From The Straits Times    |

Looking simply to disconnect while on leave and desperate for some respite? Editor Ng Yi Lian tells you what you can expect from a retreat at The Grand Hyatt.

As an ex-regular to spiritual retreats in Bali and Phuket, I was really feeling the mental deprivation from the lack of travelling. So when I heard about Grand Hyatt’s Recharge Retreat staycation, I was excited to give it a try, hoping to get some semblance of the serenity I used to feel during such retreats.

My Recharge Retreat started off at 2:30pm with a 60-min full body massage treatment at Grand Hyatt’s luxurious Damai Spa. A generously sized room with a water-function view, the environment relaxes one immediately and the masseuse’s relaxing strokes had me dozing off in a matter of minutes.

The only way to start a wellness weekend? A luxurious body treatment at Damai Spa.

I then checked into the 54sqm junior suite with a separate living area. As part of the retreat, a set of activewear from local brand Kydra was also included. After unpacking and settling into the suite, I changed into my set and headed for the meditation session at the indoor fitness studio, a small building in the Hyatt estate. As I made my way to my spot on an exercise mat, I was taken by the calming effect of the relatively large studio, which could house a tennis court. Led by the hotel’s spa director Karu, the class of 15 guests participated in meditational activities such as Gong Sound bath and Breath Work exercises. As we laid down on our mats, Karu guided us to a state of mindfulness with the use of the musical instruments such as the gong and Tibetan singing bowls.

Relaxing at the guided meditation and sound therapy class.

I am not a frequent meditation practitioner, so I didn’t have high hopes of getting into a meditative state for this practice. But 15 minutes into the session, my mind managed to get into it. There’s something so joyful about being completely present and aware of your passing thoughts that I found myself smiling while lying down with my eyes covered with an eye pillow. I left the indoor studio feeling a lot lighter.

If you’re looking to start your mornings on an endorphin high, sign up for the HIIT class. Those who prefer something with a slower pace can opt for the yoga or tai chi classes instead.

Yoga, HIIT and tai chi classes are some of the morning activities offered.

The workout is followed by a Nutritional Brunch Experience (curated by our #HerWorldTribe member and nutritionist Charlotte Mei) at Oasis, the poolside restaurant. The food was delicious – from a zesty pomelo salad to the coconut sorbet dessert – and I practically licked the plates clean. By the time brunch ended, I had just enough time to return to the suite to pack up. My itinerary for this review was 2D1N, but Grand Hyatt only has a 3D2N programme for this retreat now, priced at $840 for single occupancy. Dates are available from June 24 onwards.

The brunch menu, designed by nutritionist Charlotte Mei and Chef Lucas Glanville, focuses on nutrition and sustainability.

Even though I didn’t exactly feel recharged from the short stay, the meditation session was an absolute hit. The lightness I felt after the session stayed with me for the next few days and I now find myself seeking a similar class in hopes of practicing it regularly.

Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road, tel: 6738-1234

This article first appeared in the July 2021 issue of Her World.

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