ABBEY: For our 15th wedding anniversary, we celebrated with a 3D2N staycation at the iconic Mandarin Oriental Singapore, and it turned out to be one of the most relaxing and pampering hotel stays we’ve had.
The experience started seamlessly. There was no need to queue at the hotel lobby because our check-in was done directly at the club lounge. While the staff prepared our room keys, we were invited to enjoy breakfast and choose what we wanted from the menu. I immediately went for the Nasi Lemak. The chicken was crispy outside yet juicy inside, pairing perfectly with the fragrant and well-seasoned coconut rice.
Then came the champagne. They were serving Ruinart, and naturally I had a couple of glasses to start the morning. After all, it was a champagne breakfast. The best part? The free-flow champagne continued from 7AM all the way to 7PM.
Shortly after breakfast, our room was ready for early check-in and we were thrilled to be assigned a high-floor room. Waiting for us inside were anniversary treats including cakes, tea, and a thoughtful handwritten note that made the celebration feel even more special.
The room itself was elegant and incredibly comfortable. After requesting firmer pillows, our sleep quality became exceptional. We rested deeply each night and woke up refreshed every morning. One of our favorite parts of the room was the bathtub. It became our quiet space to relax, reflect on the 15 years we’ve shared together, and look forward to what’s ahead.
At 2PM, we headed back to the lounge for afternoon tea, where the champagne was still flowing freely. The spread included savory sandwiches and freshly baked scones, which we happily requested extra servings of.
Of course, we also explored the hotel facilities. We visited the gym and the swimming pool, eventually taking an evening dip to escape Singapore’s afternoon heat. The pool water temperature was just right, and the evening lighting added a sophisticated and calming atmosphere to the entire area.
From 5PM to 7PM, the lounge served evening cocktails and light bites, although “light” hardly describes the spread. There were noodles, sushi, cold cuts, freshly baked bread, and flavorful meat skewers. It honestly felt more like a complete dinner buffet than simple cocktail snacks.
Our stay also included breakfast at Embu, the hotel’s buffet restaurant. I enjoyed a satisfying combination of chicken curry with prata, noodles, bacon, and sausages. But apparently one breakfast wasn’t enough for us because we later returned to the lounge for another round of breakfast served directly to our table.
We also made good use of the gym during our stay. It was well-equipped with the machines needed for a proper workout, making it easy to stay active even during a relaxing staycation.
Overall, our anniversary staycation at Mandarin Oriental Singapore was nothing short of relaxing and memorable. From the attentive service and luxurious lounge experience to the comfortable room and thoughtful anniversary touches, every detail was carefully prepared to make guests feel celebrated, pampered, and genuinely cared for.
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| Mandarin Oriental Singapore HAUS 65 Review: Is It Worth the Price? |
So, what is it about this lounge that had us putting it straight onto our travel bucket list? Let’s dive in!
For the premium price tag, you expect top-notch hospitality, but the team at Mandarin Oriental truly goes above and beyond to make you feel special. Abbey subtly noted that it was our anniversary, but behold—the team completely surprised me with a birthday cake too and a cute, tiny set of local kaya spread for my birthday! It’s these personalized gestures that make a stay unforgettable.
The Food Experience: Hits and Misses
If there’s one area for improvement, it’s the breakfast variety. The lounge menu stayed the same throughout our 3-day stay. Don’t get me wrong—the food is delicately prepared and tastes incredibly good! But if you love a massive variety, definitely head downstairs to Embu for their huge international buffet breakfast instead (which is also included!).
That being said, afternoon tea at HAUS 65 is an absolute dream. Imagine the rich aroma of freshly baked scones paired with velvety, creamy clotted cream. OMG! They delivered it straight to our table with love. Whew, pure bliss.
Do not underestimate the evening cocktail hour! The spread is so substantial it can easily double as dinner. They layout an incredible array of fresh sushi, grilled chicken, savory meats, and comforting noodle dishes. And yes, the free-flow champagne and premium cocktails were really flowing! Yayyy!
The hotel's location is incredibly strategic for roaming around Marina Bay. We spent our evening walking around Gardens by the Bay, marveling at the glittering skyscrapers that remind us how Singapore leads in tech and banking.
Pro-tip: MO has free bicycles available for you to borrow to cruise around the bay. Wink-wink!
Will We Come Back? Of course! Aside from the stellar service, Abbey and I absolutely love Ruinart Champagne—and this is one of the rare, elite hotels in the city that proudly serves it free-flow as their house pour. For the unlimited bubbles, the gorgeous new Peranakan-inspired design, and the VIP memories, HAUS 65 completely won us over!
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MANDARIN ORIENTAL, SINGAPORE
(W) https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/singapore/marina-bay?search=singapore
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