Three days of wellness: Singapore
July 16, 2021
Singapore might be renowned for its world-class bars and fast-paced urban sprawl, but this tropical island is actually a brilliant place to recharge and enjoy the great outdoors. It’s known as The Garden City for good reason, as more than 50 per cent of the island is green space. There are masses of activities – from hiking and birdwatching to kayak fishing and tailored workouts – which offer a real wellbeing boost. This three-day itinerary rounds up the best of the bunch
Day One
Kick-start your day
Taking a jog is a fantastic way to get your bearings, and gives an endorphins boost from the get-go. Pound the waterfront promenade paths in ritzy Marina Bay – the area where Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is located – and look out for otters gambolling in the water as you go. Run on through Gardens by the Bay and admire its towering Supertrees – vertical solar-power-generating gardens festooned with ferns.
Do something different
Make for Changi Point Ferry Terminal – just 25 minutes from the hotel – and take the short, atmospheric boat ride to Pulau Ubin. This tranquil island is a wildlife hotspot where mangroves fringe thick jungle. Once there, hike or bike to the Chek Jawa wetlands. Not only does spending time in nature have proven mental health benefits, but you might even spot oriental pied hornbills and charismatic stork-billed kingfishers.
Settle into stillness
From phone calls to Zoom meetings, time spent on digital devices is at an all-time high. Switch off any stresses (and all your tech) during a rebalancing Digital Wellness Escape treatment at Mandarin Oriental’s peaceful spa. It concentrates on the areas impacted most by frequent digital device usage, and unknots head, neck, shoulder and hand tension in a flash.
Day Two
Kick-start your day
Work up a sweat at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore’s fitness centre, which is kitted out with a Kinesis Wall and TRX Suspension Trainer. Level up your regime and hone workout goals with a personal trainer session or, for something a little more leisurely, take a dip in the 25m tropical outdoor swimming pool.
Do something different
New experiences help to stimulate creativity, and one of the best ways to get to know a destination is through its cuisine. Immerse yourself in the vibrant food scenes of Little India, Kampong Glam and Katong on a private tour led by local gastro expert Hello Singapore. During a fascinating and delicious cultural hit, you’ll sample a host of Singaporean classics, including coconutty kaya toast, laksa and popiah along the way.
Settle into stillness
Round off the day in indulgent fashion at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. After a days’ walking, the Teh Hijau treatment is just the thing for weary muscles. A warm green tea-infused poultice and frankincense, mandarin and ginger essential oils are used to massage the body, and leave tired limbs completely soothed.
Day Three
Kick-start your day
Kayak fishing is a fun, fusion sport that combines gentle exercise with catch-and-release fishing. Try it with the angling enthusiasts at Kayak Fishing Fever, who run trips to suit all abilities. Beginners can pootle along the shoreline of the East Coast Park on a 2-4km ‘Playground’ session, while more experienced paddlers will enjoy the ‘Island Hopper’, a meander along the Sentosa Island coast with several beach pitstops.
Do something different
Designed in the shape of a human body, the 2.5-hectare Healing Garden in Singapore’s famed Botanic Gardens is home to more than 400 plants traditionally used in Southeast Asian medicine. On a guided tour, you’ll gen up on how betel nut can aid digestion, and learn that Thai ginger can alleviate fever. For an added sensory hit, pop next door to the fragrant garden and breathe in the aromas of pandan, lemon balm and mint as you stroll.
Settle into stillness
Sunset in Singapore is pretty special, and one of the best places to take it in is suspended 36m in the air, atop Henderson Waves Bridge in The Southern Ridges Park. The rippling steel and balau wood structure takes its design cues from nature and is shaped to mimic an ocean wave. After enjoying a stunning sunset over the bay, enjoy the magical, calming glow of the bridge itself, which is illuminated by LEDs after dark.
Words by Ianthe Butt
Words by Ianthe Butt