If you’re not sure about heading overseas just yet, why not book a staycation for that much-needed break, whether you’re a post-exam parent or a WFH warrior?
“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.” ~ Gen 2:2
God Himself instituted rest. The human body and mind, as well as the spirit, all need refreshing from time to time. This year-end marks nearly two years of living in a pandemic, which has been stressful in every way possible. Pre-COVID, many Singaporeans dealt with the stress of city living by travelling overseas, but now, travel is not quite what it used to be. True, the VTL (vaccinated travel lanes) have opened up to more and more cities, but the many precautions, restrictions and the possibility of testing positive for COVID is part of a traveler’s new normal.
Still, there are many ways to get that well-deserved rest! City News invited Klessis Lee of J Babies to recommend her top picks for staycations during this year-end period, from families with young children, to singles looking for a perfect locale to go on a spiritual retreat and connect with God alone.
STAYCATIONS FOR PARENTS WITH YOUNG KIDS
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore (22 Orange Grove Rd)
Shangri-La is well known for its great hospitality and service, with an array of facilities that are family-friendly. Their Fun Family Playcation package is surprisingly affordable, starting at just $298. This price includes a daily buffet breakfast for a family of four at The Line, $100 dining credits per night, child-themed amenities, and playtime at Buds by Shangri-La and Splash Zone. To make it extra special for your little ones, you can also add on SGD88 nett for a Picnic Experience set amid Shangri-La’s lush gardens, complete with a delightful menu of savoury and sweet treats!
Things To Do During Your Stay:
- Have a rollicking time at the Buds by Shangri-La indoor playground
- Not tired yet? Take a short bus ride to BOUNCE for some trampoline jumping fun! (Cineleisure, Somerset)
- Enjoy some quality food and drink at Tanglin Mall
- Check out the swans at Botanic Gardens and run free across open grass areas
SG Hotel On Wheels (Pasir Ris Downtown East)
For a completely different hotel experience, check out Singapore’s first roving container hotel which recently opened at Pasir Ris. As it is a roving hotel, the location of the hotel will probably change after March 2022, as current bookings are open till then. The rooms are done up in Industrial Chic, Minimalist Classic and Modern Country styles, and are all equipped with Google Home, smart TV, air-conditioning and attached bathrooms. Prices start from $188/night for a 20ft room and $248/night for a 40ft room during weekdays. Each room also comes with two tickets to Wild Wild Wet and complimentary use of the hotel’s BBQ pits and bicycles.
Things To Do During Your Stay:
- Playing all day at the Wild Wild Wet Water theme park
- Shopping at Don Don Donki located inside Downtown East
- Whip up a BBQ dinner feast! Supermarkets are conveniently located nearby
- Chill out on outdoor lounge chairs laid out around the facility: Adults can sip tea under the stars while kids enjoy the mini funfair located right outside the rooms.
- Visit the fishing pond just a short walk away: you can indulge in fishing or prawning and even enjoy a seafood feast
- Enjoy the sun and sand on nearby Pasir Ris Beach
STAYCATIONS FOR PARENTS WITH TEENS
Village Hotel Bugis (390 Victoria St)
Conveniently located in Bugis and Kampong Glam area, this hotel has much to offer in terms of food and culture. They have a value-for-money Family Discovery Package which includes accommodation in the Family Room, late check-out at 6pm, breakfast, complimentary gelato, dining vouchers worth $60 and movie screenings.
Things To Do During Your Stay:
- Take a walk around Kampong Glam and learn about the heritage, history and culture of this area. If you are interested in guided tours, check out Let’s Go Tours Singapore for their signature “Aminah in Kampong Glam” theatrical guided tour.
- Go for a photo walk and capture all the beautiful colourful wall murals in the vicinity.
- Enjoy authentic Lebanese cuisine and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Kampong Glam, especially at night.
- Café-hopping is absolutely necessary here because there are so many cafes, bakeries, gelato shops in this area. Explore Haji Lane for vintage shopping as well!
