If it is inconvenient for you to get out of the country for a short vacation (even if it just a couple of days), going for a staycation is the next best alternative. Personally, I enjoy doing staycations right in my home country, Singapore. Even though Singapore is really small (as compared to many other neighbouring countries), there is always something new to discover and learn about this city.
The Most-Worth-It Staycation
Recently, I did a 3-day 2-night staycation at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel with my partner, Samuel. It turned out to be one of the most fulfilling and satisfying staycations. And here’s why. Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel has everything all planned out for you to spend a memorable staycation right in Singapore! Most of the activities are complimentary if you are staying at the hotel itself. And you don’t always to splurge when you are doing a staycation here because there are many fun activities and events to participate in. You can say that Singapore is a city that never sleeps because there are so many events and festivities happening throughout the year.
Ready to explore these 10 affordable ways to enrich your staycation experience?
1. Choose a hotel that is close to a heritage site
Most of the National heritage sites in Singapore are dotted along the central parts of Singapore. Thus, making it a great starting point for you to embark on your very own adventure around this little red dot. It is not only more convenient to get around Singapore but it also a perfect opportunity for you to explore and rediscover Singapore. You will save on transport costs as well.
There are many hidden gems in this dazzling city and sometimes you would be amazed by how interesting Singapore can be. Because Singapore is always evolving all the time, there’s always a new shop, cafe or a restaurant which is yet to be explored.
Unearth the beauty of each Heritage site in Singapore
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel is located near Tiong Bahru precinct, which is a charming and chic housing estate in Singapore. We got to learn more about this heritage site when we joined Grand Copthorne’s Live Like A Local tour at Tiong Bahru. I’ve been to this area countless times but I did not know much about the historical background of Tiong Bahru. The Live Like A Local Tour (which takes place every Saturday Morning from 9 am to 12 pm) has taught me how to appreciate the historical value of this heritage site.
2. Participate in the workshops and classes conducted by the hotel for their in-house guests
Cocktail Making Class @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel
To create a bespoke experience for hotel guests, some of the hotels here in Singapore organise complimentary workshops and classes for guests. Here at Grand Copthorne Waterfront, there are exciting weekend workshops like Cocktail Making, Terrarium making and Art Jamming for guests. All of these activities are free for hotel guests. Just sign up at the counter and get ready to be part of all these exciting activities!
Terrarium Making Workshop @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel
3. Have Your Meals and Drinks at the Hotel
Most of the hotels here in Singapore housed their own restaurants and bars. Some hotels offer dining discount perks and special offers for guests dining at their in-house restaurants and bars. Besides, it is also more convenient to have your meals at the restaurants located within the hotel.
At Grand Copthorne, you can even enjoy a leisure afternoon tea session at Tempo.
Grissini
During our stay at Grand Copthorne, we had dinner at Grissini. It’s my second time at this Italian restaurant. I have to say that the food and service there is impeccable. It is currently under my list of favourite restaurants in Singapore.
4. Create A Spa Session in Your Hotel Room
Make the most out of your staycation experience by getting a room that is equipped with a bathtub. Take this opportunity to soak yourself in the hot tub with a bath bomb or scented bath salts.
After a good bath, unwind and relax at your comfy bed. Do you know that you can personalise your sleeping experience by choosing your ideal pillow type from Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel’s pillow menu? I recommend their lavender-scented pillow (which always runs out) and buckwheat pillow for a good night’s sleep.
5. Take a dip in the pool and tone yourself up at the gym!
Bring along your swimsuit and gym wear with you during a staycation. Take advantage of the hotel facilities to exercise and sweat it out. Working out will keep you energise throughout the day so that you have more energy to carry out other staycation activities.
6. Get a room with club lounge privileges
If you are able to splurge a little more, you should get a room with executive club room access. Most of the executive clubs in Singapore offers food and drinks during breakfast, afternoon tea and cocktail hour. That means you can pretty much settle all your meals at the executive club lounge.
7. Experience the nightlife and party the night away!
After the sky turns dark, Singapore transformed into this dazzling city with the outline of the skyscrapers glimmering against the backdrop.
Singapore is still brightly-lit even in the wee hours. You can head out for drinks at Clarke Quay or Boat Quay in the late evening. Tempo bar at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel also serves decent cocktails as well.
If you are not into drinking, you can take an evening stroll along Singapore River at Clarke Quay.
During our staycation at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, we took a lovely evening stroll at Robertson Quay, along the Singapore River. There are several iconic bridges along Singapore River which would light up in the evenings.
If you are not into all these things, why not catch a late night movie in the nearby cinemas? To save some money, you can snuggle under the blanket and watch a movie in the room. It is always a good idea to grab some popcorn and munch your night away.
Ready to go for next staycation? The holidays are just around the corner!
