It’s confirmed. Singaporeans LOVE going on staycations.
No, really. Expedia did a whole survey on it.
In their 2018 Singapore Staycation Study, Singaporeans go an average of 2 staycations per year whereas parents with children are also most likely to go on one.
Planning your next staycation? Again? Well you’re not alone because a lot of us are probably planning our annual year end staycations as well. As much as we love cosy boutique hotels in the city, the idea of spending the night at a luxury hotel in Sentosa sounds perfect too!
But if the thought of spending a minimum of $600 per night makes you cry, don’t fret. 3 new mid-tier hotels will be opening in Sentosa from April next year according to a report by Channel NewsAsia.
Living The Luxe Life
The hotels which was announced first last year, will target the mid-tier segment which includes families, young adults on staycations as well as business travellers.
The 3 hotels are:
1. Outpost Hotel (Opening April 2019)
2. Village Hotel (Opening April 2019)
3. The Barracks Hotel (Opening August 2019)
All 3 hotels are situated in the Palawan area – giving you easy access to the Imbiah monorail station and across the road from Universal Studios Singapore.
Here’s a sneak peak of the hotels:
Village Hotel Sentosa
The largest of the 3 hotels, Village Hotel at Sentosa will house 606 rooms targeted towards families, business travellers and groups. Facilities include themed pool zones, a children’s play pool as well as a lazy river pool.
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Image Credit: Far East Hospitality[/caption]
Outpost Hotel
Slightly more atas, Outpost Hotel will feature 193 rooms – which includes a rooftop pool and bar as well as a wedding hall – perfect for couples who are planning on a luxurious wedding set in Sentosa.
If you’re looking for a more romantic option, Outpost Hotel is the perfect option for a getaway with bae.
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Image Credit: Far East Hospitality[/caption]
The Barracks Hotel
The smallest of the 3 hotels, The Barracks Hotel is nothing short of spectacular. If you have extra cash to spare, go for The Barracks as its 40 rooms promise guests exclusivity and privacy.
Just like the hotels in the Changi vicinity, the development will be housed in a refurbished conserved colonial building.
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Image Credit: Far East Hospitality[/caption]
So if you’ve been longing for a short getaway away from the hustle and bustle of the city, your Sentosa staycation dreams are about to come true.
Because let’s be real, who can really afford Capella, right?
Also Read Long Week At Work? Rest And Recharge At These 5 Japanese Onsens In S’pore Instead
(Header Image Source: Far East Hospitality)
You’ve got the keys to your BTO, so what’s next?
When it comes to sprucing up your new home, IKEA is typically the first place that pops into mind. There’s no doubt that it offers cheap furniture at decent quality.
However, this option is sometimes not ideal, because you’ve got to put the furniture together yourself (which can go terrible). Also, when friends and family start spotting the same furniture as you, it gets a little too predictable.
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GIF Credit: giphy.com[/caption]
From online to brick-and-mortar (or both), these shops will be your new go-tos, serving up an array of stylish furnishings that won’t break the bank because who says you have to be rich for your home to look like a million bucks.
1. Second Charm
Going for a vintage or retro-style for your living space? Look no further with Second Charm!
Carrying vintage-retro furniture including antiques and collectibles, this is the perfect place to source for one-of-a-kind pieces that is bound to induce envy amongst your home visitors. Additionally, Second Charm also carries customised furniture and has even ventured into Scandinavian and Danish-inspired furniture.
With antique chairs looking like these, you will almost get a nod of approval from the old folks! These chairs will certainly create a tinge of nostalgia and homely feel to your living space – which is exactly how a home should be!
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Image Credit: Second Charm Facebook[/caption]
Alternatively, incorporate some quirkiness into your bedrooms with these century bedside cabinets. Only available in this particular mixed blue and white colour, these bedside cabinets definitely scream quirky, eccentric, and retro!
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Image Credit: Second Charm Facebook[/caption]
Do note that you will have to drop Second Charm an email on the specific measurements for your furniture in order to receive a quotation from them. Though it might seem troublesome, perhaps the thought of knowing that most of your furniture pieces are exclusively customised for YOUR home might make you think otherwise!
