Ah vacation. I have been wanting to go on a vacation with the fiancé but our work obligations prevent us from leaving town for a long time. Big thank you to Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, we had a weekend staycation to escape the hustle, bustle, & day-to-day responsibilities of our normal lives for some relaxation near home.

Strategically located in the heart of Orchard Road – Singapore’s prime shopping and entertainment district, the award-winning Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel creates brilliant experiences for leisure and business travellers with contemporary comfort in 393 guest rooms, an exciting array of dining pleasures at five restaurants and bars, as well as pampering spa treatments at The Retreat.

The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.

We checked into a Pool Terrace Premier Suite which is a lavish suite featuring a pool-facing verandah, allowing me to immerse in the resort-like ambience, all in the privacy of your own space.

Reconfigured to offer better use of space, all rooms are fitted with state-of-the-art furnishings including signature 1956 leather Eames Desk Chairs. Bathrooms come with large walk-in rain showers as well as extended vanity areas and technology upgrades include a 46-inch Samsung Full-HD Smart TV in every room and 55-inch in every Suite. The snug mattress creates a cozy feeling that makes one drift fast sleep.

The bathrooms featuring a tub, toilet and shower booth are decorated in white marble for sophistication. The extra-plush bathrobe offers supreme comfort at the end of a hectic day. 5-star bathroom amenities include rain showers, THANN bath products and an adjacent vanity area. The rooms here have high-speed Internet access suitable for business trips. But for me, I just wanted to go offline and soak myself in the pool. Hotel room amenities include plush bedding, safe, iron and an in-room coffee / tea maker.

Happiness is a day in the pool.

A change of scenery can also do the mind, body and, ultimately, the wallet some good. Whenever I plan for a staycation, I prefer a convenient location where I can walk to attractions, shops or restaurants. Also, I do not just want a city break with shopping. I want some downtime to relax in a lounge with a cold drink, or a pool to soak up some sun. I really love Marriott’s location and swimming pool. The sun is high up and I spent my afternoon in the pool, before heading for dinner and shopping in Orchard Road. The outdoor swimming pool aims to create into an enchanting urban escape. With the view of ION just a few meters away, the place is not just for swimming, but total entertainment and relaxation as the poolside runs bars as well.

The Executive Lounge offers sophisticated ambience with a view overlooking Orchard Road. It features a seating area and a dining room, aiming to offer relaxation to business travelers. Food is served frequently with breakfast, afternoon tea, cocktail and happy hour.

CROSSROADS CAFE

Crossroads Cafe brings East-meets-West cafe concept to life, and at the same time, offering guests a wider menu of signature dishes, premium wines by the glass and draft beers on tap. With a focus on high quality produce and ingredients, expect a menu of sumptuous signatures such as Wagyu Burger, or the all-time local favourite – Hainanese Chicken Rice. Ambient lighting and daily blackboard specials give this popular venue a relaxed yet chic atmosphere.

I had brunch at Crossroads Cafe which offers a mixture of classic european brunch items and asian dishes. My favourite is the Singapore Chilli Crab Omelet ($21) which is a thick eggy omelet with onion, coriander and tomatoes. Another must-try is Nasi Goreng Istimewa ($24) – Indonesian fried rice with sunny side-up egg, achar, chicken satay and peanut sauce. Desserts wise, the grilled banana is airy and soft with walnuts, gula melaka and coconut milk.

Location: Lobby Level
Tel: +65 6831 4605
Hours Sundays to Thursdays & Public Holidays | 7.00am to 1.00am
Fridays, Saturdays & Eve of Public Holidays | 7.00am to 2.00am

POOL GRILL

A chic alfresco restaurant, Pool Grill serves premium steaks and contemporary western cuisine made from only the freshest produce. With a capacity of up to 40 diners, this restaurant lends itself to those looking to relax in a resort-like oasis, right in the heart of town.

Our starters include half dozen Escargot Bourguignon ($20) baked with garlic and parsley butter, and served with baguette. The mediocre snails have a smokey aroma and the parsley butter and garlic helped enhance the dish. Sponge up the delicious sauce with bread. We like the Rare Yellow Fin Tuna Tataki ($28) with fresh pan seared tuna atop of thick slabs of compressed watermelon, paired with goat cheese mousse, chia and flax seeds.

For the mains, a plate of Poached Lobster Tail ($69) is a good choice. The rather bland but fresh lobster meat is paired with braised tender boneless beef short ribes and creamed verde potato. I know some of you don’t really like lamb, but a signature here that you can consider is Seared Lamb Loin ($46). Inspired by traditional Wellington, it is crusted with herbs and spices and is gently cooked so that its centre is still pink.

The mains piqued my tastebuds for my dessert to follow: a baked Bombe Alaska ($16.50), which had flaming rum poured over it at the table and which burned merrily for a good minute or so, giving the meringue a beautiful marshmallow-like texture. The cake and ice-cream inside was light and fresh, making for a perfect end to the meal.

Location: Level 5
Tel: +65 6831 4605
Hours Sundays to Thursdays | 11.00am to 10.00pm
Fridays and Saturdays | 11.00am to 11.00pm

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel is offering an amazing deal for couples with a Couples Getaway Special at S$898++ per night. Rest in the luxurious Pool Terrace rooms and relax by the pristine blue swimming pool with special amenities prepared for you and your loved one.

Package includes:
• Signature welcome cocktail upon arrival for two persons
• American breakfast served on Terrace or in room with champagne for two persons
• Three-course romantic dinner with wine at Poolside Cabana for two persons
• Personal butler service during your stay

Book your amazing staycation (www.marriott.com/sindt) with promotional code LVU for special occasion! Promotion is valid from 1 August to 31 December only. T&C apply. For room reservations and enquiries, please call +65 6831 4555.

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel

Address: 310 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865