Review of Singapore Airlines flight from Hong Kong to Singapore in First

a trip of a lifetime

Welcome friends to the first leg of a trip my wife and I took over the course of 4 weeks in May/June.

I won't spoil the surprise by listing all the legs in advance, instead I'll reveal them as we go along!

As disappointing as our last flight was, this one was the polar opposite. Everything you have ever heard about SQ First and its incredible crew is true and then some. Unforgettable, truly the best flight of my life by far!

The journey so far………..

booking

Something many of our American friends don't realise is that its much harder for Canadians to access transferable points currencies here North of the Border.

For example, we of course have Amex and their Member Rewards points. For many of our Southern friends one of the most aspirational redemptions is transferring points to KrisFlyer for Singapore Airlines award flights.
Well here in the Great White North, Amex Canada only has a handful of transfer partners:
Air Canada Aeroplan
Alitalia
British Airways
Cathay Pacific
Delta
Etihad

And that's it. No Singapore or even Air France/KLM. Its not a terribly useful list given that Aeroplan points can be easily earned through TD and CIBC branded cards and RBC have both a BA and Cathay credit card. So really the only unique partners Amex Canada offers are Delta and Etihad.

That makes it incredibly hard if not impossible for most Canadians to generate KrisFlyer points. The only realistic way is to convert from Marriot Bonvoy.

I think flying Singapore First/Suites is possibly on every aviation lovers bucket list isn't it? The whole aura of SQ First is just so alluring. That has only been heightened since the launch of the new SQ Suites on the A380.

This special trip merited doing something a little extraordinary. I desperately wanted to fly SQ Suites but had little way of doing it with points.
I checked out cash fares and found that while a significant sum, the price for 2 Suites tickets wasn't outrageous.
I was giddy with excitement at the prospect of pressing buy now but at CAD$5,600 it wasn't easy. I had a few beers and convinced myself that this should be done, and so it was. 2 confirmed seats in Singapore Suites. After I thought 'what have I done?', but at the same time I was already virtually dancing with glee and counting down the days until departure. I knew it was right…….
Even now, I have absolutely no regrets. I would do the same thing 100 times out of 100.

Now the original plan was to fly from Shanghai. The price was the same as the direct flight from HKG but was almost 2 hours longer.
In true avgeek fashion me and my long suffering wife would fly 2 hours away from our destination in order to maximise our time in Singapore Suites!
That plan however was scuppered when a routine check on Expert Flyer about 20 days before departure showed the old SQ Suites seat map suddenly.
I got in contact with SQ who confirmed that there had been a change. I asked about changing to the Hong Kong-Singapore flight instead as it showed the New Suites still and had completely open 6/6 availability.
SQ customer service was great and I was able to change with no fuss and a minor fare difference fee of SGD75.

check in

We sadly left the quite wonderful Ritz-Carlton and took the airport express to Chep Lap Kok.
The RC is conveniently located on top of the International Commerce Centre, Elements mall and finally under all of that is the Kowloon MTR station.

It was from here that we were checked in for our flight.
A quite wonderful bell boy brought both our cases from the hotel and lugged them through the mall for us and lead us all the way to the Singapore Airlines check in desk (even helping me add funds to our Octopus cards for the fare). The service levels at the RC are just outrageous. Best hotel I have ever stayed in by far.
Anyway, there was a dedicated SQ First/Business desk at the MTR station and we were seen immediately. Our bags were checked and we had the famous golden boarding passes. I had to take a few minutes just to look at it and take it all in. I could barely believe not only were we about to take our very first flights ever in First but it would be in the legendary SQ Suites.
First time checking in somewhere other than the airport and it was such a nice and easy experience. Taking the train without having to lug our cases around was very nice.

The airport express is a quick, cheap and convenient way to get from central Hong Kong out to the airport.

With a ride of about 20 minutes we arrived at the Terminal and for the first time we wouldn't have to head to the check in desks, we could just proceed straight through security and head for the lounge which was definitely an interesting experience.

singapore airlines first class lounge hong kong

Security screening was quick as was immigration, which was done via electronic gate. Our exit cards were not needed.

