As we approach the time of year when we celebrate a full year of hard work, it’s the perfect moment to plan a well-deserved retreat. With mid-year just around the corner, now is also a great time to book your next flight. Whether you’re hoping to catch the autumn leaves, experience winter snow, or simply enjoy a short getaway, these five countries are among the best (and in some cases, most affordable) destinations to step away from your routine and truly unwind.Chengdu, China Photo credit: Cheersum Leisure Hotel on Trip.comChina’s major cities are buzzing almost 24 hours a day, all in the name of convenience and comfort. As a tourist, this place feels like your empire. Need a quick bite at 3am? It will be delivered to you in 30 minutes. Forgot your toiletries? Just a few clicks and your essentials will arrive right at your doorstep. All you need to do is book a comfortable hotel, and you are set to live like royalty for a few days.Meanwhile, in Chengdu, the city is not only famous for its adorable pandas. Hidden within this tech-driven hub is one of China’s most luxurious 24-hour spas, Cheersum Leisure Hotel. Forget about ordinary hotels; this spa retreat might just become a hideout you will never want to leave.From just 298 yuan, you can enjoy 24-hour access to hot pools, saunas, salt rooms, entertainment areas, and even nap rooms. On top of that, you are treated to an all-you-can-eat breakfast, plus a spread of fruits, snacks, and drinks. If that is not enough, you can top up an additional 298 yuan for a dinner buffet served multiple times a day.If this is not the ultimate indulgent retreat, we do not know what is. Book your flight to Chengdu now!Enjoy Cashback When You Book via Trip.com on merewards!New ZealandHave you ever heard the term “touch grass”? It is often used by younger generations who are deeply immersed in technology, constantly glued to their phones or computers. The phrase encourages people to step outside and reconnect with nature, a reminder that there is a world beyond our screens.In today’s digital age, many of us spend almost two-thirds of our day on our devices. It might be time to go on a “touch grass” retreat, and New Zealand is the perfect destination to leave you in awe of just how majestic nature can be.This trip is ideal for couples or small groups, especially if at least one person is able to drive. Get ready for the road trip of a lifetime, filled with breathtaking mountains and serene lakes.Our suggested route is Christchurch > Lake Tekapo > Mount Cook > Wanaka > Queenstown > Milford Sound.Phu Quoc, VietnamForget Bali or Phuket. Phu Quoc is the next destination you need to visit. Not only are there direct flights via Scoot and VietJet at affordable prices, but its scenic beaches and luxurious resorts rival those in more popular destinations.Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island and has gained recognition in recent years. At first, you might think it is just another island with clear waters and soft white sand, but there is much more to it. The beautiful beaches are only the beginning. On the island, you will find the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car, as well as a safari experience where bears roam freely while you ride through in a bus, and cheetahs (in cages) come so close it feels like you are face to face with them.This island offers a flexible retreat, whether you are looking for a luxurious escape or a laid-back island experience. Most importantly, it is an affordable short getaway that lets you soak up the sun.Book Your Next Hotel Stay on Trip.com via merewards Now!Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaIf you are a true city girl or boy, travelling to another big city can be pricey, unless you are heading to our neighbouring country, Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur offers the perfect urban escape without breaking the bank.The best part? You get to do what every Singaporean loves most: eat. Hop from food spots to cafés, share dishes with friends, and enjoy a midday matcha pick-me-up along the way.A change of environment and a break from work also give you the chance to explore, unwind, and finally do all the things you have been putting off. Best of all, getting to KL is affordable. You can even take a night bus and turn it into a quick weekend feasting trip.Palawan, PhilippinesNope, not Palawan beach in Sentosa, although that place is perfect to unwind and bask in the sun. But Palawan in Philippines just hits different. Not only do they have the typical luxurious resort where you can just do everything within the compound, but beyond the island, you can explore lagoons, kayaking and a myriad of water sports.If you’re down for it, you can even ride a helicopter to look at the islands from a top down POV. This place is not only romantic, but incredibly fun to be in. Our suggestion is to go with a bunch of your friends to unwind and share the cost of renting a helicopter for the best experience!Nope, not Palawan Beach in Sentosa, although that is a great place to unwind and soak up the sun. We are talking about Palawan in the Philippines, and it truly hits different.While there are plenty of luxurious resorts where you can relax within the compound, the experience goes far beyond that. Step outside and you will discover breathtaking lagoons, kayaking adventures, and a wide range of water sports to enjoy.If you are up for it, you can even take a helicopter ride to see the islands from above. It is not just a romantic destination, but an incredibly fun one as well.Our suggestion is to travel with a group of friends so you can unwind together and share the cost of renting a helicopter for the ultimate experience.The most important part of celebrating Labour Day is the reminder to rest amidst the hustle, so we can keep going for the long run.Book Your Next Trip with merewards & Earn Cashback Today!Powered by Froala Editor

It’s that time of the year when we intentionally spoil our beloved moms and thank them for years of love, support, and care. Whether you’re a mom yourself or looking to celebrate the wonderful woman in your life, treating her to a meal this Mother’s Day is non-negotiable. If you’re not much of a cook and can’t whip up a scrumptious meal for your mom, this story is for you.Pamper your mom by bringing her to one of these restaurants currently offering Mother’s Day promotions. We’re sure you’ll find a cuisine she enjoys that fits your budget, too.Discover More 1-for-1 Deals on merewards!Museum of Ice CreamPromotion: Free admission for moms on 10 May.Photo credit: Museum of Ice Cream websiteLet your mom or wife reconnect with her youthful side at the Museum of Ice Cream. Whether you’re there to snap some fun photos, play in the pink sprinkle pit, or enjoy unlimited servings of ice cream in a variety of flavours, this spot is a must-visit for moms. What’s more, on Mother’s Day itself, all moms can enter for free and indulge in as much ice cream as their hearts desire.So, if you’re still wondering where to bring your mom this Mother’s Day, the Museum of Ice Cream is a great place to start.Cat & the FiddlePromotion: Limited-edition Strawberry/Mint Cookies & Cream CheesecakesPhoto credit: Cat & the Fiddle on FacebookIf your tradition is to celebrate moms with a delicious cake, Cat & the Fiddle is the place to go for some of the best cheesecake in town. With Parents’ Month coming up, they have launched two new cakes that are set to steal everyone’s heart. Their Cookies & Cream cheesecake has always been a top seller, and this time, they have introduced new flavours to elevate their iconic creation even further.If your parents love strawberry or mint, be sure to grab one of these cakes from 1 May onwards, while stocks last. Pair it with a thoughtful card, and your parents or spouse will surely feel extra loved this season.Red House Seafood Promotion: Offering a 7-course Parents' Day Set Menu at $50++ per person.Photo credit: Red House Seafood websiteFrom 1 May to 30 June 2026, enjoy a 7-course Parents’ Day set menu at $50++ per person, available for both lunch and dinner at their Clarke Quay and Grand Copthorne Waterfront outlets. Thoughtfully designed for family-style sharing, the menu brings together signature seafood dishes that are sure to delight everyone at the table.Indulge in well-loved favourites such as their Signature