After the festivities and getaways of the holiday season, it’s time to dive back into reality. But reality can be just as sweet—especially with a wave of exciting new openings and escapades waiting to be discovered, both in Singapore and beyond.
Whether you’re seeking an unforgettable journey on the high seas, a luxurious escape to Sentosa, or the perfect dining experience, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of non-stop luxury and adventure. But first, let’s start with January, which is brimming with opportunities to indulge.
1. Louis Vuitton x Murakami pop-up in Joo Chiat
Image: Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton has brought its highly anticipated Louis Vuitton x Murakami pop-up to Singapore, now on until 19 January 2025. Located within a historic Peranakan shophouse at 72 Joo Chiat Place, this Southeast Asian-exclusive activation celebrates the re-edition collection between Louis Vuitton and celebrated Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami. It’s part of a global series, which is taking over six other iconic cities around the world–namely London, Milan, New York, Seoul, Shanghai, and Tokyo.
First impressions are always important—and the façade of the shophouse lives up to expectations. It’s adorned with Murakami’s signature Superflat Garden featuring vibrant smiley flowers and the iconic Monogram Multicolore, reflecting the marriage between Joo Chiat’s rich cultural heritage and the collection’s playful nature.
Image: Louis Vuitton
Inside, the pop-up showcases the imaginative world of Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami through four immersive zones: a Retail Space, Cinema, Care Station, and Café. Inspired by Tokyo’s modular hotel designs, the minimalist yet dynamic interiors create an engaging atmosphere for visitors.
Image: Louis Vuitton
Discover the Louis Vuitton x Murakami Chapter One collection at the Retail Space, featuring the vibrant Monogram Multicolore, Superflat Panda, and the exclusive LV x TM Superflat Panda Card Holder. At the Cinema, relive Murakami’s legacy with remastered Superflat Monogram and First Love films. The Care Station offers specialised repair services for 20-year-old archival pieces, while the Café serves drinks in biodegradable cups adorned with Superflat Panda designs, paired with cookies inspired by the iconic smiley flower motif.
2. 62°NORD to launch new Svalbard signature adventure in early 2025
Image: 62°NORD
Here’s one for those looking to embark on more adventurous journeys this year. In early 2025, Norwegian luxury travel specialist 62°NORD will unveil its new Signature Adventure to Svalbard, a remote Arctic archipelago. This exclusive nine-day journey combines the rugged beauty of Norway’s fjords with Svalbard’s untouched wilderness.
Storfjord Hotel.
Image: 62°NORD and The Ingalls
The adventure begins at the renowned Storfjord Hotel, where guests will spend two nights immersed in the serene Sunnmøre Alps before departing by private jet to Longyearbyen, Svalbard. In this Arctic wonderland, travellers will navigate snow-blanketed terrain by dog sled and snowmobile, with a chance to witness the ethereal Northern Lights illuminating the polar sky. Encounters with polar bears, walruses, reindeer, and seabirds offer a glimpse into Svalbard’s captivating wildlife.
Image: Eric Elliot and 62°NORD
Guests will also master polar skills and delve into the tales of Arctic explorers, embracing the raw power of nature while enjoying unparalleled comfort and exclusivity. Intrigued? Take a peek at 62°NORD’s full itinerary and get your passports ready for this transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Rates start from NOK 320 000 (S$38,574) per person.
3. Raffles Sentosa Singapore opening in Q1 2025
Image: Raffles Sentosa Singapore
Right on our shores, Raffles Sentosa Singapore is opening in early 2025. This marks the second address of the iconic Raffles brand in its birthplace, after the illustrious Raffles Singapore.
Nestled atop a hill on Sentosa, this ultra-luxurious retreat features 62 contemporary private pool villas set amidst lush tropical gardens, offering sweeping views of the South China Sea. Just 10 minutes from central Singapore, the resort combines seclusion with accessibility, providing a tranquil sanctuary for extended stays focused on wellbeing and nature.
Guests will enjoy five exceptional dining venues, a next-generation spa, and literary collections spanning botany, wellness, fashion, and gastronomy. The resort also boasts a grand ballroom seating 400, overlooking the serene resort pool.
At check-in, guests will be welcomed with the Sentosa Sling, a bespoke rendition of the iconic Singapore Sling, first crafted at Raffles Singapore’s Long Bar. This signature cocktail serves as a nod to the brand’s storied heritage, enhancing the legendary Raffles hospitality experience.
4. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ new ‘Upgrade Your Horizon’ offer
Image: ©RSSC
Luxury travellers seeking an elevated cruising experience can now take advantage of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ latest offer, Upgrade Your Horizon. Available on new bookings made between 1 January and 28 February 2025, this promotion features a complimentary two-category suite upgrade and a reduced deposit of just 7.5%.
The offer applies to over 350 meticulously crafted itineraries across the globe, including destinations in Alaska, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific, and beyond. Guests will have the chance to explore exotic ports of call while enjoying the line’s hallmark all-inclusive luxury.
Highlighted itineraries include a Scandinavian voyage aboard Seven Seas Voyager, offering up to 36 shore excursions across iconic cities like Stockholm, Oslo, and Copenhagen. Activities include hiking the St. Olav trail in Sundsvall and cruising the Oslo Fjord aboard a boat with an enclosed sauna.
Image: ©RSSC
For culinary enthusiasts, the Spotlight with Chef Chriss Gross cruise aboard Seven Seas Grandeur offers a fusion of Northern European culture and gourmet experiences. Departing from Amsterdam, this 12-night voyage explores charming destinations like the Orkney Islands, Hebrides, and Isle of Man, as well as iconic cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow. Indulge in exclusive culinary events led by the chef, known for his expertise in creating regionally inspired dishes that highlight the finest local ingredients.
