Babymoon staycation at Mandarin Orchard

Since we are not able to spend our babymoon in a nice resort somewhere else (we went to Taiwan for our first baby, you can read it all here), we decided to go for another... staycation! Talking about being staycation-connoisseur, Mandarin Orchard is our seventh since the pandemic, so we had a certain expectation from the service, room to the food, etc.

Let's talk location, Mandarin Orchard is located at one of Singapore's busiest street, Orchard Road, so you could have plenty of shopping and dining options all around. These include malls like ION Orchard, Paragon, Cineleisure, Ngee Ann City, Wisma Atria, and so many others. Point is, if you like to shop, this is the best place you could ever stay in Singapore.

Our Room: Premier Room

Checking in was fuss-free and pretty fast, since we checked in around 4pm. The staff was really nice to upgrade our Superior to Premier room, which is located at level 36. Yup, and that meant a panoramic view of Orchard street. Here we can even see City Hall, Marina Bay Sands, Bugis, Singapore Stadium and our previous home (near Concourse). That's a whopping 8-10 MRT stops worth of view through our window!

Matsukiya by Sushi Tei @ Paragon

Lady M wanted something Japanese during our babymoon earlier this October, and I thought, where could I find a nice place to feed her and the little one? And that's when we chanced upon the more atas branch-off from our all-time favourite Sushi Tei - Matsukiya. Now we are all pretty familiar with the budget friendly options from Sushi Tei, and its student weekday buffet (oh the memories), but Matsukiya is different. Its slightly higher price point also meant.. 

An experience like no Sushi Tei

Located at the atas Paragon (how fitting), Matsukiya is hidden beside its sister, Sushi Tei. Now, I used hidden, because we missed it the first time. In fact, we might have walked past it without realising that it's Matsukiya. Stepped inside, you will see limited seating with a central counter where chefs performed their skewers-grilling skills over Japanese bincho-tan, that is, white charcoal. Its dim lighting and dark floors make it looks like you're at a fine dining place. But you know what's the good thing? Its ventilation. So you don't walk out feeling you need to empty a Febreeze on you (cough, Seoul Garden).

Top Staycation Hotels at Singapore (updated October 2021)

Since the holiday seasons are coming shortly, what's better than to take a short getaway. Although the VTLs are slowly opening up, you sure you want to risk? Okay perhaps with the cases still hitting the threes, that might seem like a safer option. BUT ANYWAY. We are talking about the lovely staycations of our lovely and blessed island. Since the beginning of this pandemic (or endemic or whatever) or rather when the measures had slightly laxed after circuit breaker, we have been to a number of staycations for birthdays and our recent babymoon.

We have compiled our top 5 so you know where to go, just to spend the day with your loved ones.

Disclaimer: This list is purely based on my views on my experience. Most of the staycations are partially sponsored with complimentary upgrade and food credits, etc. The prices are indicative of the pricing you would expect.

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Nomsaurus Rates is based on the following criteria for each category:

Food: Hotel dining options, which includes breakfast and high-tea (if any)

Room: Decor, amenities, and "wow" factor

Service: From checking in to out, room service (how long it takes to respond and deliver, etc.)

Value: Based on the market price, whether we consider it a good deal.

If it's beyond the rating scale, I will even reward it with additional limbeh's Nom-chelin star(s) ★

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Ready? LET'S GO!

5. W Singapore

Located at the luxurious Sentosa Cove area, it has all you need to be secluded. The only nearby attraction at Quayside Isle, which is filled with restaurants, bars, and even a supermarket. However, it's just perfect for a 2D1N staycation, especially with a toddler.

Our room: Spectacular Room

Price range: $450+/night

Nomsaurus rates:

Food: ★★★★☆

Room: ★★★☆☆

Service: ★★★☆☆

Value: ★★★☆☆

What we love: Superb food quality and awesome pool.

Read more here.

Places to bring your kids to in Punggol

Where to bring my children to? Eh same place again, don't want la.

Most parents like us face these same questions again and again, especially if you're a WFH-parent. We have moved from the city to the Singapore suburbs of Punggol since June 2021, where I once thought I wouldn't reside here. But to be honest, Punggol is quite the haven for families with children, especially when playgrounds are literally under every HDBs and endless activities to entertain your kids with.

If you're wondering where to bring your kids to, I've compiled a list of to-go to add into your Punggol bucket list! I've skipped all the shopping centers, just because they are too mainstream.

1. Uncle Ringo

This old-school carnival sounds like nothing you would find in modern Singapore. The moment I walked in, a wave of nostalgia hit me in my feels. Carousel, a little pirate ship, Ferris wheel, and carnival booths where you could win some prizes, are some of its attraction.

Fun factor: 4/5

Cost: A ride or game typically costs around $5.

Location: Social Innovation Park, 50 Punggol East (3-min walk from Riviera LRT)

Walking on Sunshine @ Orchard Central, Singapore

Cafes don with dried flowers and greeneries are all the rage. Like any flower-struck girl, this cafe made it to my wife's to-visit list, and like any self-proclaimed great husband, I had to bring her there. Located at Orchard Central, this cafe isn't difficult to find at all. But first timers would be surprise that Walking on Sunshine is actually a... hair salon (as well)! Surprise surprise! Imagine having a nice tea break right after your hair appointment. Both of your hair and tummy will be in for a treat!

Fun fact - it prides itself as Singapore's BEST, MOST INSTAGRAM-WORTHY CAFE.

Birthday Staycaytion at W Hotel Sentosa

Looks like this epidemic is here to stay. Without options to travel overseas, staycations might be the next best option. I remembered last year when staycations were just opening up, we had a fabulous one at Equarius Hotel. Therefore when I asked Lady M again, she wanted somewhere away from the city. An island getaway. And where else better than our Sentosa?

W Hotel was our choice when it comes to a real getaway. Located at the luxurious Sentosa Cove area, it has all you need to be secluded. The only nearby attraction at Quayside Isle, which is filled with restaurants, bars, and even a supermarket. However, it's just perfect for a 2D1N staycation, especially with a toddler.

Our Spectacular Room

Thanks to W Hotel, we got a complimentary upgrade from their Wonderful Room (tbh which is already quite wonderful) to a Spectacular Room! It's about 44 sqm and packed with a king bed, it's perfect for plenty of sleeping space and for our Olivia to roll around.