Relaxing places for year end celebrations
In a blink of an eye, we’re down to the last quarter of 2021 and before we know it, we’re ringing in the new year. With social distancing measures still in place, celebrating the year-end in a packed restaurant and squeezing through crowds to watch fireworks at Marina Bay Sands still seems like a far possibility.
If you’re seeking a more toned down celebration this year away from the holiday rush, check out these relaxing places.
1. Spend the day on a yacht to escape the city
For those who’ve been hard at work all year, treat yourself by splurging on a day aboard a private yacht. Marina at Keppel Bay has day and evening yacht charters that sail to the Southern Islands of Singapore such as St. John’s and Lazarus islands.
Depending on the yacht you book, their packages usually come with watersports equipment such as snorkelling gear and kayaks for you to fully enjoy that island life. Most of the yachts also come with conveniences like air-conditioning, dining amenities and decks for sunbathing. You can pack a picnic and drinks for your day out at sea.
*Note: Current safe distancing measures apply for the number of guests allowed
Address: 2 Keppel Bay Vista, Singapore 098382
Telephone: 6303 8448
Book a yacht charter at Marina at Keppel Bay
2. Have an omakase meal with waterfront views
Japan has yet to be added into the list of VTL countries, so for now you can “warm up” with exquisite sushi and omakase courses right here in Singapore. Get Japanese fare prepared with fresh ingredients air-flown from Japan at Sushi Jiro.
They offer a 10-course Omakase featuring Premium Japanese Wagyu A5 Beef, Uni Ikura and Ise-Ebi and an assortment of Nigiri Sushi for $260/pax if you’re feeling fancy. You can also go for their lunch sets starting from $23 that includes decadent rice bowls.
This quiet restaurant overlooks the docked yachts and relaxing sea views of Keppel Bay. It’s also decked in elegant wooden furnishings, so you can pretend you’re holidaying in Japan.
Address: 2 Keppel Bay Vista, #02-01, Singapore 098382
Opening Hours: 11.30AM-2.30PM, 6PM-10PM Daily
Telephone: 6252 4333
3. Fill up on hearty Italian fare by the bay
Sit at the alfresco terrace to enjoy relaxing views
Visit Ristorante Palermo for a Sicillian experience with rustic, hearty Italian dishes coupled with the glistening waterfront views Keppel Bay boasts. Perfect for date nights and special celebrations, the restaurant has an elegant interior as well as an alfresco terrace that overlooks Keppel Bay.
A cozy and casual setting that’s perfect for both celebratory dinners and casual catch-ups with friends
“Overseas” vibes aside, you can fill up on dishes inspired by the chef’s childhood in Palermo, the restaurant has authentic Italian pastas like Tonarelli Seafood Pasta ($36) and Prosciutto Pistachio ($26) Pizza, as well as yummy desserts like Nonna’s Lime Torta ($12), an Italian lime tart.
Address: 2 Keppel Bay Vista, #02-03, Singapore 098382
Opening hours: Mon – Thu 11.30AM-3PM, 5PM-10PM | Fri – Sun 11.30AM-10PM
Telephone: 6970 0887
4. Get a massage at a hidden spa in Bishan Park
Image credit: @aramsaspas
Nothing screams relaxing more than a hideout amidst nature, away from the daily grind. That’s exactly what you’ll get at Aramsa – The Garden Spa that’s located in Bishan Park.
Each treatment room has individual garden courtyards and outdoor showers, perfect for some “me” time or some R&R with a partner. Massage therapy services start from $148 for a 60-minute session.
Address: 1384 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Bishan Park, Singapore 569932
Opening hours: Sun – Wed 10AM-9PM | Thu – Sat 10AM-10PM
Telephone: 6456 6556
Aramsa – The Garden Spa website
5. Brunch at a cafe surrounded by greenery at Botanic Gardens
Outdoor dining area (left) and truffle cheese toasties (right)
Image credit: @worldcafejourneys, @botanicosg
A snug hideout in the middle of Singapore Botanic Gardens, Botanico is a restaurant serving modern European dishes with an Asian touch for dinners and weekend brunches. Expect classic brunch favourites like Avo Toast ($17) and Botanico’s “Big Breakfast” ($28) as well as dishes like Crab Rissoni ($32) and Wagyu Beef Cheek ($38).
