When the holiday season comes around, what’s one way you can enjoy a vacation without the hassle of packing for an overseas trip and travelling, and yet still have good bonding time with your family? Simply stay in Singapore and have a staycation!
The idea of staying home but being away from home has been catching on with Singaporeans over the past few years, with many of them checking in with their little tots in tow at hotels, resorts and chalets in Singapore.
Just which are the best, family-friendly hotels and resorts to keep the kids happy and occupied while you enjoy a well-deserved break too? Little Day Out checked out some essentials of a staycation to bring you the top five to consider for this school holiday break!
Festive Hotel
Of the six hotels in Resorts World Sentosa, Festive Hotel is the fun and vibrant hotel specially designed for families.
Year-end Holiday Camps: Discover Fun and Exciting Camps for Kids; Book Early
Dec Fun: Get the Best Ideas for the School Holidays
Photo: Resorts World Sentosa
Rooms: Festive Hotel’s rooms come with separate chambers for parents, colourful loft beds for kids and sofas that flatten into beds to add extra sleeping room for larger families. Bold orchid motifs shout out from the walls and ceiling above the chambers to remind you that you are still in the Garden City of Singapore.
Facilities/Activities to Keep the Kids Occupied: For some romantic time alone time with your spouse, send the kids off for a day of fun in Kids Club, where they can soak in the creativity and stay engaged with interactive story-telling and art and craft sessions. Kids Club is for three year olds and above.
Kid-friendly Things to Do in the Area: Universal Studios Singapore and all the attractions at Sentosa including Underwater World, Skyline Luge Sentosa, Palawan Beach, Port of Lost Wonder,Merlion Walk, iFly Singapore, MegaZip Adventure Park, Songs of the Sea, Crane Dance and more.
Festive Hotel 8 Sentosa Gateway, Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore. Tel: +65 6577 8899.
Changi Village Hotel
Located near the rustic island of Pulau Ubin and natural beauty of the Chek Jawa Wetlands, Changi Village Hotel offers a breath of fresh air from the other hotels in urban Singapore.
Photo: Changi Village Hotel
Rooms: Changi Village Hotel’s Junior and Executive suites are able to accommodate two adults and two children. It comes with a complimentary rollaway bed for one child.
Facilities/Activities to Keep the Kids Occupied: The Creek Pool at the ground level is ideal for families with children looking for a quick dip. Fun activities for children, such as Sand Art, Treasure Hunt, Bouncy Castle, Origami, Water War and a day trip to Pulau Ubin are available during the school holidays.
Kid-friendly Things to Do in the Area: Changi Beach, Changi Point Coastal Walk, Changi Village, Changi Museum and take a bumboat ride from Changi Ferry Terminal to Pulau Ubin and the Chek Jawa Wetlands.
Family Package: Junior and Executive Suites start from S$298++ and S$358++ per room per night respectively for stays from Friday to Sunday. This includes complimentary buffet breakfast for two adults and two children below 12 years old.
This Holiday Season: School Holidays Weekend Special
- Starting from S$190++ per room per night for a Deluxe Room with daily buffet breakfast at Saltwater Café for two and unlimited internet access.
- From 17 November to 31 December 2012, children below 10 years old can sign up to participate in a colouring contest and stand to win one night’s weekend stay in Deluxe Room at Changi Village Hotel and a $50 Toys “R” Us voucher.
- Book directly at www.stayfareast.com.
Changi Village Hotel 1 Netheravon Road Singapore 508502. Tel: +65 6379 7111.
Costa Sands Resort, Downtown East
Costa Sands Resort at Downtown East, the one-stop entertainment hub with multiple F&B choices, events and activities, is a popular choice destination for Singaporeans looking for a quick getaway.
Photo: Costa Sands Resort, Downtown East
Rooms: Costa Sands Resort’s Deluxe rooms accommodate four persons and there are special Family Suites with a living hall and a dining area to allow for larger family gatherings.
