The world's best airport for six consecutive years – aka Singapore Changi Airport – has been teasing us with the opening of its new swanky megamall Jewel for months and the wait is finally over. It's official – Jewel opens on April 17. Can't wait till then? Sneak a peek from April 11 to 16. The free preview is ticketed so you'll have to register online at jewelpreview.com. Registration is available from March 12, 6am.
The multi-dimensional lifestyle destination integrates nature, play and over 280 retail and dining options, including the Singapore debut of the much-raved burger stand Shake Shack, Pokémon's merch store, dessert haven Läderach and A&W's highly-anticipated comeback, among others – for both tourists and locals to enjoy.
An absolute game-changer for Changi Airport, Jewel brings the outdoors indoors. The long-awaited sustainable mall uses solar energy and harvests rainwater for the Rain Vortex which also happens to be the world's tallest indoor waterfall. Start your Jewel adventure by smelling the roses at the main entrance which leads you to the retail corridors and walking trails surrounded by lush greenery. If the heady riot of floral fragrance leaves you giddy with energy, head to the topmost level for exciting recreational attractions such as the Canopy Park, decked with bouncing garden nets that act as trampolines, a walking net with a 25-metre drop that looks down to the next floor, a 1.8-metre high hedge maze and a mirror maze to elevate your play experience. Film buffs can also catch a movie at its Shaw theatre where there are 11 screens and an IMAX showcasing the latest blockbusters.
Catch a breather at any one of its many basement and terrace restaurants (we heard Shake Shack will be a duplex store!) that will have you chowing down top-notch grub while basking in the sweeping views of the picturesque indoor garden. Think of these top floor duplex restaurants as alfresco dining with a twist – sheltered and air-conditioned. And come nighttime, enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars as you tuck into your meal underneath the dome roof. For privacy, diners can enjoy some alone time at their own balconies.
With the concept of 'Singapore Meets the World, and the World Meets Singapore', expect to bag some unique Singapore paraphernalia from homegrown brands such as Naiise, Supermama and Tiger Street Lab which are introducing first-of-its-kind concepts for their Jewel stores. Big international brands are also setting camp to bring more goods. Sporting giant Nike opens its largest Southeast Asia outlet, offering an extended range of sports and lifestyle products, as well as a customisation booth for customers to create their very own Nike tee in-store.