The Secret to Shanghai

Sponsored

Shanghai is infamous for its breathtaking skyscraper view, IF it is on a good day. 

Almost every list of "things to do in Shanghai" has a visit to The Bund or a must-drink at so-and-so rooftop bars. Reality is, the infamous city view can be the first and the last as your eyelids flutter open and close, if you stay at the Jing An Shangri-La. 

The hotel’s 508 rooms occupy the top 29 floors of a 60-storey tower that is one of the tallest structures in an area that takes in the western end of Shanghai’s historic Nanjing Road. 
No disparity over views, everyone gets one!

You can bet you have more chances to catch clear skies staying at Shangri-La than catching the aurora in a glass igloo. 

           

The Shangri-La Jing An boasts more than 200 pieces of art, it's like living in a museum! Unfortunately, i'm not a fan of static art. I can fall asleep standing. However, if you appreciate Chinese art, you'll be ecstatic to know artworks of Masters Zeng Fanzhi and Zhou Chunya are permanent fixtures here. 

If you're shelling out top dollars, expect perfection and you can't find any flaw at newly opened Shangri-La Jing An. 

My enjoyment is in finding out the hotel's Health Center for guests far more comprehensive than anything i've seen. It doesn't just have a 25 meters pool, but a 24 hour gym with spanking new cardio machines, a steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and even a dark corner with comfy sleeping pods in the changing rooms!

Shanghai, whilst a cosmopolitan city, still have grubby streets. Brave yourself, 
Shanghai's public toilet is a preview of an apocalypse. 

I look forward to retreating back to Shangri-La Jing An every evening, get under a rain simulating shower head, soap up in paraben-free toiletries or Bvlgari and glide on heated marble bathroom floors. 

There is even a TV in the bathroom mirrors!

Brushing 3 mins as recommended by the dentist is easy now!

Retreating to a luxurious abode also means getting your room turned down for the evening! It was a pleasant surprise to find the room playing with Shangri-La signature tunes when i returned. 

Shangri-La Jing An is uniquely Shanghainese in that it is a balance between the new and the traditional. With elegant chandeliers and TV embedded in mirrors, but with rosewood panelling and carpets that resemble paintings of traditional Chinese symbols like auspicious fish and colourful blooms. 

Visually poetic

Nespresso machines and Chinese tea sets are provided in Grand Premier Rooms. 

Taking a Me moment

The breakfast buffet is worth another blog post alone. It's the most extensive spread i've seen, with many interactive stations where chefs whip up salads, smoothies, noodles and omelettes according to your taste. Ice-cream for breakfast anyone? She cheekily said, "its permissible because it's summer" :p

Daily breakfast buffet at Cafe Liang

To have a breakfast with a view, try the Horizon Club where you can harvest your own sweet goodness from the honey comb or taste local dishes with a Shangri-La twist. 

Honey lemon water, honey spread on bread, honey on the rocks

Shangri-La's rendition of famous Shanghai street food, beancurd

While you're at it, be sure to check out the newly opened mediterranean restaurant-bar Calypso that is gaining popularity with well-heeled locals and expats alike. 

The building is quite a Transformer. An airy, two-storey structure, the first floor has floor to ceiling glass panels that can retract. The roof terrace was buzzing with after-work cheer, shades here can also extended for a more intimate setting or retracted for summer breeze. 

We tried their signature pizza and was told bricks were imported to build the stone oven that they have, like those in Italy. So patrons can taste pizzas as authentic as possible. 

The hotel also has many other drool-worthy restaurants set out to appease a wide range of palates. 

In the vicinity of the hotel, you can find the former residences of Mao Zedong, Sun Yet Sun, actress Zhou Xun and more. 

Follow their footsteps, stay in Jing An (Shangri-La). You can't go wrong. 

Best Staycation in Town: A Quincy Review

Sponsored

A staycation have been popular of late. Either for couples who are living with parents, or couples who can't travel because of pregnancy or with young kids. Most importantly, a staycation is essential to reconnect with your love ones if you can't afford extra days of travelling.

When hotels in Singapore are expensive, the bargain hunter in me surfaces.

Quincy, just behind Paragon shopping center in the heart of Singapore's shopping district offers a Qooler than ever weekend.

