10 Staycation Ideas You Can’t Miss
While a staycation won’t ever be as cool as Jake and Charles’ famous stake-cation (cue ‘stake me out tonight’), it does sound like a good plan as we hang back and wait for our travel plans to resume again, doesn’t it?
Are staycations allowed in Phase 2?
Good news, they are! On July 3, the Singapore Tourism Board announced that hotels can now apply to reopen for staycation bookings - of course, taking in mind that successful hotels will have to ensure local visitors abide by social distancing measures. The SafeEntry system will also be implemented in these hotels and guests will have to wear a mask when in the hotel, except when dining or exercising (as we have all been doing now!).
To prepare you for your staycation plans, here are 10 awesome staycation ideas for either a quick getaway or for you to experience that luxury living experience you have always wanted.
1. KēSa House
Featured on CNA Luxury, you can choose from KēSa House’s 60 comfortable rooms - all of which make up 6 different room types. What’s more, this boutique property is set in Keong Saik road, and is known for having breathed life into a stretch of wonderfully restored shophouses.
KēSa House has also taken a new concept of ‘flexible living’, whereby interested guests can book a room for either a day or a whole month. Beyond this ‘stay-over or stop a while’ concept, KēSa House also boasts comfortable social spaces where you can connect with other guests in a chill setting.
Plus, guests get to share a fully equipped kitchen - who said fancy dinners can only be found in fine dining restaurants? Grab a bag of groceries and whip up a meal for you and your loved ones right here in KēSa House - it will definitely be a memorable experience for all.
Address: 55 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089158
What’s nearby there: Outram Park MRT, Chinatown Complex, Apiary, Maxwell Food Centre
2. Lloyds Inn
Conveniently nestled near the heart of Singapore’s town district, Lloyds Inn’s contemporary minimalist aesthetic has proven to be a popular staycation choice amongst locals. However, this version of Lloyds Inn was far from its original design when it was first established in 1990.
Image credit: Lloyds Inn - The Big Sky Room
Once an old budget hotel, Lloyds Inn has now repositioned itself as an affordable boutique hotel with photogenic landscapes, a rooftop bar and even a dipping pool (wow!) for its occupants to enjoy. Each room is carefully furnished with features fitted for each traveller, as well as air-conditioned with free Wi-Fi, SMART TV and breakfast inclusive.
Plus, for being just minutes walk away from popular shopping malls like ION Orchard and Singapore’s nightlife at Clarke Quay, Lloyds Inn scores bonus points for couples and friend groups looking for a quick getaway.
Address: 2 Lloyd Road, Singapore 239091
What’s nearby there: Somerset MRT, Robertson Quay, Plaza Singaura, Orchard Gateway
3. The Vagabond Club
A hotel under the Marriott entity, The Vagabond Club is an “experience-driven luxury boutique hotel” and is perfect for lovers of the theatre, art, food, drink and conversation. It is also Singapore’s first hotel to host an Artist-in-Residence programme, once and for all showing this hotel’s passion for the arts.
The Vagabond Club prides itself on its Parisian-inspired furnishes and decor, as conceptualized by celebrated French designer Jacques Garcia.
As such, all 41 rooms are opulently styled with bold interior elements and come fully air-conditioned with a king-sized bed. The Vagabond Club is also home to The Whiskey Library. Here, choose from over 1,000 rare and unique whiskies and sip to the tunes of Jazz, theatre and even book reading sessions.
Appropriately located in Singapore’s heritage enclaves, any creative soul looking for a luxurious respite from the city is welcome here.
Address: 39 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore, 207630
What’s nearby there: Jalan Besar MRT, Bugis Junction, Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant, ATLAS Bar
Membership perks: Earn points and redeem free stays with the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program
4. Villa Samadhi(awesome little colonial hideout in Labrador park)
At Villa Samadhi, you are promised a glimpse into Singapore’s colonial heritage with its 20 rooms set in authentic 1920 black and white colonial garrison style. This restored boutique hotel currently sits in Labrador Nature Reserve and has 20 rooms tailored for a tranquil getaway from the bustling city. Choose from rooms boasting rain showers, indoor plunge pools (right in your room!) and luxurious private gardens - there’s bound to be something exciting for everyone who checks in.
