We recently flew from Sydney to Singapore in the exclusive Singapore Suites. The suites are located on the upper level of the A380 with the 6 suites and 2 bathrooms taking up the whole level.
The suites are arranged on each side of the cabin, with a walkway down the centre. Rows 1 and 2 slightly larger than row 3, and the partition between row 1 and 2 is retractable, allowing the 2 suites to be joined together to create a double bed for couples travelling together.
The recliner seats in row 1 face backwards on a diagonal angle, other than at take off/landing where they rotate to face forwards with a small screen to watch until the seatbelt sign switches off. For that reason, row 2 is perhaps the best place to be for singles so that the seats face forward throughout allowing you to utilise the large 32" screen for the whole journey. The direction of your chair is controlled by a panel in your armrest.
Within your Suite there is a console with a tablet used to control your entertainment, lighting and more, as well as avanity mirror and some additional storage.
The 2 bathrooms to share between the 6 suites are very luxurious. With one being significantly larger than the other to accommodate a full powder area. One disappointment (if we were to be picky) is the Singapore Airlines branded hand soap, which stood out as being sub par amongst the other high quality skincare products available.
Upon boarding we were offered Lalique pyjamas, socks and slippers along with a large luxury amenity kit packed with Lalique skincare products, and oddly a candle and a bar of soap.
The fully flat bed is seperate to your chair and folds down from the centre wall. Staff are on hand to help with this. Even on the day flight the we were very quickly attended to post meal service to have our bed service turned down. As you' expect the service in general was impeccable, Singapore Airlines are arguably the best crew in the sky with their custom discreet manner.
Unfortunately the separate bed is quite thin, being only a few inches thick like a rollaway bed. This is somewhat disguised the Singapore Airlines marketing photos as they tend to leave the linens falling over the top giving the illusion of being a thicker mattress. The bed and pillow top is also quite hard. By comparison for example, the Qantas first class bed is significantly more comfortable with a much thicker mattress top and softer linens.
The suite comes with a excellent wardrobe area for storing carry on bag, shoes etc. This easily stored my wheely suitcase and allowed plenty of hanging space for a jacket.
The entertainment screen in the Suite is a large 32" TV on a swivel arm that can be adjusted to face the chair or the bed depending on where you are watching from. Theres a huge array of entertainment options available, the screen has an excellent high definition display and an extremely responsive touch screen. I must say its very enjoyable to watch movies on such a large, high quality screen on an aircraft!
The entertainment system, is controlled via a cool tablet system whihc is stored in the console of your suite. The tablet can even adjust your lighting to your personal preference.
Inflight Dining
The Suites inflight dining is an extensive service. Book the cook is available 24 hours before departure, however on this occasion I chose to decide onboard. As you can imagine the menu and the wine list are packed with some excellent food and wine options.
We were served a glass of 2006 Dom Perignon pre take off with some warm nuts. Throughout the flight a 2004 Krug was also available and regularly offered by the crew.
The meal service on this flight included a 4 course lunch and then a light refreshment served prior to landing.
I chose the seared Scallops for entree, followed by a rocket and goats cheese salad with a braised lamb shank served with red wine sauce for main. All of which were delicious. For dessert I chose the warm Apricot tart which i found to be too sickly sweet.
Prior to landing we were served a light refreshment with a choice of an Asian or western dish. I chose the smashed avocado on toast served with a cherry tomato salad which was very nice.
All in all the Singapore Suites is a great way to fly, there are some minor disappointments, but overall with the service, food, entertainment and luxury products, it's one of the best experiences in the sky.