(Photo: Into the Woods)

Lazarus Island is an easy 5-minute boat ride away from Sentosa Cove, and it’s where local company Into The Woods has created an exceptional sustainable glamping experience. Prepare to enjoy an idyllic beachside life with guided yoga sessions, nostalgic games, and a pristine forest trail. It’s the perfect place to experience a slower lifestyle without compromising comfort — thanks to the chic, air-conditioned tent waiting for you at the end of a long day.

Pro tip: Book a GetGo to Sentosa Jetty for an easy way to get your belongings to and from Lazarus Island!

Address: 15A Pulau Seringat, Lazarus Island, Singapore 099551
Website: intothewoods.life

(Photo: The Straits Times)

The newly opened Sentosa Sensoryscape has been swamped with people all year, and it’s no wonder why. Among the top attractions of this immersive ecological walk is a scented hanging garden called Scented Sphere, where an array of fragrant plants tantalises your sense of smell. If you’re there during sunset, treat your eyes to a light art and augmented reality experience that lets you see illusionary flowers and butterflies.

Address: 3 Siloso Road, Singapore 098977
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
Website: sensoryscape.sentosa.com.sg

(Photo: Trifecta)

Trifecta is an ambitious mixed-use facility that boasts an outdoor skate park, a snowboarding arena, and one of only 2 Citywave surfing simulator pools in Asia. Now, surfing is more accessible than ever as Singaporeans no longer need to travel overseas to experience surfing with real boards on waves up to 1.5 metres high!

Trifecta also hosts various classes for beginners, so if you’re new to these activities, all you have to bring is yourself and your thirst for adventure.

Address: 10A Exeter Road, #01-01, Singapore 239958
Opening hours: 8am – 11pm daily
Contact: 8399 0484
Website: trifectasingapore.com

(Photo: CNA)

Since the 70s, the Grand Hyatt has been an icon of Singapore’s swanky side, and it’s finally opening its doors again after a 2-year renovation. The first phase of its reopening, the nature-inspired Terrace Wing, has received critical praise for its beautiful, high-ceiling studio rooms and true “garden city” vibe.

If you’re lucky enough to book one of the hotels’ Garden Studios, you’ll have direct access to the Grand Hyatt’s interconnected network of pools and gardens, as well as several private nooks. You’ll be surrounded by so much nature, you’ll forget that you’re in the middle of the city!

The hotels’ Grand Wing will open in 2025, and promises to have more world-class restaurants, a poolside BBQ bar, and the classic, mid-century modern hotel aesthetic that the Grand Hyatt has prided itself on for decades.

Address: 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
Contact: 6738 1234
Website: hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/sinrs-grand-hyatt-singapore

(Photo: Timeout)

One of Singapore’s best halal restaurants, Overrice serves food heavily influenced by the legendary New York street food chain The Halal Guys. Get ready for lots of slow-cooked meat that is tender and succulent and some seriously addictive “secret white sauce” — it’s a creamy mix with a sharp flavour that cuts through the beef without overwhelming it.

Their specialty is the all-in-one rice bowl, which is filled with smoky meats as well as a mix of fresh greens, making it both an indulgent and guilt-free meal. For the perfect side dish to go with your bowl, try the perfectly mixed falafel balls, which took over 100 test batches for the chefs to get the perfect “crispy on the outside, soft on the inside” texture.

Address: 41 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198489
Opening hours: 12 – 9pm daily
Halal status: Halal
Website: overricesg.com

(Photo: FoodPanda)

Sufood is where vegetarian cuisine sings. The trappings of Italian fine dining inspire its decor and presentation, but the dishes take a life of their own, with influences from Japan and Taiwan. The result is a decadent offering of Miso-Kombu Soup with Lotus Seeds, Peppery Golden Quinoa Risottos, Lion’s Mane Mushroom Steaks, and more.

At $32 for an opulent and exquisite 6-course meal, there’s no doubt that this is one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Singapore.

Address: 252 North Bridge Road, Raffles City #02-19, Singapore 179103
Opening hours: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm daily
Contact: 6333 5338
Halal status: Not halal
Website: facebook.com/sufood.singapore

(Photo: Outer Edit)

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind food adventure, this is your sign to try a private dining experience like Kanves. Where else can you get to visit the home of a local fine dining veteran and be treated to a delectable 8-course meal?

Chef Ethan Khoo’s menu is inspired by international cuisines and comprises locally sourced ingredients. While the dishes themselves sound simple on paper, Ethan spares no effort to layer flavours and elevate each ingredient. The standout here is the Roast Duck, which is brined for 24 hours, dry-aged for 5 days, and finally smoked with hay. The results show, as the final dish has perfectly crispy skin and the juiciest possible flesh.

Remember to reserve early, as the waitlist is packed, and it’s not uncommon to have to book several months in advance.

Address: Hazel Park Terrace, Bukit Panjang
Opening hours: By appointment only
Contact: [email protected]
Halal status: Not halal
Website: kanves-sg.com

(Featured photo: Marina Bay Singapore)

Pro tip: If you’re working on a Singapore public holiday, use the Ministry of Manpower’s handy calculator to help you find out how much additional pay you’re entitled to.

Happy holidays!
Amanda