323 Alexandra Road, tel: 6828-8888. From $175++ a night for a Deluxe room for two.
It may be situated in Queenstown, right next to the ever-bustling Ikea, but the sleek, four-star Park Hotel Alexandra is an unexpected oasis of calm. Go for a dip in the infinity pool as you take in the picture-perfect view of the lush Southern Ridges, or catch the sunset while sipping on cocktails at the accompanying Aqua Luna bar. The hotel also boasts a gym, four function rooms and a takeaway coffee counter with trained baristas.
Our Crystal Club Room was situated on the 19th floor, the hotel’s highest. Decked out in earthy tones with plush carpets, it exuded understated sophistication yet was cosy and inviting. As Crystal Club Room guests, we had access to the swanky club lounge where we enjoyed a sweeping panorama of the city skyline – along with private check-in and check-out, all-day refreshments, and evening wine and cocktails.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, The Carvery, is a haven for meat-lovers. Indulge in the sumptuous buffet ($38++ for lunch; from $52++ for dinner) of beef prime rib, tenderloin, pork knuckle and more. A variety of sides, from Yorkshire pudding to sweet corn rice, and condiments like red volcanic salt and truffle butter, were great accompaniments to the meats. Don’t forget to leave space for the wood-fired pizzas, and the British Trifle from the dessert station! – Priscilla Kham, sub-editor
28 Ann Siang Road, tel: 6808 2183. From $280++ onwards for a room for two.
Relive the spontaneous days of romantic courtship with a staycation at this intimate 20-room boutique hotel. Newly reopened after a nine-month renovation, The Club sits atop Ann Siang Hill ─ a stone’s throw away from the city’s trendiest dining and drinking spots: Oxwell & Co, Jigger & Pony, Esquina, FYR Cycene Ond Drinc, just to name a few. And even if you’d rather ‘stay in’, there are no shortage of options at The Club.
Upon our arrival, we were invited to unwind with a welcome cocktail at Mr & Mrs Maxwell’s, the hotel’s lobby lounge, while our check-in paperwork is processed. Talk about starting the staycation on the right, chill out note! We love the classy style of the guest rooms and the tasteful vintage accents that underscore its heritage locale.
For dinner, head up to the rooftop for a languid evening of Peruvian-style grills and drinks at Tiger Milk, or pop into The Disgruntled Chef for a cosy, fine-dining experience of Modern European cuisine. Be sure to also nip down to B28 – one of the few whisky bars in Singapore with a live jazz band ─ to soak up its old world charm and while the night away with craft cocktails. – Mia Chenyze, lifestyle and consumer writer
1 Pasir Ris Close, tel: 6589-1865. From $125++ a night for a Rainforest room for two.
Nestled at the tip of Downtown East, the expansive beachside resort by NTUC Club gives off fuss-free, laidback cool. There’s something for everyone with its nine room types, including vibrant rainforest- and marine-themed family rooms with bunk beds for the kids, beach-facing rooms with easy access to barbecue pits, and quiet suites located further away from key attractions.
Our Rainforest Executive room for two was spacious and simple, with a king-sized bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a comfy, bright orange beanbag. Alas, it overlooked massive expansion works and there were low construction noises, which may continue till March 2016, according to a notice in our room.
More of a cool, high-end chalet than a full-fledged hotel ─ there’s no room service or breakfast for guests ─ the biggest draw at D’Resort is the Wild Wild Wet water park, located right in front of the resort. Guests who are NTUC members enjoy free access, while non-members get discounted tickets at a flat rate of $10 (UP: from $14 for kids and $20 for adults). Surrounding leisure outlets like Party World KTV, Orchid Bowl, Cathay Cineplexes and Explorerkid – a mega play-area with a climbing wall, ball pool and more – promise to keep guests entertained. – Priscilla Kham, sub-editor
39 Syed Alwi Road, tel: 6291 3203. From $300++ a night.
The first of an international luxury hotel collection by Satinder Garcha, the man behind numerous resplendent Sentosa Cove developments, there is a sumptuous, almost palatial glint to Hotel Vagabond. Little wonder too, as it is outfitted by French interior designer Jacques Garcia, whose name is synonymous with a bold, opulent aesthete.
The lobby, also known as the Vagabond Salon which integrates both the restaurant and the cocktail bar, is dressed in ruby red with plush velvet upholstery. It’s an artwork extravaganza too, with statement pieces that Garcha has painstakingly sourced from all over the world, such as a rhino-shaped reception desk fashioned out of solid brass, and gold leaf-trimmed banyan trees that ‘prop up’ the upper floor.
Compared to the grandiose style of the lobby, the rooms are decorated in a more restrained manner, but they are a visual feast nonetheless. The Classic room we stayed in was by no means large, yet the clever layout afforded interesting pockets of space, thanks to the dark wood sliding doors which bear colourful floral motifs. Pull close the panels so that in addition to the main sleeping area, you have a foyer of sorts at the doorway, and a vanity space outside the bathroom. Lavish comfort takes the form of goose-down pillows, a king-sized bed laid in Egyptian cotton sheets, and bath amenities by Italian fashion house Etro.
While there is no lack of local experiences in the vicinity ─ the hustle and bustle of Little India, the indie charms of Haji Lane, and the industrial cool cafes off Tyrwhitt Road are a mere five-minute stroll away from this Syed Alwi address ─ make time too, to dine at the 5th Quarter for Chef Andrew Nocente’s house-cured meats and grills. The menu is intriguing with choices like Lardo with Truffle Honey & Chilli ($8), rum-cured Pork Belly with watermelon and pickled onions ($12), and Chocolate Salami with Salted Caramel Ice Cream ($16).
And since it’s a romantic getaway after all, cosy up with the hubby over craft cocktails by the award-winning bartender Mauricio Allende from the Vagabond Bar. – Mia Chenyze, lifestyle and consumer writer
30 Beach Road, tel: 6818 1888. From $450++ a night.
Step into The South Beach and its eclectic, ultra-chic designer aesthetic is immediately apparent. Conceptualised by renowned French designer Philippe Starck, the luxury hotel features 654 rooms, two sky gardens with infinity pools, three bars, a restaurant and more.
We stayed in the Showcase You premier room, located on one of three ladies-only floors. Impressively spacious, it features a king bed, metal rocking chair, and a plush long sofa with a selection of magazines. We were greeted by a complimentary bottle of red wine and a three-tier cake stand loaded with various goodies. The mirrored wardrobes revealed girly items like dusty-pink bathrobes, a manicure and pedicure set, a facial steamer, and a craft kit to sew our own rabbit pouch ─ it’s everything you need for a staycation with the girlfriends. The shower area has a bathtub and separate cubicles for the toilet and rain shower; toiletries were from Davines, known for its natural haircare products.
Up on the sky garden, we enjoyed 360-degree views of the Singapore skyline while dipping in the infinity pool. You can request for a giant swan-shaped float to lounge on; flamingos and other varieties are available too. On the other side of the sky garden are a billiards, ping pong and foosball table, as well as a swanky gym – you are also entitled to a complimentary one-hour session per day with a personal trainer.
The staff were more than welcoming throughout our stay; we were greeted everywhere we went, with those who recognised us from check-in greeting us by name. – Priscilla Kham, sub-editor