Shaw Theatres premiere Review: Is This Premium Cinema Worth It?

ABBEY: Recently, we finally got to experience the newly renovated Shaw Theatres Lido along Orchard Road just in time for The Devil Wears Prada 2 hitting the silver screen. From the moment we stepped in, it was clear that Shaw has elevated the cinema experience into something far more premium and comfortable for moviegoers in Singapore.

One of the first things you will notice is the impressive selection of food and beverage options available. Guests are spoiled for choice with concepts like Centro, Espresso and Matcha Bar, and even a Cocktail Bar, making it feel more like an upscale lounge than a traditional cinema. If you are planning a date night or weekend movie experience, the value is surprisingly decent too. A SGD90 package already includes a pair of Lido Premiere tickets along with two SGD15 F&B credits.

The service also stood out during our visit. An usher personally welcomed us and guided us to our leather recliner seats while explaining how the in-seat service works. With just a push of a button, assistance is readily available throughout the movie.

Of course, we had to try the food. I ordered the hotdog bun and it was honestly a pleasant surprise. It had more flavor compared to the usual convenience store versions, while the sausage itself was juicy and not dry at all. Simple comfort food done properly.

Comfort is where the renovated Shaw Lido truly shines. I kept my seat reclined throughout the entire movie, which made the experience incredibly relaxing. Each seat also comes with a movable table that can easily be pulled closer, allowing you to dine comfortably without juggling snacks on your lap.

The newly renovated Shaw Theatres Lido has definitely raised the bar for cinema experiences in Singapore. Between the upgraded interiors, attentive service, premium seating, and improved dining options, it now feels like more than just a place to watch a movie. It is an experience worth looking forward to.

Shaw Theatres premiere in-theatre dining food menu ordered via QR code during movie date night

WILL: If you are getting a little bored of your usual, routine movie dates in Singapore and want to treat your loved one to something special, you’ve probably looked into luxury theatres.

Another weekend, another date day with my favorite person, Abbey! This time, we decided to elevate our movie night. While The Devil Wears Prada remains one of my absolute all-time favorites (even if the sequel felt like a bit of a drag), we weren't just there for the film—we were there to experience one of the newest premium cinema experiences in Singapore: Shaw Theatres premiere.

If you’re wondering about the ticket prices, food menu quality, and whether it's worth ditching standard seats for a luxury upgrade, here is our honest, unfiltered breakdown.

To be honest, our premium experience didn't start on the best note. We arrived early, expecting a dedicated luxury lounge area where we could sit, relax, and wait for the cinema halls to open—which is standard for many premium theatres in Singapore.

Unfortunately, we were turned away by a staff. When we asked about a lounge, we were told that a dedicated waiting lounge didn't exist for this tier. Honestly? Sigh. A bit of a letdown for a premium experience! When we asked about the premiere lounge, we were told that a dedicated waiting lounge didn't exist for this tier. Honestly? Sigh. A bit of a letdown when you are paying a premium price!

Thankfully, things took a total turnaround the moment we stepped into the actual cinema hall.

• The Premium Recliners: The seats are, of course, incredibly comfy and spacious. The recliners come equipped with wide tray tables that are actually big enough to accommodate a full meal without feeling cramped.

• The Hall Temperature: A huge plus was the temperature control. It was perfectly cozy and not ice-cold, so you won't need to bring a thick jacket or get an extra blanket just to survive the runtime!

• The Service: The cinema ushers inside did a fantastic job. They were incredibly welcoming, guided us directly to our seats, and clearly explained how the premium system works.

• The Food: We decided to test out the in-theater dining, and it was a pleasant surprise. The food is genuinely good and didn't taste like it was just pulled out of a freezer and microwaved. You can tell it was actually prepared with some care. Yay!

The Verdict: Despite the lack of a pre-movie waiting lounge, the incredible seat comfort, excellent in-hall service, and great food quality make Shaw Theatres premiere a fantastic option for a premium movie date night in Singapore.

If you want to surprise your partner and upgrade your usual weekend routine, it is definitely worth a try!

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Shaw Theatres premiere.

(W) https://shaw.sg/

(A) 350 Orchard Road 5th, #6th Shaw House, Singapore 238868

Mandarin Oriental Singapore HAUS 65 Review: Is It Worth the Price?

ABBEY: For our 15th wedding anniversary, we celebrated with a 3D2N staycation at the iconic Mandarin Oriental Singapore, and it turned out to be one of the most relaxing and pampering hotel stays we’ve had.

The experience started seamlessly. There was no need to queue at the hotel lobby because our check-in was done directly at the club lounge. While the staff prepared our room keys, we were invited to enjoy breakfast and choose what we wanted from the menu. I immediately went for the Nasi Lemak. The chicken was crispy outside yet juicy inside, pairing perfectly with the fragrant and well-seasoned coconut rice.

Then came the champagne. They were serving Ruinart, and naturally I had a couple of glasses to start the morning. After all, it was a champagne breakfast. The best part? The free-flow champagne continued from 7AM all the way to 7PM.

Shortly after breakfast, our room was ready for early check-in and we were thrilled to be assigned a high-floor room. Waiting for us inside were anniversary treats including cakes, tea, and a thoughtful handwritten note that made the celebration feel even more special.

The room itself was elegant and incredibly comfortable. After requesting firmer pillows, our sleep quality became exceptional. We rested deeply each night and woke up refreshed every morning. One of our favorite parts of the room was the bathtub. It became our quiet space to relax, reflect on the 15 years we’ve shared together, and look forward to what’s ahead.

At 2PM, we headed back to the lounge for afternoon tea, where the champagne was still flowing freely. The spread included savory sandwiches and freshly baked scones, which we happily requested extra servings of.

