Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore, Changi: An urban oasis for rest & rejuvenation

It’s been roughly a year since I travelled abroad, much like many of us in Singapore. While there are sufficient distractions to keep us occupied while we’re still bound by travel restrictions, there’s nothing quite like a quick escape for a change of scenery and a tranquil getaway—enter, Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore.

Most notable for its impressively sizeable lap pool (which was my first compliment to the staff upon my arrival), it also prides itself in being a wellness-focused urban resort. It’s not difficult to see why, as my one-night stay relieved me of the maddening city life. Its estate shares the space with Laguna National Golf & Resort Club, making this hotel a one-of-a-kind integrated property.

It’s rare for a Singapore staycation to be as undisturbed by the buzz of the city as this place is, and it’s no wonder that they offer wellness packages that range from a wellness day pass (no room), to a weekday break-cation, and even a golf-inclusive getaway. Want to enjoy the escape with your significant other? Revel in uninterrupted couple time with their Love is in the Air arrangement.

In tandem with their wellness programmes, they also offer lifestyle classes such as yoga, tennis, guided exercise sessions, and even a sauna (slated to open in Q1 2021). They even extend programmes to kids that involve swimming and handicraft workshops.

What I enjoyed

As with all hotel stays, I entered my room with anticipation. This time was no different and I was awarded the welcoming view of a king-sized bed and a bathroom large enough for all angles of shameless selfies we’re so guilty of.

I was tempted to leap onto the bed like a gleeful child (to test the mattress), but the adult in me restrained myself. I have to mention, however, when nightfall arrived, the firm springiness of the mattress lulled me to sleep almost instantly. After putting away my belongings and admiring the pool view from my floor-to-ceiling window a little too long, I was reminded of my 1.5-hour massage appointment at Devarana Spa.

I couldn’t recall the last time my body underwent the measured pressure of a soothing massage—it’d been too long. The masseuse’s grip was firm but therapeutic and she certainly kneaded out stubborn knots in my shoulder that have plagued me for months. Before I knew it, dinnertime approached and I awoke bleary-eyed, with an empty belly ready for a scrumptious meal.

Greenhouse, Dusit Thani’s all-day dining hub, features a smörgåsbord of cuisines, from Royal Thai delicacies, Nikkei cuisine, traditional Indian Tandoor, and even Mediterranean dishes. Of course, I had to take a swig of their Tom Yum Goong (S$21), which presented itself with fiery potency and a silky broth.

To close the evening, I absolutely savoured the Ma Prao Orn (S$12), chendol ice cream served in a young coconut. The gula melaka drizzle and young coconut flesh was a treacle treat that insisted on me taking my time to enjoy.

The following morning I awoke to steady streams of sunlight spilling onto the carpeted floor of my room. I made sure to book a workout slot at DFiT, their in-house gym. It’s been over a year since I stepped foot into a gym—and I’ve only started working with a trainer recently—so I was amped to reacquaint myself with the machines and weights. The vast space is every fitness junkie’s wonderland, and I could only dream of having access to such a spacious workout domain.

45 minutes later and plenty of deep stretches to cool me down, I was looking forward to lunch at Tee Deck, their Pool Bar & Grill. If you’re here for the Pause @ Devarana Wellness (wellness day pass) mentioned earlier, there’s a two-course Wellness Menu that’s included in your pass. Available at Tee Deck, the menu is lean and curated to bring the best of health and flavour to your plate. It also includes a detox drink of the day.

Not everyone can do tuna belly justice, but the Tuna Ventrasca here is undoubtedly one of the better ones. Confit Spanish tuna belly is flecked with sufficient ground pepper and accompanied by a wholesome gang of green beans, salted duck egg, sweet potato, anchovies, baby gem, and taggiasca olives. If this were served in a larger portion, I’d gladly have it as a main course.

My pick from the menu has to be their Som Tam Gai Yang’, a spring chicken cooked over charcoal, with a side of green papaya salad. The succulent flesh was both crisp and juicy, with the meat slipping off the bone even before I had an opportunity to rip it apart. The green papaya salad breathed life into the union, with its intense spiciness; I reached for several gulps of water before giving feedback that the recipe might do better with slightly less chilli.

Final thoughts

I was thoroughly enjoying quiet, solo time for 24 hours, I didn’t even feel compelled to watch TV. It was invigorating to remove myself from the hubbub of daily life and by the time I returned my key card, I was already analysing my mental calendar when I could book another stay at Dusit Thani.

The hum of nature is very much what’s spellbinding about Dusit Thani; my only regret is not having time to laze by the pool, of which its cabanas and lounge chairs look absolutely enticing. Rooms start at a very wallet-friendly price of S$280 per night (prices subject to change), and once overseas travel resume, spread the word to your friends abroad that the hotel is only 15 minutes away from Changi Airport.

In our current climate where breaking away from the mundanity of everyday life is limited to Singapore’s shores, Dusit Thani is your answer. Staying a night was the recuperation I so needed, even if only a day. Spend time here alone, with your partner, or the family, but I can assure you it will be the best (or if not, one of the best) staycation you’ll find for de-stressing.

*This post is brought to you in partnership with Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore.