Wanna have a staycation in one of the most unique luxury boutique hotels in Singapore? Hotel Vagabond, near Kampong Glam and Little India, is your best fit with fancy rooms, film screenings and pop-up art events.
Don’t get us wrong, we love nothing more than grabbing our passport and jetting off to somewhere exotic whenever wanderlust takes over. But sometimes, even that seems like a bit too much effort; besides, life’s a beach right here in Singapore! Which is why, every now and then, you can’t beat a good ol’ staycay. With so many top restaurants and swish bars on our doorstep, and a whole host of amazing things to do, why waste time on a plane?
When planning a staycay, there’re a few things we consider to be essential. One: a swanky hotel (no point staying somewhere that ain’t as nice as your fancy condo). Two: a cool location (it’s the ideal opportunity to explore a different part of town). And three: a spiffy restaurant and bar (top-notch grub and cocktails are a staycay must!). So excuse us for getting a tad over-excited when we stumbled upon hôtel vagabond.
Swank factor? Check. It’s the only hotel in Singapore with a resident artist, and every space is filled with an uber-chic treat for the eyes. Cool location? Check. It’s within walking distance of three of our favourite hotspots; Kampong Glam, Jalan Besar, and Little India. Spiffy restaurant and bar? Check. Stocked with an ever-rotating selection of handcrafted cocktails, artisan spirits, and wine (courtesy of Proof & Company) and a brand new dining concept to be unveiled shortly, this spiffy hotel is ticking all of our boxes.
What’s more, this hidden gem has a few more cheeky aces up its sleeve that make it ideal staycay material. Here’re a few other awesome things to look out for during your visit…
The Lady Boss High Tea
Tea, scones, sandwiches sans crust; high tea is up there as one of our favourite ways to spend an afternoon. Hôtel vagabond ups the ante by making its Lady Boss High Tea complimentary for guests. Every. Single. Day. Yes, really! A scone coma is inevitable.
The reception desk is a giant solid brass rhino
It took 15 Rajasthani villages eight months to make this masterpiece, and it’s worth a staycation just to pretend you’re on safari.
Complimentary film screenings
Every Saturday evening, a classic film is aired on the big screen. Perfect entertainment for when you’re channeling the lazy staycation vibes.
Unique pop-ups with the artist in residence
Not only is this the only hotel in Singapore with an artist in residence (a concept we totally dig, btw), the regular pop-up events will add a unique twist to your stay. Current “AIR” is French costume designer, Mireille Minier. Not only does she host regular macaron-making classes, every Tuesday and Thursday, expect a masterclass on how to make a crinoline.
If that doesn’t scratch your arty itch, head to Bar Vagabond for the daily ‘trouble hour’ from 5-8pm. What’s more, until 15 May be sure to try Mauro Costa’s (hôtel vagabond’s other AIR and Portuguese cocktail supremo) delish concoctions. It ain’t called trouble hour for nothing!
The rooms are super swish
Each of the 41 rooms is individually designed by the hotel’s interior designer Jacques Garcia, complemented with original photography from the hotel’s founder and visionary Satinder Garcha. Expect quirky, Parisian-chic designs running through each room creating little havens of peace and tranquility. Though fret not, complimentary high-speed wifi will ensure the outside world is still contactable! Exactly what you need on a staycay; these boudoirs are so inviting, you will not want to leave!
hôtel vagabond, 39 Syed Alwi Rd, Singapore, 207630, p. 6291 6677.
This article is sponsored by hôtel vagabond