A staycation at Quincy officially starts at 2pm. Check into a stylish studio room with free mini-bar stocked with tea, soda, beer, chips and cookies! Get a Molten Brown rain shower or a sexy bubble bath with voyeuristic glass from the bed. Or simply lounge by the day bed by gorgeous city views.

The pool and sauna on the 12th floor is open 24/7, but we took a dip in the afternoon heat. Towels, bottled water, isotonic drinks and a coffee machine were at our disposal on this level. A considerate thought!

The highlight of our Qool weekend was the Art Jam (3-4pm) on Sat or Sun, the newest addition to the deal. One easel and a canvas per couple, the next hour was team effort. Before embarking on our art piece, i thought one hour was too short. Once we start, i realised two persons get much work done faster! Thus reinforcing the 'it is not good for man to be alone' thought. Art Jam at Quincy brings relationships closer, working on something tangible together. 

Not only getting our canvas, we got a sweet gift from the art jam session too

Us and our finished works

When our picture was done, without needing to clean up, we could saunter away to the cafe to enjoy all-day refreshments. We helped ourselves to the yummy vanilla soft serve, topped with chocolate or strawberry sauce, sprinkled with almonds or cashews. Cakes and coffee/tea were also available for your gluttony.

We took the ice-cream to go and walked down to Orchard Road, returning back in time in the evening for Happy Hour! Choose from a modest variety of alcoholic beverages and cocktails. Remember to line your stomach first with Dean & Deluca and Modesto's warm food. The menu changes every day i believe. The last time i had spicy tomato penne, cream mussels, spring rolls and others.

Gleeful smiles at happy hour, obviously.

As the city lights came on and night falls at 9pm, a Qool movie takes place at the pool. It would be better if they actually throw in some floats and popcorn for the occasion! #askingfortoomuch

The morning after, an American breakfast awaits us. A modest spread of pastries, cereal, cheese, yogurt, fruits, warm food like scrambled eggs, sausages etc. and beverages.

Not common elsewhere is also the late check-out available to prolong the Qool weekend!

Enough time to sneak uncorking a bottle of red (part of Qool weekend package) with a partner-in-crime in your hotel room by the window couch!

We rummage through the in-room complimentary mini bar for chips and cookies to complement!

Don't forget to do the #hotdog legs to complete your Qool weekend. There are discounts now!

Oriental Beauty: Amoy Hotel

Sponsored

I'm a sucker for boutique hotels and i discovered an oriental gem in the heart of Singapore. 

The newest boutique hotel and a first in Singapore that incorporates a museum that traces the footsteps of early immigrants from China, i thought it was the best choice to put up ANY visiting guest in AMOY. Singapore being so modern, can't quite count as the real Asia. My expat friends call Singapore 'for beginners'! Therefore, anyone coming to visit, AMOY as accommodation is highly recommended to get an authentic experience. 

Located in a heritage conservation area, AMOY is hidden within a temple facade. 

We missed it first time round, but when our taxi circled the street again, we found the tiny #76 imprinted on its exterior. It might be useful to know the more visible bistro Dean & Deluca is just across the road.

                            

I love entering the hotel via Fuk Tak Chi, Singapore's first street museum that was formerly a temple and headquarters for the Hakka and Cantonese communities in the 1800s. It feels like i'm entering the Forbidden City as a princess!

Entering the hotel lobby, I was blown away by its high ceiling, stone and brick interiors. 

I could almost hear birds chirping. 

                           

                           

I'm not only a sucker for boutique hotels, i am also a fan of nostalgic items! Found them dotted around the hotel. 

                  

A real well from the 1800s!

An ode to the contribution of Singapore's early migrates, all 37 rooms in the hotel are represented by the most common Chinese surnames.                 

                 

How about ROLE PLAYING as Mrs Huang tonight? Teehee. 

The room's interior was intricately designed and the in-room experience seemed totally bespoke!       

A personalised greeting card painstakingly handwritten by staff.                              

For coffee lovers

For tea lovers, AMOY is the ONLY hotel who carries this brand,
touted to be even BETTER than TWG.

                          

In-room drink refreshments are free to enjoy. 

               

It was a very pleasant contrast how the ancient facade of the hotel leads to a high-tech room interior. 
We oohed and aahed as our butler explained the features of the room to us.

