Staycation Review: RWS' Hotel Michael's Festive Staycay Lets You Pack Your Itinerary With Activities

To VTL or not to VTL, that is the question that you won’t have to think about if you’ve booked a staycation that gives you all those festive end-of-year feels. No VTL flight needed.

One such festive staycation package is Resorts World Sentosa’s Joyous Stay-In Christmas staycation bundle at Hotel Michael (from $538++ on weekdays, $618++ on weekends) or Equarius Hotel (from $658++ on weekdays, $738++ on weekends).

The staycay deal, which is on until Jan 2, 2022, also includes breakfast for two, a festive dinner for two at Syun, table65, Osia Steak and Seafood Grill, Ocean Restaurant or Curate Cucina Pisana, and two glasses of complimentary champagne at dinner.

Those looking for a secluded hideout will find it at Equarius Hotel, while folks who thrive on being in the heart of the action will feel at home at Hotel Michael. After all, one of the latter’s best features is its central location to many attractions and eateries in RWS, as we found out on a recent stay here at Hotel Michael.

Photo: Resorts World Sentosa

What to expect on a Christmas staycation at Hotel Michael in Resorts World Sentosa:

Our getaway begins at the lobby, where it’s teeming with lavish Christmas decorations and families waiting to check in (after all, the school holidays are already in full swing). The hotel has a queue system in place for check-ins and key collections (look out for a screen with queue numbers), and plenty of seating available while you wait.

One thing to note: All guests’ names must be registered upon check-in in order to make your staycay a fuss-free one — the hotel has stepped up security (no thank you, pandemic) and only registered guests are allowed into the lift lobby, and hotel staff are stationed to carry out checks each time you want to head up to your room.

Our recently renovated deluxe room on the tenth floor is a sight to behold with its vibrant red walls (so huat!) and a plush, comfy bed that you’ll be thankful after a day packed with activities. The cherry on top is the view of the cable cars and beyond from the room.

The bathroom may not have a bathtub, but it's decked out with a cute marble and mosaic-tiled curved shower, a separate WC cubicle, and Vitaminspa toiletries are provided.

The room amenities provided are those that your practical mum would approve of — a tea and coffee station is stocked with TWG and Nescafe sachets, and a kettle. An ironing board and iron are also provided.

There’s no Bluetooth connectivity on the TV so you can’t catch up on your Netflix shows via your own devices, though there is still a plethora of cable channels to select from.

The activities

If you’re the sort who loves packing as many activities into your itinerary as possible, you'll be pleased to know that you’re just a stone’s throw from a plethora of attractions like S.E.A. Aquarium and Universal Studios Singapore — separate admission charges apply (for Singapore residents, prices start at $59 for USS; and $23 for S.E.A. Aquarium).

If you’re planning to soak in the Christmas atmosphere, shimmy over to USS, which now has a whole host of Christmas activities going on that will have kids and kidults alike reveling in all the festive feels.

The Minions, Elmo, Shrek and more are out in full force in their Christmas outfits, ready for socially-distanced selfies and convivial Christmas performances. To up the ante, there are several augmented-reality features — look out for QR codes and instructions at the various stops.

And if you’re itching to write to Santa to tell him how nice you’ve been this year, you’ll want to find his elves at the North Pole Postal Service that has the largest mailbox USS has ever seen.

Photo: Resorts World Sentosa

After hitting your step count for the day, some chill time by the pool is the ideal way to unwind. Safe management measures here are no different from other hotels: Guests are required to pre-book one-hour pool (and gym) slots in advance, subject to availability.

Refuelling after a jam-packed line-up of activities is no issue during your staycay. The package comes with breakfast for two at Fratelli. Choose from an Asian or Western breakfast menu and have it served to your table.

But don’t forget to leave stomach space for the fine-dining experience that’s included in the Joyous Stay-In package. We opt to try the newest F&B kid on the RWS block: Curate Cucina Pisana, which brings to the table Italian cuisine from the regions of Pisa and Tuscany. No leaning towers in this fine-dining establishment, though — the interior is equal parts elegant and cosy, and the bustling open kitchen is a great conversation starter.

Curate Cucina Pisana’s festive menu is hearty without being overwhelmingly rich. The four-course meal starts with a luscious grilled octopus atop braised white cannellini beans and peppers, paired with a complimentary glass of bubbly 'cos that's how we roll for Christmas dinners.

It’s followed by a cod risotto cooked in Prosecco with mounds of cured cod fish mousse, and the piece de resistance of the meal, a tender braised beef short rib in Chianti wine, accompanied with parsnip velouté and balsamic glazed onions (below).

To round things off on a sweet note, a rich dark chocolate and risotto tart topped with pine nuts and fruits.

And if you need a good night’s sleep after the flurry of activities, you know it’s just a minute or two before you’ll be back in your room sinking into the cosy bed.

Hotel Michael is at 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269. More info here.
Photos: Jasmine Teo