HERE TO STAY
Priyanka Elhence muses about the advantages of being a tourist in her own host country.
Why a staycation is better than a vacation (sometimes)
Ilike to think of staycations as the power nap of international holidays. You know, pepper the year with a few refreshing local breaks to complement the annual overseas vacay. With the hectic lifestyles we lead, finding the time and energy to plan a trip overseas can be quite a challenge in itself, so booking a quick staycation holds much appeal. It’s the perfect remedy to recharge our batteries when there's just not enough time to take more than a weekend off. And with a variety of themed rooms and hotel options across the island, Singapore’s backyard actually looks quite appealing as a passport-free getaway.
Did you know that the global financial crisis in 2008 kick-started the staycation boom to encourage people to go for holidays despite tighter budgets? Today, staycations resonate with all demographic groups from families to couples. Say goodbye to extensive advance planning and flight bookings, using up precious annual leave or battling hordes of international travellers at the airport. Best yet, you can score greenie points as staycations help to reduce one's carbon footprint. It's one of the reasons why I’m looking forward to Mandai’s upcoming 24-treehouse eco-resort by Banyan Tree in 2023, which is poised to become Singapore’s first super lowenergy resort.
Brand Expedia’s 2018 Singapore Staycation Study cited that Singaporeans averaged 2.4 staycations last year. Simon Fiquet, managing director, Global Series Markets, Brand Expedia says, “Staycations have been growing in popularity over the years, with year-on-year increases of 25 percent in 2016 and 40 percent in 2017 for local hotel bookings by Singaporeans on expedia. com.sg. Not only does this underscore the growing appeal of Singaporeans being tourists in their own backyard, staycations have also become quick and easy alternatives to taking a short break without the need for detailed planning or extensive travelling.”
I know I’ve contributed to that statistic. Packing for a staycation is so much easier, especially when you have kids. And technically since you’re still ‘at home’, you’re not obligated to fill your day sightseeing, exploring or making new discoveries. It’s a free pass to just sleep in, feast continuously and veg to the hilt wherever you choose to stay on the island. It's a win-win for consumers and the local economy.
Honestly, there has been more than a few times that I've wished I had booked one of the swanky Club lounge access rooms at The Westin Singapore after treating myself to their indulgent Sunday brunch. Hello to wading leisurely in the infinity pool to work off the calories (and perhaps some poolside cocktails). It definitely beats going back home in the traffic. And speaking of gorgeous pools, the rooftop piscina at Grand Park City Hotel is one my list of next staycation haunts.
One of my earliest staycations was spent watching the National Day fireworks from the signature octagonal windows of the The Ritz-carlton, Millennia Singapore. Yes, an indulgent cliché, but the memory is etched forever. There is also something to be said about sipping cocktails against a backdrop of skyline views from the rooftop pools of Fullerton Bay Hotel and Marina Bay Sands when you know your room is just a few floors below.
For a coveted resort feel in the city centre, a hop somewhere across the region seems too much work when our very own Shangri-la Singapore offers a lush 15-hectare garden setting, seamless service and buds by Shangri-la (the interactive play space for children). Also on my list are the two Hotel Jen by Shangri-la options in town; both seem ideal for a pampering staycation in the heart of the city despite the pulsating heart beat of the enclaves they are located in. For a touch of opulence, the St. Regis Singapore fits the bill, complete with its famed
24/7 butler service and extravagant bars and restaurants. The hotel also houses one of Asia's finest private art collections, with over 70 works of art by local and international artists, including Anthony Poon, Fernando Botero, Marc Chagall and Pablo Picasso. It almost feels as though you’re in Europe, not Orchard Road.
To really get away from the city, where else but Sentosa? I like the tranquillity of plush W Singapore in Sentosa Cove overlooking the yachts, finishing off the stay with Sunday brunch. And you can still get to Universal Studios and the like on the other side in a flash for the kids to enjoy their myriad rides and attractions. For a dose of pampering, Capella Singapore is always enticing with its peacocks in the gardens and indulgent frills. Plus the hotel is in a refurbished historic building, which actually comprises two restored Tanah Merah colonial bungalows dating back to the 1880s. A slice of history in beautifully landscaped grounds less than 30 minutes from home for a last-minute getaway? Absolutely.
The next time you need to recharge and relax, consider trading in the planning and plane tickets for a short drive and treat yourself to an indulgent staycation instead. Isn’t life about taking pleasure in the small joys of life anyway?