It’s safe to say that most Singaporeans enjoy a staycation or two throughout the year. After all, what better way to fashion an escape from reality than to spend time relaxing in a new environment, complete with amenities and great service at your fingertips?
When it boils down to actually choosing a location, however, opinions start to differ. While some may enjoy the serenity of seclusion and the blanketed forests, others take comfort in being bathed by the city lights and the convenience of it all.
If you’re seeking a middle ground — perhaps its time to take a look at our island latest wellness resort offering: Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore.
(Image credit: Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore) (Image credit: Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore)
While the 198-room property posits itself just 10 minutes by car from Changi International Airport and 15 minutes away from dining enclaves like Katong, Siglap and Joo Chiat, it also finds itself nestled between the fairways of two championship golf courses, hidden away from the world.
Here, the silver spaceship-esque structure mirrors the gentle hum from the aeroplanes that glide past — in a pandemic ridden world where travel seems like a distant memory, feels particularly comforting.
(Image credit: Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore) Dusit Care Kit (Image credit: Jocelyn Tan for Lifestyle Asia ) Complimentary Dusit Balance Minibar(Image credit: Jocelyn Tan for Lifestyle Asia )
Upon arrival, we were quickly whisked into our room for check-in, for what felt like a conscientious touch, sans the awkward standing by the hotel’s counters.
It was clear that the Thai hospitality chain stood by its roots in its details. From greetings of “sawadeekap” to invigorating fresh coconuts placed in our Deluxe Laguna Pool View Room, it was almost as though the doors brought us back to the Land of Smiles, even if it was just for a brief moment.
Besides a 55-inch LED TV screen and ample USB and power points for the digitally-reliant, we were particularly enamoured with the extensive Sleep Well Pillow Menu, which aided with a well-deserved rest.
(Image credit: Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore) Pla Kapong Nueng (Image credit: Jocelyn Tan for Lifestyle Asia ) Tee Deck (Image credit: Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore)
In the stunning tropical-themed Greenhouse restaurant, dine on a curated menu of five different cuisines (Thai, Chinese, Nikkei, Mediterranean and Indian) as you soak in the sunshine that flushes through the sky-high glass and steel facade. As a Thai brand, it’s undoubtedly clear that its best offerings come from our neighbouring nation. We particularly enjoyed the Pla Kapong Nueng, an aromatic steamed barramundi that’s doused in a piquant mix of spicy chillies and lime.
If you prefer dining alfresco, Tee Deck, the resort’s poolside alternative will make for a great lazy afternoon. Legends Bar, located in Greenhouse, is set to open in the later part of this year.
The best way to beat the heat? A trip to the pools.
Besides swimming laps around the hotel’s gorgeous main pool, you’ll be able to take all your gram-worthy shots at the shallow wading pool located at the furthest end of the strip, complete with white deck chairs that call out #staycation.
(Image credit: Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore) (Image credit: Jocelyn Tan for Lifestyle Asia ) (Image credit: Jocelyn Tan for Lifestyle Asia )
If you’re not the kind to destress while frolicking by the pool, we suggest heading to the hotel’s spa, Devarana Wellness.
Here, you’ll be greeted by wafts of calming lavender as you enter the space, accompanied by attentive staff members that come presenting a chilled lemongrass drink and five different aromatherapy oils to choose from for the treatment.
The 90-minute Devarana Signature rubdown saw our masseuse use a medley of Thai, Ayurveda and Shiatsu techniques that targetted all our pressure points with expertise. That, coupled with the gentle melodies and soothing citrus scents, made for a much-needed pampering experience after a long week.
Those up for another round of indulgence can luxuriate in other treatments like Singaporean Delightful Journey, which sees a body scrub inspired by “Cendol” that concludes with a deep tissue massage, or the Golf Performance Massage, a traditional Thai massage that focuses on a series of passive stretching and acupressure.
Unlike sea-flanked resorts surrounded by verdant forests, Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore finds itself cocooned in a different type of greenery even on Singapore’s main island. If you’re looking for a getaway to let go of everything and just be, then perhaps a trip to the island’s far east side is exactly what you need.
For more information, head to their website here.
Jocelyn Tan
Senior Writer
Jocelyn Tan is a travel, food and design writer who loves to explore lesser-known cities abroad and chat with locals about their favourite eats in town. When she's not writing, she's probably indulging in serial killer podcasts or reading one too many books on East Asian history.
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