Of course, we also explored the hotel facilities. We visited the gym and the swimming pool, eventually taking an evening dip to escape Singapore’s afternoon heat. The pool water temperature was just right, and the evening lighting added a sophisticated and calming atmosphere to the entire area.

From 5PM to 7PM, the lounge served evening cocktails and light bites, although “light” hardly describes the spread. There were noodles, sushi, cold cuts, freshly baked bread, and flavorful meat skewers. It honestly felt more like a complete dinner buffet than simple cocktail snacks.

Our stay also included breakfast at Embu, the hotel’s buffet restaurant. I enjoyed a satisfying combination of chicken curry with prata, noodles, bacon, and sausages. But apparently one breakfast wasn’t enough for us because we later returned to the lounge for another round of breakfast served directly to our table.

We also made good use of the gym during our stay. It was well-equipped with the machines needed for a proper workout, making it easy to stay active even during a relaxing staycation.

Overall, our anniversary staycation at Mandarin Oriental Singapore was nothing short of relaxing and memorable. From the attentive service and luxurious lounge experience to the comfortable room and thoughtful anniversary touches, every detail was carefully prepared to make guests feel celebrated, pampered, and genuinely cared for.

Mandarin Oriental Singapore HAUS 65 Review: Is It Worth the Price?

WILL: If you’ve been following us in our YouTube Channel and Blogger you might remember when Abbey and I celebrated our milestone 10th anniversary during the pandemic at The Ritz-Carlton. Fast forward 5 years, and here we are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary! This time, we checked into the newly refurbished Mandarin Oriental, Singapore to experience their ultra-exclusive club lounge, HAUS 65.

So, what is it about this lounge that had us putting it straight onto our travel bucket list? Let’s dive in!

For the premium price tag, you expect top-notch hospitality, but the team at Mandarin Oriental truly goes above and beyond to make you feel special. Abbey subtly noted that it was our anniversary, but behold—the team completely surprised me with a birthday cake too and a cute, tiny set of local kaya spread for my birthday! It’s these personalized gestures that make a stay unforgettable.

The Food Experience: Hits and Misses
If there’s one area for improvement, it’s the breakfast variety. The lounge menu stayed the same throughout our 3-day stay. Don’t get me wrong—the food is delicately prepared and tastes incredibly good! But if you love a massive variety, definitely head downstairs to Embu for their huge international buffet breakfast instead (which is also included!).

That being said, afternoon tea at HAUS 65 is an absolute dream. Imagine the rich aroma of freshly baked scones paired with velvety, creamy clotted cream. OMG! They delivered it straight to our table with love. Whew, pure bliss.

Do not underestimate the evening cocktail hour! The spread is so substantial it can easily double as dinner. They layout an incredible array of fresh sushi, grilled chicken, savory meats, and comforting noodle dishes. And yes, the free-flow champagne and premium cocktails were really flowing! Yayyy!

The hotel's location is incredibly strategic for roaming around Marina Bay. We spent our evening walking around Gardens by the Bay, marveling at the glittering skyscrapers that remind us how Singapore leads in tech and banking.
Pro-tip: MO has free bicycles available for you to borrow to cruise around the bay. Wink-wink!

Will We Come Back? Of course! Aside from the stellar service, Abbey and I absolutely love Ruinart Champagne—and this is one of the rare, elite hotels in the city that proudly serves it free-flow as their house pour. For the unlimited bubbles, the gorgeous new Peranakan-inspired design, and the VIP memories, HAUS 65 completely won us over!

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MANDARIN ORIENTAL, SINGAPORE

(W) https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/singapore/marina-bay?search=singapore

(A) 5 Raffles Avenue, 039797, Singapore

(T) +65 6338 0066

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Finally! Chick-fil-A Singapore is HERE! (The Only One in Asia!)

ABBEY: We tried a couple of times to visit Chick-fil-A, but the long queues always made us hesitate. Eventually, we realized the line wasn’t going anywhere, so we went for it. Good thing we did, because the wait was much shorter when we finally visited.

We ordered the original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich and the Deluxe Sandwich. Both were impressively juicy and full of flavor in every bite, from the soft bun to the perfectly cooked chicken. The Deluxe Sandwich, topped with melted cheese, looked just as good as it tasted and was definitely photo-worthy.

On the side, we had their signature Waffle Potato Fries along with all six dipping sauces. Personal favorites? The Chick-fil-A sauce, Garden Herb Ranch, and Honey Mustard stood out.

To complete the meal, we treated ourselves to a rich, hand-spun chocolate milkshake. This is one of those moments where calorie counting takes a backseat, and honestly, it’s worth it.

Chick-fil-A Singapore Review

WILL: The legendary Chick-fil-A has landed at Bugis+ Singapore, and it’s bringing all the golden, crispy vibes you’ve been dreaming of!

If you’re a local foodie, a tourist on a mission, or just someone who lives for a good waffle fry, here is why this is the must-visit food spot in Singapore right now.

Why Everyone is Obsessed:

Their Original Chicken Sandwich is pressure-cooked in 100% peanut oil. It’s juicy, tender, and tucked into a buttery brioche bun. One bite and you’ll get the hype! 

Waffle Fry Heaven: Say goodbye to boring fries. These lattice-cut beauties are built to scoop up maximum Chick-fil-A Sauce.

The Famous "My Pleasure" Service: Experience that world-class hospitality right here in the heart of Bugis.

Since this is the only permanent outlet in Asia, it’s the ultimate "I was here" photo op for your feed! Do not forget to order their milkshakes. 

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Chick-fil-A Singapore

(W) https://www.chick-fil-a.com.sg/

(H) Mondays to Saturdays: 10am to 10pm

(A) 201 Victoria St #01-19 Singapore 188067