Once through we ventured to the duty free shops to pick up some overpriced souvenirs before seeking out the SQ lounge.

The entrance to this lounge is down a long walkway where the toilets and showers are located. We were greeted at the entrance and advised to turn left once we reached the main lounge area to the First Class section.
the main Business lounge was huge and seemed to be a pretty decent lounge. There was a bar and an extensive selection of food items from a large buffet area and a plentiful supply of seating.

The First Class entrance was easy to spot and we made the left turn to enter the lounge.

There was no guardian at the desk so we approached the automatic door and went inside.

We were immediately greeted and advised that we could take any seat and to make ourselves comfortable and that someone would be over to attend to us right away.

We took a table in the dining area as we wanted to sample the food on offer.

The lounge was much busier than I was expecting. It remained busy during our time there although it never became over-crowded.

The buffet area was quite small although well stocked. There were hot and cold dishes available.

There were soft drinks and water available in a fridge and to the side of the buffet area was a large table containing the alcoholic beverage selection. There was a good choice and we helped ourselves to 2 glasses of champagne. To my regret I didn't get a shot of the bottle and can't remember what was being served. I think it was Charles Heidsieck.

Shortly after taking our seats a member of staff appeared with menus for us to look over for the A la carte selection…………

We both decided on the vegetable curry and we were both very glad we did. It was a delicious dish.

Our champagne glasses were kept well filled although I needed to slow the pace down as I was eagerly awaiting the chance to taste both Krug and Dom on the upcoming flight. What wonderful First World problems!

We decided to just remain at our table for the duration of our time in the lounge, and I took the opportunity to check us in online for our next series of flights coming up in 24 hours. The lounge wifi was very good and fast.

There were other seating areas with some comfy looking chairs.
The signature SQ high back chairs were present of course in a quiet area. There was some reading materials and a small lounge area with a TV playing CNN.

I was able to grab a few shots during some quieter time, but the buffet area remained constantly buzzing.

I'm still a little self conscious of taking lots of lounge photos when its busy. I am really averse to invading people's privacy and my own self consciousness kicks in when it comes to standing there snapping pictures of seemingly inane things!
I've get better since I started but still some work to do. I need to develop a more "screw it" attitude and just take my photos. After all lots of people do.

So no shots from the buffet, plus I was also in a bit of a daze from giddy excitement at what was about to happen so time lost all meaning.
FR24 confirmed that 9K-SKZ was on its way inbound which confirmed that we would be getting the new Suites.

Never in my life have I been so excited to board an airliner.

After a few hours in the lounge, which was actually a nice lounge if not the highest quality F lounge in the World it was 3pm and with boarding due to start at 3:10 I couldn't wait any longer and we left to head to the gate.
Never mind the fact that the gate was right outside the lounge entrance, I just couldn't contain my excitement to board any longer.

sq861 hkg-sin

Flight Details:
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Flight Number: SQ861

Departure: Hong Kong HKG
Scheduled Departure Time: 1540
Actual Departure Time: 1557

Arrival: Hong Kong HKG
Scheduled Arrival Time: 1935
Actual Arrival Time: 1938

Flight Time: 3:41
Travel Date: Friday May 31st 2019
Class: Suites
Seat: 1A
Aircraft: Airbus A380-800
Registration: 9V-SKZ

FR24 track:

Flightaware track:

We walked over to the gate area and found the line up for Suites.

Excitement level was in overdrive. I could see 9V-SKZ sitting there and I couldn't help but keep looking up to the third jetway to the upper deck and the 6 windows knowing that our double suite was right there. Hurry up and board!!

Oh my God. This really is the realisation of a dream. Singapore Airlines First Class Suites.

Boarding time came and went. The wait was killing me. In the end we boarded about 10 minutes late around 15:20 but it had felt like 10 hours waiting there. We were kept well informed by gate staff and then finally the magic moment came. The barrier was lifted and we were invited to come forward to board.

