Just Landed – April’s new arrivals

Spring is officially springing, more bank holidays are on their way and our new arrivals for April have landed just in time for you to pick your next break. We’re talking two brand-new destinations – one long haul and one short haul – both giving ultimate city break. Check out the range of hotels available in each, from budget-friendly spots to more blowout stays.

Meet the top picks from April’s new arrivals…

Singapore

Singapore’s skyline is iconic. From the Marina Bay Sands hotel to the city’s Gardens by the Bay, there’s so much to see and do. It literally takes an hour to drive across the entire city-state, but three to four days is perfect to tick off the sights. Its hawker centres – selling a whole range of local street food – are loved by UNESCO and foodies. Then, there are the light and sound shows at sunset, plus the great nightlife – all concentrated around the Singapore River.

For places to stay, here are our faves…

The luxury pick

Voco Orchard Singapore is an incredible five-star hotel in the heart of the city. Shops, restaurants and transport options are right outside your door and with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, you can see it all from your room. The views are amazing from the rooftop pool, too. Depending on when you visit, Singapore can get quite warm and humid, so it’s a top spot to cool off. You can turn the heat back up in the sauna, steam bath and gym, or even treat yourself to a massage. For a change from the street-food stalls below, you’ve got four restaurants to pick from here and the settings are super stylish.

The value pick

For something a bit cheaper, a stay at Fragrance Hotel – Rose comes with a more budget-friendly price tag. The rooms are clean and simple and have a dresser, kettle and an ensuite. It’s all about the location here. The Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall and Sasanaramsi Burmese Temple are within walking distance, and the city centre is about a 10-minute drive away. Here, famous shopping on Orchard Road and attractions along the Bay are your go-to. The reception is open 24/7 if you have any questions or need advice on things to see and do.

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is Serbia’s cool capital city, popular for its old-world history and affordable city-break status. Rumour has it the underground culture scene here is the same as in Berlin 20 years ago. You’ve got Ottoman, Habsburg and Art Nouveau influences all over the city and it’s where the Sava and Danube Rivers meet. The Kalemegdan Park here spreads across 130 acres, with Belgrade Fortress, museums, churches and restaurants on its grounds. Plus, on the banks of the Sava, by the buzzing Savamala district, there are floating nightclubs and restaurants, giving the Belgrade name a boost for having some of the best nightlife in eastern Europe.

In terms of hotels…

The budget pick

Why not stay in a hostel? You don’t need to bunk up with strangers if you don’t want to, there are plenty of private rooms at Good People Design Hostel. It’s the perfect compromise between price and privacy. Different types of family rooms can sleep two to five people, and there’s a shared living room, kitchen and a big garden with a barbecue. You can either keep to yourself or join in on weekly events and get chatting with other travellers. The place is right in the old town, with its cobbled streets, vintage shops, secret yards and artsy markets. You can walk pretty much anywhere from here, so it’s a solid base to explore from.

The stylish pick

Indigo Belgrade is a boutique pick. This hotel has style, with its 46 rooms all taking inspiration from the local neighbourhood of Doréol and the luxurious brands in the retail units below. You access the lobby via a lift in a local mall, so you really are in the middle of it all. There’s a gym and a restaurant here, expanding into a fairy light-strung courtyard with a colourful mural and plants. You’re right by the bus and train station for any further adventures, and there are loads of buzzing bars and restaurants in these parts.