Not everyone has the time to take long weekends off when the demands of work and life seem to be unending. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a short breather. What’s the closest thing to an island getaway in Singapore? Try Sentosa. A destination with attractions and activities that will appeal to everyone and anyone. To add to the allure, a slew of resorts like Capella, Sofitel, W Singapore dot the island as popular staycation spots. And if you weren’t spoilt for choice already, a new cluster (The Outpost Hotel, Village Hotel and The Barracks Hotel) has just sprung up. Expect more changes to take place as the nearby Pulau Brani will be turned into a leisure hub—giving Sentosa a fresh upgrade. Until then, here’s how to make the most of a day in Sentosa.

8am: A suite at The Barracks Hotel, a former military base that has now transformed into a quaint, colonial landmark, has the perfect set-up to start your morning right. Have breakfast at any of the three affiliated hotels, though we recommend heading to Native Kitchen for the nasi lemak that is part of their massive buffet spread.

10am: After getting your fill, mosey over to Universal Studios Singapore, which is situated a short walk away from The Barracks. Morning is the perfect time to hop on the rides, sans the long queues. From the Hollywood strip to Sci-Fi City to The Lost World, there’s tons to see and experience. Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cylon is a crowd favourite, a “two rides in one” roller coaster built for adrenaline junkies. Don’t miss the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, where you’ll have a good splash, the first of many to come throughout the day.

1pm: Finish off your adrenaline-packed morning by having a go at iFly, an indoor skydiving facility and the first themed wind tunnel in the world. Also known as bodyflying, it allows participants to experience what it’s like to free fall without any of the risks. What you’re essentially doing is hovering mid-air within a glass-enclosed cylinder that’s almost five storeys high.

2pm: For lunch, head to Tanjong Beach Club, the “best strip of sand in Singapore” and get a tan while munching on some beer-battered fish and chips served in a bamboo basket. The infinity pool out on the deck is also highly sought-after to kick back and have a Piña Colada. Order the Maine Lobster Bun, and opt for a slice of Flourless Chocolate Cake for a sweet finale.

4pm: As you sink into a mid-day food coma, now’s the time to chill by Tanjong Beach and engage in some people watching. On an average day at Sentosa, you’re bound to witness a few lovebirds and canines frolicking blissfully near the shallow water. Once you’ve had enough lolling around, take a long stroll along the coast from Tanjong Beach to Palawan Beach—another utopian spot with a wide expanse of soft, powdery sand, and tranquil waters.

6pm: Continue your promenade all the way to Siloso Beach, where you’ll reach the Ola Beach Club. Spend the next hour flyboarding with a water-propelled jetpack, an epic experience that you have to try at least once in your life. Part of the fun is looking like a complete fool as you try to figure the contraption out. You could take a banana boat too, but all water sport activities have to be booked at least a day in advance.

7pm: After drying off, head back to the Ola Beach Club for dinner. Pick a cosy area with a view, so you’ll get to admire the orange sky, intermingled with hues of purple, pink and blue. The menu features a variety of tropical-inspired plates such as the Hawaiian Burger and Crab Pilaf, which will go hand in hand with any R21 whisky and tequila-laced cocktails.

8pm: As the night unwinds, make your way back to Village Hotel’s Pamukkale infinity pool, an adults-only area modelled after the Turkish terraces with sunbeds situated in the shallow parts of the water. There, a picturesque spot overlooks the sea and creates some serious romantic vibes. It also happens to be the best vantage point to watch the fireworks display from the Wings of Time show that commences at 8:40pm.

9pm: Complete the journey of relaxation at W Singapore’s Away Spa, which closes at 10pm. Equipped with a herbal bath, steam room, sauna, whirlpool, and “experiential showers”, the contemporary facility features a rainforest-themed design that gives off the feeling of being inside the Garden of Eden. Treat yourself to its signature, award-winning Detox massage before retiring to bed. 

Image Credits: Resort World Sentosa, Ola Beach Club