I was trying to remain cool but I think I walked at close to the speed of light to the desk and promptly left my poor wife in my dust.
Once the boarding pass was scanned and handed back I managed this time to be a better spouse and walk with my wife to the jetbridge.
I could feel my heart rate increasing as the anticipation was finally turning into reality. I couldn't believe this was happening!

I didn't even notice the newspaper cart at the time! I was so focused on getting on board and seeing that glorious Suites cabin with my own eyes

sq861 hkg-sin: the suites cabin

And its just as stunning as you can imagine. A real take your breath away moment

I was showed initially to 2A but explained that was my wife's Suite and I was taken next door to 1A.

Its impossible to overstate how big and impressive these Suites are. There is just nothing else like it for space on a plane, unless you have the money for Etihad's Residence!

The lovely Ms Chin Heng welcomed me into the Suite and immediately lowered the partition wall between 1A and 2A for us. If one Suite feels enormous then with the wall down the double suite is simply gigantic. I'll bet its bigger than some New York apartments!

She then guided me around the features of the Suite and how to operate the chair and all the other incredible features.
It was so difficult for me to listen because I was simply in awe the whole time.

Ms Chin was just a delight to be with. She was so kind and gracious and the conversation flowed easily between her, myself and my wife. We really felt like we had been welcomed into someone's home by a friend.

The entire crew on this flight were remarkable. I have truly never experienced service like it and all delivered with a genuine warmth and charm that is impossible to accurately describe.
I know some people have commented in the past that they can find SQ crews a bit robotic but our crew could not have been more opposite. They were a true delight and at the end of the flight I actually asked for their names so that I could send a complimentary email to Singapore Airlines.

Slightly blurry look down the cabin from front to back. The entrance to the Suites cabin is on the right of the crew jumpseat from the L1 Upper Deck door. The Suites cabin is very isolated from the rest of the aircraft. There is absolutely no chance of being disturbed by the Business cabin and the noise from the galley and crew area was completely un-noticeable.

This is about the most private and secluded cabin in the skies at the moment. It's truly a haven of peace and tranquility and its easy to see why the rich and powerful would want to fly in a cabin like this.

The stairway (to heaven perhaps?)

At the front of the Suites cabin are 2 very large washroom's. I'll take a closer look later………..

sq861 hkg-sin: the suite

This Suite has been well covered in many reviews, but lets take a long look around it anyway.

Overall impressions, I absolutely loved everything about the Suite. And I still do now, even after the initial buzz has worn off. I am already looking at ways to do this again on a longer flight in future.

This is my wife's Suite 2A taken from mine in 1A

The 2 Suites with the divider down. A truly massive space.

The entrance to the Suite

Door closed and TV screen in the wall mounted position

The TV as viewed from the seat and in the fully out position

The door doesn't go fully down to the floor, there is about a 12" gap but its no big deal, the privacy is superb

No overhead bag bins so the cabin is incredibly spacious feeling. Its also beautifully finished with lovely lighting and accents everywhere. It just looks so high end and classy and really is a beautiful piece of design.

I'm officially obsessed with electronic window shades! I love them. They can be operated individually or together.
This is the first shades down setting offering privacy but allowing light in

And in the fully down position, you can see they do an amazing job of blacking out light completely

The bed in stored position. The dividing wall between Suites 1A/2A is between the beds. The bed folds out onto the storage tray visible on the right edge of the picture

On the front wall of Suite 1A is a small monitor that can be viewed from the seat in takeoff position as the main TV is not fully visible. There is a literature pocket and the table and storage shelf is located off to the side

Elegant and classy touch

Fuller view of the table storage. Complete with light and vase with flower. There is a holder for the menu as well and you can also see a small coat hook on the side wall. There is however a very large storage closet in the Suite wall, big enough to hold full coats and carry on bags.

A sadly very blurry shot of the closet (Damn phone camera!) Bedding is stored on the top shelf and as you can see plenty of space for jackets or coats and also my rollaboard easily fit in. Could probably get 2 rollaboards in there easily.

