Singapore micro-retreats & staycations | The Straits Times

The next morning, venture beyond the hotel to discover Kampong Glam on the complimentary Curated Sensory Journey, a 90- to 120-minute guided walk held every Saturday for hotel guests. Led by the Concierge team, the experience explores Kampong Glam through all five senses. 

Admire the grand architecture of Parkview Square and the colourful murals of Haji Lane, savour freshly made putu piring (steamed rice flour cakes filled with molten palm sugar), pause to hear the call to prayer near Sultan Mosque, and feel the rich textures of Persian textiles that reflect the area’s trading heritage.

 For slipping into island mode

Surrounded by tropical greenery on Sentosa, The Laurus brings the feeling of an overseas resort closer to home.

Ease into holiday mode beside the resort’s free-form swimming pool, where lush tropical landscaping and private cabanas create a peaceful oasis. Whether you are taking a leisurely swim, reading in the shade or simply soaking up the tranquillity, it’s the kind of place where an hour effortlessly turns into an afternoon.

Continue the reset at Bodhi Spa, the Australian wellness brand celebrated for its nature-inspired therapies and holistic wellness experiences. Alongside restorative massages and body treatments, guests can recharge with the Recovery Red Light Pod, which promotes muscle recovery, better sleep and stress relief, or unwind in the Zerobody Dry Float, a weightless floating experience paired with acoustic meditation to ease tension and encourage deep relaxation.

One of the greatest luxuries of staying at The Laurus is that there is no need to rush. Because you are already on Sentosa, you can explore the island at your own pace — stroll along its beaches, wander scenic nature trails or, if you are travelling with children, spend the day at Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium or Adventure Cove Waterpark.

Back at the resort, another rare luxury awaits: every room at The Laurus is a suite. Separate living areas, generous bathrooms and thoughtfully designed spaces invite you to truly settle in, whether that means lingering over breakfast, unwinding with a book or enjoying a quiet dinner in. Before you leave, round off your stay with a meal at The Laurus Table, where flavours inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast provide a fitting finale to your island escape.

For a taste of timeless luxury

Old-world glamour feels as relevant as ever at The St. Regis Singapore. Fresh from a year-long transformation, the hotel continues to pair timeless traditions with impeccable service and refined luxury.

An afternoon here is best spent over The St. Regis Afternoon Tea, where seasonal sweet and savoury creations are served alongside premium teas in an elegant setting. Freshly baked scones arrive from the signature Scone Trolley with traditional clotted cream, rotating artisanal jams and the hotel’s signature fruit jam caviar pearls, while a tea sommelier recommends and brews your perfect blend. 

As evening approaches, gather at the Grand Staircase for the hotel’s daily Champagne Sabrage ceremony. Held every evening at 6.30pm, this signature St. Regis ritual sees a bottle of champagne ceremoniously opened with a sabre — a theatrical tradition dating back to the days of Napoleon that marks the start of the night in unforgettable style. 

Continue the celebration with a Chilli Padi Mary at The St. Regis Bar. Blending premium vodka with tomato juice, lemongrass, old ginger and fiery chilli padi, it’s Singapore’s distinctive take on the iconic St. Regis Bloody Mary.

Back upstairs, sink into one of the hotel’s beautifully refreshed guestrooms and suites, where plush furnishings, marble bathrooms and generous living spaces create an atmosphere of understated elegance.

Throughout your stay, the renowned St. Regis Butler Service quietly anticipates your every need, whether it is delivering your morning coffee or tea to your room, pressing your garments or helping you unpack and pack, so you can simply relax and savour every moment.

For a mind and body recharge

From better sleep and rejuvenating spa treatments to skyline swims, everything at The Westin Singapore is thoughtfully designed to help you slow down, recharge and return home feeling refreshed.

A good night’s sleep sets the tone for the rest of your stay. The brand’s iconic Heavenly Bed 2.0, with its plush mattress, cloud-like pillows and crisp linens, is designed to deliver deeper, more restorative sleep so you wake feeling refreshed.

The next morning, start your day with a few laps in the hotel’s 35th-floor outdoor infinity pool, where panoramic views stretch across Marina Bay and Singapore’s southern waterfront. Then, continue your wellness journey at Heavenly Spa by Westin. Choose from restorative treatments such as the Original Beau’Tea Hydrating Facial or the signature Heavenly Gemstone Journey, a deeply relaxing massage and body ritual designed to ease the effects of stress, travel and fatigue. Afterwards, linger a little longer in the steam facilities before easing back into the day.

When it is time to refuel, head to Cook & Brew on the 33rd-floor where sweeping skyline views accompany elevated gastro pub food, such as grain-fed Angus ribeye steak and Kabayaki pork rack. While the well-known Seasonal Tastes undergoes renovation, the restaurant’s beloved buffet favourites — including Chef Ooi’s Signature Penang King Prawn Hokkien Mee — are available as a special pop-up experience at Cook & Brew.

If movement is your preferred way to recharge, the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio is fully equipped for cardio and strength training, while poolside yoga, high-intensity interval training, reformer Pilates and guided runs offer more ways to stay active. Or simply head outdoors for a walk or jog through nearby Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay or the Southern Ridges, all just moments from the hotel.

For uncovering local gems

Trade the usual city hotspots for a weekend in Balestier, one of Singapore’s most colourful neighbourhoods. Make Aloft Singapore Novena the perfect place to start, and end, your day.

Kick off your weekend at W XYZ Bar, the hotel’s lively social hub. Sip on creative cocktails, catch live music on selected evenings and settle in for a relaxed, but entertaining night with friends before heading to your rooms.

The next morning, start your day with a leisurely swim in the rooftop infinity pool overlooking the greenery of Zhongshan Park. Feeling more energetic? Head to the Re Gym, which features both indoor and outdoor fitness spaces.

When it is time to eat, you will not have to venture far. Feast on a Mediterranean-Asian buffet at the halal-certified 21 on Rajah, or savour Cantonese favourites such as roast meats and handcrafted dim sum at Yue @ Aloft.

Then set aside a few hours to explore Balestier itself. One of Singapore’s most underrated food and heritage districts, it is home to famous bak kut teh (pork rib soup), flaky tau sar piah (mung bean paste pastry), nostalgic coffee shops, heritage bakeries and independent cafes.

Travelling with your four-legged companion? Aloft Singapore Novena is also one of the few pet-friendly hotels in Singapore, making it easy to bring every member of the family along for the getaway.

For more information visit Marriott Bonvoy.