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[title]With the arrival of the new year, many of us dream of hopping on board a plane and jetting off to a tropical paradise like Bali or a culturally rich town like Malacca in 2018. But if you’re limited by annual leave or on a tight budget, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy these experience right here in Singapore.
These staycation spots have something for everyone – whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat in a verdant oasis or a jaunt around a historically vibrant neighbourhood.
Oasia Hotel Downtown
Reconnect with nature
It might be located in the heart of the CBD, but Oasia Hotel Downtown’s lush vertical gardenscape will have you feeling like you’re in a tropical hideaway adorned with greenery. Unique exterior aside, Oasia Hotel Downtown has rooms flooded with natural light that include facilities such as rain shower and a premium selection of TWG tea.
Take a dip in the two rooftop pools perched on the 27th floor or the more private Club Infinity Pool that’s exclusive to Club guests. All three have unparalleled panoramic views of the city with strategically placed vines and creepers to give you a sense of privacy. Pop by
the Sky Terrace on level 12 to find inner peace by doing yoga on the grass lawn. As you hold that tree pose, look out into the clear blue sky and let out a satisfying om.
Revitalise your body with healthy nosh such as a citrus fruit and tuna salad, and pan-seared
barramundi at The Marmalade Pantry. Or if you’re up for something a little stronger, make your way to Cin Cin Bar for a tipple or two. The specialty bar houses over 100 different varieties of gin so you’re sure to find a spirit you’ll love.
Book a stay at Oasia Hotel Downtown here.
Village Hotel Katong
Hopping on heritage
With picturesque shophouses housing old-school eateries and artisanal stores lining the street, Katong is a quaint neighbourhood that’s ripe for exploration. Make Village Hotel Katong your base – it’s conveniently situated close to modern malls such as 112 Katong and Parkway Parade but is also surrounded by heritage.
The hotel is embellished with Peranakan paraphernalia that hearkens back to the old days. The rooms aren’t spared from the Nyonya treatment either – each comes with a colourful carpet adorned with Peranakan-style art and a traditional tea set for when you need a quick pick-me-up. Request for a room with a balcony that looks out into the streets of Joo Chiat to watch as the street bustles with people scouting out the best things to eat.
No Peranakan cultural experience is complete without food and Village Hotel Katong is close to some of the best eats on the island. Guan Ho Soon is a 10-minute walk away and has been dishing out Nyonya delicacies since 1953 so you know you’re sure to get an authentic experience here.
Book a stay at Village Hotel Katong here.
Village Hotel Changi
Escape from the city
Forget Batam or Bintan and take a bumboat to Pulau Ubin for an island retreat with local flavour. Not up for travelling to and from the extreme East end of Singapore? Make Village Hotel Changi your temporary home – it’s also the most affordable staycation option of the three.
Opt for a spacious room that has an impressive sea view, which you can revel in from the bed or the en-suite bathtub. And you can almost taste the crisp, salty breeze when you head upstairs to the hotel’s infinity pool that overlooks the pristine natural wonders the island has to offer.
Once you’re rested and ready to go, cross the sea and spend the day on Pulau Ubin partaking in all sorts of fun and adventurous activities. Cycle, trek or go wildlife spotting at Chek Jawa Wetlands in the south-eastern tip of the island. We know you’ll be starving by the end of the day but have no fear, Village Hotel Changi is a skip and a hop away from plenty of food options such as Changi Village Hawker Centre and cosy cafés such as Chock Full of Beans and The Coastal Settlement.
Book a stay at Village Hotel Changi here.