Second Charm
Address: Blk 21 Kallang Avenue, #05-165 Mapletree Industrial Building, Singapore 339412
Operating hours: Tue – Fri: 11:30am – 5.30pm; Sat: 11:00am – 5:30pm, Sun: 12pm – 5pm (Closed on Mondays)
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Image Credit: Hip Van Facebook[/caption]
Browse through HipVan’s extensive range of designer-inspired furniture which comes in quirky colours and designs.
With sturdy dining tables starting at just S$59.90, gorgeous plush sofas from just S$39, as well as bean bags and many more, home products here are undoubtedly a steal!
Infuse some Scandinavian-inspired furniture designs to your living room with this Avery Coffee Table (SGD199).
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Image Credit: HipVan[/caption]
Avery’s stylish look is further enhanced with the natural oak varnish to give it a fresh and organic look. Furthermore, if black is not a colour you fancy, this coffee table comes in white as well.
If you envision an industrial modern-chic interior as your ideal dream house, HipVan is the place to consider.
HipVan
Address: The Cathay, 2 Handy Road, #02-06/07/08, S(229233)
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10 pm, daily
Website
3. Elements Concept
If you love laid back, wooden Balinese style kind of home decor and furniture, then Elements Concept is right up your alley.
Get that laid-back Jungalow vibe at home without making a soul trip to Bali. Hailing from Indonesia, you can find beautifully handcrafted furniture and home accessories made from only the very best materials, like rattan, teak, marble and brass.
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Image Credit: Team Curious[/caption]
Each piece is handcrafted by local artisans in the brand’s workshop (or from home). The slight imperfections give each piece its human touch and is therefore, in our view, just perfect. Their prices starts from $125 for a stool and $104 for a side table.
You can choose to buy their products online, but you can also visit The Attaby Collective to see and feel their items before you purchase!
Elements Concept
Address: 420 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427641
Opening Hours: Tue – Sat: 10am-6pm | Sun: 12pm-5pm, Closed on all Public Holidays
Website
4. FortyTwo
FortyTwo is yet another online furniture retailer that sells appliances as well.
With an extensive range of furniture that boasts low starting places, FortyTwo also sells home decorations such as lightnings, mirrors and many more.
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Image Credit: FortyTwo[/caption]
You can get an entire dining table set with FortyTwo’s Vincente Medium Ash Veneer Dining at just SGD245.
This dining table comes with blue and yellow chairs – a replica of the popular Eames design.
FortyTwo holds regular clearance sales, offering jaw-dropping offers on their furniture. Do remember to check in regularly to snag superb deals for your home.
On top of the affordable furniture pieces, FortyTwo also provides great customer service. They offer lowest price matching – which means that if you find a merchant selling the exact item but at a lower price, FortyTwo will refund you the difference!
FortyTwoFacebook
5. 3LittlePicks
It is no surprise that children spend a lot of time in their bedroom. Used for sleeping, playing and crafting, it follows that their space should be a reflection of their little personalities.
The only time you can get away with cutesy stuff is when you’re decorating your baby/kid’s room. 3LittlePicks might just be the bane of your decorating fantasies – stocked with insta-worthy furniture, arts and picks for the little ones.
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Image Credit: 3LittlePicks[/caption]
The Ballerina Sheer Canopy ($192.80) is perfect over beds, cribs, and as a reading or play nook. Pair it with a play mat and a selection of cushions and pillows to complete the look.
3LittlePicks also offers adult-sized furniture so you can add in a bit of fun and cute into your home!
3LittlePicks
Address: 39a Jalan Pemimpin #07-07B, Singapore 577183
Website
6. Primero
If you love everything Scandinavian but don’t want your house to look like an IKEA showroom, then Primero is the best place to get all your furnishing needs.
From dining tables and chairs to bed frames and sofas, Primero offers an entire range of designer-inspired furnishings at an affordable price.
Looking for a sleek and clean coffee table? The Elsa Coffee Table ($139) is made with strong and durable materials that are coated with solid oak veneer that gives it a clean and elegant look. The coffee table also has a shelf that comes with a striking black frame that gives it a bold and modern look.
