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We all love a vacation every now and then, don't we? For me, I love going away with the family for a short break because it 'forces' me to spend more time with the monkies. At home, we are all too preoccupied with work - even at home during the evenings and weekends, we may be glued to our computers or phones, replying emails or catching up on the news. I'm guilty as charged.
But going away for a break does not necessarily meaning burning a hole in the wallet. An easy 3D2N trip to either Malaysia, Batam or Bintan will do the trick. Or you can even plan a staycation right here in Singapore which will allow the family to enjoy a relaxing break without hitting the road, or skies.
With the year-end school holidays around the corner, it is never too early to start planning. Oh wait, the Deepavali falls on 6 November which is a Tuesday.... which is a great excuse for that 2D1N staycation. And not to fret, I have done the homework for you.
STAYCATIONS
1. Concorde Hotel Singapore
Formerly known as the Le Meridien Hotel, the Concorde Hotel Singapore is located a short stroll away from Dhoby Ghaut and Somerset MRT stations. The hotel has recently completed uplifting works at its swimming pool, children’s playground and kids dipping pool. From ultra-modern designs to traditional and classic layouts, an endless refreshing ambience is delivered to make an unforgettable stay for guests.
The real draw for families is its new spacious Family Rooms which which consist of a king-sized bed and twin Murphy bunk beds which can be folded up to create more space in the bedroom when not in use. This rooms also come with brand new carpets, improved lightings, curtains, wallpapers and more accessible bedside USB power points including other kid-friendly amenities.
Address: 100 Orchard Road. Singapore 238840
Website: singapore.concordehotelsresorts.com
OCBC Cards offer: Additional 5% off for promotional room packages
Book via the website above with code ‘DIRECT’. T&Cs apply.
2. Siloso Beach Resort
Conveniently located along Siloso Beach on the island of Sentosa. Siloso Beach Resort is a tranquil and rustic Eco resort just a few steps away from the beach front. With rooms facing the South China Sea, surrounded by lush foliage including a spring water landscape pool (longest in Singapore at 95m!), it makes for the perfect escape from the bustle of city life.
Families can pick the Family Rooms which come with either a queen bed with 2 single beds or 4 single beds. The rooms are equipped with the usual amenities like IDD telephone, internet access, rattan couch, cable channels, safe and tea/coffee making facilities. To complete a day of fun, head to Siloso Beach which is near to adrenaline-inducing activities like AJ Hackett, Wave House Sentosa, Mega Adventure Park, and iFly Singapore.
Address: 51 Imbiah Walk, Sentosa Singapore 099538
Website: silosobeachresort.com/index.aspx
OCBC Cards offer: Free upgrade from Family Room to Family Villa at S$420++ (Fri, Sat and School holidays). For reservations, call 6722 3310 / 6722 3312 (9am - 5pm daily) or email enquiry@silosobeachresort.com and quote “OCBC”.
3. Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore has gone BIG on being family-friendly by devoting an entire floor at its Tower Wing to families. The experience begins the moment you step out of the lift on the 9th floor with cute kiddy furniture adorning the lift lobby. The entire floor is home to 5 themed Family Suites (Castle, Underwater, Space, Treetop and Safari) which feature built-in beds for kids, along with an amazing 24-hour family pantry and dedicated family concierge.
But the fun does not end there because one of the major perks of staying in the Family Suite is that it offers unlimited access to Buds, an interactive indoor and outdoor play space spanning 2,150 square metres in total, Buds by Shangri-La features specially curated installations and themed activity spaces to take kids on a journey of discovery through four key narratives: embracing nature, adventure, camaraderie and independence.
Address: 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350
Website: www.shangri-la.com/singapore
4. D'Resort @ Downtown East
Remember the good old days of BBQ gatherings with family and friends at the old Costa Sands Resort, Downtown East? Well, get ready to pack those bags (and food) because those days are back with the opening of the new D'Resort @ Downtown East! Billed as Singapore’s first nature-inspired resort with an integrated Wild Wild Wet waterpark experience, D'Resort comprises of 387 rooms divided into nine room types and spread over two blocks: Resort and Chalet Blocks. Depending on one's budget and stay occasions, D'Resort has a room whether you are looking to host a BBQ party, enjoy the views of beach or prefer to have a quiet time away from the crowds.
