Whether you’re worn out from the 9 to 5 grind or surviving the avalanche of assignments, staycations are the perfect weekend retreat from all that stress. But the typical options like chalets are often in hard-to-reach corners, and hotels can get a little pricey.
Oakwood Studios Singapore is a spankin’ new serviced apartment that’s located right in the heart of Orchard. And unlike the usual staycay go-tos, this one caters to the younger crowd – and the young at heart – with highly customisable spaces for small parties and gatherings.
Here’s how our one-of-a-kind staycay went:
Standing directly below the red lights will reveal a thumbs-up symbol.
Image credit: Oakwood Studios Singapore
Decked in neon lights, the lobby greeted us in all its quirky glory – our favourite was the reception area that came with two apple-shaped pods. We were immediately welcomed by Oakwood’s friendly staff and we knew we were in good hands thanks to their hospitality.
We enjoyed a chat over some complimentary coffee while waiting for our turn to check-in.
While waiting to get to our rooms, we took the chance to explore the Socialize corner. Chic pop-art portraits adorn the walls, along with plush leather sofas for the whole squad to get comfy.
Plus, the place is available for rental if you’d like to hold a small get together. It’s also got movable tables and chairs for you to adjust the space according to your preference.
You can even rent their Steinway Gallery Piano for just $30 a day – and yes, it’ll be delivered straight to your room!
The photo-ops don’t just end at the lobby either – we found this neon installation while getting to our rooms.
Maximizing the 35 sqm space, Oakwood Studios’ apartments consist of a living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom AND a balcony.
This ain’t your ordinary hotel room – funky art pieces plaster the walls, which add a fresh pop of colour to the space. Accompanied with geometrical lights and pop-art cushions, the living room looks straight out of a page from a home designpublication.
Note: If any of the art pieces catch your eye, you can purchase them via the Oakwood Studios Singapore app, which is available on their in-room tablet. It’s also free for mobile download on both iOS and Android.
And no, the egg-shaped object on the table isn’t a lamp – it’s a Samsung bluetooth speaker. By simply connecting it to your phone, party animals can amp up the vibe by blasting the latest hits.
Image credit: @oakwoodstudiossg
There’s a smart TV available too, but it isn’t just for surfing channels. Rent an Xbox or PS4 console for just $30 a day using the in-room tablet.
Whether you’re a Fifa fanatic or a professional WWE player, there’s more than enough controllers for your friends to join in the fun.
Some of the game picks include the popular Dance Central 3, so go all out and challenge your friends to an intense dance battle!
When you’re tired out from all that dancing, retire to the bedroom where a spacious queen-sized bed awaits. With a soft duvet, four snuggable pillows and extra cushions, you’ll be sleeping through the night like a baby.
All apartments come with a balcony. Ours was almost 3 metres long with a comfy lounge chair, giving us ample space to walk about and laze around.
This cooking space came with a frying pan, a rice cooker, toaster and a microwave!
The kitchen is nothing short of sleek, with see-through cupboards neatly stacked with wine glasses. The counter’s also equipped with an induction cooker – so cure those midnight hunger pangs by whipping up a meal.
Coffee addicts will be glad to know that a Nespresso machine is provided, with complimentary capsules upon arrival – an upgrade from the usual instant coffee packets found in hotels.
But that’s not all – hidden beneath a counter panel is the kitchen sink, designed for a wider counter area.
With wide mirrors and marble counters, the luxurious bathroom had us feeling we were in a hotel suite. Complimentary toiletries are provided, and if you need extras, you can request for them via the Oakwood Studios Singapore app.
Separated by a glass panel is the shower area with a lavish rainforest shower – perfect for winding down with after a long day.
Note: There is laundry powder provided for you to wash your clothes on-site – just head up to the complimentary laundromat at level 13.
The apartment may be too cosy for you to leave, but ditch the lazing around to make full use of the amenities in this place – they’re fully worth leaving the bed for.
Image credit: Oakwood Studios Singapore
We expected the rooftop area to simply be a wider space for large groups to chill while enjoying the view, but to our pleasant surprise, we were greeted with a pool. And that only meant one thing: pool party!
Image credit: Oakwood Studios Singapore
We enjoyed some drinks prepared by @jekyllandhyde.sg
Image credit: Oakwood Studios Singapore
We were also allowed to bring in our drinks into the pool – there was no need to waddle from one end of the pool to the other just to get to our cocktails.
Opening hours: 7:30AM – 10PM
Image credit: Oakwood Studios Singapore
To complete your party, there’s a BBQ pit and an island counter for use. There’s an abundance of space, so food can be laid out easily.
For added convenience, the Oakwood Studios Singapore app provides a BBQ wholesale service to order ingredients. With local favourites such as Sambal Stingray ($15) and Chicken Satay ($18), there’s no need to spend hours prepping in the kitchen – all you need to do is get grillin’ and makan!
Note: 3 BBQ sessions are available for booking each day, so check for available time slots with the receptionist.
Sessions: 7AM – 11AM | 12PM – 4PM | 5PM – 9PM
Orchard Road might just be a 10-minute walk from the apartment, but if you would rather skip the walking, rent an E-scooter from just $30/day. Their nifty app allows you to comfortably secure one in advance – so when you’re ready, simply head down to the lobby to collect your ride.
Those in the mood for some urban exploring can head down to Skyville @ Dawson which is just 10 minutes away from the apartment. Its rooftop garden on the 47th storey offers a panoramic city view that’s tough to beat.
Instead of rushing back for a bath after your scoot around town, take time to cool off at the Alfresco area. Order a warm cuppa and you’re all set to chill your afternoon away.
The cabanas offer full shelter, and can easily fit two or three people.
Image credit: Oakwood Studios Singapore
A hidden spiral staircase behind the vine wall leads to…
…the Retreat! Offering a more intimate experience, this space is ideal for some quiet time with your friends.
But alas, all good things must come to an end. When you’re finally ready to check out, be sure to visit the social wall – your pictures will be featured on the lobby’s LCD panel for other guests to see. All you have to do is upload your picture on Instagram with the hashtags #curatedsecrets.
As a memento of your visit, you can print out some photo stickers with the Polaroid provided.
From holding a poolside party on the rooftop to scooting around town, the activities at Oakwood Studios Singapore make it more than your average staycation. Prices start from $228, making this an affordable option you can easily split among friends.
Decor by @invitedsg made for a funky #squad shot backdrop.
If you’re already itching for a staycay, don’t miss the chance to snag up a free vacation! 1 lucky TSL reader will get the chance to win a 3D2N staycation for 4 persons – with accommodation in 2 studio apartments and free e-scooter rentals for 4.
All you’ll have to do is:
Contest ends 24 September 2017.
So if you’re still looking for a spot to chill with the whole squad, look no further – Oakwood Studios Singapore awaits.
Address: 18 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228514
Telephone: 6914 1800
Email: general.ossg@oakwoodasia.com
Instagram: @oakwoodstudiossg
Make your booking here.
This post was brought to you by Oakwood Studios Singapore.
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