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Image Credit: Primero[/caption]
Homeowners can also enjoy a peace of mind from their purchase thanks to Primero’s 30-day returns and 1-year warranty.
Primero
Website | Facebook
Sprucing up and decorating your home need not be an expensive affair! With these cheap furniture retailers offering a diverse range of designer and unique furniture pieces, you’ll have your home looking like a million bucks without breaking the bank!
Also read Secrets From Experts: Tips On Buying The Right Furniture & Personalising Your Home
(Header Image Source: HipVan Facebook)
As January nears its end, it means one thing: Valentine’s Day is round the corner.
A day where we celebrate love and show our partners how much they mean to us, on this special day, no gesture is too big or too small.
If you’re looking to give your partner some flowers, but don’t want to splash out over a hundred dollars on blooms, you’ll be glad to know that affordable options are not that hard to find these days.
Here are 10 florists that sell beautiful bouquets – fresh and dried – at wallet-friendly prices, so you can show your affection without burning a huge hole in your pocket.
After all, it’s the thought and not the amount of money you spend that counts.
1. The Bloom Room
A floral shop that typically sells bouquets that are on the pricier side, The Bloom Room is showing us all some love this Valentine’s Day by selling petite floral bouquets, so we can all experience the joy of giving and receiving flowers on the day of love.
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Image Credit: @bloomroomsg[/caption]
Bouquets start at $18 for a simple rose and wax flower combo, and other affordable options include a dried medicinal bottle arrangement ($28) and a dried lavender bouquet ($30).
Do take note that delivery is not free, so drop by to pick up your flowers, and save that extra money for something else!
Bloom Room
Price: From $18
Instagram
Website
2. The Enchanted Tree
If you haven’t heard of The Enchanted Tree, get acquainted – especially if your partner loves receiving flowers.
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Image Credit: @theenchantedtreesg[/caption]
A company that believes in making flowers affordable anywhere in Singapore, their hand bouquets are priced at $30 each. Yes, that’s a $30 flat fee that includes delivery.
These $30 bouquets – otherwise known as ‘Daily Picks‘ – differ on a day to day* basis, so what you get really depends on what they’re selling on that particular day.
The Enchanted Tree
Price: From $30
Instagram
Website
*A different style is put created everyday from Monday to Friday, excluding PH.
3. Windflower Florist
Another go-to florist for affordable bouquets is Windflower Florist. They’re the ones responsible for the dried flower vending machines you may have seen around Singapore!
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Image Credit: @windflowerflorist[/caption]
If your partner loves the look of dried flowers, you should definitely give Windflower Florist’s catalog a browse. Dried lavender bouquets start at $33, while $48 can get you pink, blue, purple bouquets and more with some whimsical cotton flowers.
Fresh flower bouquets here are similarly wallet-friendly, with a good selection of affordable options starting at $43.
Windflower Florist
Price: From $33
Instagram
Website
4. The Bloom Box
For a more unique Valentine’s Day gift, why not get blooms in a box?
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Image Credit: @thebloombox[/caption]
The Bloom Box rejects the notion that flower bouquets need to be expensive, reserved for special occasions, and come wrapped in coloured paper. As such, they’ve created floral boxes, and they offer only one type of box a day at $35 nett (inclusive of delivery).
Designed with a handle, these floral boxes are definitely a lot handier than the traditional hand bouquet. Their Valentine’s Day designs are out, and are available for pre-order.
The Bloom Box
Price: From $35
Instagram
Website
5. Adorninglory
Another unconventional bouquet idea is a felt floral bouquet. That is, flowers made of felt material.
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Image Credit: Adorninglory Facebook[/caption]
These quirky bouquets are created by Adorninglory, a felt and fresh floral artist. For Valentine’s Day this year, Adorninglory will be selling 4 types of felt bouquets, as well as 1 dried flower bouquet.
Prices start at $39 for a felt floral bouquet, and their hand-calligraphed card + bouquet set is tagged at $55.
Adorninglory
Price: From $39
Instagram
6. Fleuriste
For more rustic bouquets, check out the selection at Fleuriste.
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Image Credit: @fleuriste.sg[/caption]
For fresh bouquets, the Everyday Petite Posy costs $40 while the Everyday Medium Bouquet costs $55. Here, you’ll find many soft pastel blooms, rather than the loud, bolder hues you typically see in more old school floral shops.