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road (7500B Beach Rd)
Serviced apartments work well for families with more grown-up kids who enjoy having their own space. These also come with kitchenettes, so the whole family can go grocery shopping and cook together for a family bonding experience.
Things To Do During Your Stay:
- Be local tourists! Take the Duck Tours bus, get on the Singapore Flyer, visit the Gardens by the Bay, explore Esplanade and Merlion Park, all conveniently located a walk away from the hotel.
- Visit the ArtScience Museum and Marina Bay Sands for great exhibitions and food
- Take a short walk to Suntec City for some retail therapy and delightful eats—don’t miss the sprawling Don Don Donki on the second floor!
- Enjoy a movie night with the family in the comfort of your serviced apartment—snacks mandatory!
ROMANTIC GETAWAYS
Hotel Fort Canning Singapore (11 Canning Walk)
The hotel has a special couple staycation package called “Spring Getaway In The Park – Retreat for Two” which includes breakfast for two at The Salon and a daily food and beverage credit of $25 for stays from Sundays to Thursdays. (Minimum of 2 nights’ stay and offer is valid until 31 Dec 2021).
Things To Do During Your Stay:
- Reconnect with each other in the peaceful and serene grounds of Hotel Fort Canning. Take slow walks together, talk and laugh!
- Explore Fort Canning Park and enjoy the lush greenery and tranquillity the park offers. Make precious photo memories with your other half as you check out historical sites and IG-worthy places such as the iconic spiral staircase, Sang Nila Utama Garden and the Gothic Gates.
- Café-hop and enjoy good food and coffee together at the various cafes and restaurants nearby, including Dutch Colony Coffee at UE Square and Food For Thought at the National Museum
Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa (1 Larkhill Road, Sentosa)
If you and your love need a luxurious getaway, a Larkhill Terrace Suite at the Amara Sanctuary Resort Hotel is sure to hit the spot. A few suites sit in a separate block, away from the main hotel and each one comes with its own private patio featuring an outdoor free-standing tub and a day bed. Each suite also offers direct access to a 50m lap pool with a fantastic view.
Things To Do During Your Stay:
- Talk a walk to Palawan Beach, a mere three minutes away.
- Go for a massage or request for in-room massage services.
- Enjoy stargazing at night on your private patio.
- Free shuttle services are provided to and from VivoCity, so you can hop on for some hotpot or seafood, and enjoy some shopping as well.
- When you are on such fabulous hotel grounds, enjoy all the hotel facilities and relax!
SPIRITUAL RETREATS
Lloyd’s Inn (2 Lloyd Rd)
The rooms at Lloyd’s Inn are simple and minimalist, and the surroundings are peaceful and quiet—perfect for a spiritual retreat. With only 34 rooms in this boutique hotel, you can be sure you will find the haven you need for your retreat. Take the space and time you need to pray and read the Bible, and wait upon the Lord.
Things To Do During Your Stay/After Your Retreat Hours
- Visit MAD Museum of Art & Design (10 Tanglin Rd #01-01/02-01) for some art therapy for the mind.
- Supper at Shiok Shiok Night Market – Thai-themed night market (next to Concorde Hotel, opens till 3am)
- Late night massage at Natureland (Liat Towers, opens from 9am to 3am daily)
Gallop Kranji Farm Resort (10 Neo Tiew Ln 2)
If you want to spend time alone with God, away from noise and crowds, surrounded by nature, this could be a good option for you. This off-the-beaten-track resort offers a unique kampong-style experience for you to focus on getting connected with God, and some quiet respite from busy urban life. This is suitable for family staycays as well, as there are many activities to engage the children nearby.
Things To Do During Your Stay:
- Enjoy a nature walk at Bollywood Veggies or sign up for their tours and cooking classes for a unique and wholesome experience. Be sure to have a meal at Poison Ivy Bistro where they serve up delicious, photo-worthy farm-to-table dishes
- Visit Hay Dairy Goat Farm. Feed the goats, enjoy some fresh goat milk and (try to) appreciate the natural smell of the goats
- Go for a foot spa at Qian Hu Fish Spa
