Need a break from life, but have no time for a getaway? Consider booking a staycation in Singapore. There are plenty of hotels, resorts, and chalets to choose from, but if you want to get away from the chaos of the urban jungle, let this list guide you. From an ‘80s style bungalow chalet for the whole family to a luxurious villa fit for a romantic weekend with your partner, here are five faraway staycation spots in Singapore worth driving to.
Lloyd’s Inn might be located just a stone’s throw away from busy Orchard Road, but don’t worry – it’s still out of the hustle and bustle. Some may remember Lloyd’s Inn as the budget-friendly hotel for travellers from the 1990s, but since its revamp in 2014, the popular establishment is now known for its chic and minimalist aesthetic – perfect for all your photo-taking needs. Overlooking lush greenery, all rooms adopt a monochromatic theme with beautifully painted white walls and crisp white sheets. Soak up the sun by the foliage-surrounded dipping pool and when night falls, enjoy the view of the cityscape at the roof terrace. Rates start from $140 a night.
The award-winning Village brand – a hotel chain by Far East Hospitality – has arrived on the shores of Sentosa. Every Village branch is unique and different depending on the location’s surroundings. For the new Village Hotel Sentosa, the stylish stay borrows inspiration from the sun and sea. Choose the Deluxe Room which overlooks Palawan Beach, or opt for the Family Room, which gives you quick access to the stunning pool deck, a composite of four different pools, including a kid-friendly one. Check out the in-house restaurant, Native Kitchen, an island-inspired establishment that serves up dishes like seafood platters and pineapple-flavoured desserts. Nearby the hotel there’s also a bunch of family-friendly attractions to check out, including Universal Studios Singapore, Madame Tussauds, and more. Prices for a room start at $245 a night.
For an accommodation that will house a large family (and maybe even extended members, if you like!), there’s Heritage Chalet. Tucked away in Pasir Ris Park, all chalets are semi-detached. Each unit is fully air-conditioned, with eight super single beds on the second level and a BBQ pit out on the patio. As its name suggests, Heritage Chalet pays tribute to its roots by keeping its original 80s-inspired design during recent retrofitting works. Rent traditional games such as Carrom board, belt out the lyrics to catchy tunes at the Family KTV room, or chill out at the iconic mosaic elephant playground nearby. There are only eight bungalows in total, so fastest fingers first! Units start at $180 a night.
Peace and quiet is yours at Villa Samadhi. Tucked away in the 22-hectare Labrador Nature Reserve, Villa Samadhi used to be an enclave of the British military. Today, after three years of restoration works, it’s a tranquil 20-room boutique hotel. In Sanskrit, Samadhi represents the highest state of meditation, and Villa Samadhi achieves this with its proximity to nature. Borrowing from black and white style buildings from Singapore’s past and modern Western influences, everything from the hotel’s entrance to rooms are exquisitely furnished with objects and centrepieces that exude charm. The most luxurious chamber, the Luxe Sarang, even comes with a private garden and pool. Villa Samadhi is best for couples, so you might want to leave the kids at home for this one and make this a romantic weekend with your spouse. Prices start at $250 a night.
Not only is D’Resort Singapore’s first nature-inspired resort with an integrated water park, there’s also plenty of fun family-bonding stuff everyone can do. Grow organic vegetables at D’Resort’s Urban Farming workshop, kayak to Singapore’s first floating Halal-certified kelong restaurant, cycle and explore hidden gems in the East, unleash your inner Picasso at art jamming sessions – the list is endless. There are also BBQ pits available for rent around the resort for a good ol’ hearty feast featuring grilled sausages and chicken wings. Prices start from $140 a night.
Tend to overpack, even if it’s for a staycation? Don’t fret – the Mitsubishi Outlander has got your back. With third row seating and foldable seats, there’s more than enough space to store your bags, prams, fancy Unicorn pool floats, and even BBQ equipment. The Mitsubishi Outlander also comes with seven airbags and seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters for your family’s utmost safety. Its flexible back-seat configuration and tailgate, which can be raised or lowered with the single push of a button, allows for easy loading too.
