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

Engines aren’t the only thing making noise this race weekend.Singapore is gearing up for one of the biggest weekends of the year, and while all eyes will soon be on the track and your favourite superstars, the streets deserve some attention too. Whether you’re going full throttle with bold motorsport inspired streetwear or keeping things simple with your favourite team’s colours, race weekend is the perfect excuse to put your style into pole position.For Those Who Like to Go Full ThrottleWhen it comes to making a statement, A$AP Rocky knows how to turn heads. Known for his aggressive approach to streetwear and high fashion, the rapper was given the keys as Creative Director for PUMA’s Formula 1 partnership in 2023, bringing his distinctive and Harlem flair into the realm of motorsport.The result? Race inspired pieces made to look just as fly off the track. If you’re ready to pick up the pace with your race weekend fit, Rocky’s PUMA is a good place to start.A$AP Rocky x PUMA Monstro OG SneakersPhoto credit: PUMA websiteA bold starting point for your race weekend fit. The textured design and statement silhouette give the Monstro OG a strong streetwear edge without going overboard. Rocky draws inspiration from Harlem’s jazz renaissance, giving the shoe a personality of its own with the snake pattern, deviating from the norms of PUMA designs.A$AP Rocky x PUMA Quilted Sweatshirt Unisex Photo credit: PUMA websiteInspired by the slim fitting of racing suits, the quilted designs bring motorsport style straight to the streets. Pair it with simple bottoms and let the top take centre stage.A$AP Rocky x PUMA XL GlovesPhoto credit: PUMA websiteHow do you expect to steer at breakneck speed without any grip?The A$AP Rocky x PUMA XL Gloves is your wild card. These oversized gloves take cues from racing gloves and add an extra statement piece to the look; a moulded silicone print on the back of the hand mimics veins, while badges from the collection are featured on the fingertips, inspired by Rocky’s nail art.Find the A$AP Rocky x PUMA Collection from PUMA and Earn Up to 3.5% CashbackFor Those Who Prefer Cruise ControlNot everyone enjoys feeling the adrenaline with their outfit. Sometimes, keeping it simple can make you effortlessly stylish. A clean team tee, jersey, cap or pair of sneakers can still get you race ready while keeping it minimal. Y-3 Mercedes Engineered TeePhoto credit: Adidas websiteGot expensive taste but prefer simplicity? The Y-3 Mercedes Engineered Tee brings a more elevated edge to the race weekend style, with a clean look that is easy to wear while still catching a few eyes.Experience the world of luxury fashion and sports innovation through this collaboration; with Adidas’s commitment to quality and Yohji Yamamoto’s avant-garde design, this shirt makes an effortless statement.Mercedes AMG Petronas Blue Wonder Driver CapPhoto credit: Adidas websiteKeep yourself shaded when the Singapore heat kicks in with the Mercedes AMG Petronas Blue Wonder Driver Cap. The team colours bring the race weekend energy, while the classic Adidas logo embroidery adds a distinctive finishing touch to an otherwise simple fit.Adidas Feroza Base Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team ShoesPhoto credit: Adidas websiteComplete the look from ground up with Feroza Base Mercedes AMG Petronas Team Shoes. Built around team colours and subtle racing details, they keep the look sleek and understated while offering enough comfort and grip for a full day around the city.FInd the Mercedes AMG Collection from Adidas and Earn Up to 3.5% CashbackPut Your Race Weekend Style to the TestPhoto credit: Madam Tussauds websiteNow that your fit does the talking, can your driving skills keep up?Make a pit stop at Madame Tussauds Singapore and take on its VR Racing experience, where you can join Lewis Hamilton’s team and feel the rush of going head to head in a virtual race.You can either go straight for the VR Racing experience as a standalone attraction, or make a full day of it with the Standard Ticket + Jumanji 4D + VR Racing Bundle.It is the perfect excuse to put that race weekend style to the test and snap a few photos while you are in your F1 element.Ready to get the gears going? Book through merewards and enjoy 5% cashback on your purchase.Race weekend is your chance to let your style take pole position. Whether you go full throttle or keep things simple, own the look, enjoy the atmosphere and make sure you’re living life in the fast lane.Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.

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