Feel-good holiday destination inspiration for 2021
Places to escape to with the feel good factor for when the time arrives to holiday safely again
Text: Anna A
A year of border closures and travel restrictions has left our passports dusty, our suitcases empty, and us dreaming about escape. The Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble may have already burst (once and counting), but that doesn’t mean we can’t hope to embark on the ultimate feel-good holiday destinations next year.
Travel trends that are set to rise post the pandemic include a refreshing break in the great outdoors to connect with nature, yourself and others; a holiday with your family and friends to a private-use villa or house; getting off-the-beaten-track to discover a bucket-list destination; or a health and wellness escape focusing on your physical and mental wellbeing.
Over the last month, flight comparison website Skyscanner.com has seen an increase of 368% in searches for international destinations for travel in January. Travel operators, airlines and hotel brands are offering flexible booking terms for travel throughout 2020 and 2021, ensuring that you can organise accommodation and activities ahead of time and with confidence.
Award-winning bespoke travel company Scott Dunn reassures guests that they can book safe in the knowledge that they can adjust their travel itinerary if Covid-19 disrupts them. General Manager of Scott Dunn Asia Mike Harlow told us that the operator is “working with local partners and teams on the ground in each destination to provide helpful insights and confirm facts" ensuring that guests are fully looked after before and during their Scott Dunn itinerary.
Keep up to date with green-lanes and restrictions in the destination you're planning to visit by checking government websites and speaking to the company that you've booked with. Also, remember to consider your travel insurance — shop around and look for the best offerings to make sure you have complete confidence before you book.
To help you decide on where you want to go to, and inspire some travel dreams, The Soothe has compiled a list of must-visit destinations for holidays in 2021 (pending the pandemic of course) With strong considerations for the Hong Kong bubble to eventually workout (even though delayed), more countries are likely to follow suit and allow Singaporeans the chance to travel, finally ...
Hong Kong
4 hours from Singapore
Singapore’s most talked-about two-way leisure travel bubble with Hong Kong, will pave the way for post-pandemic travel. Details for the launch date are still being decided, but it's looking like no quarantine and subject to a Covid test. Only a four-hour direct flight from our Little Red Dot, Hong Kong presents all sorts of opportunities from hiking The Dragons Back to exploring the nearby white-sandy bays or merely frequenting the vast variety of incredible restaurants and bars. We’ve got plenty of ideas for wellness retreats for your next vacay or these great options for a snazzy hotel.
Top HK stays:
Swire Hotel's intimate design hotel is located on Hong Kong Island, close to the harbour in the bustling Pacific Place. The luxurious rooms are beautifully decorated and the spacious bathrooms, complete with huge tub, are the ideal place to relax in after a day of exploring. Each room offers breath-taking views over the city, especially Café Grey Deluxe — the perfect place for a cocktail. Rates start from SGD 680 per night.
An urban sanctuary in the middle of Hong Kong, The Murray features spacious suites and luxurious rooms with floor to ceiling windows with views of Victoria Harbour and the surrounding skyscrapers. Rates start from SGD 430 per night.
Japan
6 hours from Singapore
A beautifully diverse and exciting country, Japan offers many unique experiences to travellers looking for the ultimate feel good holiday. The most popular time of year to visit in the spring, when the iconic cherry blossoms emerge throughout the country. Alongside the incredible foliage, Japan is ripe for discovery and includes a variety of adventures, including exploring Tokyo, traversing the snowy slopes of Niseko or visiting the beautiful northern island of Hokkaido. Alternatively, consider seeing Japan on foot with Walk Japan who curate a variety of authentic, innovative walking tours throughout the country. Their best-selling itinerary is the famed Nakasendo Way which takes guests through the ancient thoroughfare of central Japan.
Top Japan stays:
Offering luxurious comfort and state-of-the-art facilities, The Peninsula is situated nearby the Imperial Palace Gardens in the centre of the city. As the landmark of Tokyo, the guest suites are designed with a fusion of Western elegance and contemporary Japanese design. Rates start from SGD 540 per night.
The Hyatt Regency is situated in the cultural hotspot of Southern Higashiyama in Kyoto. The hotel has been beautifully designed with stunning features and fittings such as the stunning kimono fabric headboards, lit paper lanterns, low-slung beds and serene bathrooms, making this hotel the ideal place to relax in after a long day of sightseeing. Rates start from SDG 497.
