Thanks to the pandemic, overseas travel in 2020 is a distant dream. But that didn’t vanquish the wanderlust of Singaporeans, it merely channeled it into an alternative: staycations.
And if you’re thinking of booking up a hotel for a special occasion or year-end treat, it’s best to maximise your hard-earned cash. Look out for ShopBack’s Staycation Sale from 26th Oct – 1st Nov 2020. There’ll be up to 12% cashback and deals from $100+, so you’d be hard pressed to pick just one place.
Thankfully, we can look to the stars for guidance. Your zodiac sign might shed some light on your staycay style and help you make a decision (We’re looking at you, Libra).
Note: All staycation deal prices are accurate as of time of publishing but may fluctuate. Subject to availability.
Aries is the very first zodiac sign, and they’ve a rep for being competitive and trendsetting. Likewise, The Capitol Kempinski is a true leader of the pack. Despite opening only in 2018, it has already made waves with its stunning architecture and first-class amenities.
Enjoy the breakfast with Asian & Western options in a posh setting.
Image credit: The Capitol Kempinski Singapore
Rams, you’re high-energy, so complimentary breakfast will give you the fuel you need. Not to mention, we’ve heard the breakfast here is the stuff of legends. As part of the staycay deal, you’ll be further spoiled with a 20% discount at over seven dining options.
Plus, even the most demanding Aries will be impressed with the spacious Deluxe Rooms and tasteful cream palette. A room upgrade, subject to availability, might also be in the cards. Other perks include complimentary parking and late checkout at 2PM.
Staycation deal: The Capitol Kempinski Singapore ($305++)
Usual price: $475++
When to book:
30th-31st Oct 2020
Get 12% Upsized Cashback from booking.com via ShopBack. Plus, additional 5% Cashback using Standard Chartered credit card (capped at $20).
Taurus folks are known foodies, so your idea of a great vacay has to have gourmet-level food.
Besides the usual hotel brekkie, you can look forward to a complimentary 3-course dinner (worth $150++) at Italian establishment Dolce Vita. There’s also a 25% discount on F&B, so feast on some piping hot dimsum at Cherry Garden or knock back a cocktail at MO BAR.
If the food coma is hitting, you can nua around for longer with a late checkout at 6PM. With your Deluxe Room (worth $499+) emanating cosy vibes, the only struggle you’ll have is leaving.
Staycation deal: Mandarin Oriental Singapore ($299++)
Usual price: $773++
When to book:
26th-27th Oct 2020
Get 9% Upsized Cashback from Trip.com bookings via ShopBack.
Gemini, the “teen” of the zodiac, has a big appetite for fun and is averse to boredom. You should feel right at home then, at the achingly trendy Lyf establishment in Funan Mall. As a parallel to the sign’s dual nature, this co-living space has minimalist rooms on one hand…
…And colourful communal areas on the other. Think see-saw seats, ball pits, neon lights and even a very Instagrammable laundry room.
You’ll also dig facilities like a millennial-approved exercise area, complete with a life-sized hamster wheel for you to work off all that nervous energy.
Check out that wheel with our experience at Lyf Funan.
Staycation deal: Lyf Funan ($122++)
When to book:
30th-31st Oct 2020
Get 12% Upsized Cashback from booking.com via Shopback. Only on mobile. Plus, additional 5% Cashback using Standard Chartered credit card (capped at $20)
Set near to Mandarin Gallery, Mandarin Orchard Singapore is an unmissable sight in town for most Singaporeans – and home-loving Cancer would love its soothing familiarity. Here, you’ll gladly hermit in the hotel’s tranquil rooms tinged with old-world charm.
As a sensitive water sign, you’re also energised by water and will love some me-time at the quiet outdoor pool.
But nothing excites you more than gastronomic options – they don’t call you the Masterchef of the zodiac for nothing. Mandarin Orchard doesn’t disappoint. Their slew of stellar restaurants include Michelin-starred Shinsen Hanten, a fine-dining Sichuan spot, as well as Chatterbox, renowned for its 5-star chicken rice.
Staycation deal: Mandarin Orchard ($118++)
Usual price: $237++
When to book:
28th-29th Oct 2020
Get 10% Upsized Cashback from Agoda via Shopback.
All hail Leos, known as the kings and queens of the zodiac. Give yourself the royal treatment at Shangri-La, an oasis tucked away in the most premium of addresses: Orchard Road.
