From the sci fi architecture of Marina Bay to the quaint, colourful shophouses of Haji Lane, Singapore is a contemporary city that's retained its unique multiculturalism. A trading port for centuries, which changed from colonial to local rule in the 1950s, the city has since blossomed into one of the world's most flourishing economies. Wander from Little India, where the scent of incense and ornate Hindu temples morphs into shophouses with red lantern-lined cobbled streets in Chinatown, and then walk around Kampong Glam, where the spires of a spectacular mosque rise above you and cafes sell delicious Malay food. It's the way so many cultures exist side by side in near perfect harmony that make Singapore a perfect place for a cultural weekend break.

Eat & drink

Singapore is widely considered the food capital of Asia, and even humble street food sellers here have earned the widely regarded Michelin star award. For high end dining, try two Michelin star winner Waku Ghin, where contemporary Japanese and European fusion food is served with aplomb - try their Sea Urchin and Salmon Roe on rice. The Song of India in Newton, where expertly created modern Indian food is served in a charming black and white colonial bungalow is also worth a visit. For sampling a traditional hawker center, visit Maxwell Road in Chinatown, and make sure you try Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice for their fragrant boiled chicken and steamed rice and Marina South Delicious Food, for a rendition of char kway teow, a Malay noodle dish with rich flavour.

Sleep

There are a myriad of different hotel options in Singapore, from retreats near to forested areas to grand, colonial era hotels and boutique shophouses on some of the more traditional streets. For the ultimate experience, stay at Raffles Hotel, a historic Singaporean institution that's been in operation since 1887. Make sure you sip a Singapore Sling in their legendary Long Bar, the birthplace of gin, grenadine and pineapple juice laced cocktail. For a similarly luxurious experience, but in a highly contemporary building, stay at Marina Bay Sands. This futuristic building, designed by Moshe Safdie architects, was built to a resemble a ship suspended above the port, and is one of the most recognisable features of the Singaporean skyline. A stay here will give you access to the world's longest suspended swimming pool, which hovers at the top of the two towers beneath it.

Explore

There's so much to explore here, and a great place to start is by walking around the different cultural enclaves in Singapore. Visit the Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam, a Malay area which is now also home to hip Haji Lane, a narrow street lined with historic shophouses and independent shops. In Chinatown, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is worth a visit, followed by trying some dim sum. Little India has delicious vegetarian food at restaurant Komala Villas, and after dinner you can see the ornate Sri Veeramakaliamman temple lit up at night. To explore the blossoming arts scene here, visit the National Gallery Singapore, housed in a colonial building or the ArtScience Museum, which displays exhibitions fusing art and science together. When you're ready for some breathing space, head to one of Singapore's many green areas. The colonial-era Botanic Gardens, located in the chic Tanglin district are filled with fragrant frangipani trees, an orchid garden and a preserved section of secondary rainforest, while sleepy Pulau Ubin, accessible by bumboat from the north of the island, is the perfect place to rent a bike and get back to nature. You can see wild boar, monkeys and beautiful tropical birds here.

Shop

Shopping is a national pastime in Singapore, and the array of different shopping options, from high end and vintage fashion, to electronics, antiques and food, all reflect this passion. The main shopping strip is Orchard Road, where glitzy malls line a large stretch of the road. Head to different malls depending on your shopping needs; for high end fashion by both international brands and local designers visit ION Orchard or Paragon, for affordable street fashion go to 313@Somerset or Far East Plaza and for electronics, Sim Lim Square. Another luxury shopping destination is the Shoppes by Marina Bay Sands, a VIP mall at the base of the Marina Bay Sands hotel complex, where you can find designers like Dior, Balenciaga and Fendi in stock.

Hectic, colourful Bangkok assaults your senses with its floating food markets, picturesque canals, bustling weekend bazaars and golden temples. Immerse yourself in this spectacular city, enjoying its legendary culinary offers - from street food to fine dining - luxe five-star hotels, world class massages, hip boutiques and colourful historic monuments.

Eat & drink

Thai food is legendary worldwide, and Bangkok encompasses the very best - from humble street food sellers that have earned Michelin stars, to fine dining restaurants that blend cuisines from all over the world. For upmarket dining, visit Blue Elephant, renowned for its contemporary Thai cuisine and onsite cookery school, housed in an atmospheric colonial era mansion. Their bamboo cased sea bass is the perfect introduction to fragrant, fresh Thai cooking. For a truly unusual culinary experience, visit Taling Chan Floating Market, where you can board a sampan (small fishing boat) and glide along Bangkok's picturesque maze of canals, stopping to try classic Thai dishes like grilled seafood, noodles and tropical fruit. If you're looking for a place to while the night away, The Never Ending Summer is a hip riverfront bar located in a converted warehouse that attracts local artists and designers.

