Have a break, have a staycation.
We understand that sometimes life in Singapore can get a bit stifling and we just want to get away from it all. But under the constraints of time, budget, and the number of days of leave we have, it can get difficult to just jet away and leave everything behind for a few days.
So this is where staycation is our next best option. True, we might have people contesting this idea that it is strange and a waste of money to book a hotel in Singapore to stay for a night or two when we have our own bed to sleep in. However, it is that added luxury of room service, the infinity pools, the breakfast buffet, and most importantly, the different vibe and environment that give us the illusion that we are in the comfort of our own little bubble, away from the hustle and bustle of reality. That is what makes staycations so appealing and attractive to most of us.
So here, we have 5 beautiful and brilliant new-ish hotels you can check in for your next staycation after you are done exhausting the popular ones like Llyod’s Inn, M Studio, and the likes. Enjoy!
1. The Warehouse Hotel
By the Lo and Behold Group who are known for their exquisitely and intricately designed buildings, The Warehouse Hotel definitely did not disappoint us with its industrial chic. Opened recently in January 2017, it was meticulously restored from an old heritage building along the banks of Singapore River on Robertson Quay whilst still preserving the culture and heritage through historically detailed rooms and classic local dishes.
You will feel immediately transported away from the outside world as soon as you step into the photogenic lobby and open bar with its high ceiling and industrial chic décor. This has become an iconic picture of The Warehouse Hotel.
We can’t stop gushing over how charming the guest rooms are. Embodying industrial minimalism with screed walls and wood flooring, it is an absolute delight to relax and rest here. You can choose from different room options such as the Mezzanine (above), Suite (below), or Loft – highest floor with peaked ceiling.
The Suites are open and spacious and we love that they have 2 sinks for 2 people!
The Warehouse Hotel Address: 320 Havelock Road, Robertson Quay, Singapore 169628 Contact: +65 6828 0000 Email: reservations@thewarehousehotel.com Website
2. Villa Samadhi
Escape from the urban concrete jungle with Villa Samadhi – a 20-room hotel villa restored from an old heritage colonial house built in the 20th century. Tucked away in the greenery of Labrador Nature Park, it opened its doors in January this year and has been a wonderful option for those who want to be one with nature and self in Singapore. There are yoga and taiji classes being planned for by the hotel if you are interested.
The design elements in the hotel are all infused with Asian culture. There are pieces of artefacts, paintings, or even furniture that are sourced from all over Asia, including Iran and Afghanistan. The word “Samadhi” is a Sanskrit word for a state of intense concentration achieved through meditation.
Its rooms have touches of infused colonial design that gives it a distinctive character. There is also a private plunge pool for guests’ use in the Sarang and Luxe Sarang room types. A decanter filled with port is always served at night as nightcap, and complimentary snacks and kuehs are served up throughout the day to ensure that the guests are always full.
Villa Samadhi Address: 20 Labrador Villa Road, Singapore 119193 Contact: +603 2630 8324 Email: reservations@ villasamadhi.com.sg Book now
3. JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach
Located at the new South Beach Development, this is JW Marriott debut in Singapore. With architecture conceptualised by Sir Norman Forster, and interiors designed by Philippe Starck, both award-winning experts in their fields, JW Marriott certainly not only has everyone’s attention but also they would be looking forward to it with raised expectations before it opened its doors. And indeed, it lived up to its hype. Contemporary and sleek with art installations peppering the hotel, it is a visual feast and delight the instant you step into the hotel.
Be captivated by this 7m wall installation by Korean artist Lee Lee Nam which makes use of LED monitors to create art through sensing movement.
JW Marriott has 2 infinity pools and they both host a panoramic view of the CBD area. For those who love to be close to the water but don’t want to get all wet, there are tables and chairs in one of the pools for you to kick back and relax. Sip a drink or read a book or do both.
The rooms are designed to provide guests with a luxurious and pampered stay. Spacious with full-length windows, it is always brightly lit. An interesting tidbit: there are special rooms catered to female travellers only – stocked with a hair straightener, facial steamer, and others. That’s thoughtful.
JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach Address: 30 South Beach Road, Singapore 189763 (accessed via Nicoll Highway) Contact: +65 6818 1888 Book now
4. Hotel Indigo Katong
The newest project by the IHG group, Hotel Indigo at Katong is a charming old-skool Peranakan-themed hotel. Every object and furniture in the hotel from the lobby to the rooms to even the bathtubs are tastefully curated to reflect the theme. It also boasts a splendid infinity pool that overlooks the lovely Katong conservation shophouses, which are strangely mesmerising.
There is even a carrom board sitting in the room used as a table, and it also comes with instructions on how to play this once popular game back in the 1970s Singapore. The room evokes nostalgia and every corner of the room presents a photo opportunity with the hashtag #oldskool attached to it.
Besides nostalgia, upcycling is also the theme here. The room has a Singer sewing machine that has been transformed into the vanity counter with basin. A brightly-coloured cooling rattan chair sits on Peranakan mosaic tiles. The chair is placed by the window for guests to enjoy the urban landscape. Other delightful elements in the room are a spittoon, a pair of red clogs, and a Ming vase. These artefacts contribute to the sense of ‘homey’ Peranakan feel in the room.
Hotel Indigo Katong Address: 86 East Coast Road, Singapore 428788 Contact: +65 6723 7001 Email: info.sinki@ihg.com Book now
5. Oasia Hotel Downtown
A respite situated right smack in the concrete urban jungle is Oasia Hotel Downtown. The newest addition by Far East Hospitality Group, you can’t miss this building with its exterior made of luscious greenery.
Oasis Hotel aims to provide an oasis for their guests to recharge, refuel, and refresh during their stay here. Hence it is also fitting that they have a large grass patch on Level 12, also the floor of their check-in counter, for guests to practice yoga, pilates, or simply to meditate.
If you were to book their club rooms, there is a separate check-in counter and facilities for club guests. Here, we can see that Oasia Hotel is an embodiment of comfort meeting design. From check-in to the lift and up to your room, you will pass by this corridor of tonal minimalism. You will also be given a glass of coconut juice to refresh yourself as a welcome drink. This again signifies the hotel’s dedication to achieving its aim of providing an oasis for its guests.
The rooms are spacious and its beds are fluffy and lush for you to sink into. It also comes with a lavender pillow mist for a good sleep leading to sweet dreams.
There are two rooftop pools in the hotel – one an infinity pool, and another one overlooking Pinnacle@Duxton. The two pools aim to provide a tranquil space for guests to relax and rejuvenate without worrying about overcrowding. And guess what, there is yet another separate pool for guests who book the club rooms too! Woohoo!
Your stay at Oasia Hotel Downtown will definitely leave you recharged, refreshed, and rejuvenated at the end. And we are sure that you can’t wait to come back for more!
Oasia Hotel Downtown Address: 100 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079333 Contact: +65 6881 8888 Email: info.ohd@fareast.com.sg Book now