If you’re looking into Singapore staycation options, Oasia Hotel Downtown is a lofty, leafy hotel in the heritage district of Tanjong Pagar, with great eco credentials and wellness offerings. The hotel is Singapore’s 37th tallest buildings – and it doesn’t look anything like the 36 above it on that list! Firstly, rather than having a typical façade of blue-grey steel and glass, the building is cloaked in red aluminium. Secondly, that red aluminium is covered in a living vertical garden of lush creepers that spreads all the way up to the 27th storey. In fact, as the plants have grown since the building first opened, it has become increasingly difficult to spot the red bits beneath all the greenery!
It wasn’t camouflaged enough for our driver to miss, though. As he pulled into the driveway, I noticed incense smoke rising from a tiny temple across the road, its green-tiled roof flanked by decorative dragons. This is the Seng Wong Beo Temple, which dates back to the 1890s. It’s nice to have a slice of history at the front door of a cutting-edge skyscraper. The following morning, it would be our first stop on an epic ride around Tanjong Pagar, Chinatown and Marina Bay on a set of the hotel’s in-house bicycles.
Settling in at the Oasia Hotel
We were staying in a pair of Club Rooms, and they had a welcome modern zing to them thanks to the Patricia Urquiola design. I have to admit to not knowing the name. My better half, however, was all over it, excited to hear that this Spanish architect was behind the interiors.
Room features include a unique carved wooden panel that acts as a kind of soft, architectural cocoon for the bed, and the use of burnt orange for a pop of colour. There are also some fantastic views from the Oasia Hotel Downtown. We looked straight over the red rooftops of Duxton Hill, to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Pearl’s Hill and the rest of Chinatown. All of those spots are an easy walk away.
It’s safe to say our two teenage daughters also loved their room – especially the fact that it was unconnected to ours. The only separation anxiety they felt was a fear at not being far enough away from us. When I popped in to see how their unpacking was going, they were channelling their excitement into a prolonged episode of bouncing on beds. (Sorry, Oasia!)
Extra activities for families
They would soon be burning off that energy in other ways. This was thanks to the spate of complimentary wellness activities that were included with our stay, which we took full advantage. They included a Ripple Club session that was held in one of the rooftop pools. If you’ve not tried it, it’s a fun and frenetic HIIT cycling workout in water.
For something completely different, we also went for a session of Sound Healing. This was held at a small studio not far from the hotel and included the use of gongs and Tibetan singing bowls to “re-tune” the body back to wholeness. Later, we all compared notes on how deeply we’d fallen asleep.
You can try other wellness options during your Singapore staycation, too. These include bikes for rent (free for Club guests) and workout equipment that you can get delivered to your room – stretch bands, weights and skipping ropes – if you prefer to get fit away from prying eyes. For the joggers, Oasia Hotel Downtown provides easy access to the southern end of the Rail Corridor, near the old Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. From there, you can run as far north as you like. Woodlands is 24km away, if you’re ambitious!
Dining and drinks
We left the sneakers in our suitcases and instead whiled away time on level 21, the Club Floor. It has a cosy lounge for Club Room guests, which spills out to a huge alfresco space with an infinity pool and endless city views. The thoughtful design of the hotel tower lets plenty of cooling breezes through. It was a great spot to relax, while also providing cunningly easy access to the complimentary eats and drinks in the lounge. Stay long enough by the pool, like we did, and the clock will tick over to 6pm, marking the start of two hours of free evening cocktails.
Speaking of food, Oasia Hotel Downtown is also home to one of Singapore’s four outlets of The Marmalade Pantry. This popular modern bistro has a green and wholesome menu that’s a perfect match for a hotel with such eco credentials. An excellent daily breakfast is served in the same venue.
We didn’t get a chance to dine at OSO on the 27th floor, but it’s a long-term stalwart of the island’s Italian restaurant scene. So it’s bound to be good!
There are also handy food options in the immediate neighbourhood, including some of Singapore’s best ramen places. Across the road is the entrance to the Tanjong Pagar Market and Food Centre. We smashed some top-notch wonton noodles here, adding a round of freshly squeezed juices just so we didn’t feel like we were straying too far from the wellness theme of our stay.
Singapore staycation offer
The Oasia Wellness Getaway ($888) is a three-day, two-night stay for two in a Club Room, with access to the Club Lounge and all its perks. You also get two-way transfers to sister property Oasia Resort Sentosa for a pair of 60-minute body massages at Oasia Spa (worth over $380). This includes use of the sauna and showers. Back at Oasia Hotel Downtown, you can take advantage of the wellness activities mentioned earlier. You’ll also enjoy late check-out until 2pm.
To book, use the code “OGETAWAY”. The promo is for stays up to 29 December (book by 22 December). if you miss it, keep an eye on the website as there are always special deals and packages available!
100 Peck Seah Street
oasiahotels.com
This Singapore staycation story on the Oasia Hotel Downtown first appeared in the December 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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