Vietnam
3 hours from Singapore
Hanoi is one of the most ancient cities in the world, and as the vibrant capital of Vietnam, it’s the ideal place to start your Vietnam adventure after months of lockdown in Singapore. The country is rich with culture, history and offers plenty of unique adventures from exploring the crystal blue waters of Halong Bay to visiting the quaint town of Hoi An or sampling the street food in Hanoi.
Top Vietnam stays:
The Apricot, Hanoi
This privately owned boutique hotel is situated in the Old Quarter of the city, besides the Hoan Kiem Lake and is the ideal location for discovering Hanoi. As well as beautifully designed rooms, The Apricot includes an extensive local art collection and a rooftop pool to indulge in looking out over the city and lake. Rates start from SGD 200.
Heritage Line, Ginger, Halong Bay
Luxury ship Ginger is located in Halong Bay and takes guests through the Lan Ha Bay region of the archipelago in Northern Vietnam. The spacious suites include traditional Vietnamese handmade decorations and furnishings, and the onboard Lady Ginger Spa offers unique treatments with views out to sea. Make an enquiry on their website.
New Zealand
9.5 hours from Singapore
The complete opposite of our metropolis, New Zealand is home to some of the world's most beautiful scenery with wide-open spaces in abundance. You can climb the soaring mountains, witness the ancient glaciers, discover the country's unique wildlife and relax on the superb beaches for the ultimate feel good holiday. New Zealand is the ultimate holiday destination for those who want to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. From exploring the charm of Auckland to basking in the unique landscape of Waiheke Island, there is something for everyone here.
Top New Zealand stays:
The Boat Shed, Waiheke Island
This chic, five-star boutique hotel is the perfect place to relax in with friends or family for a post-pandemic vacation. Situated on the remote island of Waiheke, just off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand. It's a quaint seaside property that has been inspired by early 1900s boat sheds that used to line the country's shore. Guests can also explore the local wine regions, tasting the premier vintages. Rates start from SDG 630 per night.
Annandale, Akaroa
Immersed in nature, these elegantly designed private villas offer endless views rolling hills and the ocean. Set on one of a 4000-acre farm, this hotel is off-the-beaten-track and is the perfect location for an escape to the great outdoors and sample rural New Zealand at its best. A wealth of activities are available for guests from hiking, cattle mustering, kayaking and paddleboarding to mountain biking, cooking lessons and scenic helicopter flights. Find more information on their website.
Maldives
4.5 hours from Singapore
Dreaming of white sandy shores, crystal blue oceans and the most stunning sunset views? The Maldives has you covered for a holiday nothing short of paradise. Situated in the Indian Ocean, this South Asian island nation is home 26 atolls (or collections of islands). More than 100 inhabited islands have been developed as luxury resorts for an idyllic tropical getaway. From outdoor adventures to intimate date nights, there’s a resort for every type of holiday. It’s capital, Male is the heart of this nation, always bustling in comparison to the otherwise laid-back pace of island life. Plan a trip here to submerge yourself in an au naturel habitat that never fails to mesmerise.
Top Maldives stays:
Patina Hotels & Resorts, Fari Islands
A new elevated lifestyle brand by the Capella Hotel Group, the much-awaited inaugural flagship resort is officially slated to launch in early 2021. Designed by renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, Patina Maldives offers a mix of contemporary beach and pool villas, alongside exclusive studios. Guests can immerse themselves in tailor-made wellness journeys, interactive music programmes and much more — all while embracing the vibrant social scene that emanates from the destination’s communal heart: the Fari Marina Village and Fari Beach Club. To make an enquiry visit their website.
COMO, Cocoa Island
Recently renovated, this understated private island resort is located in the South Male atoll. With 34 overwater luxury villas, it provides peacefulness, privacy and the opportunity to stroll on silk-soft sand, snorkel in colourful marine life and simply relax, whether that’s on a massage table or on a day bed staring out at the hypnotic azure ocean. Renew your body and soul at the COMO Shambhala Retreat or visit their in-house restaurant Ufaa featuring seafood and organic vegetables in exciting and healthful combinations. Find more details on their website.