Facilities/Activities to Keep the Kids Occupied: Besides enjoying leisurely swims in the resort pool, having a barbecue is a popular activity for many families who gather to celebrate festive occasions or birthdays. During weekends and especially school holidays, there are a host of activities and events for the whole family, from interesting stage performances at Event Square, simple workshops in eXplorerkid, to mega shows and events like the Easter Egg Hunt and setting of the Singapore Record of The Most Number of People Painting Easter Eggs.
Kid-friendly Things to Do in the Area: Orchid Bowl, eXplorerKid E!hub, watching movies in the cinema and Wild Wild Wet at Downtown East, Pasir Ris Playground and Pasir Ris Mangrove Boardwalk.
Family Package: S$99 for a one-night stay in a CSDE Deluxe Room on an off-peak weekday period for a NTUC member.
This Holiday Season:
1. Special 3D2N package from 16 Nov to 20 Dec and 26 Dec to 27 Dec
- Deluxe Room from $318 for NTUC members to $438 for the public
- Deluxe Plus Room is $358 for NTUC members and $498 for the public
- Family Suite is $558 for NTUC members and $778 for the public
2. Christmas 3D2N package from 21 to 25 Dec
- Deluxe Room is $418 for NTUC members and $498 for the public
- Family Suite is $658 for NTUC members and $778 for the public
Both packages include 2 ‘Fun for U’ vouchers, where each voucher can be redeemed for free admission to Wild Wild Wet for 2, 1 hour playtime at eXplorerKid E!hub for 1 child OR bowling games for 2 players.
Costa Sands Resort, Downtown East 1 Pasir Ris Close, Singapore 519599. Tel: +65 6589 1865.
Marina Bay Sands Singapore
The breathtaking views of the city skyline from rooftop Sands SkyPark and the world-renowned Infinity Pool on Level 57 is a big draw for one and all to Marina Bay Sands Singapore.
Photo: Marina Bay Sands
Kid-friendly Things to Do in the Area: Marina Bay Sands’ Skating Rink, Sampan Ride,Whirlpool, ArtScience Museum, The Art of The Brick, Jumperzillas, Wonder Full – Marina Bay Sands Light Show, Theatre – Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show, Santa Claus: The Musical and Gardens by the Bay.
Family Package:
Marina Bay Sands has a Staycation Package for two adults and two children which includes:
- 1-night stay in The Club Room, Grand Club Room or Orchid Suite
- Giant cookies
- One Sampan Ride
- One hour at the Skating Rink
- S$50 destination credit to spend at select outlets
- Complimentary valet parking
- 10% off at Gardens by the Bay and Jumperzillas
Marina Bay Sands 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956. Tel: +65 6688 8868.
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Marvel at Singapore’s spectacular skyline and explore the wonders of Marina Centre from The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore.
Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Rooms: Interconnecting deluxe rooms convert into a common foyer that doubles as a play area for kids while allowing adults the option of privacy. The kid lounge amenity sets include, plush white bathrobes and slippers embroidered with the traditional cobalt blue Ritz-Carlton logo, and a tuxedo-decked Ritz-Carlton Lion beanie. Children’s bath amenities include a traditional butler-drawn bubble bath, bath kit and a rubber duck.
Facilities/Activities to Keep the Kids Occupied: The swimming pool at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore is a great way to spend time with the family. The fitness centre provides inflatable floats and toys so that children can have a splashing good time. Chihuly lounge provides activity books and crayons to entertain children while you enjoy afternoon tea.
Taking place on 24 November, the Festive Light-up Celebrations at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore is a festive way to celebrate Christmas with the family. There will be a live choir, Santa Claus, drinks and canapés leading up to the dramatic Christmas tree lighting.
Kid-friendly Things to Do in the Area: Marina Centre, Singapore Flyer, Ducktours, Marina Square indoor playground, Suntec City Playground, Hokey Pokey and Fountain of Wealth.
Family Package this Holiday Season: For a private getaway for two or the family during the school holidays, you can create your own staycation with an All I Want This Season package starting from $440.
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799. Tel: +65 6337-8888.
More family-friendly options for staycations include Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort, Rider’s Lodge and D’Kranji Resort.
