The first impression of the first class Skyroom is that it resembles a “Flying Oval Office” on board Air Force One.  For it is dominated by a massive swivel armchair designed by Pierre Jean Design Studio in France. The 21-inch (53cm) wide electrically-controlled swivel seat can be turned around almost 120 degrees, and is upholstered in finest Poltrona Frau leather and can recline up to 135 degrees for just lounging around, which you tend to do in first class. I mean if there is 135 degree of recline, why not use it? Passengers get a generous 3.23 to 4 square mtrs  (34.7 to 43 sq. ft) of floor space,  with the biggest suites being 1A and F. I had 1A for my test flight! Each suite is shielded from the aisle by two sliding doors. These are operated manually, as opposed to the electrical doors that have been a source of prolonged malfunctions on other airlines. And the suites feature a 32-inch HD touchscreen monitor mounted on the wall, which can also be swiveled. The seat is perfect and of course, there is a bed for a good night’s sleep. If you are traveling with your partner the screen divider can be lowered so that you can have a “double” bed sleeping arrangement.

As soon as I boarded two flight attendants were at my whim and quickly poured a glass of Krug NV. Singapore Airlines in-flight service and attention to details is the stuff of legends and this crew was no exception.

Sure they knew I was writing a review but their efforts were so natural it was as if every passenger was writing a review. Nothing was a hassle - everything was just effortless. There are some things in life you cannot fake - and top class from the heart service is one of them.

As you would expect in first class the service is silver – in fact, it's gold! A leather-bound menu is delivered with a casual but classy air of “we are sure sir that every dining experience is just like this.” “Of, course it is, this is a standard supper in the Thomas’ residence,” I thought. I have two very great weaknesses when it comes to flying – top class champagne and caviar. I guess that it makes me no different to most. So naturally, I opted for the Chilled Malossol Cavair. Malossol is a Russian word that literally translates to "little salt." When Malossol is used to describe caviar, it means that the most idyllic salting process has been used to increase the shelf life of the highly perishable fish roe. But you all knew that! It was as I would have expected perfection, particularly accompanied by Krug. For main course – which is really a supper – I opted for something light in the Grilled Atlantic Cod Fillet with Shell-fish Sauce. There were four choices in all. It was accompanied by sautéed vegetables and Parsley Potatoes. Absolutely cooked to perfection. The fish firm but moist. I could have of course opted for the “Book to Cook” option where the options are seemingly endless. You need to do that a few days out from travel and I forgot. There were three dessert options but I needed a good night’s sleep so I passed on the  Hazelnut Praline Savarin, Warm Apricot Frangipane or cheese selection.

Each suite has a 32-inch HD touchscreen monitor mounted on the wall, which can also be swiveled. A wireless tablet is provided with integrated control functions for in-flight entertainment (IFE) and there is a separate handset offering in-flight IFE control. The movie and entertainment options are arguably the world’s best with Singapore Airlines winning countless awards for its Krisworld product.  

The new Skyroom has plenty of storage and workspaces as well as the fold-out flat bed measuring 76” by 27” (193cm x 68cm) which comes with mattress bedding, duvet, and pillows. And the bedhead has a gas spring to elevate your head to watch a movie while in bed. When slumber calls the bed is superb and before I knew it I was being awoken for breakfast by the steward. "Hell this has gone far, far too quickly," I thought. For the ladies, one of the two bathrooms, the more spacious one on the right side, has been fitted out especially with vanity table and stool, more mirrors and mood-lighting. However, there is no shower. All in all a magnificent experience and a must for your bucket list. Sure it's more expensive than business class but there are deals to be done. Best piece of advice I can offer is get yourself a "really good" travel agent. They are worth their weight in gold - and they will save you a lot of gold coins. Geoffrey Thomas was a guest of Singapore Airlines