The Suite comes with a tablet that can be used for a variety of things. Lighting controls, flight map, TV remote among many others.
I didn't realise it was locked in position for takeoff so I thought it couldn't be taken out of the cradle and didn't use it very much.
On such a short flight it just wasn't possible to fully explore everything in this amazing Suite.

The credenza comes complete with with several Suite controls as well. Lighting controls, large TV controls, window shade controls as well as Do Not Disturb and Cabin Crew call functions.
I didn't find the placement of these bothersome in the slightest. They were easy to reach and use from the seat and all functions were available on other control units (either arm of seat, TV remote or using the tablet)

Headphone jack, payment reader, universal power and 2 USB ports on the credenza wall. There was also another universal power outlet on the side of the dining table unit.
No shortage of power or charging options in the Suite.

In addition the credenza has 3 small cubby spaces that you can put items in. These are perfect for passports, boarding passes etc and the middle cubby also has a vanity mirror.

Just below it is a storage space that will fit a small bag.

A headphone jack was also located on the chair. This is the jack to use while seated, the one on the credenza is better used while in bed mode.

The smaller monitor on the front wall was used to play the safety video…………..

After the safety video another video was played for Suites passengers showing the features of these incredible Suites.
I would definitely agree that Singapore Airlines is a great way to fly!

High resolution screen and in flight map could be displayed on the smaller screen

And if the personal tour and video were not enough there was also this written Suite guide

Also on the front wall are the usual passenger signs………

And the literature pocket. Complete with Suite guide, in-flight magazine, shopping brochure, entertainment guide and the ever present barf bag! You can see I've popped my slippers in here until after take off.

Am I the only one who doesn't want to tempt fate by putting my slippers on right away? I always wait until after take off, as I don't want to have to potentially evacuate in slippers!

There are just so many options and so many customisable features in this Suite, its quite something.

The tablet can be used to control the IFE, the lighting, flight map, suite settings and connectivity

The absolutely massive TV on the side wall. Fully flush……….

And fully extended.

Cheers!

And one more shot of this simply stunning Suite.

sq861 hkg-sin: the seat

The seat itself I really liked. It is wide, leather and I found it to be extremely comfortable in all positions.

There is a very large seatbelt and the safety card is located in a pocket on the side. You could store anything else in here that you wanted to easily reach while seated.

This is the chair in the takeoff and landing position. I had no issues looking out of the first window for takeoff and landing and was easily able to capture still photos as well as my GoPro video. The seat can swivel to face the windows and credenza or the large TV monitor or in seats 1A/1F the bed.

Control panel in the arm of the chair. One remote for controlling the entertainment and another to control the seat and the position of the  large wall mounted TV. The motorised seat can be swiveled around into various positions. This truly allows you to channel your inner Bond-villain. All that is missing really is a white cat to stroke on your lap.

The seat in my opinion was extremely comfortable. It was possible to recline the seat into a very comfy position. If you are taller the fact that the footrest doesn't go all the way to ground might be an issue, for me it was absolutely fine. The amount of recline was ideal for relaxing to watch a movie and for dining.

General overview of the Suite from the doorway. The Suite is absolutely massive and the amount of space you have in the double Suites is remarkable.

sq861 hkg-sin: the washroom

Singapore Airlines when it created its new configuration opted against the popular on-board showers favoured by their blingy Middle Eastern rivals Emirates and Etihad. Instead they used the space to create one very big washroom and one absolutely massive washroom.

There is no doubt they look impressive, but there is something special and magical about having a shower on an airplane at 40,000ft.

Lets look first at the smaller washroom that is located on the left side at the front of the Suites cabin………….

The finishes as one would expect are elegant and classy. Lalique branded amenities are provided as are other hygiene products in the drawers as is usual on Singapore Airlines.

Now lets take a look at the bigger and stunning washroom on the right hand side…….

This is a huge and impressive space, complete with a desk for the ladies (or men who are so inclined I suppose!) to do their makeup, complete with a large, lighted mirror.

