I’ve travelled through Singapore Changi Airport at least 20 times in the last 4 years but my latest layover in Changi was by far the best yet.
Voted the world’s best airport (6 years in a row and counting), Singapore Changi has plenty of options for passengers on a layover. From free movies to butterfly gardens, the entertainment options help you easily while away hours in transit.
But what if you want to get into holiday mode before you leave the airport? With this luxury layover guide to Singapore Changi you can begin relaxing before you even reach your destination. From muscle-soothing massages to poolside cocktails and gourmet burgers, read on to discover the most indulgent ways you can spend a layover at Singapore Changi, as road-tested by me!
Sip a (free) Singapore Sling at the Long Bar by Raffles inside the DFS Duplex
You don’t need to leave the airport to try Raffle’s signature cocktail the Singapore Sling as you’ll find a tasting bar inside the duty free duplex in Terminal 3 offering free samples. As this is not a commercial bar you cannot buy drinks but if you plan on purchasing duty free at Changi pull up a chair here to try some of the tipples before buying.
Did you know: You can buy a pre-made Raffles Singapore Sling mixture to take home. It’s the same one they serve on Singapore Airlines flights, like the one you see me slurping here.
Indulge in a massage or facial at the Shilla Beauty Loft
Not far from the Long Bar in T3 is my favourite part of Changi, the Shilla Beauty Loft. Not only can you buy products from luxury beauty brands including Chanel, Dior, La Prairie and SK-II but you can enjoy treatments with them too.
SK-II has a tempting array of facial, beauty and massage treatments, starting from 15mins, that they offer in private, soothing treatment rooms. I booked in for the Relaxation Therapy – a 30-minute head, neck and shoulder massage for $45 SD – and, honestly, I forgot I was even in an airport.
You can make bookings on the day (subject to availability) or secure your place in advance by emailing [email protected].
Enjoy some poolside drinks on the rooftop
Transport yourself to Bali while on transit in Changi by taking a dip at the Balinese-style rooftop pool at the Singapore Airport Transit Hotel (T1). Entry costs just $17 SGD (for non-guests) and includes use of the shower facilities, a towel and a complimentary non-alcoholic drink.
Tuck into burgers and bubbles at The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck
You don’t have to be flying business class to enjoy fine dining at Changi Airport, just head to The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck (T3) and order anything on the menu! Whether you’re looking for a cooked breakfast or gourmet burger, The Kitchen has a tempting menu and stylish seating that’s a far cry from your usual airport food court.
Shop up at storm at the luxury boutiques
Of course, if you really want to indulge yourself you can just go shopping in any of the 350+ boutiques spread across Changi’s 4 terminals. The Louis Vuitton boutique in T3 offers some a little extra with a mini exhibition of vintage LV luggage on the 2nd level.
Don’t forget: If you’re flying with Singapore Airlines, SilkAir or Air New Zealand you may be entitled to vouchers up to the value of $40 SD that can be spent at retail & beauty outlets – including treatments at the Shilla Loft! – or can be redeemed for one-time access to the Ambassador Transit Lounge as part of the Changi Transit Programme . Find out more.
Sink into the sumptuous sheets at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
Finally, if you have a longer layover then you can’t get more luxurious than slipping between the sheets at the World’s Best Airport Hotel, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport. (They just won this title at the World Airport Awards for the fourth year running.)
Offering luxury premier rooms with runway or pool views, business rooms with stand-free bathtubs and ample USB ports, and day use rooms for stopovers less than 8 hours, Crowne Plaza Changi offers blissful shuteye on your stopover, plus a whole lot more if you decide to stay longer. (The hotel also has a 24-hour fitness room, 4 spa treatment rooms, a selection of restaurants and lounges, meeting rooms and a 30-metre outdoor pool.)
I’ve been a lucky guest of both a Premier Room with Runway View and a Business King Room (found in a stylish new 10-story extension that opened in August 2016) and cannot speak highly enough of this airport hotel, which outshines all others in Changi.
I’m particularly fond of the hotel’s seamless connection to the airport, effective soundproofing (you have no idea you’re minutes from the runway) and stylish design.
Little luxurious touches in the room make all the difference to your stay too – we certainly appreciated the generous This Works amenities, Elemis pillow spray to help you drift off to sleep and mobile phone with complimentary local calls and select international ones (including to the UK and Australia).
Head to Singapore for a longer stay? Check out What to do in Singapore: 5 cool places you can’t miss
Are you travelling via Singapore Changi Airport soon? Do any of these indulgent ideas take your fancy?
I love Changi Airport! It’s the only airport where I actually look forward to my layover. I didn’t know they offered free Singapore Slings, I’ll definitely have to taste one of those next time 😉
I look forward to layovers at Changi too – and just because of duty free Zara! Got to grab a Sling on your next flight through. 😀
I wish I had longer at Singapore airport!!! I only really had enough time for the swimming pool and we checked out one of the outdoor gardens! Amazing airport!!
I always try and give myself as long a layover as possible at Singapore for this very reason. There’s no other airport I’d say the same about though haha
I am going to Singapore in two weeks! I can’t wait to check out this airport. You got me so excited. Oh I enrolled in the contest haha. Thanks so much for sharing!
You’re welcome! Have a great trip and best of luck with the contest 😀
I Love Changi airport! Its the only airport I want to spend time at! That hotel room looks amazing!
Me too, I find myself actively booking longer layovers at Changi just so I can enjoy a few different options.
Arghhh I wish I had read this before my last layover at Changi. I’m favoriting this so I don’t miss out again! Lovin’ your tips (also that bathroom has to be the best damn bathroom I’ve ever seen at an airport hotel!!)
I’ve got you covered for next 😀 And isn’t it just!
Changi is great, as is the Crowne Plaza. I’ve done a daytime stay with them before which turns the 24h UK to Australia economy class slog into a totally doable trip. The refurb looks great, I look forward to checking it out when I pass through next! After I’ve had my treatment at Shilla Beauty Loft, of course…
Obviously :p I’m passing through next week and don’t have enough time to stay at the hotel so will just have to stay at the spa instead!
I have a big old stopover here later in the year so will be bookmarking for future help! do you happen to know if you can go between terminals if your connecting flight is a separate flight? I’m assuming so, but not sure if worth passing immigration to just come back into it in a few hours.. would like to see this pool, but will be arriving and departing T2.
Hi Erica, absolutely. You can take the shuttle train between the different terminals without passing emigration and regardless of where your next flight departs from. We often hop between 2 and 3 to enjoy the best facilities. Enjoy your stopover!