Review: Is a wellness retreat in the heart of CBD worth it?

Luxurious rooms

Credit: Sofitel Singapore City Centre

1/9

During our stay, we checked into the Luxury Room, a spacious 38sqm room that features Sofitel's exceptionally crafted hotel bed, a deep bathtub for you to soak in and a rain shower.

But what we found most unique about the rooms in Sofitel is that every room comes with its very own pillow menu, which allows you to choose the right pillow for your sleeping position.

To add on to the luxurious experience, each room will also come with a L'Occitance Verbena Body Salt Scrub for you to pamper your skin with.

Wellness programmes

Credit: Her World/Shazrina Shamsudin

2/9

Sound Bath Therapy

The deeply-immersive, full-body listening experience intentionally uses sound to invite gentle yet powerful therapeutic and restorative processes to nurture your mind and body. The session begins with you lying down in a comfortable position, and you'll be guided to focus on taking a few deep breaths before they start introducing different sounds. Here, the Virgin Active's instructor will then use singing bowls to emit sounds that will invite you into a deeper state of consciousness.

I found this session really therapeutic and I shifted into a dreamlike state in no time because it was really calming. Of course, many of us dozed off during the session as well, and even some of us started snoring in the midst of it (which is perfectly fine!) — so you could tell that it definitely helped in improving your sleep.

Credit: Her World/Shazrina Shamsudin

3/9

Dynamic Flow Yoga 

For someone who rarely wakes up early to go for yoga, this session in the morning was definitely refreshing for a change. The session was carried out on the lawn at Sofitel Singapore City Centre, and it was nice to do some yoga outdoors. Besides, we got to breathe in the fresh air and even got our daily dose of Vitamin D while we were at it.

The Dynamic Flow Yoga session was pretty challenging and quick-paced if you ask me. In fact, I also found myself breaking out in sweat midway through the session, so I would recommend bringing a towel with you for the class.  Nevertheless, it was what I needed as I managed to get a deep stretch for my tight hamstrings, hips, and shoulders.

Credit: Sofitel Singapore City Centre

4/9

Bootcamp Circuit

After having breakfast, lunch and a quick coffee break, we started the Bootcamp Circuit. While it was supposed to be carried out on the lawn, it started raining a few hours earlier so the ground was still pretty damp. The session was then moved to the ballroom in the hotel, which I found was a lot better thanks to the air conditioning, and also because things were going to get really heated and sweaty.

Here, the Virgin Active instructor guided us through a heart-thumping cardio session that focused on our lower body and I have to admit, this workout got me drenched in sweat. Think — 12 stations, with 45 seconds of work and 15 seconds of rest each, and an additional six kickers in between every two stations. It was really fun but at the same time, I couldn't feel my legs the next day from the insanely intense workout.

Credit: Her World/Shazrina Shamsudin

5/9

Sleep Meditation Therapy

After an intense Bootcamp session, we switched out to something more comfortable for dinner before we started our Sleep Meditation therapy session.

Great for those who have trouble sleeping at night, sleep meditation works to help you quieten your mind and soothe your senses, so that it helps to let go of worrying thoughts and it relaxes your body before bed.

Of course, I found that it was really calming but I definitely had no trouble sleeping during the session, especially after a rigorous workout and a hearty dinner.

Specially curated dining experiences

Credit: Sofitel Singapore City Centre

6/9

As part of the experience, guests will be treated to a full board of meals during the stay.

To start, you can expect to have your first meal at 1864 — a bar in Sofitel Singapore City Centre that serves specially curated cocktails, happy hour specials and high tea.

For the rest of the retreat, you can expect to have your meals over at Racine, the hotel's restaurant that serves authentic French cuisine and refined local Chinese delights. The restaurant will also be serving buffet breakfasts as well.

Facilities

Credit: Sofitel Singapore City Centre

7/9

When you're here for a stay, be sure to take a dip into Sofitel's gorgeous infinity pool located on Level 6 which overlooks the streets of Tanjong Pagar. Alternatively, for those who prefer to continue working out, you'll be glad to know that there's also a SoFit gym that's fully equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment for a total body workout.

3-day pass to Virgin Active

Credit: Virgin Active Singapore

8/9

Part of the wellness retreat package will also come with a complimentary 3-day Virgin Active gym pass, which you can access anytime after your stay — so you can visit any of Virgin Active's clubs in Singapore! Take, advantage of the Relax & Recover facilities or you can even attend a class if you're looking to boost your endorphins.

Overall verdict

Credit: Her World/Shazrina Shamsudin

9/9

Unlike many wellness retreats, this particular collaboration with Sofitel Singapore City Centre and Virgin Active is definitely one for those who are not only looking to relax and rejuvenate but also for those who are looking to break a sweat. I definitely did not expect to be aching after a retreat but I feel a lot better about myself after working out, even while I was on a break. I also like how the programmes have all been spaced out so I had some free time to take lots of naps in between as well as explore the streets of Tanjong Pagar too.

I think this would make for a great getaway with your girlfriends, especially if you're working in the area, so you can easily start your getaway after clocking off from work on Friday. Moreover, the itinerary for the retreat has all been sorted out, so you don't have to worry about planning what to do during your staycation over the weekend.

The Virgin Active and Sofitel Singapore City Centre 3D2N Wellness Retreat will be happening from 14 to 16 October 2022. To reserve your room or find out more, visit the website here.