The toilet is located in the back right corner and offers a wealth of space

Again little touches like the padded leather finishes are abundant

Various amenities including dental and shaving kits are located in the various drawers

As well as tissues, waste bags and feminine hygiene products. Note the padded leather seat at the vanity

Plentiful Lalique amenities are also present

sq861 hkg-sin: the service

After being showed to our Suites and given a guided tour of the features we had a moment to get settled in.
The wow factor was intense and I needed a moment to gather myself.

At the seat was a lovely plush pillow.

A truly top end set of Bang & Olufsen noise cancelling headphone was sitting on the credenza and I will admit to being more than a little excited to finally see one of Singapore's adorable cuddly bears waiting for me. Our last SQ flight in J was on SIN-KUL and they don't hand out the bears on such a short flight, to my great disappointment!

These headphones were superb quality

Waited a long time for one of these cute little critters. They are still wearing sweaters celebrating the A350ULR

Shortly thereafter another of our lovely crew Hendra appeared and introduced himself. I was asked if I cared for a glass of champagne and which one I would like to start with. How long I've been waiting to have the choice between Krug and Dom!
I settled on Krug to start and Hendra suggested a couple of glasses of that before trying the Dom a little later. What an excellent suggestion! I was more than happy to take him up on it :)

Soon after Ms Chin returned with slippers. These were comfortable Lalique branded slippers. Because of the flight length no amenity kit or pyjamas would be provided (Boooo! This is First Class SQ…….don't be cheap!)

Yes I think I have them on the wrong feet lol

Hendra returned with a menu and a fabulous bottle of Krug which he then poured a glass for me.

My very first time trying Krug. My favourite champagne now. Wonderful taste, very enjoyable.

Soon after a ramekin of warm nuts was presented and Ms Chin came to confirm my book the cook meal choice and talked over the meal service.

We pushed back a little behind schedule at 15:57, just 17 minutes behind schedule. Sadly flight time was a far too short 3:41. I was hoping for typhoon strength headwinds to extend the flight as long as possible!

We had a fairly long taxi out to 07R in light rain. It had been cloudy and rainy for our whole time in Hong Kong sadly.

The safety video played followed by a video with an introduction to the Suites.
We lumbered around Hong Kong's taxiways past a variety of Cathay and Cathay Dragon aircraft until we reached the holding point.

An A380 takeoff is always a treat. Such a quiet machine and a joy to ride in. It has become my favourite aircraft to fly in.
We took off and climbed away slowly, offering superb views of Hong Kong's airport and had the weather not been so uncooperative views of Kowloon.


Self Portrait :)

After a few glasses of Krug Hendra suggested a swap to the 2009 Dom Perignon, which I happily took him up on.

Spoiler alert………..I really like both but would prefer Krug over Dom given the choice!

sq861 hkg-sin: the menu

The First Class menu.

Like most I chose to book the cook, although my selection was included on the inflight menu anyway.
No prizes for guessing what I went with :D

The menu is presented in a beautiful case which can sit on the table desk

The Menu itself

…………………

Quite possibly my favourite menu page from anywhere in the World :)

………………….

…………………….

……………………..

…………………

………………….

sq861 hkg-sin: dining

As this was a short flight and the dinner service was enormous the crew quickly got to work shortly after take off.

My champagne glass never got close to empty as the incredible crew effortlessly glided around the cabin anticipating every need and ensuring everyone (a completely full 6/6 cabin today) had the most perfect service. Every need was taken care of with a smile and honestly you got the feeling nothing would have been too much trouble.

It was already clear at this point that the legendary reputation Singapore Airlines First Class service enjoys was well deserved and totally spot on. We were being spoiled and treated like royalty, it was an indescribable feeling of complete joy and happiness.

While I had a play with my chair and fired up the massive IFE screen, my glass was kept full of Dom. Before long the delightful Ms Chin appeared to set my table.
I didn't even need to attempt to lift the table out, that was done for me and a crisp white linen was placed over it.

From there the table was precisely and carefully set, the only comical moment coming when the pepper shaker was accidentally dropped on the floor.
Profuse apologies were offered, which were totally unnecessary. These things happen and we had a little laugh about it. I was promised an immediate replacement.

After every visit the crew would make sure to close the suite door. What I noticed with this was that I was never served at the same time as my cross aisle neighbour in 1F. There was a lot of criticism of the new Suites when they were launched that you would effectively end up eating with you cross aisle companion with the suite doors left open.

By serving both sides at slightly different times I only saw 1F at boarding and then when we disembarked. I personally found the Suites to be extremely private. It was easy to forget that we were in a cabin with 4 other people. Honestly for the entire flight it felt like we were on a private jet. It was an extraordinary experience.

Fine quality dinnerware

I settled in and picked my movie, the rather amusing Johnny English Strikes Again with Rowan Atkinson. I have to admit to finding the Johnny English movies far too funny for my own good, and was thankful on a couple of occasions that everyone had noise cancelling headphones after some laugh out loud moments.

The dining experience was just that. It was an event.

First up I picked the Antipasto platter. I was offered a choice of warm breads and settled on a simple roll. Drinks at this stage were more Dom and some water.

Next up was a sensational Cream of Garden Pea soup with a seared scallop and creme fraiche

The garden salad was next which I took with a balsamic vinaigrette and a fresh bread roll. The salad was crisp, fresh and delicious.

To follow was my main.
Grilled beef fillet in green peppercorn sauce.

The beef was cooked perfectly and was as tender and succulent as it comes. Absolutely everything on this pate was a home run. A simply superb meal.

And shock, horror! Yes I've finally succumbed to the peer pressure and chose a red to have with my beef!

I neglected to grab a shot of the bottle but I believe this was the vintage 2008 Margaux. It was a great wine nontheless.

By this point I was starting to struggle, which is unlike me. I can normally put away a hefty meal but this incredible feast was taking its toll.

I just about managed to finish off this fabulous warm pear and almond flan before I had to admit defeat.

I had to decline the cheese and fruit courses as by this point I was completely stuffed.

Full of incredible food, the world's finest vintage champagnes and wine.
This had been a meal service I will never forget.

The service pacing was incredible. I never had to wait more than a few seconds for my empty plate to be cleared. From there the next course would follow in mere minutes and always immediately followed with a bottle for a top up.

Everything was placed and served with meticulous precision and attention to detail, but always with a genuine warmth and interest on whether I was enjoying my meal. Conversation was easy and relaxed with our lovely crew who went all out to ensure we got the maximum enjoyment out of our first First Class experience.

The question was becoming how the heck can we ever match this?

sq861 hkg-sin: in flight entertainment

As you would expect the KrisWorld entertainment system was excellent.

The huge monitor delivered crisp, HD visuals from the seat and the bed. It was a very high quality screen.

There was a ton of content, of course far more than I could possibly hope to get through on a 3.5 hour flight

Movies of course

In flight map was also superb

Messages could be displayed on screen rather than over the PA system

Another option for controlling your Suite lighting

And more settings to tinker with

Given the short flight length, I didn't really get to dig as deeply into the IFE as I would have liked.
The huge screen though is a definite game changer.

sq861 hkg-sin: the double bed

After we had finished our incredible feast our lovely crew came around to ask if my wife and I would like our beds made up to experience the double bed.

This was such a nice touch as the flight was well more than halfway and obviously getting the beds and bedding set up was a lot of work for them - Remember this was a full cabin.
We of course accepted, as how often do you get the chance to experience something like this?

I headed off to the washroom while Ms Winnie and Ms Chin took care of setting up our double bed.

The bedding is again Lalique branded and features a mattress pad, 2 large, plush pillows and a nice thick quilt……..

Yours truly……………

The crew of course were more than happy to snap some shots of us enjoying the double bed in the sky!

I found the bed to be comfortable, but then we did not sleep on the bed so its not really a proper test.
It was quite narrow which might be a problem if you like to spread out while sleeping. I liked that the head end could be propped up which made watching TV very relaxing.

