Travel Guide: The Singapore Garden Festival

Marina Bay, Singapore. Photo Credit: StockByM, iStock / Getty Images Plus

Flowers by Marina Bay

Singapore is set to host a floral spectacle in 2024 that will leave even the most seasoned green thumb in awe. It would be a shame to wait to attend the Singapore Garden Festival if your medicine is flowers and breathtakingly adorned natural landscapes, because it is a biennial event. Beginning in 2006, the event is now in its ninth iteration and will take place at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Center from August 3 to 11 in the heart of the city, blocks from Marina Bay. The location lends to nearby luxury stays, dining experiences, cultural activities, and opportunities to get outside on the golf course if necessary.

Ready, set…bloom!

As you stroll through the festival, you will encounter the "Best of Show Designer Gardens," where breathtaking landscape and fantasy gardens are crafted by award-winning designers from around the globe. These gardens showcase innovative horticultural techniques and artistic creativity, making each display a feast for the senses​.

One of the festival's highlights this year will be the "Floral Windows to the World Championship," where 18 international floral designers compete in a series of live tasks to win the Grand Champion title. This competition adds a dynamic element to the festival, allowing visitors to witness the creative process in real time. Additionally, the "Balcony Gardens Competition" offers inspiring ideas for urban gardening, demonstrating how small spaces can be transformed into lush retreats.

A floral display by award-winning Japanese landscape designer Jun-ichi Inada, featuring 18,000 orchid plants for the 2014 Singapore Garden Festival. Photo Credit: ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images

Time to Dine

When the day is over and it’s time to eat, consider yourself in luck. Singapore's Michelin-star dining scene elegantly mirrors the city-state's rich and multifaceted culinary legacy.

Situated on the 70th floor of the Swissôtel, The Stamford, Jaan by Kirk Westaway offers a spectacular view that complements its exquisite British contemporary cuisine. The two Michelin Star restaurants, helmed by Chef Kirk Westaway, take diners on a gastronomic journey that reinvents classic British dishes with modern flair. Chef Westaway crafts dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious using top-notch British produce, such as scallops from Scotland and turbot from Cornwall. One notable creation is his refined take on the traditional dippy eggs with soldiers, whimsically named “hen’s egg,” which encapsulates his ability to transform familiar comfort food into gourmet experiences.

For those who seek the epitome of French culinary excellence, Odette at the National Gallery is an unmissable destination. This three Michelin Star restaurant, led by Chef Julien Royer, is renowned for its impeccable service, refined ambiance, and masterfully crafted dishes. Chef Royer combines luxury ingredients with creative flair, resulting in elegant and memorable dishes. Signature offerings include the blue lobster and potato salad and the delicate baba au rhum, each a testament to Chef Royer’s dedication to perfection. The National Gallery's elegant setting enhances the dining experience, making it a perfect venue for a special occasion or a sophisticated meal.​

Financial district and Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Photo Credit: Matteo Colombo, Stockbyte / Getty Images

In the vibrant culinary landscape of Singapore, Thevar stands out with its innovative take on Indian cuisine. Located on Keong Saik Road, this two Michelin Star restaurant, under the helm of Chef Mano Thevar, presents a creative multi-course menu that blends Indian traditions with European techniques. Signature dishes like the Chettinad chicken roti and Brittany lobster in curry beurre blanc are a testament to Chef Thevar's ability to infuse robust Indian flavors with refined culinary methods. The lively and bustling atmosphere of Thevar adds to the dining experience, making it a favorite among those who appreciate bold flavors and inventive cuisine​.

After indulging in the city's finest gastronomic delights, it’s time to hit the pillow before your next adventure. Singapore is famous for hotels that promise to elevate your visit with unparalleled amenities and features and unmatched views of the city and the water surrounding it.

Sleeping in Singapore

Nestled on the quieter edge of Orchard Road but still near the action, The Singapore Edition is a sanctuary of modern luxury and understated elegance. This greenery-bedecked hotel offers a refreshing retreat from the bustling city, making it an ideal base. The hotel's rooms are designed with a minimalist aesthetic, providing sensory relief through a restrained palette and thoughtful use of negative space. Guests can unwind in the rooftop pool suspended nine floors above the courtyard, offering a unique view through a transparent acrylic oculus into the lush greenery below.