Guests are also welcome to dine at Villa Samadhi’s Tamarind Hill restaurant and savour authentic Thai and Shan cuisine there. For those appreciative of the words, do remember to check out Villa Samadhi’s exclusive library and enjoy a cocktail or two there.
Villa Samadhi’s convenient location in Labrador Nature Reserve also provides its guests a quick escape to attractions like Southern Ridges or Singapore’s only public accessible rocky sea cliff (time to get your photo taken along gorgeous sunsets).
Address: 20 Labrador Villa Road, Singapore 119193
What’s nearby there: Labrador MRT, Mount Faber Park, Sentosa
5. The Great Madras
‘Live a little great’ - The Great Madras certainly lives up to its mission. Each room is boldly decorated with bright wallpaper designs, with some having their own balcony and courtyard as well. Here, take a restful break from our fast-paced world in the comfort of these wonderfully furnished rooms.
Image credit: The Great Madras
Beyond its iconic flamingo neon sign, this boutique hotel is also known for its unique services offered. Gents, opt for a swoon-worthy haircut by the in-house barber while the ladies get their tan on at The Great Madras’ picturesque pool.
Nestled along the streets of Little India, The Great Madras is within walking distance to many authentic Indian cuisine food stalls. Singapore’s reputation as a multi-cultural city stands tall here with the various religious places of interest nearby as well - stroll from the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples to the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, a traditional Chinese temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.
Address: 28 Madras Street, Singapore 208422
What’s nearby there: Rocher MRT, Bugis Junction, Indian Heritage Centre, The Cathay, Haji Lane
6. Ann Siang House
Restored from a 1920s shophouse, Ann Siang House is home to 20 stylishly curated rooms with a dash of modern living within. Each room is tailored to the specific experience you are looking for when you come knocking at this boutique hotel.
For the fitness buffs, you will be right at home in the Active Studio which comes complete with fitness necessities like weights and even a stationary exercise bike. After your workout, unwind under your very own walk-in rain shower as well.
Image credit: Ann Siang House
For those craving a luxurious getaway, step into the Wellbeing Suite complete with a glorious en suite kitchenette and private terrace. Feeling a little worn out? Opt for a massage on your personal Ogawa massage chair or take a well-deserved bath soak with handmade bath salts from Mandy T - this staycation will pamper your soul like never before.
Image credit: Ann Siang House
Additionally, Ann Siang House can be found along the outskirts of Chinatown and Singapore’s famous Central Business District. As such, famous places of interests like the Esplanade, Marina Bay and National Gallery Singapore are all a stone’s throw away as well.
Address: 28 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069708
What’s nearby there: Telok Ayer MRT, Maxwell Food Centre, One Raffles Place Shopping Mall, Chinatown Complex
7. AMOY
Under the Far East Hospitality entity is AMOY, a boutique hotel whose ornate Chinese temple-like entrance first gives its guests an awe inspiring feeling of sorts. However, after walking through its wonderfully furnished lobby, you get a transition from tradition to modernity.
AMOY houses 37 rooms all of which have taken on a modern living setting with a touch of Chinese heritage sentiments.
Image credit: Far East Hospitality
Besides a 24-hour gym, guests also enjoy access to both of its 2 rooftop pools and open sky terrace. AMOY is also well-known for its personalized service and guests will definitely feel pampered with such wonderful service.
Conveniently located minutes away from Telok Ayer MRT, AMOY is also within walking distance to popular eateries and malls in Singapore’s famed Central Business District.
