Staycation Spotlight: Dao by Dorsett

Our stay was off to a good start when we were ushered into plush seats in the lobby and handed dainty little cups of tea. Soon, Dao will be offering its own blend for you to enjoy while the staff get you checked in pronto.

Another thing to expect is an introduction to the hotel's plant library. Curated by The Botanist and Her Thieves, this initiative allows guests to adopt a plant for the duration of the stay. Learn all about your new plant baby and the best ways to care for it – it's a quirky and wholesome touch that helps to make you feel more at home. 

Soon, we were whisked away to our suite – classed as the One Bedroom Premier Suite. The first thing that'll strike you is the spaciousnous. Step into a fully equipped kitchen, which opens towards a modest dining area, large living room, and a door to the bedroom with an attached toilet. 

The bedoom is a stunner. It has two walls of large windows showing views of the city on the left and the sea on the right. Most every room in Dao has such commanding views, with the lowest level of rooms starting on floor eight. You'll find every modern comfort in the rooms too, from high-speed wifi to a rain shower. Whether you're here for the short or long-haul, you won't be lacking. 

Dao is all about finding 'your way' – which means that you have the freedom to create a staycation that suits your needs and lifestyle. Have children in tow? Opt for a playtime set in the room to keep tots happy and occupied. Or have a fur baby you want to bring along? Dao welcomes them and even has pet-friendly amenities to keep them comfortable. 

Dao has also partnered with Avo & Co, a local artisanal shop, to provide custom fresh produce boxes on request. Whip up a meal of your own in the kitchen – we managed a one-pan dinner with salmon, heirloom cherry tomatoes, green beans, and a medley of potatoes. You can also enjoy fresh fruits like apples, mandarin oranges, dragonfruit, and some of the best grapes you'll ever have (we can vouch for it). 

This is also available through Dao+, a special package that includes the fruit box by Avo & Co, welcome snacks by Green Common, and an assortment of coffee and tea bags by Bacha Coffee and TWG Tea respectively. 

In-house restaurant Collective runs the morning breakfast buffet, but also serves up an impressive array of a la carte items for lunch. We were recommended the signature nasi lemak, which we had along with creamy mushroom soup as well as banana fritters and ice cream for dessert. The nasi lemak will probably not live up to your hawker favourite (the rice is not quite lemak), but makes up for it with a juicy, well-spiced chicken, a huge jumbo prawn, and sambal squid. Collective also has a plant-based menu by Green Common, and we hear there are restaurant partnerships and pop-ups on the horizon to look forward to. 

The great thing about being located in OUE Downtown is the proximity to a bevy of gyms and fitness studios. Dao by Dorsett has partnered with the likes of Absolute Cycle, Haus Athletics, and Boulder Movement, offering free trial classes in an effort to help guests immerse and make connections in the local community. Pick up rhythm cycling at Absolute Cycle, go for boxing and high-intensity interval training at Haus Athletics, or connect with the community of rock climbing enthusiasts at Boulder Movement. You can even get a stationery bike from Absolute Cycle delivered to your room, so you can groove and sweat to classes streamed on-demand. It's a great way to have a taste of Singapore's fitness scene, and perhaps start – or further – your own wellness journey.  

If the gym's not for you, then take a dip in Dao's generous infinity pool. Don't expect spectacular views here – the buildings around do get in the way of any sort of sunset view – but the pool is long enough to get some good laps in. There's also a jacuzzi where you can get a gentle massage for your tired legs and back, plus cabanas and loungers where you can kick back and relax with a drink or a book. 

A stay at Dao by Dorsett starts anywhere between $500 to $700 per night for the Studio Deluxe King, depending on when you intend to stay. And of course, you get better rates if you're staying for the long-term. 

We can see how this is a very attractive option for business people and families looking to stay long-term. Dao is just a hop, skip and jump to most offices, with plenty of food options around – from affordable Amoy Street Food Centre, to upscale options along Telok Ayer and Ann Siang Hill. Over the weekends, you can cycle or stroll around nearby Marina Bay or catch a fast train out to most major attractions.

This wouldn't be our first pick for a short staycation though – we would prefer a place located in charming neighbourhoods like Joo Chiat or somewhere with a more resort-like feel. Nevertheless, Dao by Dorsett has a lot going for it: customisable wellness options, Insta-worthy rooms and infinity pool, and warm service everywhere you go. It manages to be both luxe and laidback, the kind of balance that makes for a restorative getaway.