It’s been a busy year. Between work deadlines, stress and juggling everything in between, you’ve finally found the time to take some leave and go on that much needed holiday.The only problem? Planning a trip can sometimes feel like another task on the to-do list, with flights, itineraries and activities all demanding more brainpower than you are willing to give.Perhaps, it is finally time to trade the grind for something slower. Think private beaches, rainforest hideaways, dreamy pools and stays that make everyday life feel very, very far away.Leave Reality at the ShorePhoto credit: Crimson Resort websiteFirst stop, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan in Cebu, where the resort ambience, infinity pool, and private beach make daily life seem incredibly far away. The property also has beach villas with ocean views and private plunge pools, so you can quite literally wake up, step outside and slip straight into holiday mode.This is the kind of getaway where doing less is more. The biggest dilemma of your days at Crimson is a conflicting one; whether to linger by the ocean or head back for a retreat at your villa.Find Your Quiet Side in UbudPhoto credit: Trip.com websiteSwap Bali’s buzzing beach clubs for something a little calmer at Villa Uma Atma Ubud by Nagisa Bali.Its name combines “Uma”, meaning home, and “Atma” meaning soul, perfectly aligning with the idea of slowing down, reconnecting and taking a proper breather. At the heart of the villa is a private 10 metre pool with a sunken lounge, surrounded by greenery and open relaxation spaces that make doing absolutely nothing feel like a very good plan.Photo credit: Trip.com websiteWhen you do feel like venturing out, Ubud’s cafes, wellness spots and cultural attractions are within reach. The Ubud Monkey Forest and the Traditional Art Market gives you the option to explore when the mood strikes for it.Conveniently, the stay is available through merewards with 4.5% cashback, giving you one more reason to turn that “maybe I should book a trip” thought into an actual conversation.Book your stay at Villa Uma Atma Ubud and earn 4.5% Cashback with merewards. Wait… This is Langkawi?Photo credit: Datai Langkawi websiteNext up, The Datai Langkawi, elevates the concept of a tropical getaway. Tucked between ancient rainforest and the white sands of Datai Bay, the resort feels worlds away from the Malaysia most of us are used to. There are beach villas that open directly onto the sand, some complete with private pools and butler service, and rainforest villas surrounded by lush vegetation. It’s the kind of place where a short flight from Singapore will have you questioning whether you unintentionally touched down on a different continent.Keep the City, Lose the ChaosPhoto credit: Trip.com websiteIf completely disappearing into nature is not your thing, Cozrum Lux Sonata Imperial in Ho Chi Minh City offers a different form of escape. You still get the buzz, food and energy of a city break, but with a comfortable space to retreat to when you are ready to switch off. Photo credit: Trip.com websiteLocated in District 7, Sonata Imperial offers a unique blend of modern luxury and urban charm. The property pairs stylish interiors with thoughtful amenities, including a state-of-the-art 24 hour fitness facility and swimming pool, making it a comfortable getaway from Vietnam’s bustling metropolis.A stylish escape that gives a little back? Book through merewards and earn 4.5% Cashback on your stayImmerse Yourself Into A Whole New WorldPhoto credit: Amansara websiteFor the final escape, Amansara in Siem Reap offers something completely different. Once a guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk, the property has been transformed into an intimate retreat with just 24 suites, tropical gardens and a distinctive 1960s New Khmer design. Photo credit: Amansara websiteFor an added touch of seclusion, select suites come with their own private pool, while Angkor Wat sits just minutes away, giving you the rare mix of total tranquility and one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic landmarks right on your doorstep.This is less of a typical home stay and more of a chance to completely disconnect, slow the pace and feel like you have stepped into another era. Whether your idea of paradise waking up by the sea, hiding away in the rainforest or retreating somewhere that feels a world away, sometimes the best holiday is the one that simply lets you disconnect from the world, temporarily. The grind can wait. Paradise is calling. Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission

We all know the feeling. You’ve had a great night out in the CBD, the food was good, the vibes were right, and then the bill arrives. Suddenly, your nervousness kicks in and you take a deep breath before daring to look at the total. Sounds familiar?