A charger within the safe box.

Man's shaving mirror with in-built light.

Night light!

iPhone 5 dock! Most hotels are still supplying iPhone 4.

I particularly like how most hotels are fitted with carpets but AMOY is lined with wooden flooring.  It gives an old feeling and feels cleaner than carpets too.

                            

Needless to say, in such a high-tech room, broadband internet is unlimited.

Continental breakfast with yogurt, pastries, toast, ham & cheese with cornflakes is provided in the foyer.

Following the theme, cutlery are ancient replicas!

Things to Do Around

AMOY is located conveniently in the Central Business District area. Try

• A walk to Promenade

A nice breezy walk in the evening along the river against Singapore's city landscape.

If you're lucky, you may catch fireworks atop 1-Altitude bar at One Raffles Place.

Otherwise, there are 2 light shows around. At Marina Bay Sands casino resort, otherwise at the super trees at Gardens by the Bay! You won't regret this romantic encounter.

• Chinatown

You cannot miss Chinatown with its cheap buys, traditional desserts and massage.

• Ann Siang Hill, Keong Siak and Duxton

Popular yuppie haunts for food and drink these streets. 

For more unique things to do in Singapore, you can check out my posts on
places to go and unique souvenirs from Singapore. 

Escape to Quincy

Sponsored  

I have had experienced full-board accommodation overseas and was pleased to find the first in Singapore with a similar concept.

At Quincy, the full board package includes a one-way airport transfer, all-day snacking with your in-room minibar replenished daily. You can even get 2 peices of laundry done (psst, bring your winter jacket for dry cleaning?). 

While i enjoy receiving the ang pows , i didn't want to quite face the Aunties' interrogation this Chinese New Year. Knowing that it would be a city shut-down this long weekend with exorbitant air fares, an escape to Quincy where I can eat and drink all i want (other than fast food) sounded apt. 

Tucked away on Mount Elizabeth, it is a 5 min walk down to Singapore's main shopping street. Because of its concept, i thought that Quincy is the perfect hotel for a lovers retreat, otherwise a potential recuperation haven for cosmetic patients at the hospital next door. 

I was greeted with an immaculate officer who swiftly checked me in and explained to me the rules of the game stay.

a modern and quirky lobby

#1 A daily replenished mini-bar at my disposal

Cookies, chips, tea, coffee and sodas were at our disposal to cosy up in front of the 31 satellite and local tv channels as we stay in-room. 

#2 swim & gym on level 12 at any time of the day

Our eyes light up when we heard about the pool being accessible 24 hours. Not sure why, but it made our hearts pound a little faster at the thought of moonlight skinny dipping. The infinity pool is glass enclosed and it makes scenic exercise both morning and night. There were also sauna and steam rooms big enough for 2 each time for steamy sessions with your partner. I like the considerate thought of having the fridge on this level well stocked with mineral water and 100 plus for guests to freely quench their thirst. 

#3 all-day refreshments
The full-board package includes snack bites from Dean & DeLuca and Modesto's . We particularly enjoyed the happy hours from 6 to 8pm, a free flow of good wine and cocktails. Conversations assisted by alcohol allows us to know each other better!

#4 unlimited Internet access, luxurious toiletries and a Room for the Exhibitionist
I get a spiritual high whenever i get branded toiletries in hotels. It gives me the impression that the hotel spares no expense to provide quality. It makes me feel very pampered.

made in UK

There is an iPod or iPhone dock (4s and below), otherwise there are 4 radio stations to tune up your room.

I'm convinced that Quincy is made for reigniting the spark between couples, with the see-through bathroom. Spacious and well-fitted with a bathtub, rain shower plus hand-held shower.

#5 extras for a Sat or Sun check-in
As i checked-in on a Friday, i didn't get to experience the cupcake or fruit tart making class nor the movie night. Apparently, you get these extras as part of their Qool Weekend deal. 

The full board package starts from 6pm of your night till the next day at 2pm. Despite having to check-out at 12pm, you can still enjoy food, drinks and facilities till 2pm. 

Quincy is having a Valentine's Day promotion. With their full-board concept, reignite your passion by spending quality time in-hotel with everything you need!