Of particular interest to kids will be the 12 themed family rooms (1 queen-sized bed & 1 bunk bed) available, which include themes of Amazonian Jungle, Underwater and M&M! If you are looking to host a big family gathering, go for the 2-storey Beach Cove Duplex as it comes with a living area, kitchenette, a King-sized bed, a sofa bed, a patio and BBQ pit.
Address: 1 Pasir Ris Close, S519599
Website: www.dresort.com.sg
5. Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa
For the best beach holiday in Singapore with the family, check into Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa. Tucked away at the end of Siloso Beach, the resort offers tons of fun with swimming pools, water slides, a two-storey supervised Kid’s Club, a Cool Zone to occupy kids with various activities and a giant tree house slide. Older kids will enjoy the selection of water sports as parents indulge in idyllic resort comfort.
After hanging outdoors, head indoors to the ultra fun Cool Zone. Spanning 100sqm over two storeys, this zone consists of three activity centres (Toots Club, Craft Zone and Game Zone) and the highlight is the giant tree house slide that winds from level 3 into a pit of colourful balls on level 1. As an added service, the full-day kid’s programme includes complimentary lunch and/or dinner for kids.
Address: 101 Siloso Road, Sentosa, Singapore 098970
Website: www.shangri-la.com/singapore/rasasentosaresort/
3D2N GETAWAYS
1. The Canopi
(Bintan, Indonesia)
Just a one-hour ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and 5 minutes away from the Bintan jetty lies a cluster of uniquely designed safari tent-suites which offer camping at its glamorous best! Glamping (Glamorous Camping) is offered at Canopi via three types of air-conditioned tents: Safari Tent Suites, Lagoon Tent Suites (with views of the Crystal Lagoon) & Jaccuzi Tent Suites (with Lagoon views AND an outdoor Jacuzzi!).
The two-hectare resort is a wonderland for nature lovers as it is surrounded by bountiful bodies of water including a private mangrove river and an absolutely gorgeous crystal lagoon. The latter is the largest crystal lagoon in South East Asia, and is filled with filtered salt water, with NO waves at all - perfect for kids! If the kids get bored with jumping into the crystal clear lagoon, they can relish in the resort's offerings of numerous water activities including cable ski, stand-up paddle, water tricycles and kayak rentals. Or they might fancy scaling an inflatable climbing wall at the Floating Watersport Park! Land activities include zipping around on a two-wheeler Segway, rough-roading around the forest area in the UTV and ATV or for the kids, there are always the oh-so-cute mini ATVs to ride around the resort.
Address: Treasure Bay Bintan, Jln Raya Haji, Lagoi, Riau, Indonesia 29152 (Right Beside Bintan Resorts Ferry Terminal)
Website: www.thecanopi.com
OCBC Cards offer: 10% off hotel bookings with Expedia
Book via http://www.expedia.com.sg/ocbc and enter voucher code ‘OCBC10HOL’. T&Cs apply.
2. Sinar Eco Resort
(Johor, Malaysia)
Who says one needs to fly to Australia for a farm stay? Located in Pekan Nanas in Johor, Sinar Eco Resort is about one hour's drive away from Tuas Checkpoint. Not only can one stay in rooms constructed out of shipping containers, the resort is full of farm animals that kids can pet and feed. There is no better place where kids can come face to face with chickens, geese, horses, rabbits, cats, dogs, cows and goats.
Nestled in the quiet tranquility of an oil palm estate, the resort provides the perfect atmosphere for families to embrace the countryside. There are a total of 8 air-conditioned containers in all, and each consists of a queen-sized bed, safe, TV, refrigerator and private bathroom. For larger groups, book the apartment rooms which come with three bedrooms each. Each bedroom can sleep 4 persons.
