INN RESIDENCE

These local boutique gems in quaint neighbourhoods make for cool staycays when the circuit breaker period ends

byStephanie Yeong

FOR LOCAVORES

If you’ve always been captivated by the rich Straits Chinese heritage, immerse yourself in all things Peranakan—from the vibrant beauty of its aesthetics to the aromatic flavours of its cuisine—at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong. Rooms and common areas in this 131-key establishment, part of the IHG family, sport colourful ceramic tiles with traditional oriental motifs (think fruits and flowers). Ornate upholstery and furnishings sit alongside modern pieces in electrifying hues. Further adding local flavour to the rooms are Singaporean artist Don Low’s murals, which take you back to the historic streets of Katong. Food-wise, the in-house Baba Chews Bar & Eatery, helmed by chef Alvin Leong, serves up contemporary Peranakan fare that hits all the right notes. Utilise the complimentary $40 dining credits that come with the Eat Play Stay Katong package, or opt for the one-for-one promotion on selected mains (ongoing till 15 June). Visit hotelindigo.com/singapore.

A riot of colours makes for a happy stay at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong

FOR WHISKY LOVERS

The promise of a great-tasting whisky is hard to resist—imagine a thousand bottles of single casks and limited editions. For lovers of the liquid gold, The Vagabond Club is the hotel to hit. While the art and opulent hedonism of the 41-room Tribute Portfolio Hotel are evergreen draws for aesthetes, it’s The Whiskey Library that takes centre stage in the Whiskey & Nibbles Package. The two-night weekend getaway lets whisky connoisseurs embark on a tasting flight of five whiskies—Kilkerran 12 Year Old, Kuri Okanawa, Jefferson’s Reserve Very Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Dunedin Doublewood 15 Years Old and The Temple Bar 12 Year Old—paired with nibbles such as mini crab sliders and petite pork ribs. Also on the cards is an hour-long private whisky class with the bar team. No doubt adding to the enjoyment is the sumptuous surrounds that channel the distinct brand of Parisian glitz and glamour—an aesthetic that extends to the rooms you’ll be spending your mini break in. Visit hotelvagabondsingapore.com.

From top: The bar, home to numerous bottlings from various distilleries. The lush Vagabond Club Junior Suite, with art-lined walls and plush seating

FOR PEACE-SEEKERS

With its airy, light-filled spaces and minimalist direction, Lloyd’s Inn is an oasis of tranquility. Facilities are basic—just a dipping pool and no restaurant—making it the perfect respite if your long stay at home was punctuated with screaming kids and marred by cramped conditions. The interior design removes the barriers between the outdoors and indoors, with floor-to-ceiling glass panels and open-concept bath areas that encourage you to reconnect with nature. Clean lines dominate, with all 43 rooms dressed in a soothing palette of white, grey and light wood hues that adds to the zen vibe. Eight room types offer up different experiences. The Reading Room, for instance, comes with a cosy nook (left) where avid readers can lose themselves in their favourite novels, while The Patio Room gives a taste of luxe studio living. Visit lloydsinn.com/singapore.