Get beauty sleep worthy of a celebrity in the Garden Wing Deluxe Room (worth $530++), then wake up to a massive breakfast spread at The Line, which has a solid rep that draws gasps of awe from even non-hotel guests.
Image credit: @stiefanstill
The feasting continues till night, with a complimentary 3-course dinner (worth $150++) at the Waterfall beckoning. Their Southern Italian fare will please even your discriminating taste buds.
Leos are also family-oriented – so you’ll be glad that your pack is well taken care of. Any lion cubs that are tagging along can get a kiddie breakfast and rollaway bed, too – after all, they deserve the best like you do.
Staycation deal: Shangri-La Hotel Singapore ($299++)
Usual price: $773++
When to book:
26th-27th Oct 2020
Get 9% Upsized Cashback from Trip.com bookings via ShopBack
Virgos are the perfectionists of the zodiac. As such, it’ll be hard to meet their exacting standards. But spaceship-themed YOTEL at Orchard Road does a pretty good job, with sleek rooms that maximise every inch of space.
Think fluffy beds that fold up into a semi-couch and hidden tables in a well-thought-out and organised layout – something you’d well approve of.
You’ll also enjoy futuristic touches like robot waiters and computerised self-check ins – yes, you can even create your own key card without human interaction. Perfect for your introverted side, Virgo.
But the best part of this staycay deal? The price (just $149 plus with a whopping 65% discount)! Money-savvy Virgos will appreciate that you don’t need to break the bank for a well-deserved getaway. And you know what? As always, you’re perfectly right.
Staycation deal: YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road ($149++)
Usual price: $420
When to book:
28th-29th Oct 2020
Get 10% Upsized Cashback from Agoda via Shopback.
Libras are often charm and style personified, hence the beautifully-designed Andaz will be a match made in heaven. Every corner is sleek and modern, adorned with tasteful artwork – and the rooms are also elegant beauties with floor-to-length windows.
After taking full advantage of the free mini-bar in your room, head up to The Sunroom on the 25th floor, a shared area with all-day complimentary refreshments. Soak in the view here and chat with family and friends, or make new friends, since you’re quite the socialite.
But if you’re looking for a more satisfying meal, head on over for a dinner at Alley on 25 Restaurant (25% discount) or use your $100 F&B credits on other in-house restos.
Image credit: @andazsingapore
As night falls, don’t forget to book the rooftop bar Mr Stork (don’t delay, these get snapped up). Let us tell you a secret – Librans are often closet romantics whether or not they are coupled up. So, of course you’ll love cosying up in the bar’s glam teepee tents under the stars.
Staycation deal: Andaz Singapore ($300++)
Usual price: $455++
When to book:
1st-2nd Nov 2020
Get 4.5% Upsized Cashback from Klook via Shopback.
Scorpios bring 100% intensity to their everyday lives, and this translates to a strong need for private downtime to recharge. You’ll get that at M Social with cosy loft options to hide away in.
Image credit: M Social
The unique configuration and full-length windows might also lead to some memorable experiences *wink, wink* for this sign brimming with passion.
Image credit: @yongweikai, @vincentong2402
Don’t just stick to your room, though – sate your appetite at in-house cafe Beast & Butterflies. It specialises in Asian fare with a twist such as fusion Hokkien Mee and Lobster Claypot alongside Western classics like pork knuckle, ribs and spam fries.
Staycation deal: M Social ($122++)
When to book:
30th-31st Oct 2020
Get 12% Upsized Cashback from booking.com via Shopback. Only on mobile. Plus, additional 5% Cashback using Standard Chartered credit card (capped at $20)
Globetrotting Sagittarius might be taking the no-travel ban the hardest, but as an optimistic zodiac sign, they’re able to look on the bright side – an opportunity to check out the 110% cool Warehouse Hotel.
This boutique hotel nestled on the bank of the Singapore River has a hip industrial aesthetic, and boasts touches like stylish lights, Bang & Olufsen speakers and Ashley & Co bath amenities in its rooms.
Sags, if you’re yearning to explore beyond those doors, pop by the glass-walled infinity pool that overlooks Robertson Quay or enjoy a tipple at the bar. The deal offers two bespoke cocktails of your choice.
Your adventurous tastebuds will be also delighted by breakfast at Po, the hotel’s mod-sin (Modern Singaporean) restaurant helmed by famous local chef Willin Low. Else, use the complimentary $50 dining credits to sate your cravings. Other perks include late checkout at 2PM.
