Perfect for visitors and those yearning for a relaxing staycation in Singapore, we review this new urban oasis on Alexandra Road
Forget Sentosa; when in search of a relaxing getaway, sometimes you can find it in the unlikeliest of places. Such was the case when we recently bagged a staycation at one of Singapore’s hottest new hotels. Just 15 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city sits an urban oasis we were happy to call home for one delightful weekend.
With our bags packed, off we went to (of all places) Alexandra Road. Yes, the very same neighbourhood that houses our favourite furnishings store IKEA. But this time, we weren’t shopping for a new BILLY bookcase – instead, we headed next door to Park Hotel Alexandra, the swanky new five-star hotel which opened its doors just last year.
Don’t let its unassuming location put you off. Sure, it may not be located smack dab in Orchard Road or steps away from the sandy shores of Siloso Beach, but that’s all part of the charm of Park Hotel Alexandra: think of it as a restful retreat on the fringe of the city that, like a mirage, miraculously appears where you least expect it. Except, the luxury is real.
Venture through its doors, and you’ll find that calling Park Hotel Alexandra an urban oasis is no stretch. Paying homage to the verdant surroundings of the neighbourhood, the hotel’s interiors are outfitted with warm, natural accents that interplay seamlessly with contemporary design. 17 floors up in our Crystal Club Club (one out of the 442 guestrooms and suites Park Hotel Alexandra boasts), the modern-meets-natural theme continued with sweeping views that stretched out all way to the Southern Ridges and beyond. And with ritzy furnishings and a standing rain shower (something we insist all hotels must have), we happily surrendered to the plush confines of our room with no intentions of leaving, ever.
Reluctantly, we did – but only because curiosity got the better of us. After all, there was plenty more of the hotel that needed to be sniffed out. Our noses and rumbling stomachs led us to The Carvery. Carnivores, rejoice: this restaurant is every meat-lover’s version of heaven with its mouth-watering spread of perfectly roasted meats, served fresh out of the rotisserie and onto your table. For a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, you needn’t venture far: The Coffee Belt in the hotel lobby serves up excellent coffee, alongside gourmet sandwiches and homemade pastries.
In the spirit of saving the best for last, we donned our swimsuits and headed to the swimming pool and Aqua Luna bar on the seventh floor for one final hurrah. We couldn’t think of a better way to cap off our staycation – taking a leisurely dip in the 25-metre infinity pool while gazing out at the spectacular sunset with a cocktail in hand. Ah…bliss.
Park Hotel Alexandra, 323 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159972. p. 6828 8888.