Sleep

Bangkok's skyline is a vision of sparkling skyscrapers, but on the street level and along the canals you can see hidden teakwood traditional houses. If it's contemporary luxury you're after, stay at SO Sofitel Bangkok, where the best rooms have views over peaceful Lumphini Park and the onsite spa and its lemongrass scented products will soothe you after a busy day sightseeing. For classic chic, the

Siam Hotel Bangkok

(photo) may be more up your street. The five-star hotel is located in a elegant art deco building and conjures up Jazz Era luxury - rooms have black and white beams and antique flourishes, and the hotel is located right next to the breezy Chao Phraya River.

Explore

Bangkok is home to many ancient and stunning monuments, including Buddhist temples and statues. Head over to the Chao Phraya River, where the greatest concentration of historic sites can be found. Wander around the Grand Palace, built with a blend of Italian renaissance and traditional Thai architecture, and admire the spectacular vaulted roof of the nearby Wat Phra Kaew, a colourful Buddhist temple. After that, walk over to Wat Pho, a giant golden reclining Buddha, that stretches out 150 feet. Also located at this site is one of Thailand's best massage schools, and it's an atmospheric place to indulge in one. If you travel east across the city, you can explore Jim Thompson's House - a museum preserving the home of former US spy and founder of the Thai silk industry - who mysteriously disappeared. The house is a beautiful example of a traditional Thai teakwood house. If you're after some breathing space, walk around Lumphini Park, and watch locals do Tai Chi and aerobics en masse, and lizards and birds in the well-kept gardens around you.

Shop

There is excellent shopping on offer in Bangkok. An unmissable experience is a visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market, a sprawling outdoor array of over 10,000 shops, and almost anything you can think of on sale, from cheap street fashion and electronics to books and vintage jewellery. To stop for a snack, try one of the many dessert stalls and indulge your sweet tooth with coconut milk ice cream. For high end shopping, visit the Siam district, with its array of glitzy malls. Siam Paragon stocks luxurious brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada, and Siam Discovery is home to offbeat high end boutiques like Issey Miyake and Comme des Garcons.

Nothing brings romance to mind quite like a trip to Europe, with its historic cities filled with cobbled streets and strolls beneath the shadows of ancient city walls. From chic northern European destinations like Paris, Amsterdam and Vienna, to the balmy summer nights you can spend in Lisbon and Venice, you'll be spoilt for choice with the romantic destinations you can whisk your significant other away to.

Lisbon (in photo)

One of the world's oldest cities, the buildings of pretty Lisbon tumble down cobbled slopes to the Atlantic Ocean. Sip vintage ports in cosy bars after dark, and trundle along the steep sandstone streets on their still operational vintage trams. For truly luxurious accommodation, stay at Palacio Belmonte, a castle dating back to 1449 that hosts ten VIP suites with incredible views over the city. Make sure you stroll over to Pasteis de Belém, where you can find the city's finest Portuguese custard tarts. For a day trip, travel to magical Sintra, a colourful hill town west of the city, and wander around the historic palaces and tumbling gardens, before enjoying a quiet walk in the surrounding woodland.

Paris

Paris is the ultimate romantic destination. After an afternoon spent in the legendary Café de Flore, favourite haunt of literary legends Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, and a stop off at Patisserie Pierre Hermé, home of Paris' best loved macarons, choose between the huge array of world-renowned fine dining offerings - perhaps Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée, with its menu of innovative natural cuisine, focusing on vegetables and grains - is the best place to start. Stay at Hotel de JoBo, one of the most romantic boutique hotels in the city, with resplendent interiors reminiscent of historic Parisian mansions, but with quirky touches like 20th century antique telephones. Wander around iconic Musée d'Orsay, which displays spectacular early 20th century art in the former Orsay railway station. Then, book a night to remember at the Opéra national de Paris Palais Garnier, an institution dating back to 1890 and in keeping with the old-world style, filled with marble and red satin and hosting lyric opera and ballet performances.

Amsterdam

Criss-crossed with 200 year old canals, cobbled streets and with quaint cafes abound, Amsterdam is a special place to explore with your significant other. For historic charm, stay at Pulitzer Amsterdam, full of secret passageways between the 25 historic canalhouses it's housed in, with beautiful views. Wander around historic museums like the Van Gogh Museum and quaint museum Our Lord in the Attic, where you can wander around a hidden and perfectly preserved church in the attic of a canal house. Shop in historic district Nine Streets, home to chic boutiques like Ace & Tate - for on-trend spectacles and shades - and Love Stories Intimates - a delicate lingerie brand . When you're ready to refuel, visit De Kas, a fine-dining farm to table restaurant set in a row of pretty greenhouses, where you choose between a selection of their organic dishes.

