The limitations and uncertainties of travel in the coronavirus pandemic have led many to check out our local hotels for a holiday staycation. 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.
The hotel has implemented a staggered check-in system to avoid queues and crowds at the reception. The mandatory checks like SafeEntry and temperature scans are done before you’re allowed to walk into the hotel premises. And true enough, there were no crowds. There were people, but there was also a lot of space available. (I even had to restrain my kid who loves running around in open spaces.) Guests are encouraged to check-in and out using the Shangri-La Mobile App to reduce contact with other guests.
The Family Fun Playcation package can be added to any room type, and it comes with:
- Daily breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children up to 12 years old
- Dining credit of $100 per day (not applicable for in-room dining)
- Complimentary playtime at the newly launched outdoor water play area called Splash Zone
- Complimentary entry to Buds by Shangri-La (an indoor kids’ playground)
- A picnic basket complete with a picnic mat and food items per stay.
- Amenities for kids (incl. Face mask, lotion, toothbrush & toothpaste and bathroom slippers)
- Extra bed for 1 child below 12 years old (subject to hotel availability)
- Complimentary parking coupon
In the rooms, you’ll find a set of surgical face masks and hand-sanitising gels for the whole family, packed in a chic chinoiserie pouch.
Mini-bar items are provided upon request, while coffee pods and tea packs are available.
There were also welcome amenities for kids in the room, which included cookies, a face shield and a toy. Do note that these amenities for kids can change depending on the age of your kids and the availability of various items. We made a request for bathtime toys (also subjected to availability), which came in a sealed pack, so the kiddo can enjoy the bathtub.
The main event of our staycation was the Splash Zone. With the majority of water-themed playgrounds temporarily closed in Singapore, the Splash Zone is a sight for sore eyes.
There are several time slots throughout the day, and you can make your booking through your phone by scanning a QR code provided by the hotel. There is a capacity restriction for the number of adults and children during each 90-minute session, so you don’t have to worry about crowds. And of course, mandatory temperature screenings for everyone entering this play zone.
Those who have been to the Splash Zone pre-COVID times would find changes made to the pirate ship playground, which has been converted to a very inviting water play area. There are now three different slides that lead to a huge wading pool. (My son still talks about it.) Adults can join in the fun, but you can’t take the slides. Next to it is the splash pad where you would find all sorts of water-flowing, misting and jetting play structures. There is also a big toddler pool that is 0.25 metres-deep.
Nevertheless, it was relaxing to walk and run around with cooled water at my feet, and to sit in shallow, wading pools. There is a small kids pool located next to the pirate ship where bigger kids and bored adults would enjoy, especially with the temporary closure of swimming pools, whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms. The depth of the pool measures at between 0.25m to 0.6m, and the deeper end is 1.2 metres deep.
Entry to the Splash Zone is limited to one session per night stay.
Next up was the kid’s indoor interactive play space, Buds by Shangri-La. Do note that you will need to pre-register for a 90-minute play session.
It features two playground areas, a soft-play zone for babies and toddlers, and the other with a trampoline, lots of climbing and slides for bigger children. Currently, all plastic balls have been removed at the play zones that are usually covered with plastic balls for hygiene purposes.
There’s also a painting room where kids (and adults) can paint on the walls (or paper if they like) using glow-in-the-dark paints, and a performing room where your kid can sing, and play the piano and drums. The crew managing Buds are very child-friendly and are very patient and engaging with the kids. Here’s a shout-out to Mr A and Mr E who helped keep my kiddo occupied with rounds of hide-and-seek and assistance for more complicated sections like the fireman pole slide.
If your kids are old enough, you can simply chill at the café within the play zone while your kids burn off energy. Do note that entry to Buds is also limited to one play session per night stay.
When it comes to mealtimes, it’s essential to know that you can’t simply stroll into the restaurants and expect an available table.
Bookings have to be made to ensure you get a table, and temperature checks are also conducted before you may enter the premises. The buffet at The Line restaurant now serves an a la carte buffet to limit contact between guests. You’ll have to order food online from a digital menu (just scan the QR code at your table), and food will be brought to your table. (I must say that I do miss the whole act of browsing along buffet spreads and planning what to put on my plate.)
The same goes for the Waterfall Ristorante Italiano and Origin Grill, while Shang Palace still uses the physical menus. Tables at all restaurants are also well spread out to keep to social distancing regulations.
Checking out was quick and painless. On the whole, the staycation experience is still quite enjoyable. Perhaps because we have somewhat gotten used to getting our temperature checked and wearing a mask wherever we go. The only downside was the limited playtime and sessions at the Splash Zone and Buds, which I understand is due to capacity limitations. Generally, we like that the hotel has wide communal spaces, and is nestled within 15 hectares of tropical landscaped gardens, which creates a getaway setting. And honestly, it felt lovely to experience this stay without any crowds as it only made the staycation more relaxing.
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road. From $345++ for deluxe rooms and $660++ for suites. The Family Playcation is available from now until 30 December 2020.