LIVE THE BIG LIFE FOR LESS

With so many exciting promotions on offer now that restrictions are being lifted and many businesses have resumed, there’s never been a better time to treat yourself to some self-care. Think staycays, spas, fine dining, fitness memberships and car ownership. We’ve singled out worthy deals that let you live the high life in the most discerning way. While at it, don’t forget to swipe your credit card to chalk up some cashback or miles!

1 GO ON A FIVE-STAR STAYCAY

Work-from-home sounded like a great idea at first, until the lines between your work and personal life started to blur. To satisfy that craving for a getaway to someplace new, check out these discounted five-star staycation packages and support our hospitality sector at the same time.

•W Hotel

Yearning to wake up to island vibes or endless sea views? Stay at Sentosa Cove with W Hotel’s 1-bedroom suites from $380 a night under the Suites Temptation package. This includes complimentary breakfast, $100 dining credit, access to spa facilities and a rollaway child bed if you’re going as a family. The pool, which is among the largest hotel pools in Singapore, is open 24/7 and capped at 20 per cent of the hotel’s occupancy due to safe distancing measures. Water slide, anyone?

Price From $380/night with $100 dining credit

Valid for stays till

Dec 30, 2020

•Raffles Hotel

Most of us would dream of staying at this majestic hotel, which recently underwent a stunning interior design revamp. With 50 per cent off the second night’s stay in its Reflections of Raffles package, now’s the best time to live that dream. Rates start from $660 a night, including daily breakfast for two at Tiffin Room and a dinner set menu of local delights at The Grand Lobby. As part of Raffles Hotel’s 133rd birthday celebration, you can take a trishaw ride in the historical precincts around the hotel as depicted in historian Leslie Danker’s memoir A Life Intertwined. You’ll also receive an autographed copy of the book as a memento of your nostalgic getaway.

Price From $880/night; 50 per cent off second night

Valid for stays till

Dec 13, 2020

•The Fullerton Hotel

Treat yourself to a luxurious experience at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore with The Perfect Staycation package at $430 a night (Heritage Room) and $100 dining credit. Spend your afternoon relaxing at The Fullerton Spa with 20 per cent off spa treatments, sleep undisturbed in the heart of the city, and wake up to complimentary daily breakfast. You can also upgrade to a suite ($590 a night) with a free second-night stay, and eat your heart out at a complimentary breakfast with free flow of sparkling wine, a delish afternoon tea, as well as evening cocktails and canapes.

Price $430/night (Heritage Room) with $100 dining credit

Valid for stays till

Dec 30, 2020

•Marina Bay Sands

Here’s your chance to take a photo for the gram at the famed infinity pool without strangers in your frame. The Sands Staycation package from $339 a night comes with complimentary entry to the Sands Skypark Observation Deck and Infinity Pool with crowd control – bookings are required. You’ll also receive a complimentary room upgrade and $50 credit per night (in the form of Destination Dollars under the Sands Rewards Lifestyle membership). While you’re there, make time to unwind at Banyan Tree Spa, where you can get 10 per cent off single spa treatments. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the Artscience Museum with 15 per cent off tickets while you’re there.

Price From $339/night (Deluxe/ Premier Room) with $50 credit

Valid for stays till

2 ENJOY DISCOUNTED FINE DINING

Yes, everyone’s purse strings are tighter these days, but being thrifty doesn’t mean having to forgo dining out. With these plans, you can patronise your favourite restaurants while getting more bang for your buck.

•Burpple Beyond app

One of the biggest perks of the Burpple Beyond app is that you gain access to over 300 one-for-one deals, including fine dining at Matsuya Dining and Tong Le Private Dining. A set meal at one of these restaurants will give you instant savings of $120! The basic annual plan gives you two deals per merchant for $49, and if you want more, you can upgrade to the premium plan for $99 a year. That works out to just $4 (or $8.25 for premium) a month, which is a steal considering how much discounts you can quickly rack up. Share with your best buddies for a double date, or with your family to get more mileage. If you’re signing up for the premium plan, take 30 per cent off with the promo code BUDGET30, valid till Dec 31, 2020.

Price $49 (basic) or $69.30 (premium, after promo code)

•The Entertainer app

With over 2,600 one-for-one food offers, you’ll be spoilt for choice on The Entertainer app. Our top picks include Fat Cow and Bedrock Bar & Grill, which serve up some of the best steaks you’ll find in Singapore. At $65, the Singapore 2020 bundle even includes free access to Cheers 2020, which scores you two-for-one cocktails, bubbly and other drinks for your nights out.

"Soak in a private outdoor bath at Aramsa – The Garden Spa."

3 BOOK A PAMPERING SPA SESSION

One of the quickest ways to chill and switch off from work? Check yourself into a heavenly spa. These packages provide quality treatments in luxurious settings, with food options to boot.

