ROLLICKIN ALL OVER SINGAPORE

We love staycations. Long before ‘Singapoliday’ became a hashtag, enjoying the weekend in a beautifully-appointed hotel room, with housekeeping at your bidding, was a wonderful indulgence. Now, with all the long WFH hours we’ve been putting in, it’s practically self-care. Plus, as a shopFarEast member, you enjoy exclusive deals and hotel stay redemptions — what’s not to love?

Use this Shop, Savour & Stay guide to start making plans now:

ROMANCE BY THE BEACH

Sentosa, the state of fun, has refreshed itself again with the recent introduction of new hotels as well as a convivial dining and entertainment precinct called The Mess Hall. Here’s how to create a perfectly romantic weekend there.

Stay: The Barracks Hotel

Once an artillery outpost, the recently opened The Barracks Hotel Sentosa has been restored as a luxury hotel with heritage suites exuding old-world charm. Think: dark wood, warm brass and leather-accented furnishing.

The expansive pool deck (shared with sister properties, Village Hotel Sentosa and The Outpost Hotel) features uniquely themed pools and sunbathing areas including a Lazy River where you can float on a donut, passing through twists and bends amongst lush foliage and rain curtains.

The Barracks Hotel: 2 Gunner Ln, Sentosa island, 099567

Savour: Hide and Masa by Hide Yamamoto at Mess Hall, #01-05

Japanese-born, French- and Italian-trained Chef Hidemasa Yamamoto offers two dining concepts at Mess Hall. At Hide, teppanyaki takes centerstage; at Masa by Hide Yamamoto, omakase is served. You can also pick up a takeaway bento for a picnic on the beach!

Savour: Le Faubourg at Mess Hall, #01-02

For a classic French experience, head to Le Faubourg. The café, bar and restaurant is designed like a cosy Parisian apartment and serves up a generous menu of authentic, homely French cooking. After a satisfying meal, ask for your Café au Lait or wine to be served outside. Sip it under the arcades at Le Faubourg’s signature marble table and bistro chairs and you’ll feel like you’re in the heart of Paris!

Savour: Royal Taj at Mess Hall, #02-07

Give yourself the royal treatment with a fine dining experience at Royal Taj. The opulent restaurant serves up a rich menu of modern Indian cuisine, which draws from the traditional flavours of India and global ingredients and techniques. It’s a taste of history best savoured in a historical colonial building.

NON-STOP ACTION IN THE BUSINESS DISTRICT

There’s something therapeutic about venturing into the CBD on the weekend, with empty skyscrapers flanking the quiet streets. It’s an interesting setting especially if you’re keen on an active and adventurous staycation.

Stay: The Clan Hotel

The newest luxury hotel in town, The Clan Hotel just made its debut in March 2021 so you get a brand-new experience in every sense! Inspired by the Chinese clans of yore, The Clan Hotel offers intimate “insider-only” experiences for guests. Sign up for a guided local tour of the area, and you could be surprised at all the gems hiding in plain sight. In the evening, head up to the hotel’s Sky Pool at the topmost level 30 and take in the panoramic view of sunset over Singapore’s CBD skyline. Pure bliss.

The Clan Hotel: 10 Cross St, Singapore 048417

Savour: Lai Huat Signatures at Far East Square, 23 China Street #01-01

Home of the original sambal deep-fried pomfret, Lai Huat Signatures has been around for more than 60 years. Its secret to success is surely its signature sambal belachan paste, which has been passed down from generation to generation, so bear that in mind when choosing from its wide range of set lunches! While the Sambal Pork/Sotong Rice and Sambal Seafood Fried Rice are popular picks, there are delicious non-spicy options like Herbal Chicken Rice and Pork Trotters Bee Hoon too.

Savour: Korio at Far East Square, 135 Amoy Street #01-03

Korio is a tiny, unassuming hole-in-the-wall that is creating quite a stir for its delectable grilled sandwiches (“sammies”) and New York inspired brioche doughnuts. Their hearty sammies, which are jammed packed with crowd-favourites like cheese, tuna, and Peking duck, make for a perfect grab-and-go lunch. For a sweet ending, grab a wonderfully fluffy doughnut on your way out.

Shop & Savour: Evolve MMA at Far East Square, 26 China Street #01-01

If you’re looking for a unique experience, take a complimentary trial class at Evolve MMA! The introductory session is a great way to get to know the famed martial arts academy. Its flagship studio at Far East Square is 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art training equipment and world-class instructors. After working up a sweat, treat yourself at the in-house bar that serves up juices, protein shakes and more.

