With international travel off limits for now, Singapore-based Far East Hospitality has launched a series of experiential staycation packages that were created with the intention to support local small and medium enterprises at the same time.
"If there is one takeaway from this crisis, it is – we will survive only when we consider others. As a homegrown company, it is only natural that we use the opportunity of hotels reopening for staycations to not only offer Singaporeans a unique, experiential stay, but also play our part in helping fellow local businesses navigate trying times," said Arthur Kiong, chief executive of FEH.
“Survival is the priority for many SMEs today amid the economic fallout from Covid-19 and many businesses have stepped up to help them weather the pandemic,” added Kiong. “As we continue to wrestle with the pandemic, we must not only worry about our own business survival but those of our key partners as well. Hospitality is a part of the tourism ecosystem and we must do all possible to help each other preserve core capabilities."
Some examples of local enterprises that FEH will be working with include Freedom Yoga, a studio started by entrepreneur Elvina Cheong; and Smith Marine Kelong, a local aquaculture farm and floating restaurant serving fresh seafood.
The Sea Breeze and Champagne package, priced from S$559++ (US$411++) per room per night, at The Barracks Hotel include a one-way limousine transfer; an afternoon tea for two, with free flow of champagne and a special tea tailoring experience; and 20% off meals at selected F&B stores such as Quentins, Hidemasa or Ocean Restaurant.
The experience can be elevated by pairing with the Breakfast Sail with Ximula at $800++, which features a three-hour private yacht trip to the Southern Islands and complimentary picnic basket packed with sandwiches, snacks, beverages and a bottle of wine. Ximula Sail was founded by outdoor lovers Minqi Wong and her dad TC Wong, and its crew member includes ex-local celebrity Darren Lim. Bookings of at least one week in advance is required for the sailing offer.
FEH's Weekend Twogether package, priced from $888++ for a 3D2N stay in the Club room at Oasia Hotel Downtown, includes a Friday four-course dinner at Oso Ristorante; complimentary aqua exercises and yoga led by local trainers of AquaspinTM and Freedom Yoga; and the Wellness Teatime experience serving up a selection of granola, fruits, cakes and scones at The Marmalade Pantry.
For urban explorers, FEH's Rediscover our Village package (priced from $500++ for a 2D1N stay in the Deluxe room) at Village Hotel Bugis invite guests to join in precinct tours created by local heritage experts, LocoMole, of nearby Kampong Glam, Bugis Village and Haji Lane.
The following day, a seafood meal awaits guests at the floating restaurant slash aquaculture farm – Smith Marine Kelong – near Pulau Ubin. Guests may also upgrade their transfers between the hotel and Changi Point Ferry Terminal with a classic Volkswagen Kombi Safari Camper by Kombi Rocks, founded by locals who rescue, restore and repurpose old cars and bike.
Suitable for couples, the Picnic Rendezvous package (priced from $488++ for a 2D1N stay in the Club room) at Orchard Rendezvous Hotel comes with a complimentary picnic basket full of snacks and a picnic mat (complimentary with the package), as well as a complimentary one-hour photoshoot by local award-winning photography studio – StudioPlay.
These promotion, available through December 30, 2020, are available at https://www.StayFarEast.com/Staycation.