Review: A Kid-friendly Staycation At Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
My family and I took a break from work and preschool, and checked into the at the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, and here's what a staycation is like during these unprecedented times
By Simone Wu -
The limitations and uncertainties of travel in the coronavirus pandemic have led many to check out our The idea is to relax in a novel environment without leaving the country. (If you have kids, there are kid-friendly staycations as well.)
To some extent, spending money and taking time off work during an economic downturn may seem wasteful. However, if you have the means, a staycation could offer a mental break and much-needed respite from work. From round-the-clock childcare or home-based learning or even the general anxiety that you could be experiencing from the unpredictable nature of the pandemic.
With Phase 2 of Singapore's reopening, hotels in Singapore have been applying for permission to accept staycation guests. There are a variety of regulations that hotels are required to follow, from safe distancing to mandatory checks. And to date, 214 hotels have been approved to receive guests. Click here for the list of approved hotels.
In what feels like the blink of an eye, my colleagues and I have been working from home for almost six months. ( I did not realise how long my WFH period has been until now!) And with the convenience of food delivery services, I've barely left my desk. As a result, it felt difficult to "switch off" from work.
It takes a mindful effort for me to not stare at the computer. I had to set an alarm to leave the home for lunch. Thankfully, I could catch a short mental break over the weekends. But only because of my 5-year-old who demands my full attention on Saturdays and Sundays. (Like I said, a mental break, not a physical one. LOL)
To give me the whole family a break from work and school, I decided to check into a kid-friendly staycation with my husband and child. My staycation needs were simple: I needed a fuss-free experience. I don't want to bring a lot fo things. I want a place where my active child can be happily occupied. And a relaxing environment where my husband and I can unwind a little.
With its lush surroundings, and the reopening of the kids' water playground, we opted for their Family Fun Playcation package at the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore. And here's what it is like to experience a hotel staycation during this global pandemic.