The cafe is located in a conserved heritage building from the 1920s and emulates rustic countryside vibes for a change of scenery.
Address: 50 Cluny Park Road, Level 2, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 257488
Opening hours: Wed -Thu 6PM-10PM | Fri 12PM-3PM 6PM-10PM | Sat – Sun 11AM-3PM, 6PM-10PM
Telephone: 9831 1106
6. Enjoy Pan American cuisine in a quiet corner of Sentosa
Enjoy a cocktail by the lawn with panoramic sunset views
Image credit: @djyellownuders, @angelchen_1014
Tucked away from the usual crowded beaches of Sentosa, Panamericana is a Pan American restaurant located in Sentosa Golf Club. The restaurant overlooks the sea, a sprawling golf green and tropical foliage of Sentosa.
With an extensive menu giving prominence to countries like Mexico and Argentina, the restaurant has an extensive menu to choose from. Feast on grilled, charred and roasted delights like Pluma Iberico Pork ($48), Spencer Gulf King Prawns ($46) and Argentinian Empanadas ($12), or stop by for a mid-day cocktail if you’re in need of a tranquil spot for that much needed catch-up with friends.
Address: 27 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore 099892
Telephone: 6253 8182
Opening hours: 12PM-10PM, Daily
Have a relaxing year-end celebration at Marina at Keppel Bay
Take a walk along the docks during sunset for idyllic views of Keppel Bay
There’s plenty to do to conclude the end of the year, and that doesn’t have to involve flocking to crowded spots. Head to the restaurants at Marina at Keppel Bay for a quiet escape away from the city and enjoy relaxing bay views and good food.
Dining
In addition to Sushi Jiro and Ristorante Palermo, Marina at Keppel Bay also has other relaxing alfresco dining options if you want to dine by the pier.
Privé @ Keppel Bay
Privé is a casual, family-friendly restaurant that serves cocktails and hearty all-day brunch meals like the Ultimate Big Breakfast ($21), Eggs Benedict ($18) and Privé Sausage Muffin ($11). Other than dining areas that overlook the calm waters of the bay, there’s an outdoor playground to keep the little ones entertained while you enjoy a leisurely meal.
Address: 2 Keppel Bay Vista, Level 1, Singapore 098382
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 9AM-10.30PM | Sat – Sun & PH 8AM-10.30PM
Telephone: 6776 0777
Seafood lovers will want to head to Bayswater Kitchen. They specialise in seafood dishes like Seafood Tagliatelle ($32), Roasted Barramundi ($28) and Linguine Vongole ($25), with ingredients varying daily based on their fresh catches of the day.
Sharing platters (from $76) are also available if you want to have a taste of the different kinds of seafood.
Address: 2 Keppel Bay Vista, Level 1, Singapore 098382
Opening Hours: Tue – Thu, 11.30AM-3PM, 6PM-10PM | Fri 11.30AM-2PM, 6PM-10.30PM | Sat 6PM-10.30PM | Sun & PH, 11AM-3.30PM, 6PM-10PM
Telephone: 6776 0777
Virtual Workshops
This festive season, Marina at Keppel Bay will be holding Christmas Virtual Workshops where you’ll get to DIY your own body scrubs, candles and felt making.
The workshops are available for redemption when you dine at the restaurants in Marina at Keppel Bay, on a first come first serve basis with limited slots available. You can also purchase the DIY kit at $40 for a spot in the virtual classes.
From now till 5th December 2021, all you have to do is spend a minimum of $60 if you’re a member of Marina at Keppel Bay, and $80 for the public at any one of their restaurants.
Body scrub workshop
Date: 9th December 2021
Time: 7:30PM-8:30PM
Candle making workshop
Date: 11th December 2021
Time: 2:30PM-3:30PM
Felt making workshop
Date: 18th December 2021
Time: 2:30PM-3:15PM
Celebrate your year end festivities with Marina at Keppel Bay
This post was brought to you by Marina at Keppel Bay.
Photography by Zhou Jinquan.
Cover image adapted from: @alisonjmac