Meanwhile, the Serenity at Sea voyage aboard Seven Seas Mariner traverses the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, and offers a 14-night journey from Barcelona to Miami. Guests can unwind while visiting picturesque ports such as Malaga in Spain, Funchal in Portugal’s Madeira Islands, and the pristine beaches of Bermuda. Excursions include immersive cultural tours, such as exploring Malaga’s historic streets and soaking up the natural beauty of Madeira.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises website
5. COTU, a new lifestyle destination at Marina Bay
The Whisper Room.
Image: COTU
For those seeking an elevated and sophisticated night out, COTU, or Centre of the Universe, is Singapore’s newest hotspot. Newly opened in December, the expansive 18,000-square-foot venue atop the 38th and 39th floors of CapitaGreen redefines nightlife with five distinct concepts under one roof.
Jazz enthusiasts can start at The Whisper Room, a chic bar that transforms into a live jazz lounge during sunset happy hour from 5.30pm. With its intimate atmosphere and smooth melodies reminiscent of New York’s iconic jazz clubs, it’s a fitting prelude to an unforgettable evening.
Enso Steakhouse.
Image: COTU
For dining, Enso, a Japanese steakhouse helmed by Chef Alex Craciun, boasts a dry-ageing room for exceptional cuts. Little Birdie, the entry-point cocktail bar, sets a welcoming tone, while the Dashi Go-Go Ultra Lounge shifts the mood with hip-hop and R&B beats against vibrant Neo-Tokyo-inspired interiors.
Image: COTU
The experience culminates at the Dashi Sky Pool, Singapore’s first open-air sky pool within an entertainment venue. Lounge in a cabana or enjoy unique events like floating film festivals—all with panoramic city views as the backdrop.
This multi-faceted destination is poised to make waves in Singapore’s nightlife scene—so you’d want to watch this space.
6. Moire Hoi An, Vignette Collection opens in Vietnam
Image: Vignette Collection
IHG Hotels & Resorts introduces the Vignette Collection to Vietnam with the opening of Moire Hoi An, an enchanting 128-key resort along the serene Hoai River. This luxurious property, set within the UNESCO-recognised cultural landscape of Hoi An, seamlessly blends the town’s historic charm with modern sophistication. The resort’s design, inspired by the moiré silk pattern, reflects the fluidity of the river and the interplay of past and present.
Moire Hoi An offers a curated selection of experiences, including its signature “Memorable Rituals”. Guests can explore the art of Vietnamese coffee-making at The Yellow Bicycle or enjoy a tailored cultural guide to Hoi An. Dining highlights include The Yellow Bicycle deli and Ember & Sip, an innovative barbecue concept with Asian influences.
Image: Vignette Collection
And of course, what’s a vacation without some relaxation? Breathe Spa combines Eastern and Western therapies, while an infinity pool overlooking the river invites tranquil moments.
Following its commitment to sustainability, the resort partners with local schools to support arts education, preserving Hoi An’s vibrant cultural heritage. Rooms are available for booking, and rates start at S$327 per night.
7. The world’s first AP Café by Audemars Piguet opens in Singapore
Image: Audemars Piguet House Singapore
Audemars Piguet is set to elevate its retail experience with the launch of the world’s first AP Café in Singapore this month. Located within the new Audemars Piguet House at the historic Raffles Hotel, the café offers a unique blend of horology and hospitality. This opening aligns with a growing trend of luxury brands creating experiential spaces, following the likes of Coach Play Singapore Shophouse and Ralph’s Coffee by Ralph Lauren.
The café is just one facet of the new AP House. Designed as a lifestyle destination, the new space will showcase loaned timepieces from clients, Audemars Piguet’s latest collections, and immersive watchmaking displays.
The new AP House Singapore joins a global network of 20 AP Houses, with recent additions in Milan and Macau, designed as refined spaces for watch enthusiasts.
Audemars Piguet House Singapore website
8. Sky22 at Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena reopens
Image: Sky22
Sky22 at Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena reopens on 27 January 2025, unveiling a dining destination designed to offer a tranquil escape from city life. Reimagined by EDG Design Studio, the restaurant’s interiors reflect Singapore’s lush greenery, with biophilic design elements, natural textures, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with light. Flexible seating and open kitchen formats enhance the welcoming ambience, making it a haven for both intimate gatherings and celebrations.
Crab Cake.
Image: Sky22
The refreshed menu highlights local flavours with a focus on sustainability. Spearheaded by Director of Food and Beverage John Chye, dishes like Crab Cake with locally farmed ice plant and Szechuan Chicken Koushuiji featuring cage-free eggs showcase the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, ethically sourced ingredients.
A standout feature is the new walk-in cold buffet, offering an expanded selection of salads, ice cream, and desserts. Guests can pair this with one main course from the weekly rotating menu, featuring signatures like Sky22 Laksa Lemak and Beer-Battered Black Grouper.
Sky22’s Semi-Buffet Lunch is available daily from 12pm to 2.30pm for $29.50++ per person, promising an brand new dining experience with panoramic views of the cityscape.
Savour a fresh wave of experiences this January 2025
From new lifestyle destinations in the Lion City to the most opulent hotel openings and curated adventures around the world, 2025 is off to a fabulous start. After all, there’s no better way to kick off the year. Be sure to bookmark our page for a curation of the hottest openings and happenings in Singapore and beyond.
Cover image adapted from: Louis Vuitton
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