QUINTESSENTIALLY | Insider | Travel

If you’re in Singapore anytime soon, head to the Chocolate Research Facility. According to the boutique, it’s the only place in the world to offer 100 flavours of chocolate. The store is a sort of lovechild of Willy Wonka and an ultra-hip Parisian cafe with chocolate served in the coolest packaging we’ve seen around for sometime. Sweet tooths beware.

Chocolate Research Facility, 9 Raffles Boulevard, Millenia Walk, Singapore

The awe-inspiringly beautiful city of Bruges (indeed, so much so that it’s UNESCO rated) has a wide number of high-class hotels, but it’s the historic Kempinski Duke’s Palace that has been turned into the most impressive place in town. Recently opened to much fanfare, the hotel has taken the original building, one of the grandest and most impressive in Bruges, and made sympathetic and intelligent refurbishments that simultaneously keep the original features intact and offer all the mod cons that you would expect, including flatscreen TVs, marble bathrooms, decadently comfortable beds and stunning views over the city.

The suites, in particular, are something quite spectacular. Visitors are also advised to dine at Manuscript, the hotel’s restaurant, which offers haute cuisine with French and Belgian accents.

Prisenhof 8, 8000 Bruges www.kempinski-bruges.com

What is a boutique hotel exactly? No one really seems to be sure exactly – but one thing generally everybody agrees on is that intimacy and memorability are key to the boutique hotel experience. This usually means a relatively small number of rooms and a quirky design. The latest ’boutique’ hotel to hit Monaco is a welcome addition to the a principality, a place renowned more for Grand Palais, gold-leaf and that majestic Beaux Arts style characteristic of the city. The Ni Hotel may only be a three-star establishment, but it makes up for those missing stars with that all-important cool.

With only 17 rooms including 2 duplex apartments, the hotel also features a terrace with magnificent views. Possibly one of the most sexiest lobbies commands your attention with a neon palette ranging from orange to electric blue. Rooms contain ‘retro-shots’ by American photographer Andy Hartmark.

Rates start from EUR 150.

1 bis rue Grimaldi, +377 97 97 51 51