Tatler checks into the newest five-star luxury urban resort in Singapore that boasts warm Thai hospitality
It has been more than a year since the coronavirus pandemic hit the world, and although the situation has eased in many parts of the world, travel remains restricted to essential business only. For many of us, travelling serves as a great source of inspiration and provides respite from our hectic schedules, yet our last experience on a flight out of the city-state for a beach getaway or ski vacation feels like a lifetime ago.
To curb our wanderlust, we turn to the next best thing: staycations. From five-star luxury resorts to the quaint boutique hotels, we're lucky to have a diverse array of options in Singapore. Just last month, we checked into the newest addition in the East, the Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore, for a midweek breather. The luxury resort opened its doors to the public in December last year and boasts direct access to two championship golf courses should you want to have a tee off with friends. I'm not an avid golfer myself, but that doesn't mean there's not much to enjoy at the resort.
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Here's how my experience went:
1. First impressions
If you share the same excitement as I do when it comes to travelling, then you'll understand when I say that every holiday begins the minute you're en route to the airport. Luckily for me, the journey to the resort takes the same route as you would if you're heading towards Changi airport since they share the same highway.
The resort is Dusit International's first property in Singapore; for the uninitiated, the Bangkok-based hospitality group is well known for its warm Thai hospitality and has over 30 properties in 13 countries. Here in Singapore, it is nestled within the grounds of the acclaimed Laguna National Golf & Resort Club and guests who choose to stay will enjoy privileged access to the driving range and championship golf courses.
I arrived in the early afternoon, and noticed a brand new Rolls Royce that was parked out front as I pulled up to the main lobby. Apparently, guests who choose to host their wedding at the resort will get to enjoy a chauffeur-driven service for their celebration. As I entered, a doorman who donned a Thai-style hat greeted me warmly, and I was ushered to the front desk for a swift check-in process. It took no more than five minutes, and whilst waiting, my eyes wandered to notice the hotel's stunning contemporary design that features high ceilings and an ample amount of natural light. Shortly after being handed my room card, I dropped off my belongings with the hotel concierge that ensured everything was sent to my room and was then ushered to have lunch at the Greenhouse.
(Related: Editors' Picks: The Local Tours and Tourist Attractions that We Love in Singapore)