The resort is split into two main areas which are separated by a gravel road. One area houses the accommodation and cafe while the other larger area is home to all of the farm animals and activities. If your kids adore animals, they will go absolutely bonkers here. Even better if they love FEEDING and CUDDLING animals! Besides the animals, families can go kayaking along a river, as well as taking a dip in its sheltered swimming pool.
Address: Lot 2346 GM2535 kampung sungai molek Mukim jeram batu, Pekan Nanas
Website: www.facebook.com/SinarEcoResort
(Riau Islands, Indonesia)
Combining the sun, sand and sea in an all-inclusive resort with full comfort and no airport time, Telunas Resorts is all about long days at the beach - building sandcastles, fishing, paddling in a kayak, without the distraction of technology. The Telunas Resorts is made up of two parts - Telunas Beach Resort and Telunas Private Island. For a more economical option, head to the family-friendly beach resort. Rooms are built over the sea so that when night falls, guests hear the gentle ripple of waves beneath the room.
Take your pick from the many nature-centric activities. Laze on the stunning beach where low tides are perfect for swimming, even with infants, as the waves are mild. Families can also go on a Jungle-Waterfall Trek, Mangrove River Tour, Low Ropes Obstacle Course, or simply experience the thrill of jumping from the dock into the sea.
Address: Desa Mentangun, Moro Kepulauan Riau (Riau Islands), Indonesia
Website: www.telunasresorts.com
4. Rimba Resort
(Pulau Sibu, Malaysia)
If you are looking to chill by the beach with only the bare necessities, then Rimba Resort is your answer. Located three hours from Singapore - 2.5 hours drive from Singapore to Tanjung Leman jetty and a 30-minute boat ride to Pulau Sibu, Rimba Resort offers the perfect place to relax without the usual resort frills.
That's right: NO aircon, NO hot water, NO TV, and NO WiFi. But what you do get are 21 charming seafront chalets all within a stone’s throw away from the resort's 350m private beach. And the beach will be where the kids will be spending most of their time there, thanks to the gorgeous house reef. Trust me when I say the monkies had never seen so many clown fish in one single snorkel session. In fact, they they begged to snorkel every single morning... and afternoon!
The resort is set up with a central dining room, lounge areas, bar, and sun deck. Meals are full board and are served at designated times. There is only one Family Chalet which comes with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, both with hot water showers while the other beach chalets each consist of one bedroom (1 queen bed, 1 single & 1 bunk bed) and one bathroom.
Besides snorkelling, other activities to keep the kiddos occupied include fishing, kayaking, jungle trekking, board games, beach vollyball and a mini library. For parents, the resort is the perfect place to get away from it all, just by relaxing on the beach with a cocktail and a good book whilst watching the sunset.
Address: Pulau Sibu, Malaysia
Website: www.resortmalaysia.com
5. Bintan Lagoon Resort
(Bintan Island, Indonesia)
Perched on the magnificent Pasir Panjang Beach, overlooking the majestic South China Sea, Bintan Lagoon Resort is a tropical paradise, home to sun, sea, and two spectacular golf courses. This Indonesian-style 450-room resort is HUGE and comes with a private beach that stretches nearly 1.5km.
But what sets this the resort apart from the rest of the other resorts on the island is its private ferry terminal. One can just take a ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and land directly at the resort’s doorstep! Room are huge, and come with a daybed which is adequate for a family of 2 adults and 3 children.
There are plenty of land and water activities to choose from and for the younger kids, the resort has a rather reasonable sized indoor playground. It comprises of wave slides, foam ball guns, climbing wall and even a dedicated area for toddlers.
Address: Jalan Indera Segara Site A12, Lagoi, Teluk Sebong, Bintan, Kepri – Indonesia. 29155
Website: www.bintanlagoon.com
OCBC Cards offer: 10% off Bintan Holiday Packages and 10% off Food & Beverages
Book HERE. T&Cs apply.
And if you are an OCBC 365 Credit Cardmember, remember to use to earn 6% cashback on local and overseas dining, including all online food delivery!
So what are you waiting for?
Your short getaway or staycation with your family is waiting for you! 😉
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