“You can't have the best of both words” as they say, but what if that narrative is altered? Enjoying a prime location, good food and a proper night out does not always have to come with a premium price tag. From hotpot and Italian comfort to Indian flavours by the river, you’ll be amazed at what’s hidden in plain sight, right at the heart of Singapore.The only thing that should leave you speechless is the food, not the receipt.Hotpot Without the Hot BillCraving hotpot but not quite ready for the bill that usually comes with it? 90 Minutes at Rendezvous Hotel might be your answer. The name is your giveaway; 90 minutes to enjoy a full Korean dining experience from start to finish.Photo credit: 90 Minutes websiteKick things off with fishcake skewers, move on to tteokbokki and ramyeon bubbling away in the hotpot, then finish strong with fried rice made to round out the meal. The restaurant takes inspiration from the streets of Seoul, with a warm and cosy interior enhancing your dining experience. Enjoy 1-for-1 Buffet Deals from 90 Minutes Here!Andiamo! When in Doubt, Make It ItalianPhoto Credit: @santis.sg on InstagramSometimes, nothing hits quite like a proper Italian meal made with amore. Santi’s Pizza and Produce is quietly tucked in Telok Ayer, a neighbourhood that has gone from Singapore’s old waterfront and landing point for early immigrants to one of the CBD’s liveliest pockets for food and nightlife. Santi’s keeps things equally interesting with open flame cooking, quality produce and a dining concept inspired by Santiago, the founder’s son, and his sense of childlike creativity. Fair warning, this next bit might get your stomach growling. For pasta, try the Vodka Sugo & Italian Sausage, made with tomato sugo, chilli, sausage, pecorino and stracciatella tossed through pappardelle. If pizza is more your thing, the Not So Classic Marg puts a twist on the classic Margherita with stracciatella, fior di latte, basil oil and pecorino.One thing for certain is that you’ll definitely come back for more!Satisfy Your Cravings and Claim 1-for-1 Pizza & Pasta Deals at Santi’s Here!Satisfy Your Cravings and Claim 1-for-1 Pizza & Pasta Deals at Santi’s Here!Spice be the RiversideCraving a taste of India without the plane ticket? Let your taste buds do the travelling at Manam, right by the Singapore River at Boat Quay.Photo Credit: Manam websiteInspired by family recipes passed down through generations, Manam combines ingredients from all around India, including meals based on the culinary customs of regions such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Goa. Their goal is straightforward; to continue the legacy of serving authentic dishes while making you feel at home. Set the mood right with their iconic Chicken Tikka, marinated with fresh herbs, spices and garlic before being grilled in the tandoor; a traditional cylindrical oven made of clay. Photo Credit: @manam.sg on InstagramImmerse into something richer with their Butter Chicken, an elegant dish of tender chicken simmered with tomatoes, cream, butter, cashew and spices. A Manam house staple, the butter chicken never fails to deliver that comforting, familiar flavour that pairs perfectly with a fresh naan.Indulge in 1-for-1 Starters, Curries, Cocktails and Mocktails from Manam Here! Save Room for Something SweetA proper night out deserves a sweet ending, and DOPA at Tanjong Pagar is an easy stop if dessert is still calling. Photo Credit: DOPA websiteDerived from the word ‘dopamine’, the hormone linked to happiness and excitement, fitting the cafe’s warm, feel good atmosphere. Inspired by Korean cafes, the space is decked out in maroon terracotta tiles, giving it a cosy and distinctive look.Photo credit: DOPA InstagramOne standout is the Pistachio Kunafa, DOPA’s rendition on the Dubai Chocolate craze, with the pistachio gelato topped with crispy handmade kunafa chocolate.No matter how full you think you are, dessert somehow always finds a little extra room.The Night Is Still YoungHave room to squeeze in just a bit more? Head down to No. 5 Emerald Hill, which is located inside a beautifully restored two-storey Peranakan terrace home just off Orchard Road, if the night still has some vitality.Photo credit:@no5emeraldhill on InstagramStep inside and have yourself welcomed by plenty of old school charm, from timber floors and intricate carved woodwork to red Chinese lanterns, Persian rugs and plush cushions tucked around the space. It feels more like drinking inside a heritage home than your typical city bar.Photo credit: @no5emeraldhill on InstagramThe real wallet pleaser comes later in the evening with 1 for 1 martinis from 9pm to 1am daily, making it an easy final stop when you want the night to continue without ending it on an expensive note.A good night out in the city does not have to end with a painful bill. With the right spots, you can enjoy good food, dessert and drinks in prime locations without spending like every meal is a special location.To simplify things… CBD vibes secured. Wallet still intact. Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission

Every November, 11.11 arrives with the same problem. Hundreds of banners, countdown timers, promo codes and very convincing reasons to suddenly “need” something you had never thought buying before.So instead of opening seventeen tabs and trying to figure out which deal is actually worth your time, consider this your shortcut. We have rounded up some of the 11.11 promo codes, discounts and upsized cashback deals worth knowing, whether your cart is crying out for a wardrobe refresh, a tech upgrade or perhaps an excuse to finally book that holiday. Ready? Your cart is about to get busy.First Things First: Copy These CodesSome deals make you hunt around for a voucher. These ones deserve a spot in your Notes app before you even start shopping. Airalo Has Your Next Holiday Better Connected Going overseas soon? Sorting out your data before landing is one less thing to worry about.New Airalo users can enjoy 