Crazy rich: The tiny city state of Singapore has a huge concentration of wealth and places to spend it. Photo / Edward Tian, Getty Images
Crazy rich: The tiny city state of Singapore has a huge concentration of wealth and places to spend it. Photo / Edward Tian, Getty Images
The movie Crazy Rich Asians has topped the US Box office on opening weekend, raking in $34m.
The romantic comedy, based on Kevin Kwan's book, sees American-born Rachel Chu reclaiming her Singaporean heritage in the city state.
The feel-good flick is a story of 'East meets West'; about culture-clash, embracing one's roots and overcoming prejudices.
However, there's one stereotype that it can't escape: there's no denying that Singapore is "crazy rich."
As a global financial hub concentrated into an area roughly the size of Auckland, there's a whole lot of wealth in tiny Singapore along with many opportunities to spend your Singapore dollar.
Lap up the scenery from the roof-top infinity pool, 57 storeys up, in the Sands SkyPark. Here, a pool-side cocktail with a view over the city will set you back a modest S$21.
But of course you'll have to book a suite at the hotel to use the SkyPark pool.
For the Sands' Straits suite you will be dropping S$6499 (NZ$7100) a night.
Playboy: Dictator Kim Jong-un infamously couldn't stay away from the Marina Bay Sands, when he visited Singapore in June. Photo / Getty Images
In sumptuous hyperbole, the Sand's Presidential suite promises "one of the most splendid hotel experiences in the world." Its 509 square meters boast views over the "glittering city skyline or the lush Gardens by the Bay."
The suite has three bedrooms, his and her bathrooms and a media room with karaoke.
It's reassuring to see you are never too rich for karaoke.
However, to stay in the Presidential suite at the Marina Bay Sands you will have had to bought a certain level of notoriety. It can only be reserved by appointment.
Illumination: Garden's by the Bay's Supertree vertical gardens are one of Singapore's most recognisable landmarks. Photo / Getty Images
Gardens by the Bay
Another of Singapore's great landmarks is the Megaflora of Gardens by the Bay. You'd have thought a stroll in the park was one of those that can be enjoyed by all walks of life. And it is, sort of. Entry to the Supertree grove is free to the public, with admission to the OCBC Skyway S$8 and S$5 for children.
You can enjoy a wander along the 22-metre walkway suspended in the canopy and marvel at the Supertrees. The vertical gardens are built into giant tree-like structures, on which thousands of plants grow. At night these plants light up and hold regular 'Illuminations' concerts.
However, in the style of a true Singaporean baller, the walkway and treetops view can be booked out for private champagne viewings.
Members club: Singapore's 1880 offers a place for conversation. Photo / Supplied, facebook
Club 1880
The Singaporean members club is about as exclusive, and expensive as things get. Set in 1 Nanson Road with views over the Singapore River, it's a social club harking back to Singapore's past.
In Leonie's restaurant, head chef Colin Buchan was previously the star of BBC's The Great British Menu and private cook to David and Victoria Beckham. Not that 1880 is some sort of colonial throwback.
Forward looking and suitably grand, the club is intended as "a salon for creators and explorers to meet, connect and relax in good company and exceptional comfort."
Said with the kind of banality that can only be carried off with truly great wealth, the club's motto is "that conversations can and will make the world a better place."
While the world is still some way from this shining utopia, 1880's members have made a good start on the clubhouse. It's grand, immaculate design oozes crazy richness.
Its décor even got a thumbs up from Tatler magazine. The "glowing 1,500kg crystal that is the reception table," was of particular note. "Unearthed in Madagascar, it is one of three such pieces in the world. The other two belong to actor Robert Downey Jr."