Creamy Custard Prawns, Spicy Seafood Combination, and the iconic Chilli Crab with Golden Mantou, before ending on a comforting note with Crispy Bubur Cha Cha. All guests will also receive a complimentary Molten Lava Longevity Bun as a symbol of appreciation. There is no better place to treat your mom and loved ones this season than at Red House Seafood.Allora Ristorante & BarPromotion: Mom dines free with two paying adults.Photo credit: allora.changiairport on InstagramEast siders can rejoice as Allora Ristorante & Bar is offering a special Mother’s Day promotion on 10 May 2026, from 12pm to 3pm, where moms dine for free with two paying adults.Highlights from the spread include Braised Lamb Ossobuco, Slow-Cooked Whole Chicken, Seared Barramundi, and a standout Singapore-style Chilli Crab. The buffet also features seafood on ice, a Japanese selection, and live stations such as cheese wheel pasta, one-metre pizza, and local favourites like chicken rice and roti prata with fish curry.This is a dream dining experience for mothers to enjoy. If your loved ones are flying in to celebrate this special day, be sure to book in advance to secure a spot.Indulge in More 1-for-1 Dining Deals with merewardsPeony Jade (Amara Singapore)Promotion: Mum dines free with 4 adult diners, free dessert bar, and 4 free premium signature dishes (including abalone) at their Weekend Moonlight Luxe Dinner Buffet.Have an elderly mom who loves classic Cantonese cuisine? Peony Jade’s Weekend Moonlight Luxe Dinner Buffet lets her indulge to her heart’s content, including premium treats like abalone. Bring the whole family along, as moms dine for free with every four paying adults, making it perfect for a family of five celebrating Mother’s Day together.Feast on premium dishes such as Black Pepper Crab, double-boiled nourishing soup, slow-cooked and stewed beef brisket, and many more. These are just some of the highlights, alongside a complimentary dessert bar and a wide selection of mouth-watering dishes. Be sure to make your reservations early and treat your mom to a special meal.Suki-Suki HotpotPromotion: Mom gets 50% off the Premium Buffet with 4 paying guestsPhoto credit: Suki Suki Hotpot websiteCelebrate all the amazing mothers out there with a special treat at Suki-Suki’s premium buffet, where moms enjoy 50% off with every 4 paying guests. This halal buffet features comforting, flavourful soup bases that are guaranteed to satisfy. Imagine indulging in a spicy mala broth alongside a wide variety of unlimited premium meats and seafood. If that isn’t comforting happiness, we don’t know what is.From 8 to 10 May, dine in groups of five and enjoy 50% off the mom’s bill with every 4 paying guests.Peach Garden Promotion: Special menu at $68++ per pax and complimentary Ginger Landscape Longevity Buns with Abalone for Mother’s Day weekend (9-10 May).Free Ginger Landscape Longevity Bun with AbalonePeach Garden is one of the most popular dining spots during Parents’ Month, known for its delicious dishes that cater to a wide range of palates. This Mother’s Day, treat your family to their specially curated menu at $68++ per person. The menu features classics such as Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, Roasted Crispy Duck with Bread Crumbs and Garlic, and Teochew Yam Paste with Ginkgo Nuts, among many others.As a special treat, all moms will receive complimentary Ginger Landscape Longevity Buns with Abalone during the weekend of 9 to 10 May.If you’re looking to make the experience even more memorable, book a table at Peach Garden @ The Metropolis, which now features a brand-new KTV room for added fun after the feast.This Mother’s Day, remember that our parents have helped shape us into who we are today. Our appreciation for them should not be limited to just one weekend, but reflected in our daily lives. If you no longer live with your parents, make it a point to visit them often or give them a call regularly. They value your presence more than anything else.Try something different this year too. Write them a card or give them an extra hug. Whatever you choose, we know they will appreciate it.Read On to Find Out Some of the Gifts to Give Your Mom!

Showcase unity and love in matching outfits with the people you enjoy having fun with. Whether it is couple fits or coordinated family outfits, this festive season is one that will definitely turn heads as you arrive dressed to impress with your partner or family.In Singapore, there are many local brands that ensure your family is dressed to the nines when visiting relatives during Chinese New Year, or help you double the joy of love when you and your partner step out in stylish and fashionable couple fits.Read on to Discover more Local Fashion Brand!Couple DressingModparadePhoto credit: Modparade website Every year, Modparade delivers some of the best couple fits. Especially for Chinese New Year, their designs are exceptionally vibrant and embrace traditional Chinese elements. Whether you are looking for a classic dress or a mandarin-collared top, their styles and patterns make the perfect choice for the season.All Would EnvyPhoto credit: All Would Envy websiteEveryone is sure to feel envious of your adorable matching fits from All Would Envy. Style them with your partner in bold prints that often tell a story. Love local snacks? There is a design inspired by that. Love the landscapes and colours of gardens? They have designs for those too.Their dresses come in a variety of cuts to suit different styles. If you are looking for a more traditional cheongsam design, check out their Chinese New Year collection for even more options.Topazette Photo credit: Topazette websiteThis brand is for the “it” couple that wants heads to turn on your Valentine’s Day date. Their patterns are trendy and chic, featured across stretchy tops, button-downs, and occasional dresses. The comfortable stretch makes these pieces perfect for date nights or Chinese New Year reunion dinners, especially when you know you will be eating plenty but still want a flattering fit.Beyond The VinesPhoto credit: Beyond the Vines Facebook If matching outfits feel a little too corny for you, try coordinating accessories instead. Beyond The Vines is the perfect brand for that. Their stylish bags and lanyards are functional, practical, and customisable, making them an easy way to add a festive touch this season.Family DressingFash MobPhoto credit: Fash Mob website Fash Mob is perfect for the fashionable family looking to coordinate this Chinese New Year in trendy yet wearable pieces. Their designs are classic and timeless, making them easy to wear even beyond the festive period. Most of their prints are picturesque and floral, which are especially lovely for mothers and daughters.They also offer matching sets for the men of the house. Whether it is for your husband or son, you can coordinate their looks in the same print with stylish mandarin-collared shirts.Le Petite SocietyPhoto credit: Le Petite Society websiteCasual yet chic, Le Petite Society is known for creating beautiful pieces designed for little ones. Whether it is for newborns, infants, toddlers, or preschoolers, they offer matching designs for both boys and girls, as well as coordinating styles for adults.LovetPhoto credit: Lovet websiteLovet’s designs are made for the modern-day woman. With padded tops and dresses, their pieces are convenient, comfortable, and perfect for a long day out this festive season. Featuring family-friendly styles, Lovet makes it easy to coordinate looks with both your little ones and your partner.This festive season, celebrate the spirit of unity with your loved ones and family, and turn heads in fashionable pieces from these local favourite brands.Read on to Find More Local Fashion Brands!

Ever want to try something new and fun with a friend but have no idea what to do? In Singapore, there’s a myriad of interesting activities that are fun, but you may have never heard of them before. This year, try something new with your buddies and explore new challenges. Not sure what to do? Read on to find out these unique activities in Singapore that you may have not tried it yet.Find More Interesting Activities on merewards!Sound Bath YogaSound bath yoga offers a deeply immersive twist on traditional wellness routines, blending gentle movement with the resonant vibrations of the metal singing bowls and gongs. Instead of focusing purely on physical poses, you will be enveloped in soundscapes designed to calm the nervous system and sharpen mental clarity. In Singapore, a city often associated with fast-paced urban life, this kind of sensory escape adds a layer of unexpected tranquility, showing that relaxation here can be as innovative as it is restorative.Where can I find Sound Bath Yoga?Unika Yoga StudioZennez Nirvana StudioonePA (Yin Yoga with Soundbath)Head SpaHead spa treatments elevate the idea of self-care into a ritualistic, almost meditative experience. Originating from Japanese techniques, these sessions combine scalp massages, aromatherapy, and meticulous hair care in a setting that feels more like a sanctuary than a salon. It is not just about aesthetics but about holistic rejuvenation, turning something as routine as hair washing into an indulgent experience. This attention to detail reflects how Singapore constantly reinvents everyday activities, making even grooming feel like a worthy event.Where can I find a place to enjoy Head Spa?One Spa Beauty (IG: one_spa.beauty)TTE Elephant Head SpaStile Hair StudioEnjoy Exciting Discounts on Activities with merewards!Pole DancingPole dance classes challenge preconceived notions by merging strength training, artistry, and self-expression into one empowering activity. What might once have been misunderstood is now embraced as a legitimate fitness discipline that builds core strength, flexibility, and confidence. In a city that thrives on diversity and reinvention, pole dance studios highlight Singapore’s openness to redefining norms, transforming the fitness scene into something bold, inclusive, and far from predictable.Where can I find a place to try Pole Dancing?The Brass BarrePXD Pole StudioEuphoria Pole & AerialBungee ExerciseBungee exercise transforms a typical workout into an airborne experience, where participants are harnessed to elastic cords that let them jump, dive, and glide with reduced impact on the joints. The sensation of weightlessness makes high-intensity movements feel fluid and playful, blending cardio, strength, and coordination into one dynamic session. In Singapore, where fitness trends are constantly evolving, this inventive approach to exercise reflects the city’s appetite for fresh, unconventional experiences, proving that staying active here can be just as exciting as it is effective.Where can I find a place to try Bungee?onePA (Bungee Dance Fitness ®)Movement & Sports Medicine Centre (Fitness-based bungee workouts)Elin Dance StudioFind More Exciting Activities on merewards!Forest BathingForest bathing invites participants to slow down and reconnect with nature through mindful walks in green spaces, focusing on the sights, sounds, and textures of the environment rather than any physical goal. In land-scarce Singapore, where urban density is the norm, the accessibility of lush parks and nature reserves makes this practice especially meaningful. It highlights how the city seamlessly integrates biodiversity into everyday life, offering residents a chance to unplug without ever leaving the island, and proving that even a bustling metropolis can feel restorative and alive.Of course, if you’re used to Singapore’s scenery, some societies organise retreats beyond our borders, encouraging like-minded people to come together, bask in cooler forests, and reconnect with nature.Where can I find like-minded people to enjoy Forest Bath?Forest Therapy SingaporeNatural Society SingaporeParkour / FreerunningParkour and freerunning transform the urban landscape into a playground, encouraging you to navigate obstacles with creativity, agility, and precision. Staircases, railings, and open plazas become opportunities for movement rather than barriers, turning the city itself into part of the experience. In Singapore, Parkour is an activity that is open for all age-groups and we highly encourage everyone to try. Not only does it spark a lot of “childhood” joy, it is functional and helps with mobility training, especially if you’re elderly. Whether you’re a child under 12 or a senior, some parkour schools have classes catered for all ages, or gender groups.Where can I try Parkour in Singapore?Lion City ParkourA2 Parkour AcademyMovement Singapore (mainly for seniors)Check Out Some Interesting Activities Available on merewards!Infrared SaunaInfrared sauna sessions reimagine traditional heat therapy by using light to penetrate deeper into the body, promoting relaxation, circulation, and recovery. The experience feels both modern and science-driven, appealing to those who are curious about cutting-edge wellness trends. In Singapore’s ever-evolving lifestyle scene, the rise of such specialised treatments reflects a broader appetite for innovation in self-care, showing that the city is not just keeping up with global trends but actively curating a diverse and sophisticated wellness culture.Where can I try Infrared Sauna in Singapore?Cal SingaporeHideaway New BahruKyudoKyudo, the Japanese art of archery, combines physical discipline with meditative focus, emphasising form, intention, and inner calm over simply hitting the target. Each movement is deliberate and steeped in tradition, offering a rare blend of cultural immersion and personal reflection. In Singapore, where our fast pace life often robs us from focus and learning to slow down and be calm, this niche practice re-emphasizes that sometimes centuries-old arts can find home in the midst of chaos, if you simply know where to find it.Where can I learn Kyudo in Singapore?Kyudo Association of SingaporeCheck Out More Activities on merewards!