Address: 76 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 048464
What’s nearby there: Telok Ayer MRT, One Raffles Place Shopping Mall, Marina Bay, Hong Lim Market & Food Centre
Membership perks: Far East Hospitality currently has loyalty perks for its corporate bookers where guests can exchange points for dining experiences, shopping vouchers and more!
8. The Warehouse Hotel
Found on the banks of the Singapore River, The Warehouse Hotel under the Marriott brand prides itself as a carefully restored heritage building that now oozes modern and sophisticated luxury living.
All rooms boast large living areas, some designed in loft style, some coming with a personal reading library on its 2nd level and some with views over Singapore’s iconic river. The Warehouse Hotel also has a glass-sided rooftop infinity pool overlooking the picturesque Robertson Quay - perfect for friends and couples to hang out together in this chill and romantic setting.
This unique boutique hotel has also partnered with several of Singapore’s new entrepreneurs - showing support to both local artists and creators, all while staying true to the hotel’s brand narrative. For one, the lobby presents a collection of objects that “allude to The Warehouse’s sordid past”, as reimagined by Gabriel Tan Studio and Supermama.
Image credit: The Warehouse Hotel
The Ashley & Co bath products provided are also Ecocert-approved and are made of organic and natural ingredients, and are hence an ally of sustainability with The Warehouse Hotel.
Address: 320 Havelock Road, Singapore 169628
What’s nearby there: Fort Canning MRT, Clarke Quay The Central, Asian Civilisations Museum, Tiong Bahru Market
Membership perks: Earn points and redeem free stays with the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program
9. Orchid Country Club - Live the country club life for the weekend!
Image credit: Orchid Country Club's Facebook
Located in the north of the island, the Orchid Country Club is the go-to spot for both golfers and those looking for a respite away from the city. Pick from the hotel’s 75 rooms and reward yourself with a picturesque panoramic view of the establishment’s Aranda golf course.
Known for being family-friendly, the Deluxe Family Room is amazingly spacious, offering up to 3 beds and access to outdoor swimming pools for a splashing fun time with the family.
The Orchid Country Club also has its own membership program, exclusively tailored for those interested in the golf sport. Beyond Singapore, club members will receive access to over 90 reciprocal and access clubs in over 20 other countries as well, some including popular golf clubs in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and even France. However, NTUC members do enjoy special rates when booking rooms
Address: 1 Orchid Club Road, Singapore 769162 - hop on their free shuttle service to/ from Yishun MRT
What’s nearby there: Khatib MRT, Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, Northpoint City
Membership perks: Club and NTUC members get to enjoy special rates which you can check out here.
10. Resorts World Sentosa
If you haven’t heard, as of July, several famous tourist attractions in Singapore will be allowed to reopen. These include the likes of the family-friendly Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A Aquarium and the iconic Madame Tussauds wax museum - all of which can be found on the sunny island of Sentosa.
If you are looking to make a trip there, why not complete the trip with a staycation there? Pick from one of the many hotels in Resorts World Sentosa, from the glamorous Hard Rock Hotel to the mesmerizing Equarius Hotel.
#CTSGtip: For those looking for a unique experience like no other, do check out RWS’ Treetop Lofts - tucked away in the canopy of trees and nested 12 metres above ground, it is perfect for those wishing to get close to nature with a hint of privacy. The lofts come with a private outdoor terrace - perfect for a quiet night of stargazing and romantic dinners.
Image credit: Resorts World Sentosa
If you prefer to be underwater, the Ocean Suites found within S.E.A Aquarium is perfect for you. Here, you get the best of both worlds, with a two-level suite - one with an outdoor patio and jacuzzi on land and another underwater view in the privacy of your luxurious suite.
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
What’s nearby there: Harbourfront MRT, Vivo City, Mount Faber Park
Membership perks: RWS Invites and Genting Rewards members get to enjoy exclusive rebates and privileges.
*Note: Booking availability of the above mentioned hotels is dependent on their individual re-opening dates.
Aren’t you excited to embark on your staycation adventure? I know I am!