Teeming with food, bars, shopping, wildlife, day spas and swanky hotels, Singapore has all the vices covered. The diamond-shaped compact metropolis may be deemed unadventurous for the intrepid traveller but is ideal for swooning lovers looking for fun date ideas in Singapore. Walking around any time of the day or night is safe; the food is sanitary, and you can practically eat off the immaculate streets. Who wants to worry about a disgruntled tummy or your safety in the wee hours when other attractions beckon both far and by your side?

You know you’re soaring on romance when you can look down on the nightly laser-light show at Singapore’s landmark Marina Bay Sands. The complex is one of the best romantic experiences in Singapore and includes a sky-park with one of the city’s finest restaurants Ku De Ta, and a sexy infinity pool trickling off the edge of the 57^th floor. Craving more giddy drinks? Check out the red lantern affair at Kinki Restaurant + Bar or 1-Arden, 51 storeys above the city, serving Australian wines and the world’s tallest urban farm.

Chinatown heaves with markets, tea houses, and dim sum. Here you’ll find everyone’s favourite, Maxwell Hawker Centre, and with around 100 stalls, there is serious debate over who has the best fish head curry and laksa, but Tian Tian consistently attracts long queues for its chicken rice. For those times you’re longing for Hainanese Chicken Rice, try this recipe.

Satays by the Bay

The Satay Club may have relocated several times since its opening in 1940, but the open-air stall in its current location at Gardens by the Bay continues to waft heavenly barbequed meat across the city. East Coast Seafood includes several seafood restaurants with Long Beach famed for its crab doused in black pepper crab to be torn apart with abandon is another fun date idea in Singapore.

Black Pepper Crab at East Coast Seafood

Just 30 minutes from the concrete jungle, a more exotic one awaits at Singapore Zoo with Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park. The River Safari allows visitors to get up close (but not too personal) with capybaras (world’s biggest rodent), jaguars and flamingos on a boat ride through a mock Amazon. The experience includes cheeky interactions in the Squirrel Monkey Forest and the Amazon Flooded Forest with frolicking manatees, giant river otters and turtles in a simulated flooding of the Amazon rainforest. The highlight for many is the pandas in the Yangtze River Zone in the Rivers of the World, which also includes species from the Congo, River Nile, Ganges, Murray and Mekong Rivers. Combine the River Safari with an exploration of the zoo, night safari and the Jurong Bird Park allowing for at least a couple of days to get wild.

What a beauty at the Singapore Zoo

With 77% of Singapore’s 5 million residents being Chinese with a mix of Malay, Indian and Eurasian, relish in the multiculturalism while caressing the Persian rugs on Arab Street in Kampong Glam, splurge at the Mustafa Centre, the 24-hour shopping complex in Little India or haggle over the tea sets in Chinatown.

Once known for its seedy nightlife, Bugis Street is now notorious for its cobblestone lanes teeming with over 800 clothing and souvenir shops and eateries. Lose yourself and credit rating in the city’s largest retail and lifestyle destination Vivo City before collapsing on the rooftop amphitheatre and sky-park.

Orchard Road isn’t for the faint-hearted and with over two kilometres of high-street fashion interspersed with high-end shopping malls, stilettos mightn’t be at the top of the list. Don’t despair as there are plenty of eateries to refuel, this is Singapore after all, where the local greeting of ‘’sudah makan’’ means, “Have you eaten?” Go mad during the Great Singapore Sale which runs for eight weeks from 30 May until 27 July with bargains all over the city.

Hainanese Chicken Rice at the Maxwell Food Centre

A few minutes away from the CBD, an oasis awaits within Bishan Park 2 at Aramsa Garden Spa. Drawing on a mix of eastern and western techniques, packages include energising, rejuvenating and relaxation therapies as well as aesthetic treatments like facials, nail treatments and shaping-up programmes. The national park includes river plains, including Kallang River crawling with wildlife and several dining options, from casual brunch to cuisine as healthy as nature intended to a candle-lit garden sanctuary.

Cloud Forest Dome at Gardens by the Bay

But for gardens, you must go to Gardens by the Bay by Marina Bay, featuring a majestic Cloud Forest Dome with 30-metre indoor waterfall, Flower Dome and sculptural trees.

The colonials amongst you will retreat to The Raffles Hotel, named after the island’s founder Sir Stamford Raffles, for a Singapore Sling beneath the mechanical rattan fans. Or snuggle up at Tanjong Beach Club on Sentosa Island for a sandy chill and cocktails lingering long into the night.

Sentosa Island

Fly: Low cost airline Scoot now flies from Perth prices starting at $159 www.flyscoot.com

Getting around: The MRT is efficient and taxis are cheap and clean with English speaking drivers.

Carmen Jenner was a guest of the Singapore Tourism Board (www.stb.gov.sg) and Scoot Airlines.

The post A Singapore Schwing: Fun date ideas in Singapore appeared first on Fluffy Towel Travel.

There’s nothing quite like being whisked away to luxury digs where the signature dish is romance and dessert is, um, well, I’m sure you can conjure up some scenarios. Why not go all out and head to a remote pocket of our huge state where no-one will hear your cries of glory with these 9 remote romantic getaways in Western Australia?

9 Remote Romantic Getaways in Western Australia

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Credit Ryan Chatfield/Cocos Islands

Okay, although not technically part of Western Australia, we’re claiming the Cocos (Keeling) Islands as they can only be reached from Perth within a few hours, and let’s face it, they are the very definition of paradise. Consisting of 27 islands, this tiny atoll in the Indian Ocean is about as remote as you can get, which is just the way you’ll want it with the perfect year-round water temperature of 28 degrees. The compact population of around 600 swells no more than 144 visitors as that’s all that can be accommodated at any one time across the cute bungalows, including the adults-only The Breakers and Seaward. Direction Island and Pulu Belan Madar have been named as two of the country’s best beaches by Tourism Australia for their snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, birdwatching, island hopping and undisputed beauty.

Cocos Keeling Islands, Indian Ocean

Credit Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Margaret River Region: Willow Wood Glamping Retreat

Set on 100 acres among kangaroos and fluffy highland cows, Willow Wood Glamping Retreat cradles its guests in fluffy towels, fluffy robes, ensuites with Larn’wa products, cloud-like mattresses, sitting rooms, air-conditioning and kitchenettes stocked with coffee machines and freshly baked bread, preserves and granola. By the time I was soaking in the copper bath on the deck beneath the Milky Way, I seriously began to wonder what had taken me so long to try glamping, especially one that blends luxury and nature as seamlessly as the owners Kevin and Amber Kelly have succeeded in doing. I further dwelled on this while horizontal in the spa tent as Amber worked her magic with a Larn’wa treatment infused with Australian botanicals.

381 Ambergate Road, Ambergate

Frankland River: Frankland River Retreat

I’m always dreaming about escaping to a cabin in the woods…as long as the internet, wine, coffee and fluffy towels are in abundance. The Frankland River Retreat fulfils the fantasy and more with a well-appointed kitchenette and bathroom, open-plan living and dining, a queen-sized bed and a deck with sweeping views of rolling paddocks. Truth be told, it’s one of the most remote and romantic getaways in Western Australia that even I had to look it up on a map, and I’ve lived in Perth my whole life. Turns out that even though it feels a universe away from reality, it’s really only an hour from Albany, Denmark, Manjimup and Mount Barker, and a three-and-a-half-hour drive southeast of Perth – the perfect spot for romantic adventures. To find out more about the Frankland River Retreat, please click here.

Frankland River Retreat

Ferguson Valley: Peppermint Lane

The adults-only and discrete cottages at Peppermint Lane Lodge is not the place to bring your kids, but it certainly is a wonderful place to make a baby. A retreat in every sense of the word, there are few distractions from the real world – just romance and a few kangaroos bouncing by. Situated in the Ferguson Valley, where the hills seem to slip into the Indian Ocean, many zoom past the turn-off on the South West highway about an hour north of Margaret River. Let them, leaving more wine, food, art, adventure, wildlife, romance and a few thousand gnomes at the nearby Gnomesville, for you and your lover to relish in.

South West and Great Southern: Private Properties

Glamourous beachside mansions and wilderness escapes in unforgettable locations, Private Properties offers multiple romantic getaways in Western Australia. Many offer multiple living rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms in different configurations as well as tennis courts and pools for exertions beyond the boudoir. They range from sleek and contemporary designs to pre-loved wooden bungalows, many with coastal, vineyard and bush views, and others in incredible garden settings. Massages, romantic dining experiences, housekeeping, itineraries, yoga and possibly even the odd kangaroo are available upon request. For a few suggestions check out 5 Luxurious Margaret River Properties.

Photo provided by Karijini Eco Retreat taken by Christian Fletcher

Pilbara: Karijini Eco Retreat, Pilbara

For an authentically Australian outback experience, get back to nature at Karijini Eco Retreat. Set within Karijini National Park and owned by the Gumala Aboriginal Corporation, you can spread your love of the environment with safari tents made from recycled materials and with limited power, you’re guaranteed to smoulder within the romantic glow. There is a range of sleeping options, but the deluxe eco-tents with private en-suites, quality bedding, stylish décor and decks only adds to the romance and makes for a star-studded experience. The onsite Australian-inspired restaurant offers outback flavours undoubtedly with red kangaroos shyly observing in the distance. Located 1400km north of Perth and 80km north-east of Tom Price, this is one of the most remote and romantic getaways in Western Australia – the isolation is glorious, especially with the juxtaposition of lush streams, waterfalls, pools and ferns against the burnt ochres and faded scrub greens sure to romance your honey. Not to mention those plunging gorges millions of years old guaranteed to evoke at least one, “Hey gorgeous,” pun.

Katanning: Premier Mill Hotel

You mightn’t associate the tiny Katanning town located in the Wheatbelt with luxury. But after just one night in the historic flour mill converted into the luxurious Premier Mill Hotel, you might just change your mind. Each of the individualised 22 rooms is a moody industrial oasis and a throwback to the glory years as a profitable flour mill. Exposed timber walls, steel beams and vaulted open ceilings make for an unforgettable stay. The Old Mill Whistle once sounded for the workers and nowadays the whistle blows at midday as a celebration of heritage meets contemporary design. The boutique hotel houses a Dome café and the Cordial Bar in the basement, which was once used as a wine cellar and now serves cocktails, tapas and sodas – a delightful reminder of the original owner Frederick Piesse, whose vision transformed the town and manufacturing lemonade was just one of his many ventures. Katanning is on the WA Public Silo Trail and click here for 8 Reasons to follow this unique trail.

Albany: Beach House at Bayside

At the Beach House at Bayside, each of the Mediterranean-inspired rooms are exquisitely decorated and the elaborate breakfast spreads certainly set you up for a day of exploring. As Albany’s premier bed and breakfast accommodation, owners Craig and Sally Pullin offer all their guests staying in each of their 10 guest rooms a personalised service, including food and activity recommendations such as nearby walking and cycling trails, the National ANZAC Centre, The Gap and Natural Bridge and into neighbouring regions such as Denmark, Walpole, Porongurups and the Stirling Ranges. Albany is on the 1000km Public Silo Trail and reminiscent of a British seaside village, this is one of the most romantic getaways in Western Australia that beckons you to snuggle up after a day of rugged beauty.

Lucky Bay, Esperance

Lucky Bay, Esperance

Esperance: Esperance Chalet Village

Esperance’s isolation already appeals to those craving an uninhibited frolic on its pristine world-class beaches. This cluster of rustic chalets holds no airs and its recent refurbishment has taken care of all those creature comforts; promising countless opportunities to take care of each other. With plush bedding, contemporary décor, flat-screen TVs, well-equipped kitchens and reverse cycle air-conditioning, you’re well placed to explore with your partner-in-crime the ridiculously beautiful scenery, plus several secret enclaves within a lusty moan. With salty limbs entwined, choose between the spacious two-bedroom abodes or cosy A-Frame chalets nestled alongside Bandy River at the Esperance Chalet Village.

For more ideas to knock the pants off your lover please check out 6 Naked Mini-breaks 

If you’d like more ideas for romantic getaways in Western Australia, please order your copy of Australia’s Extra.Ordinary. West coffee table book, a travel book like no other.

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