Why spend so much on accommodation when you’re going to be out for most of the day anyway?
We won’t be surprised if the above sentence is something that has crossed many a traveller’s mind. Indeed, many travellers look at their accommodation as just a place to stay, simply as a place to keep their belongings and spend the night. However, why not take it up a notch and turn your accommodation into part of the experience?
Look beyond the usual plain vanilla hotel rooms and take your pick from these unique accommodations to jazz up your stay – or a staycation for the locals! – the next time you’re in Singapore:
1. Ocean Suites, Equarius Hotel, Resorts World Sentosa
There’s just something about the depths of the ocean that enthralls people of all ages. Fitted with a giant floor-to-ceiling panel that looks out into the world’s largest aquarium exhibit, the Ocean Suites Resorts World Sentosa offers you the chance to have this underwater wonderland all to yourself — even for just one night!
Lounge in bed and watch fishes of all colours, as well as giant manta rays and hammerhead sharks, swim lazily by. If you’d like, you can even convert the floor in front of the glass panel into a bathtub. Doing so is easy; just call the butler who will be at your beck and call 24/7. The suite also comes with a second floor, which comes equipped with a living area and a jacuzzi.
2. Glamping
A combination of the words ‘glamourous and ‘camping’ — glamping is a phenomenon that has taken the world by storm. Simply put, glamping is for those that love the outdoors, but not so much the actual process of camping. D.I.Y. tents, sleeping bags, and solid fuel are replaced with spacious tents that offer most of the usual creature comforts — actual beds, cushions, a minibar and more — all draped generously in twinkling fairy lights. Don’t worry about the heat, most tents come with huge fans and the ones from Glamping Society are even air-conditioned!
There are many glamping companies in Singapore — Glamping Society, GlampingCity, Wondrous Glampers, just to name a few — that will do all the setting up for you; all you have to do is to turn up and enjoy. Choose from queen-sized or single beds, an additional picnic set-up, a five-course dinner by candlelight, or even a movie screen with a speaker for your very own ‘Movie Under the Stars’ experience.
3. Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
Travel back in time to the Singapore of yesteryear at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong, a Peranakan-themed hotel nestled deep in the Joo Chiat heritage district. The murals in the rooms take centre stage, revolving around detailed depictions of Singapore’s streets and its hawkers. Everything is according to theme: a carrom board functions as a coffee table, with the bathroom decked out in intricate Peranakan tiles, complete with the basin sitting atop a sewing-machine base.
Batik print from sarong kebayas and tiles adorn the wall behind the reception desk, complementing the ornate marble floor and a wall peppered with ventilation holes — a feature that’s characteristic of old Peranakan shophouses. Indulge in a languid swim in the infinity pool, which boasts unobstructed views of the area. Take your time to explore the surrounding district as well; Joo Chiat is the first designated Heritage Town in Singapore and is a treasure trove of colourful shophouses, street art, coffee shops, and more.
4. Treetop Lofts
Go back to nature at Resort World Sentosa’s Treetop Lofts, which offer some much-needed respite from the urban jungle of Singapore. There are only two of such lofts, each nestled 12 metres above ground within a lush forest canopy. Each loft has a bedroom, living room and bathroom — on top of a sprawling 90-square-metre outdoor terrace. Kick back with a steaming cup of tea, keep your eyes peeled for the surrounding wildlife, take a deep breath, and enjoy being in the midst of all that nature. The terrace also makes for a splendid sunset spot, complete with panoramic views of Sentosa and Mount Faber.
To top it all off, the ceilings of the loft measure at around 5 to 6 metres high, making you feel as if you’ve got your very own rustic palace in the sky. The Treetop Lofts are located a short distance away from the Equarius Hotel, but free buggy rides are available as and when you wish.
Indeed, a fun and quirky accommodation can make all the difference to your holiday. There’s bound to be something that’ll suit your fancy; other than the options above, how about The Pod Singapore, a boutique capsule hotel, or Hotel Re!, a retro-themed hotel?
This way, you can turn every bit of your holiday into an experience. And for the locals, what better way is there to escape reality than with a staycation that’s, may we say, rather extraordinary?