Staycation deal: The Warehouse Hotel ($385++)
Usual price: $585++
When to book:
1st-2nd Nov 2020
Get 4.5% Upsized Cashback from Klook via Shopback.
Any Capricorn worth his or her salt will fall in love with the grande dame that is The Fullerton Hotel, packed with history and colonial charm.
From fitness rooms, art galleries to an infinity pool with sweeping Marina Bay views, you’ll be occupied endlessly – a boon for productive Caps. You don’t need to rush for time, either, seeing how the staycation deal offers late checkout. So, you can stay in your Premier Courtyard Room (worth $414+) till 6PM.
Image credit: @fullertonhotelsg
You’ll also get breakfast and $60 credits to dine at any of their four elegantly understated restaurants such as La Brasserie and Jade.
Caps are also responsible parents, so be glad to note your kids get a complimentary extra bed and breakfast for one (kids under 10 years old).
Staycation deal: The Fullerton Hotel ($298++)
Usual price: $414++
When to book:
26th-27th Oct 2020
Get 9% Upsized Cashback from Trip.com via Shopback.
PARKROYAL on Pickering is one of Singapore’s most eco-friendly hotels – it is literally a hotel-in-a-garden, complete with cascading vertical greenery and sky gardens.
Thus, humanitarian sign Aquarius would feel right at home with the hotel’s green focus. You’ll love the room’s energy-efficient lamps and recyclable amenities, not to mention the whole wood-accented resort vibe of it all.
It’s fitting that your sign is also known as the water bearer. You’d want to check out the infinity pool here, complete with dramatic “birdcages” and stellar views that will rake in the IG likes.
Image credit: @timothyma___
Futuristic-thinking Aquarians, fun fact: the pool has even appeared in Netflix’s Westworld as China circa 2058!
Staycation deal: PARKROYAL On Pickering ($252++)
Usual price: $280++
When to book:
30th-31st Oct, 26th Oct-1st Nov 2020
Get 12% Upsized Cashback from booking.com via Shopback. Plus, Additional 5% Cashback with the Standard Chartered credit card (capped at $20)
Set near the National Gallery and the National Museum of Singapore, Carlton Hotel is an art-lover’s dream. And typically, gentle Pisces is an avid fan of the arts, so it’s the perfect HQ for your museum-hopping.
After a tiring day out, the tranquil rooms will make you forget you’re in the heart of town. P.S. The studio rooms even have their very own bathtub.
But if you prefer to get in touch with your water-sign side outdoors, head over to the picturesque pool for a dip. Alternatively, grab a good book and lounge under the scarlet umbrellas – yes, finally this is the relaxing break you’ve been craving.
Image credit: @theseyoung
Staycation deal: Carlton Hotel ($208++)
When to book:
30th-31st Oct 2020
Get 12% Upsized Cashback from booking.com via Shopback. Only on mobile. Plus, additional 5% Cashback using Standard Chartered credit card (capped at $20)
With this array of staycation offers, even the most exacting Leos will be pleased. Remember again to mark your calendars from 26th Oct – 1st Nov 2020 – and download the ShopBack app (Apple Store | Google Play) if you haven’t already.
A quick crash course on how ShopBack works: just go through the app or website where it will list over 500+ stores. Click to any of these, and you can earn additional cashback with your purchase. In this ShopBack Staycation Sale, zoom into merchants such as Booking.com, Trip.com, Agoda and Klook.
Image adapted from ShopBack.
Any Virgo will tell you it’s a smart strategy vs going straight to the hotel site since you’d be getting up to 12% Cashback, discounted prices and extra freebies like cocktails or dining credits.
There’s also more good news – ShopBack is having a giveaway from 24th Oct – 2nd Nov 2020 where one lucky winner can score a 2D1N staycation at Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa (worth $300). All you’ve to do is:
Note: You must be a registered ShopBack user.
Good luck!
This post was brought to you by ShopBack, in collaboration with booking.com, Trip.com, Agoda and Klook.
Quality doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag.
No need to head to Japan or Korea, China has pretty blooms too 🌸
Unique SkillsFuture courses you should take this year.
You spin my head right round, right round.
Countdown to 2025 in Singapore Another year has flown by, and as we bid farewell…
Let's get dem gainz.