Vienna

Noble Vienna charms you from the get go. Stay at a grand institution like Hotel Sacher Wien, which has housed famous guests from Queen Elizabeth II to John F Kennedy, and has more than a touch of old-world luxury about it, with rooms filled with antiques and original artworks. After a stroll around Vienna's famous landmarks like Hofburg (the Imperial Palace) and the Academy of Fine Arts, located in a stunning historic building, there's no more romantic day out than whirling around on the Riesenrad, an old ferris wheel located in picturesque theme park the Prater. The beautiful 1897 era construction gives you stunning panoramic views of the city and the Danube. Make sure you stop off in one of Vienna's grand coffeehouses, the meeting places for influential novelists, artists, philosophers and musicians for centuries. Café Central, a beautiful 19th century building, has hosted notable figures like Leon Trotsky and Sigmund Freud, and still serves the same classic Viennese dishes, like crispy Wiener Schnitzel with parsley potatoes.

Venice

Venice is most romantic in spring, when its canals, ornate bridges and magnificent palaces are juxtaposed perfectly with balmy weather and blooming flowers. Stay at Ca Maria Adele, a chic 12 room hotel with secret themed suites like “The Doge's Room,” an opulent nod to traditional Venetian style. Dine at Locanda Cipriani, located on the stunning island of Torcello, a relaxed country restaurant with soulful renditions of traditional Venetian food like Sampietro fish “alla Carlina,” a fresh fish dish made with homegrown tomatoes. For a view over the city, visit Campanile di San Marco, a historic bell tower with views across the winding canals, and don't miss Basilica di San Marco, with multitudes of mosaic covering every inch of the vast cathedral's interior.

Asia is rightly famous for its luxurious beachside resorts, often the destination for honeymoons and couples vacations, but it's also an ideal spot for a family break. Five star hotels front white-sanded beaches and are home to kids clubs and activities, on call babysitting and family friendly suites which guarantee children are well cared for. Meanwhile, you can enjoy kicking back, enjoying the stunning beaches and soaking up the tropical sun.

Phuket, Thailand

The pristine white beaches of Thailand are the ideal place for a family getaway, and none more so than in Phuket. One of the most family friendly destinations in Thailand, stay at JW Marriott Resort & Spa, a five star resort located next to a stunning beach. The three sparkling pools and onsite turtle sanctuary are perfect for kids, and there are other options available to keep them amused - like the Kids' Club and oncall childminders. While they're entertained, enjoy the assortment of watersports on offer or chill out with a traditional Thai massage in the Mandara Spa. For day trips, visit the Trick Eye museum, an interactive experience of optical illusions, and FantaSea, a theme park centred around Thai heritage and traditions.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Sleepy and beautiful Hoi An is well known for its atmospheric Ancient Town, criss-crossed with canals and a melting mixture of architecture from the different cultures that settled here during its days as an important trading port. Take your kids to Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, where luxurious family villas compliment the excellent onsite kids club, giving you real peace of mind. You'll have time to enjoy the palm tree lined beach and enrol in the Vietnamese cooking academy at the resort, where you can tour their vegetable gardens and learn to make classics like pho and banh mi.

Penang, Malaysia

A characterful island off the coast of Malaysia, Penang's rich mix of cultures and picture perfect beaches are a memorable place to explore with your children - particularly the UNESCO World Heritage settlement of George Town. There are daily shuttles available here from the Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, itself located next to a beautiful white beach. For stays with kids, the Garden Wing is particularly enjoyable, which hosts an assortment of family friendly suites, all built in traditional Malay style. While your little ones enjoy the array of kids programs at the resort, you have time to chill out at Chi, their onsite spa which provides serene Malay and Chinese treatments in a series of buildings surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

Bali, Indonesia

Beautiful Bali is the epitome of relaxation; with its lush rice paddies, rare wildlife and beautiful beaches. You'll be well looked after at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, which has fabulous kids facilities. Make use of their kids club and 24 hour babysitting services, leaving you free to enjoy the best of the resort's offerings. Spend the day at the hotel's private beach club and then dine at onsite restaurant the Sudara, which serves freshly caught seafood from the bay. Don't miss their pot steamed black mussels, flavoured with locally grown herbs like lemongrass, chilli and ginger, and served in a light citrus broth.

Tangalle, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, one of South Asia's most stunning destinations, is ideal for a family getaway. Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort lives up to its name, with its remote position on a stretch of picturesque Indian Ocean coastline. Enjoy day trips with kids to the nearby Uda Walare Elephant Sanctuary, and when you're ready to relax, let the resort's Children's Club take care of your kids while you spend the day at the beach or enjoy an award-winning Ayurvedic treatment at the Anantara spa, like the signature Ceylon retreat, with a coconut body wrap and black tea and lime foot scrub.