We had a blast staying at the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore last weekend. The kids, my helper and I got to try out their Summer Celebration staycation and we had an upgrade to the Premier Suite with Club level privileges. Right off the bat, the hotel made us feel very welcome. Look at all the goodies - fruit platter, lollipops, jellybeans, chocolate bunny, frosted donuts and two cuddly mascot lion plush toys!
Oh the bed! It's one of the most comfortable I've tried in hotels. There's something extra luxurious and soothing about it. You just sink in and don't want to get up. I even had a really sweet dream - a miracle given the stresses of recent times I'm going through. Now I'm tempted to buy the whole ensemble just for myself at home!
The Premier Suite is truly cosy. It's nicely appointed but allows the view of Marina Bay to take centrestage through the wide and tall windows.
The view continues even in the bathroom. Yes, that famous octagonal picture window. Here, we get the view of the Singapore Flyer, which even gave us fireworks in the evening.
The bathroom itself is almost as spacious as the bedroom. His and her sinks, lovely microfiber bathrobes, and a roomy shower stall with a powerful monsoon shower head - bliss!
There's also a small walk-in wardrobe which is where the ironing board, laundry-related supplies are located. The safe is also here.
The highlight of all our staycations is usually the swimming pool. Ritz-Carlton has a nice one with lovely gradation of colours which almost mimic that of coral reef colours when you view it in the waters. There is also a heated jacuzzi at one corner.
The kids totally loved it - we went on both Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. The fitness centre nearby also supplied floats and swim boards. I had an extra tough time getting them out of the pool. But well, it's good exercise, and it's a holiday, so why not indulge!
The pool is surrounded by lovely landscaping that make it seem like a hidden paradise. Perfect for relaxing with a book or music.
Of course, all that exercise will make you hungry. We got to try the weekend afternoon tea buffet at Chihuly Lounge (S$48++ for adults; S$24++ for kids aged 6-12). This runs from 2.30pm to 5pm, and you can indulge in over 30 blends of Ronnefeldt teas as well as coffee.
I've always liked this dramatic presentation for their sweets.
One side is full of mini tarts and desserts, the other side is full-sized pies and cakes. At the side of the lounge, there's scones, caneles, ice cream and cut fruit.
The savouries are at the other end. '/Take your pick from sandwiches and petit canapés like Smoked Duck with Vanilla Rhubarb Chutney and Goose Liver with Pear & Fig Jam.
Mini quiche with ham, dim sum dumplings, deep-fried spring rolls, and bacon-wrapped scallops.
But I have to say the sweet stuff probably trumps the savouries. Really well done.
We found out that Chihuly Lounge is very kid-friendly! The waitresses so kindly gave us colouring books and crayons. But that's not all...
Soft warm pashmina shawls for the little ones! The staff thought the girls might be a little cold in their halter neck dresses, so they offered us something to keep them warm. Ah, draped in love!
The next day we had breakfast at the Club lounge (you can upgrade to this for a small fee), on the 32nd floor far from the madding crowd downstairs at Greenhouse.
The selection here is pretty decent. Cheeses, nuts, fruit, cured meats, salads, breads all make great nibbles.
Hot mains like sausages, potatoes, tomatoes and beans are flanked by rolls, croissants and danishes.
You even get a live station for eggs.
But like the room, the amazing view is the highlight. I also like the quietness and privacy the lounge affords its guests.
The Ritz-Carlton Summer Celebration package (from S$410++) runs from May 26 - June 24, 2012. You get:
* A one-night stay in a Deluxe Room
* Buffet breakfast for two adults and two children (below 12 years of age) at Greenhouse
* SGD $50 hotel credit per stay
* Complimentary ice-cream cone at Greenhouse for children (maximum two per room booking)
Reservations are subject to availability and can be made by calling +65 6434-5111 or emailing rc.sinrz.reservations@ritzcarlton.com
They are also organising "Colors of the Heart", an art-jamming workshop for children on Sunday 17 June (11am to 2pm). Priced at S$80nett per child (aged 6 and upwards recommended), this holiday activity aims to raise funds for The Business Times Budding Artist Fund. Guests will learn special painting techniques from an artist from Little Arts Academy and will each receive a canvas to paint their piece. Lunch will be served.
RITZ-CARLTON MILLENIA SINGAPORE
7 Raffles Avenue
Singapore, 039799
Tel: +65 6337-8888
Heartfelt thanks to Cheryl Ng, Sigrid Baldinger and everyone at the Ritz-Carlton for the wonderful staycation.
Maybe I should stay there on my next trip to Singapore. It looks extremely luxurious.
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