk through the canopy.

No trip to Singapore would be complete without heading to Boat Quay for some Singapore Chilli Crab or supping a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar at Raffles. For a great dining experience head to Equinox on the 70th floor of the Swissotel and look out over the dazzling Singaporean skyline. If you fancy something a little different head to the night safari at the Singapore Zoo – the bats are amazing!

The staff and accomodations at Naumi were excellent. Rooms were nice and spacious and decor was chic and tasteful. Not to miss....lounge/bar a few km from the city called Mimolette.