Singapore Staycation Spotlight: Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore is an Oasis in the East

The first property in Singapore by Thailand-based, global hospitality company Dusit International, Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore is 10 minutes from Changi International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown. Housed in a low-rise building with a curvilinear roof, the resort is (probably) a sight to behold from above. The architecture deliberately resembles the mounds and dunes of the golf courses, standing out from yet blending ingeniously into the green landscape.

The hospitality style is supposed to be rooted in the Thai culture but we did note inconsistency where certain staff performed a wai with “sawadee kaa” upon meeting in the hallways, while some went the Anglo route. That said, they were less than welcoming so it might just be teething issues.

Each of the 198 tastefully-decorated rooms and suites exude contemporary Asian chic, furnished in cool and natural tones, with sophisticated but not opulent furnishings. Our Deluxe Laguna Pool View, decently sized at 36 square metres (387 square feet), on the second level overlooks the pool and the green golf courses beyond. Being a new hotel, the bedside boasts USB charging points and in this COVID era, a much appreciated complimentary healthcare kit including hand sanitiser, two disposable face masks and antibacterial wipes.

Unfortunately, you’ll only find (outdoor) bathtubs in the suites, but there’s good pressure in the rain showers and plenty of hot water to go around alongside the Devarana Wellness bath amenities. Want for fresh air? Opt for the ground-floor Deluxe Laguna Patio Pool View; the patio has outdoor furniture so you can enjoy a glass of wine outdoors while watching the sun set.

Aside from the golf courses, for which the resort has launched a Stay & Play package, other features include the expansive outdoor pool area, complimentary shuttles to Jewel and Changi City Point, and the soothing Devarana Wellness.

You’ll be spoilt for choice at Dusit Thani Laguna’s in-house spa with a variety of treatments that even incorporate principles of Thai medicine. Call us basic, but we opted for the Devarana Signature Massage (S$220, 90 minutes), which combines strong pressures of Thai, Ayurveda and Shiatsu techniques with aromatherapy influences for a stress-relieving experience. They’re also offering 30% off massages, body treatments, and packages till 31 March 2021.

Like any other hotels in Singapore at the moment, advance bookings for the pool are required. With three time slots a day (8am-11am, 12pm-3pm, and 4pm-8pm), it’s easy to enjoy the pools – Lap pool, relaxation pool, and kids’ pool – to the fullest. Though sunbeds are assigned with each pool booking, guests can also book cabanas that offer more comfort and protection from the sun for S$100, of which S$75 will make its way back to you in F&B credits.