PLATINUM VIBES - an Exclusive Lounge in Singapore for Platinum and Centurion Members Only
One of the most unique perks of The Platinum Card here in Singapore is exclusive access to PLATINUM VIBES. This exclusive lounge for Centurion and Platinum members is located in Marina at Keppel Bay (above where Privé is) and the pop-up location serves food by Michelin Chefs from Saint Pierre (one Michelin star) and Shoukouwa (two Michelin star). Additionally, members will also be able to select from a curated wine list that been created exclusively for this venue by Park90, in partnership with Robert Parker Wine Advocate - you will find a list of over 100 wine labels (many of which are rated over PR90) that are available here at retail price.
American Express PLATINUM VIBES for Platinum Card Members
Centurion and Platinum cardholders are able to enjoy a complimentary welcome drink per visit and due to the capacity of this venue, it is highly recommended for you to make a reservation before coming down. I spoke to a number of staff at PLATINUM VIBES when I visited to find out why was there an ‘expiry’ to the location (if you check out the PLATINUM VIBES page, you will notice that the location of the lounge is valid until 31 December 2018 only). The short answer? PLATINUM VIBES is a testbed for this new perk - American Express is interested to see whether or not this is something that their top-tier cardholders see value in and when the lease on this space ends, they may consider moving the lounge to a bigger space if it is popular (so please be sure to head down if you are holding either the Centurion or Platinum Card!). At the time of writing, PLATINUM VIBES is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It is opened from 5:00PM to 12:00AM from Wednesdays to Fridays and it opens from 12:00PM on Saturdays and Sundays. If you are driving a private vehicle, parking on-site will be subjected to prevailing charges (i.e. you will not be able to validate parking).
American Express PLATINUM VIBES for Platinum Card Members
PLATINUM VIBES currently occupies the second floor of the Marina at Keppel Club. If you are coming up from the spiral staircase, the dining area will be on your left and the lounge area (which is my personal favourite amongst the two) will be on your right, While both venues offer the same food and drink menu, it will probably be easier for you to enjoy the dishes in the dining area since the furniture in the lounge area cater towards more for relaxing. It is definitely worth reiterating that PLATINUM VIBES is for holders of The Platinum Card only - you will be able to bring in unlimited guests (friends and family) but they will have to be accompanied by you. Additionally, only The Platinum Card and Centurion members will be able to enjoy a complimentary drink - a glass of red or white wine.
American Express PLATINUM VIBES for Platinum Card Members
Even though I really wanted to take photos of the interiors, I tried my best not to include some of the members there but it is actually impossible. The lounge sits directly above Privé and it looks out to the stunning marina. For maximum satisfaction, swing by at 5:00PM, enjoy your beverage and watch the sun go down before walking over to the dining area for food.
American Express PLATINUM VIBES for Platinum Card Members
Now it is definitely worth mentioning that even though the food quality is very high for most dishes that I have tried, the portion size is actually quite small. While that actually means that you will get to try a lot of dishes, you must be prepared to order at least 2-3 dishes per adult if you are a regular eater. With all that being said, the prices are actually really reasonable (especially when you consider the fact that the food is prepared by chefs that work in restaurants that have been award Michelin stars).
American Express PLATINUM VIBES for Platinum Card Members
Now in all honesty, this is not the first time that I am visiting PLATINUM VIBES. In fact, on my previous visit, I actually managed to try out at least half of the food menu since I was accompanied by two friends. However, since I had a late lunch today and I was really in a drinking (rather than eating) mood, I only bothered to order some food so people around me do not think I am an alcoholic.
American Express PLATINUM VIBES for Platinum Card Members
As I have mentioned at the start of this article, every Platinum and Centurion member will get a complimentary welcome drink - this is a choice of red or white wine (which I estimate to be around 120ml). On my previous visit, I ordered both the Sipsmith Gin as well as the famous Roku Gin but somehow, I actually prefer the latter. Since they are currently priced at S$15+ per glass, I decided to buy the entire bottle of Roku Gin instead for S$129+. Considering how the standard pour here is 30ml, the whole bottle would give me at least 23 standard drinks which would have costed me S$345+. In case you were wondering whether I finished the entire bottle myself, I did not - the friendly staff over at PLATINUM VIBES offered to keep my bottle for two months.
American Express PLATINUM VIBES for Platinum Card Members
If you are planning on swinging by PLATINUM VIBES early, be sure to grab one of those seats by the window since they look out to the beautiful marina. There are also a number of books and even a really beautiful chess set there that I believe you can utilise/browse during your visit.
American Express PLATINUM VIBES for Platinum Card Members
For those of you who prefer a proper sit-down setting, there is a ‘restaurant’ located just across from the lounge and this is where you will find proper dining tables and chairs. The menu offered here is exactly the same as what is offered in the lounge (and at the same price too) so it really just boils down to a matter of preference. Remember that as a Platinum member, you will be able to bring in unlimited number of guests (friends and family both!) to PLATINUM VIBES but to ensure that there is enough space, booking through your Platinum Concierge is highly recommended.
American Express PLATINUM VIBES for Platinum Card Members
Personally, I am extremely impressed with what American Express has chose to do with their Platinum Card — this is a benefit that no other cards in Singapore have (other high-end credit cards only offer access to places like The Tower Club and China Club). The quality of food has been consistently good and despite the smaller serving size, the price is extremely reasonable. What has surprised me even more is the prices of the drinks offered in PLATINUM VIBES. For some reason, the uploaded drinks menu on American Express has a higher price point than what is offered in the lounge - perhaps they are thinking about increasing the prices in the near future so it would be best to head on down and get yourself a bottle of your favourite poison before the prices go up (if they do).
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