Still wishing you could be spending your year-end holiday abroad, surrounded by pine trees and snow-capped mountains? I know how that feels like. Lately, I have been re-watching old vlogs and photographs I took during my holiday in Europe. I guess it will take many moons before Europe is ready to welcome the rest of the world to its gilded palace, monuments and Christmas markets again.
The reason why we’re fascinated with journeying abroad is perfectly expressed by novelist Pico Iyer “Abroad, we are wonderfully free of caste and job and standing; we are, as Hazlitt puts it, just the “gentlemen in the parlour,” and people cannot put a name or tag to us. And precisely because we are clarified in this way, and freed of inessential labels, we have the opportunity to come into contact with more essential parts of ourselves (which may begin to explain why we may feel most alive when far from home).”
Then again, after enduring two months of circuit breaker (a.k.a lockdown), being able to get out of the house for a walk or hang out at your favourite spot in town is already a relief. With data showing that there are fewer to zero community infections, everyone in Singapore has complied with the laws to keep the virus at bay while at the same time tempering their impulse to travel.
On the bright side, it’s the best time to experience Singapore like a tourist. Every Singaporean aged 18 years and above will be receiving tourism credits worth $100 to go on a Singapoliday!
Although travel is disrupted in the year of pandemic, I believe, everyone in Singapore is keeping the spirit of travel alive through different means, it could be taking a ferry ride to Pulau Ubin, going on a heritage tour or checking into a luxurious hotel for a city break, whatever soothes your travel-deprived soul.
For those who just need to get away from it all but don’t have the funds, the SingapoRediscover Vouchers can be used for staycations too! We’ve rounded up several hotel deals under $250 available on Changi Go App below for a relaxing city break.
Available to download on Android and iOS device
Changi Go App offers the best deals on hotels and attractions in Singapore. Plus, you can even hail a ride near you with the app.
1. Carlton Hotel Singapore
View this post on Instagram
Located in the heart of the city, Carlton Hotel makes a good base for exploring the city’s heritage and art district. Just a stone’s throw away from Singapore Art Museum, famous CHJIMES, and some of Singapore’s finest restaurants and snack shops, it’s easy to see why this luxury hotel is a top choice for both business travellers and tourists alike. Plus, there’s an outdoor swimming pool, too.
Book now from SGD$190+ per night
2. Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore
View this post on Instagram
Verdant landscapes, amazing city views and rooftop pools, this is Oasia Downtown Hotel, designed with nature and wellness in mind. It’s one of the best hotels in Singapore to chill out in style.
Book now from SGD$208+ per night
3. Hotel NuVe Heritage
View this post on Instagram
Ever wish you could live in a shophouse? Check out this chic heritage boutique hotel on Purvis Street known for its rows of colonial-era shophouses. The entrance to this boutique hotel is hidden within a cafe. Its cosy and quaint hotel rooms are ideal for intimate celebrations or just a quiet space to retreat into for a day or two.
Book now from SGD$177 + per night
4. The Vagabond Club, Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
View this post on Instagram
Yearning to be in Paris instead? Check yourself into this luxury-drenched boutique hotel, The Vagabond Club located on the street of Syed Alwi Road off Little India. Its Art Deco facade is enough to make a statement, and once you’re inside the hotel lobby, everything oozes old-world French opulence.
Book now from SGD$186+ per night