The Edition's signature restaurant, Fysh, is helmed by renowned chef Josh Niland and showcases a sustainable, gill-to-fin approach to seafood. A selection of fine wines and innovative cocktails complements it. For those seeking relaxation, the hotel's spa offers soothing treatments using Le Labo and Swiss Cellcosmet products, while the Technogym-outfitted gym caters to fitness enthusiasts​.

If you aim to escape downtown after the festival, Capella Singapore is the epitome of luxury and serenity on the tranquil Sentosa Island. The hotel and property span 30 acres of lush greenery, offering a private and secluded retreat 20 minutes from the mainland. The hotel features 80 rooms with a glass-fronted extension designed by Norman Foster. Each has modern amenities and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Lotus in full bloom, set in the financial center of Singapore. Photo Credit: Chalabala, iStock / Getty Images Plus

Capella Singapore has two infinity pools and a world-class holistic spa. The hotel's extensive grounds, protected by the National Park, are home to Singapore's first albino peacock, adding an exciting sight to your natural surroundings. Dining at Capella is a culinary journey, with options ranging from traditional Asian fare to contemporary international cuisine in a serene and sophisticated setting​.

For a stay steeped in history and elegance and near the venue's front door, Raffles Singapore offers an unparalleled experience. This iconic hotel, located at 1 Beach Road, is known for its timeless charm and impeccable service. Raffles' 115 rooms are spacious and luxuriously appointed, providing a perfect blend of classic sophistication and modern comfort. The hotel's holistic spa is a tranquil haven, offering treatments designed to rejuvenate and relax, from gemstone massages to advanced skincare therapies.

Raffles Singapore is also home to the legendary Long Bar, where the Singapore Sling was invented, making it a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts. The hotel's culinary offerings are equally impressive, with various dining options catering to all tastes. From the Tiffin Room's refined elegance to the Raffles Grill's contemporary cuisine, each restaurant provides a unique dining experience that reflects the hotel's rich heritage and commitment to excellence​.

Something different

During SGF 2024, the National Gallery Singapore hosts multiple exhibitions that offer a change of pace. One highlight is "Cheong Soo Pieng: Layer by Layer," from April 5 to September 29, 2024. This exhibition delves into the late Singaporean artist's innovative use of materials and techniques, offering a comprehensive overview of his work from the 1950s to the 1970s. Through material analysis such as x-ray scans and infrared photography, visitors can gain fresh insights into his artistic process, making it a fascinating exploration of creativity and technique​. Additionally, visitors can experience "Figuring A Scene," an exhibition that challenges viewers to understand art through nature's lens. From April 5 to December 1, 2024, visitors can explore six thematic sections, each offering a unique perspective on how nature influences art.

Another option is to take a break from the Singapore Garden Festival to enjoy a round of golf at Marina Bay Golf Course, Singapore's only 18-hole public golf course. Designed by Phil Jacobs, this links-style course offers spectacular city skyline views, adding a picturesque backdrop to your game. The course features challenging elements like 85 pot bunkers and Asia's longest par-6 hole, ensuring an engaging experience for golfers of all levels. After your game, relax at The Canopy Café, which offers a delightful dining experience with scenic vistas.

Market flower stall in Singapore. Photo Credit: Alle Grace, iStock / Getty Images Plus

Dormant till next time

The 2024 Singapore Garden Festival promises an unforgettable experience filled with breathtaking floral displays, innovative garden designs, and enriching cultural activities. From the impressive "Best of Show Designer Gardens" to the riveting "Floral Windows to the World Championship," the festival offers a feast for the senses and inspiration for garden enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Complementing your visit, you can explore Singapore's luxurious hotels, dine at MICHELIN Star restaurants, and engage in alternative activities like art exhibitions at the National Gallery Singapore or a round of golf at Marina Bay Golf Course.

Detailed and up-to-date air travel information is available through Air Charter Guide for travelers seeking to attend the festival. They provide the latest updates on flight bookings and operators, ensuring that your journey to Singapore is as seamless and enjoyable as the festival experience. Whether you're coming for the gardens, the culture, or the luxury, the Singapore Garden Festival 2024 promises to delight and inspire.