RELAX AT YOUR OWN PACE IN THE CIVIC DISTRICT

For a staycation that’s quiet and relaxing, choose a location that’s at the doorstep of the downtown buzz, rather than in the centre of it. Here’s our recommendation!

Stay: Orchard Rendezvous Hotel

Those who love space will love Orchard Rendezvous Hotel. If it feels like a botanical oasis in the city with quaint resort-feel rooms, that’s because the hotel’s design was inspired by the pepper plantation that once stood in its location. Thoughtful botanical touches and historically relevant design elements throughout the hotel create a relaxing and inviting environment that’s perfect for a well-deserved staycation.

Orchard Rendezvous Hotel: 1 Tanglin Rd, Singapore 247905

Shop: Let’s Build at Clarke Quay Central, #03-49

Lose yourself in your own imagination! Let’s Build at Clarke Quay Central is a specialty playroom for LEGO® fans from ages 3 to 99. Choose from a variety of bricks and build anything you can imagine. You can purchase the bricks and bring your creation home as a souvenir too. Call ahead to reserve a table as seating is limited due to safe distancing measures.

Shop: Assemble and Accent at Orchard Central, #04-04

If you’re after clothes that fit your body perfectly and are unique to your style, tailoring could be the answer. Assemble (for men) and Accent (for women) are contemporary boutiques at Orchard Central that offer customisation and tailoring services. Pick something off the rack or have it custom made down to every detail. Tailoring services are by appointment only, so remember to call ahead!

Shop: Swapaholic at Orchard Central, #04-07

Swapping is the new shopping, according to Swapholic! The boutique takes in clothes that you don’t wear but are too good to throw away. You get points in exchange that you can then use to bring home pre-loved clothes of your choice — ones that you would actually wear! Browse their selection in person at their pop-up swap shop in Orchard Central.

Savour: Tenya at Orchard Central, #B1-01

If you love tendon (rice topped with tempura), you already know that Tenya has landed at Orchard Central. Billed as Japan’s number one tendon chain restaurant, the casual dining establishment was met with eager, snaking queues when it first opened its doors. Now, it has a regular following who return each time they’re craving light, crispy tempura on a warm bed of rice, drizzled with a sweet and savoury sauce.

Savour: Shabu Sai at Orchard Central, #08-09

Lovers of Japanese hotpot will know of this pocket-friendly all-you-can-eat shabu shabu and sukiyaki buffet. Shabu Sai offers a selection of soup bases including tonkatsu and sukiyaki in a yin-yang pot so you don’t have to settle for just one. Get your fill of fresh vegetables and sliced meats including US beef, South American pork and Brazilian chicken.

EAT, DRINK AND MAKE MERRY AT TANJONG PAGAR

The night is always young for those with a zest for life. Tanjong Pagar is a great location to eat and drink your way through the weekend.

Stay: Oasia Hotel Downtown

The Oasia Hotel Downtown is designed by renowned architect WOHA. The 27-storey verdant tower of green stands right between the Tanjong Pagar MRT station (don’t drink and drive, folks) and the varied F&B offerings that the area has to offer. The sleek business hotel is built for guests to ‘Refresh, Refuel, Recharge’ with its understated elegance.

Oasis Hotel Downtown: 100 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079333

Savour: Hoppy Bar at Icon Village, #01-02

We highly recommend bar-hopping in Tanjong Pagar. If you do, make sure Hoppy Bar at Icon Village is on your list! The authentic izakaya is sister to the popular Public Izakaya and the Public Izakaya 2 located just across the road but designed to transport you to the street-side bars of Tokyo!

Savour: Pizzeria L’operetta at Icon Village, #01-81

Mamma mia! If you’re in the mood for pizza, you can’t go wrong with authentic Napoletana pizzas and pasta at Pizzeria L’operetta. How authentic, you ask? Well, this cosy joint is Vera Pizza Napoletana certified! That means that its pizzas have been approved by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana for complying to the exacting standards of traditional Naples-style pizzas (yes, the Italians take their pizza seriously).

Savour: Jia Xiang Sarawak Kolo Mee at Icon Village, #01-35

Hailing from Kuching, Sarawak, this popular noodle chain is loved for their slightly different take on kolo mee. Typically served dry with minced pork, wanton and prawns, they also do a premium option that is topped with abalone. Try it if you’re feeling indulgent!

Not a shopFarEast member yet? Sign up now using <SFE2021> and get a $5 Far East Malls e-Voucher on us. Grow these SFE$ as you shop and dine at Far East Malls, and redeem them for rewards like e-Vouchers, dining treats, staycations, and more.

*Please note that deals and/or rewards listed in the article are time sensitive. The management reserves the right to change the terms and conditions at any time without prior notice.

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