•Aramsa – The Garden Spa

Nestled in the greenery of Bishan Park, this spa is offering a 90-minute Weekday Aromatherapy Special at $138, which lets you customise and blend your own essential oil at the spa’s in-house aromatherapy bar, before enjoying one hour of relaxing aromatherapy body massage and 30 minutes of exfoliating sea salt body scrub. For an even more indulgent experience, opt for the $238 Me Time Day Retreat, which consists of a 75-minute facial, 90-minute body massage, and set lunch at Canopy Garden Dining. You’ll get to experience being one with nature in a private garden space, with outdoor shower facilities. Remember to tell only your closest girlfriends – this hidden gem in the heartlands gives great value for money compared to many of the other usual spa options around. Visit aramsaspas.com/promotions.

4 "OWN" A CAR WITHOUT BUYING ONE

Having a car may be a Singapore dream, but let’s face it: It’s not just the down payment and bank loan you have to deal with. You’d also have to factor in the cost of fuel, insurance, road tax, parking and maintenance, which can run into the thousands. Alternatively, consider these rental and membership options that let you "own" your wheels, minus the hefty costs.

•Subscribe to Car Club

At Car Club, a car-sharing service provider, the best deal is the Lady’s Plan, where a $10 subscription opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to the wheels of your choice. Hire different models or luxury cars such as Lexus and Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet at $13 for the first hour (free 8km; every subsequent 15-minute period costs $3.25). Need it for an entire day? Go for the 24-hour option at $168 instead. Visit www.carclub.com.sg/lady-plan-signup.

Price: $10 subscription + $26 for two hours

•Rent a vehicle from Tribecar

If your car usage needs don’t warrant committing to a regular subscription, go for hourly car rentals with Tribecar, where users have been making even one-hour bookings to send their kids to school or run an errand. Rates for sedans and MPVs start from $2.14 per hour during off-peak periods, and go up to a minimum base of $6.96 during peak hours. Visit www.tribecar.com.

Price: From $2.14 an hour 

•So Spa, Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa

Spend an idyllic afternoon with So Spa’s Mini Retreat Package ($150), which includes a 30-minute body scrub, a 30-minute facial, and access to the outdoor spa garden facilities. Here’s where the magic happens: you can relax in a pool with cascading waterfalls that make you feel like you’re not in Singapore. Alternatively, lounge in the volcanic mud pool, or walk and meditate at the garden labyrinth. The package includes a complimentary sandwich or wrap, so you’ll head off feeling both refreshed and satiated. Visit sofitelsingaporesentosa.com/spa-fitness/ so-spa.

"Join bounce parties with energetic instructors like Jade Seah at Kulture Studios."

5 SNAG A VIRTUAL FITNESS MEMBERSHIP

Many gyms and studios have reopened, but the truth is that many of us have become so comfortable with working out at home. In this Covid climate, home workouts are the safest option too. You could go for a run, follow Youtube workout videos, or do your own exercises (if you know how), but honestly, all these can become mundane after a while. For a fitness plan that keeps you constantly engaged and motivated, consider signing up for virtual classes with these highly rated studios.

•Webarre

Webarre specialises in barre workouts that combine elements of ballet, yoga, pilates and strength training to give a full-body burn and sculpting, so you’ll walk away feeling taller, lighter and leaner. While a single drop-in class at Webarre’s physical studios goes at $40 (or $318 a month for unlimited classes), virtual classes cost 50 to 70 per cent less, at $15 for a single class, and $35 for a week of unlimited classes. Visit webarre.com.

Price $15 for one class

•Yoga Lab

Who says you have to be in a studio to get your om on? Keep up your yoga practice at home at more wallet-friendly prices. The Yoga Lab offers virtual real-time classes at $15 each, which is 50 per cent off its studio rates. For more flexibility time wise, get the unlimited on-demand classes package for $29 monthly, so you can workout whenever you like. Visit yogalab.com.

Price $15 for one class

•Kulture Studios

Have a taste of the party experience and adrenaline high of trampolining, right in your living room. Trust us, you’ll be burning some serious calories while having so much fun that you won’t even notice time passing by! Join in the party online real-time at $12 a class, or sign up for unlimited livestream classes and recorded studio classes that are perfect for bouncing in your own time for $79 a month. Compared to Kulture’s in-studio classes ($100 for four sessions), these virtual options are a steal. Don’t own a rebounder? You can rent one from the studio. Visit kulture.com.sg.

Price $12 for one class

•Ritual

Hugely popular for its 20-minute high-intensity interval training workouts and structured training methodology, Ritual gym has condensed those winning elements into Ritual Anywhere app, which recommends workouts for users based on their fitness levels, goals and preferences. The workouts on the app are designed to deliver a similar experience of sweating it out in Ritual, with clear video demonstrations, form tips, audio prompts and energising playlists included. The best part: The app costs just $12.99 a month, compared to Ritual’s gym membership rates of $220 and above a month. Visit ritualgym.com.

Price $12.99 a month