The bedding was fabulous and extremely cosy. I could certainly do this on a long haul.

Of course the ability to do this and experience it with your spouse is hard to overstate. For couples these Suites are a fantastic experience from start to finish. Being able to cosy up to your spouse in bed in an airplane at 40,000ft is extraordinary.

Sadly there was no holding or delays going into Singapore, I was desperately hoping a large thunderstorm might require us to hold for another hour but it was not to be!
After a short time our lovely crew came around to put the beds away and get us prepared for landing.

The whole crew stopped by individually to thank us for flying Singapore Airlines and I made sure to thank them sincerely for the experience of a lifetime. I also let the lead know that I would be emailing Singapore Airlines to commend the whole crew for the outstanding service.

There really are no words that can adequately describe how wonderfully we were treated.

This was the most incredible flight experience I've ever had by far and I still can't quite believe that I got to live this dream.
It was extravagant yes, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.

We made a straight in approach to 20R at Changi and had an amazingly gentle touchdown for an A380 which are well known for their heavy, bone crunching landings. We exited near the Crowne Plaza and had a very short taxi to our gate.

And so ended the most amazing of flights. I've genuinely never felt so sad to be getting off an airplane. I could have stayed on board all night.

We bid a fond final farewell to our amazing crew and headed down the jetway, giddy at the lavish experience we had just had. 4 hours went by in the blink of an eye.

The experience however was not over. I wanted to experience the Private Room, possibly one of the most exclusive lounges in the World.
As our next leg would be the next day and not on SQ, I knew we would have to access it on arrival.
So into T3 we went and headed straight for TPR…………

the private room

After making our way to the Singapore First Class lounge entrance I presented our boarding passes and we were escorted without hesitation down the corridor to the mythical Private Room.

For anyone who doesn't know yet the only way to access this lounge within a lounge is to fly Singapore Airlines First Class. Its not available to top tier elites or anyone flying First on any other airline. It may arguably be the most exclusive lounge in the World.
You can either access it before a SQ F flight, during transit to/from an SQ F flight or in our case on arrival from an SQ F flight.

The lounge reminded me a bit of a Gentleman's club from the last century. Everything was very dark with heavy wood and thick, plush furnishings. It was also exceptionally quiet. I think there was only one other person in the lounge the entire time we were there.

We were checked in at the front of TPR and asked if we had been to the lounge before. We were given a quick tour of the place before we took up our seats.
Within minutes a waiter had appeared to present menus and ask us if we wished to have something to drink.
I wasn't going to waste a chance to continue drinking 2009 Dom so ordered that, my wife who at this point was done with the heavy stuff simply had a coke.
I had fully intended to eat dinner in the sit down restaurant in TPR, but I was still absolutely stuffed from our banquet onboard.
I couldn't stomach the thought of more food at this point so once our drinks arrived I advised the waiter we would not be dining after all.

We didn't spend too long in here as there wasn't a great deal to do and we were in more for the experience than anything given we were not going to dine.
The Private Room is an exclusive and tranquil oasis but not really matching SQ's in the air service standard. There's not much to do in there and it looks a touch outdated and stuffy. There are shower rooms and a sit down dining area so it does everything you would want from a First Class setting but it doesn't really have any wow factor. It will be interesting to see how SQ redevelop the concept once the new lounges open.
After a refill of my Dom and a quick walk around the lounge we decided to leave and claim our bags and head to the Crowne Plaza for the night.
Tomorrow would bring an early start and the beginning of our next adventure.

What a day it had been. One of the most premium flying experiences that is currently on offer and it exceeded my expectations by miles.
This really had been one of the best days of my life and all the bad feelings from the disaster in New York were long forgotten about.

TPR Drinks and Dinner Menu

…………….

………….

………………….

2009 Dom. Wonderful!

Dining Area

Buffet Area. Pretty empty. It was only around 8pm. Perhaps it gets fuller later as some of the late night departures get ready

TPR Mens washroom

Shower room

…………..