Zipping into Singapore for the F1 Grand Prix (19-22 Sep)? Hands down the glammiest weekend of the year, the Lion City is abuzz as racing drivers, big-name music stars and the international jet set congregate for on and off-grid action.
While the dedicated party zones Amber Lounge and Podium Lounge offer high-octane shenanigans, should you want to sidestep the fray, our on-the-ground editor Andrea Seifert spotlights where to sleep, drink eat and play during the Singapore F1 Grand Prix weekend.
Where to Stay: JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach
But a wheel hop from the Formula One race track, the architectural JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach is a striking mashup of towering modernity and designer glamour. Each of the 634 rooms has a slightly different configuration, all flaunt bold, graphic decor with pops of colour and marbleous bathrooms, plus solid soundproofing so the vroom-vroom won’t affect your shut-eye.
Chances are you’ll have spotted the hotel’s 18th-floor deck in your Insta feed. Host to two pools, a gym and bar, the wraparound terrace affords stagger views of the glittering city (and turn 6 of the racetrack) below. Add five restaurants and bars, plus immediate access to neighbouring South Beach Avenue (see below) and you’re in pole position for a winning weekend.
30 Beach Road, Singapore. +65 6818 1888, marriott.com. Contact w.sinjw.sales@marriott.com for last-minuted F1 weekend reservations.
Where to Drink: Atlas
This colossal, ritzy Gothamite gin palace pulls out all the stops with sumptuous Art-Deco good looks and more than 1,000 bottles of the juniper tipple. Food can be hit and miss, but for grown-up libations it’s an original. As Andrea says, “Of all the gin bars I’ve ever been to, this is by far the grandest, with mixology, service and people watching to match, natch.”
Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Rd.+65 6396 4466. atlasbar.sg
Where to Eat: Nouri
For when you want to skip the F1 slam altogether, Ivan Brehm’s cosy shophouse on Amoy Street is just the ticket. Book ahead and enjoy progressive, complex plates that draw on Brehm’s eclectic Euro-Brazilian-Mid-East heritage and extensive globetrotting. Ingredients are sourced from the Malaysian Highlands and from their very own rooftop garden – ask and he’ll happily share the story behind each dish with you.
72 Amoy Street, Chinatown, nouri.com.sg
Where to Play: South Beach Avenue
JW Marriott is part of the slick South Beach Avenue, a modern complex that draws an after-work crowd with a slew of bars and eateries, including aspiring Michelin fine-diner Atmastel by Andrea Tarini and Korean-Mex Vatos Urban Tacos. Contrasting with the glassy modernity is The NCO Club, a former 50s social hub for non-commissioned officers and their families turned late-night pleasure zone. Among the five eat n’ drinkers is Alan Yau’s theatrical Madame Fan, raw bar Fish Pool (complete with resident mermaid) and hidden speakeasy Cool Cats for late-night tipples and live jazz.
Hero image: JW Marriott Singapore South Beach
Zooming into Singapore? Rev up your weekend with LUXE…