15% off an eSIM with the exclusive code MEREWARDS15, capped at US$14, while all users can get 10% off with MEREWARDS10, capped at US$10. There is no minimum spend for either offer, and both codes are valid from 5 November 2026 to 31 December 2027.Plenty of time to put that annual leave to good use.Stay Connected with Airalo and Save 15% with MEREWARDS15Allianz Travel Has You CoveredFlights booked? Hotel sorted? Before mentally checking out for your holiday, there is one more thing worth ticking off.Use the exclusive promo code AZMW to enjoy 63% off eligible Allianz travel insurance policies from 5 to 30 November 2026. The offer has no minimum spend and applies to travel insurance policies except annual plan renewals. It also cannot be combined with other promotions.Not quite as exciting as booking the trip, perhaps, but future you might be very grateful. Protect Your Next Trip with Allianz Travel and Save 63% with AZMWThe Wonder Shop Makes the Deal Even SweeterIf your 11.11 cart usually ends up containing a little bit of everything, The Wonder Shop might be worth a browse.Use the code merewards5 for 5% off sitewide, with no minimum spend, from 5 to 30th November 2026. A quick disclaimer; the exclusive code applies across the site except for Emerald Hill merchandise. Sometimes the easiest deals are the best ones. No complicated thresholds, just enter the code and enjoy the savings.Claim your 3.5% cashback via merewards or get 5% off sitewide using the code merewards5Lazada Is Turning Up the 11.11 HeatIf your Lazada cart has been sitting suspiciously full lately, this might be the sign you were waiting for.From 10 November at 8pm until 13 November 2026, shoppers can unlock 18% off with a minimum spend of S$100, capped at S$30, or 16% off with a minimum spend of S$200, capped at S$40. There is one important step before you start checking out. You will need to visit the exclusive merewards landing page on the Lazada app to claim the available discount or promo code.So before you start clearing that wishlist, be mindful of the redemption process.Unlock Your Exclusive Lazada 11.11 Deal on merewardsNo Code? No Problem. Consider This Your H&M Wardrobe RefreshThe outfit sitting in your cart might finally have its moment.H&M’s 11.11 Ladder Deal runs from 11 to 12 November, with 10% off any spend, 15% off when you spend S$59 and 25% when you spend S$89. No promo code is required.Just when you thought the deal ended there, think again. We’ve got one more little perk for you. Shop H&M through merewards and earn 6% cashback on your purchase. Voilà! Wardrobe malfunctions will never be an issue again, especially with these striking deals.Refresh Your Wardrobe with H&M and Earn 6% Cashback via merewardsWhen Cashback Starts Doing the Heavy LiftingWe know you’re on the verge of pulling the trigger on that shopping wishlist. But before you do, let us help you earn a little back while you spend. Fresh Fits Await at AdidasGet dripped out in the Three Stripes, with Adidas offering 30% off selected styles across fresh sneakers, gym gear and more. From 2 to 11 November, shop Adidas through merewards and enjoy an upsized 7% cashback on your purchase. Your shoe rack and wardrobe may be piling up, but the more the merrier. Get Dripped Out in the Three Stripes and Earn 7% Cashback via merewards Give Your Activewear An Under Armour MakeoverFor anyone whose activewear has been working overtime, consider this your cue for a refresh.Under Armour’s 11.11 campaign runs from 5 to 12 November, with 30% off plus an extra 10% off. Shop through merewards during this period and earn an upsized 4% cashback.There’s always a reason to look the flyest in the room, even when the occasion least calls for it.Gear Up with Under Armour and Earn 4% Cashback via merewardsNike: The Swoosh Comes With CashbackWhen Nike tells you to “Just Do It”, you just do it. With the 11.11 deals they have to offer, sleeping on them probably is not the move. From 3 to 11 November, shop Nike through merewards and earn an upsized cashback of 8% on your purchase. No extra frills needed here, the cashback really is the star of the show. Just Do It with Nike and Earn 8% Cashback via merewardsMore Time to Score With PUMAIf the 11.11 rush is not your thing, PUMA gives you a little more breathing room.Even better, you’ve got until 31 December to make your own move, with an upsized 6% cashback waiting on eligible PUMA purchases via merewards.In other words, slow and steady might help you win this 11.11 race with PUMA. If you are the type to think twice before checking out, trust us, we get it.Make Your Move with PUMA and Earn 6% Cashback via merewardsYour Zalora Cart Just Got More RewardingClothes, shoes, accessories… and probably a few things that were definitely not on the original shopping list. From 1 November to 31 December 2026, shop Zalora through merewards and enjoy an upsized 8% cashback With two whole months to make use of it, your 11.11 shopping might casually slip into Christmas shopping too. Give Your Cart a Refresh with ZALORA and Earn 8% Cashback via merewards Before You Hit Checkout…11.11 does not have to mean buying everything with a red sale tag attached.Sometimes the better move is knowing which codes to copy, which deals are actually relevant to you and where your spending can earn something back.So make the wishlist, check the dates and shop smart.Your cart can be full. Your wallet does not have to feel empty.

