To Staycation or not Staycation?

PUBLISHED April 8th, 2013 02:11 am | UPDATED January 19th, 2016 04:28 pm

When I first arrived in Singapore three years ago, I remember hearing the word staycation and thinking a) What the heck does that mean? and then b) Why would you go on a staycation when you have the rest of SE Asia on your doorstep to explore??

That is until I went on a staycation.

My birthday was coming up in a month, I didn’t want to throw a big bash this year, I’d left it too late to get a good deal on the flights, and quite frankly, I couldn’t be bothered with the kerfuffle of doing the whole airplane thing for a Friday to Sunday get away. This time it seemed more hassle than it was worth.

So I thought…well…staycation? Perhaps I should give it a go.

And that was the beginning of my love affair with staycations. Having started out in the ‘what’s the point?’ camp and I am now firmly in the ‘yes please!’ one. But why?

Mainly these three reasons:

–       You wake up in the morning, chuck a few things in a bag, and are able to arrive at your destination in under 30 minutes, feeling as fresh and fabulous as a daisy. No having to wait for an hour on the other side at passport control, no having to buy travel sized toiletries. As easy as a walk in the park and totally stress free.

–       Despite the fact you’ve got to your destination in a jiffy compared to overseas travel, somehow you feel totally transported, without having to go far at all.

–       You get to see the area in which you’re staying from a totally different perspective, as opposed to that place you normally take for granted. And it’s totally refreshing.

Being a staycation eager beaver, I checked out three different staycation options, each a little different depending on your fancy, just for you Nomads.

Resort R & R

Location: Amara Sanctuary Resort, Sentosa

Once you’re inside the lush tropical grounds, and engulfed in the casual-chic vibe, you’ll be hard pressed to remember that you are on Sentosa, or even in Singapore. We loved the breakfast buffet here, plus if you’re into Thai food, the resort just happens to boasts one of SG’s strongest Thai contenders – Thanying Restaurant. It’s worth getting up early to enjoy Sentosa before the crowds hit, and hire one of the hotel’s electric-powered bicycles so you can go exploring. If you can stretch to it, the Larkhill Terrace Suites are well worth it, with a semi-alfresco bath, an awesome day bed and direct access to an infinity lap pool and Jacuzzi only for guests in these suites. For more information see their website here.

Park Life

Location: Fort Canning Park

A hotel inside Fort Canning Park? Yes! Such a thing does exist, and this heritage hotel is quite a hidden gem. There is something utterly refreshing about disappearing into the lush greenery and fresh air of this urban oasis, all the while being only a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road and Clarke Quay. Once upon a time the base for the British Far East Command during World War II, this places oozes colonial finesse on every level. Start the day with an early morning walk in the park before hitting one of the two rather lush outdoor swimming pools to work off that breakfast buffet.  Come nightfall, evening cocktails are included in the room rate, and are the prefect prelude to a dinner at Gattapardo, a strong contender in the dining scene in Singapore. For more information see their website.

Chilling in Chinatown

Location: Naumi Liora

It might seem strange, a staycation in Chinatown, but there’s something that feels decidedly hip (and convenient) about staying in the vicinity of some of some of our favourite restaurants and bars. Housed in a rather stunning old boy of a heritage building on the happening Keong Siak Road, this place totally oozes style thanks to the chic interior. We love the fact you only have to roll out the door to tuck into some good nosh and something to wash it down with, and there is something pretty special about waking up to a sleepy district which is normally buzzing. If you’re feeling flush, bag one of the Porch rooms, which come with your own private terrace which feels a bit like a secret garden! For more information see their website.

A note on prices: While rack rates tend to be quoted as much higher, we recommend checking out the individual hotel’s websites for special promotions as well as room rates on Agoda.com here to see what deals you can get.

The staycation at Amara Sanctuary Resort was paid for by this City Nomad, while the Hotel Fort Canning and Naumi Liora were complimentary. Pictures courtesy of the establishments mentioned above.