Their Valentine’s Day collection is also very affordable, starting at $55 for a simple bouquet of baby’s breath, cotton flowers and roses.
Fleuriste
Price: From $40
Instagram
Website
7. Skinny Blooms
For an all-in-one Valentine’s Day gift, you can turn to Skinny Blooms.
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Image Credit: @skinnyblooms[/caption]
Aside from dainty bouquets, which start at $40 for a Dainty Posy, they also sell floral gift sets. That is, flowers with an added gift, such as bralettes in their I’m in x Petite Beauty Set ($98) and lipsticks in their Vely Vely x Dainty Posy set ($83).
With that, your Valentine’s Day gift is pretty much settled, and all that’s left to do is show your lady a good time.
Skinny Blooms
Price: From $40
Instagram
Website
8. Keira Floral
A relatively lesser known brand, Keira Floral is a name many brides and bride-to-bes will know.
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Image Credit: , and go up to $126, if you’re looking to make an Instagram
Image Credit: @dawnqflowers[/caption]
Their bouquets start at $65 and come with plenty of greenery and quirky little details.
Dawn Q has also released her own Valentine’s Day bouquet range, with prices starting at $65 for a dried flower bouquet.
Dawn Q
Price: From $65
Instagram
Website
10. Petite Fleur
For more sophisticated bouquets, try Petite Fleur.
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Image Credit: @petitefleur_sg[/caption]
With flowers in pretty pastel hues of pink, purple and blue, these romantic bouquets are surely the way to a woman’s heart.
Prices start at $69 for a bouquet of purple roses with Dusty Miller and Baby’s Breath, or a simple 8-stalk rose bouquet. They also sell round and square flower boxes which are a nice change of pace from handheld bouquets. Flower boxes start from $60.
Petite Fleur
Price: From $69
Instagram
Website
This Valentine’s Day, give your special someone the gift of flowers. After all, a little romance never killed anyone.
Also read $5 Is All You Need To Get Drunk At Singapore’s Cheapest Pub Crawl
(Header Image Source: @windflowerflorist, @bloomroomsg)
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Shophouses are one of the few remaining pieces of Singapore’s past.
A type of building characterised by narrow, small terraced houses that open up to a sheltered pedestrian way, these beautiful, nostalgic buildings are something most of us Singaporeans can only dream of living in.
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Image Credit: Jon Is Travelling[/caption]
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in one of Singapore’s shophouses, wonder no further, because there are a handful of them listed on Airbnb.
We sussed out some of the best shophouses/colonial homes you can stay in in Singapore, and here they are.
1. Vintage Vibes In Jalan Besar
If you’ve been to the Petain Road area, you’ll notice one striking detail about the area – its Insta-worthy walls.
Lined with a mish-mash of Spanish tiles, Chinese animal motifs, Malay eaves, and European carvings, it’s no wonder so many Singaporeans flock to the place, hoping to snap a picture for the ‘gram.
It is precisely here that you’ll find one of the most interesting shophouses that’s listed on Airbnb.
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Image Credit: Airbnb[/caption]
‘Eclectic’ is the first word that comes to mind when it comes to this unique space.
The first floor of this two-storey house is a Bohemian lobby-cum-waiting area. There’s plenty of foliage in the form of large potted plants, as well as an inviting seating area decorated with mismatched patchwork cushions.
What’s interesting about this place is that many of the objects in the house have been upcycled and restored, such as the TV cabinet and study desk.
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This mid-century diamond Formica study is from the 70s. (Image Credit: Airbnb)[/caption]
There’s even a working gramophone player you can use to play records! Lounge in the lobby to the crackling and good tunes drifting from the old gramophone – we can’t imagine an afternoon better spent.
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Check out the 1970s racing green stripe sofa! (Image Credit: Airbnb)[/caption]
A house that’s not only stylish but bursting with character, we just want to explore every inch of it – we hear there are antiquities stowed away in the cupboards!
Book at: Bright & Airy, Heritage Shophouse
Location: Jalan Besar
Price: SGD$127 – SGD$165/night
2. A Danish Finish At Jalan Besar
If you’re a fan of loud colours and bold prints, you’d wish this was your home.
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Image Credit: Airbnb[/caption]
The owner of this place doesn’t shy away from colour, as can be seen from the lime green couch, blue curtains, pink walls, and neon yellow pillows.
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Image Credit: Airbnb[/caption]
Inspired by “Mad Men”, each piece of furniture in the room makes a statement on its own. Framed artwork fills the space and tropical plants are strategically placed throughout the studio.
Head down to the common area/guest waiting lobby and a completely different (read: safari) vibe awaits.
With more gorgeous greenery, as well as zebra motifs filling the room, there’s no way you don’t take a million photographs in this amazing space.
Book at: SuperHost Danish Designer Apt In 1920s Shophouse!
Location: Jalan Besar
Price: SGD$125 – SGD$168/night
3. A Rustic Roost In Chinatown
If you like a more rustic, minimalist aesthetic, get a load of this place.
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Image Credit: Airbnb[/caption]
Dark wood and black is a theme that threads through the entire house. Situated in the heart of Chinatown, the place is spacious, with delightfully local art hanging on the walls, giving the 2-storey space some local flair.
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Image Credit: Airbnb[/caption]
There’s a place to people watch by the window and a lounging area for you to read a book or flip through some magazines.
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Image Credit: Airbnb[/caption]
The rooms are simple but inviting, with bold patterned sheets breaking up all the wood in the room. There are even cute fairy lights for a fun little addition to the space!
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Image Credit: Airbnb[/caption]
Another great thing about this place is that you can split it however you like. With movable partitions and so much space at your disposal, you’re free to create your own ideal living situation in this shophouse!
Book at: Loft Living In The Heart Of Chinatown
Location: Chinatown
Price: SGD$220 – SGD$345/night
4. Heritage Home Meets Helsinki In Geylang
If you’re all about that Scandi-chic aesthetic, this house will give you a visual orgasm. That, and there’s a roof hatch on the second floor that leads to a private roof terrace.
Located in the historic and culturally-vibrant Geylang district, this is probably the most famous crib of those listed here, having been featured in various publications such as WSJ and New York Times.
Not only are the rooms extremely easy on the eyes. One thing that is sure to excite the kid in you (because it had that exact effect on us) is that it has a ladder leading up to the roof. Nope, not stairs but a ladder that leads up to a hatch.
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Image Credit: Airbnb[/caption]
Exit through the hatch and you’ll find yourself on your own private terrace!
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Image Credit: Airbnb[/caption]
Book at: Helsinki Loft in Award-winning Heritage Shophouse
Location: Geylang
Price: SGD$167 – SGD$310/night
5. Quirky Enclave In Orchard
Now, this is a cute place to stay.
A charming little Colonial House on Emerald Hill Road along Orchard Road, everything about this place puts a smile on our faces.
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Image Credit: Airbnb[/caption]
Cozy throw blanket on the sofa? Check. Cute planters? Check. Dashes of quirky art? Check!
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Image Credit: Airbnb[/caption]
Unlike the previous houses that weren’t too big on colour, this one has pops of colour in the places you least expect them. There’s a periwinkle blue chair, a bright yellow side table, a laundry bag with a bright orange lining….
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Image Credit: Airbnb[/caption]
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Image Credit: Airbnb[/caption]
Our favourite spot in this shophouse has to be their little yard.
Appointed with a couple of chairs and a handful of hanging planters, turn on the fairy lights at night to create your own little romantic hideout! We can picture ourselves laying on the ground, just talking through the night.
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Image Credit: Airbnb[/caption]
Book at: Orchard Road Heritage Shophouse | Somerset MRT
Location: Orchard
Price: SGD$128 – SGD$188/night
Want to plan something different for your special someone this Christmas or New Year’s? Why not have a staycation at one of these gorgeous Airbnbs? Not only is it a much more affordable getaway option, you also get to play house with your partner!
And hey, there’s nothing more romantic than living out the future you might have, imagining how life would be years down the road.
Also read This New Black And White Hotel In Singapore Is A Minimalist’s Dream Come True
(Header Image Source: Airbnb)