Notice the skyline looking a little less sharp lately? You’re not imagining it.Hazy conditions have returned, with air quality slipping into the unhealthy range in parts of Singapore. As of 5th October, the 24 hour PSI reached 110 in Central Singapore and 102 in the west. So whether you are heading out for the day or planning to stay in, here are a few simple ways to stay prepared while the skies remain a little hazy.Check Before You Step OutKeep yourself informed and take a quick look at the latest air quality readings before making outdoor plans.It is recommended by NEA to use the 1 hour PM2.5 reading for immediate activities and the 24 hour PSI forecast when planning ahead. If PSI levels move into the 101-200 range, which is considered ‘unhealthy’, individuals are advised to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity.It can be a bit of a bummer knowing that your outdoor run or afternoon under the sun might have to wait for a clearer day, but as they say, health is wealth.Comeback Season for N95 Masks… When It Makes SensePhoto credit: Shopee Website Remember these bad boys from the COVID days? N95 masks are not just for viruses. When worn properly, they are designed to filter out very fine airborne particles, including the PM2.5 particles commonly found in haze.Although you wouldn’t necessarily need one for a quick commute, keeping an N95 mask strapped with you can be a smart move, especially if air quality worsens and you spend longer hours outdoors.Need to stock up?Pick up 3M N95 masks through Shopee via merewards and earn 0.4% Cashback on your purchaseMake Home Your Haze HideoutFor those who prefer staying indoors and want to reduce their risk of exposure, a few simple precautions can help keep the haze outside, so you can rest a little easier knowing your home is a cleaner escape from the smoky skies.Closing your doors and windows are highly recommended by NEA when outdoor air quality worsens, along with using portable air purifiers, which help reduce indoor particle levels. Photo credit: Dyson websiteThe Dyson HushJet Purifier Compact may just become your home’s new best friend throughout this hazy season. With the ability to automatically detect PM2.5 particles and adjust its airflow to help purify the indoor air, breathing easy at home just got a little easier. Moreover, its electrostatic filter captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, while its fully sealed design helps keep captured pollutants trapped inside.You can even monitor your home’s air quality through the MyDyson app, so while the view outside might still be looking a bit blurry, you can keep a closer eye on what’s happening indoors.Looking to make your home a cleaner retreat from the haze?The Dyson HushJet Purifier Compact through merewards and earn 1.2% CashbackLooking Out For OthersAlways checking up on your loved ones has its impact; children, the elderly, those with asthma or heart diseases are at most risk, so keeping them indoors is vital during times of severe PSI levels.Stocking up on health supplements that support respiratory wellbeing, lozenges or eyedrops helps with discomfort experienced during the haze.Lastly, sticking to the basics is essential. Keep yourself and family well-hydrated, which helps soothe throat irritation and supports your body’s natural defense systems. Yes, it might mean a few more bathroom runs, but staying hydrated is simply non negotiable.The haze may be out of your control, but being prepared is not. Stay vigilant by observing PSI readings, adjust your plans when needed and take appropriate measures to protect your home. After all, hazy skies are temporary, but looking after yourself should always stay clear.Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission