Stay Awhile

When the only trips one has taken recently are from his home to his office, it is time to get a fresh perspective of his home town — some might call it a staycation.

- Bryan Goh

Up until a few months ago (especially before the onset of the circuit breaker), the word “staycation” ranked high on the irony scale because the cost of staying a night will net one an overseas trip to a neighbouring country. However, the word has now tipped into one that connotes an extravagance; in a situation where travelling abroad might not happen till 2021. A chance to sloth it out from the “woes and agony” of working from home. A temporary respite from the demons one might call his family. Men’s Folio has prepared five concept hotels that do not just scream (or subtly notify) “I’m trying my most to live the best”, they can and will remind one of the overseas establishments.

THE MOD SHANGHAI EXPERIENCE IN CENTRAL SINGAPORE

The secret sauce of AMOY is not just in its visuals — its entrance by the threshold of a temple, its Chinese surnamed rooms inspired by Chinese immigrants or the various sprinklings of nostalgic oriental touches like opium beds and vintage postcards. The extra ingredients include how it elevates the experience by providing what modern Shanghainese hotels have been providing for years — a Western meets Asian touch. A smartphone offering free international calls lies next to a variety of antique knickknacks and one can opt for traditional Japanese cuisine at Jin Fine Dining or a continental breakfast at Dean & Deluca. If one needs one more reason, the staff sometimes packs bean paste pastries for those checking out.

THE SOHO EXPERIENCE IN CLARKE QUAY