In line with Part One and, much more recently, Part Two, I’ve decided to include a third and final installment of the series. For those of you who have no grasp whatsoever on the concept of a budget, here are some ideas on what you can do for a romantic weekend with your loved one, be it for a special occasion or just to relax and spend time together. Or for those of you who are looking for the final push to ensure that the one you’re eyeing falls securely in love with you, this is for you. (It worked on me - but then I’m just shallow.)

Local

1. The Sentosa Resort & Spa - website

This place is a neat getaway when you really don’t have that much time to spare (on travelling) - it’s about a 30 minute taxi ride from pretty much anywhere in Singapore at worst (as most places are) - and it’s completely worth it for that quiet weekend away from the rest of the this city as you know it. Please don’t forget to make reservations for a sunset-viewing dinner at The Cliff, as no visit to this resort is complete without it. I’ve heard that the new restaurant, Il Lido, is now competing with The Cliff for prime sunset-viewing-spot, but I haven’t had the chance to try it out as yet. Take a walk down to the beach after dinner and sit on a breakwater with the waves crashing at your feet for that fairy-tale ending to your evening before you retire (muggy and in need of a shower - the caveat for most Singapore beach dates) back to your suite.

2. The Mandarin Oriental Harbour Suite - website

While I would normally encourage you to at least launch yourself out of Singapore for this category, my favourite hotel in Singapore can’t possibly be given a miss. The service here kicks any other hotel’s ass, from what I’ve seen, and the room is just gorgeous. Separate living and bed rooms give you the choice of lounging in different settings at various times of the day, and at night, I saw the city’s skyline in a way I never have before. One more suggestion: order room service. With a room (and with bathrobes) this lush, you really don’t want to be doing that much walking around the hotel.

Nearby

3. Banyan Tree, Anywhere - website

Late last year, I popped down to Banyan Tree Bintan for a few days, and I have to say that my wait with bated breath was not in vain. (See my photos here.) One of the saplings happens to be one of my closest and most loved friends, hence I’d heard much about the Banyan Tree Group (BTG) without ever having the opportunity to experience it on my own. The service that we received was inimitable. No matter who or where you were, every single member of the BTG staff - from the concierge, to the waitstaff, to the housekeeping staff and roadsweepers - would stop whatever they were doing when a patron walked by and greet you. If you can, try to secure the Bayfront Pool Villa for the ultimate decadent experience, and where possible, ask about having Dinner At Eight. Otherwise, In-Villa Dining is always an excellent alternative. I can’t say enough to promote BTG and my luxurious stay there last year, so what are you waiting for?! GO GO GO GO GO!

Other resorts/facilities by BTG worth trying:

1. Banyan Tree Maldives for a taste of heaven that you might never want to come back from (I feel that way after having merely visited the website.)
2. Dinner/drinks at Banyan Tree Bangkok’s Vertigo
3. Their most recently opened Tibetan Wonderland, Banyan Tree Ringha.

4. The Metropolitan, Bangkok - website

Bangkok has always been somewhere close to my heart. I can very safely say that Thai food is my favourite type of food in all the world, and if I were to be left with one last meal, it would definitely be Thai (specifically from 2 restaurants in Bangkok). The Met has long been known for its high standard in the hotel industry, and this hotel was nothing short of breath-taking. The clean lines and sleek interior belied an air of casual chic, and yet with something so beautifully decorated, it was almost too much for my head to process when I realised how comfortable the fittings in the rooms were. I stayed in the Studio Room last November and that was one trip I’m not likely to forget. The careful detailing - down to the optic lights they provide on their painfully comfortable king sized beds that don’t light anything but the page you’re reading - coupled with the beautiful limestone bathrooms just made my nights complete. Of course, it doesn’t hurt at all that they’re right next door to Banyan Tree Bangkok which features the dessert installment of my hypothetical last meal in its rooftop restaurant, Vertigo. (For those of you who are interested, it’s the coconut rice pudding with fresh mango, kiwi and coconut cream. To die for.)

Everyone also knows Bangkok for its vibrant shopping (and hair-raising “HEEEEY SEXY YOU WAN SEXY ONRY FITTY BAAAAHT CHEEP CHEEP” catcalls), so I’m sure that none of you will be short of things to do here. As for the very special restaurant that I’m reserving for said hypothetical last meal, that’s my secret, and will only be parted with after you cajole me with many a beer. :D

Maybe Not So Nearby

5. Bangaram Islands, India - website

I first spied this little escape a few months back in some magazine or other and desperately wanted to tear the page out. However, my magazine-preservation-virtues simply wouldn’t let me, and instead I dutifully took the website down. India is somewhere I’ve been dying to visit, but simply cannot bear to - after 32 days of backpacking around Europe in youth hostels and another 2 weeks of “roughing” it out (probably not rough at all by most hardcore backpackers’ standards) in Bangkok and Hong Kong, I’ve decided that this style of travelling is not for me. When I chanced upon this seemingly hidden gem, I was, without a doubt, elated. Especially since the magazine I spied it in was one of those that cater to fussy expats (and probably rip them off), but I’ve long decided that many things (including money, where possible) can be sacrificed in the name of comfort. If any of you make it here before I do, please email and let me know how it was! :)

6. Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa - website

Just so I don’t get fingers pointing at me screaming biasedness in my post, here’s an alternative to Banyan Tree which was recommended by a friend who is also in the hotel industry (and not associated with Hilton Hotels). I had thoroughly researched the hotels in the Maldives for an upcoming trip, and this one pretty much had me sold. (Also because I couldn’t seem to find my Robinson Crusoe Water Villas. Edit: OMG I’m so excited, belle found them here!!) I mean, how exactly do you compete with a hotel that flies you by seaplane to their island from Malé International Airport?! Seaplane! Instead of speedboat! It’s like asking a tuktuk to compete with a BMW Z4! (Okay that’s actually a pretty tough fight.)

Anyhoo, Hilton Maldives, which is situated on Rangali Island (25 minutes by seaplane - I said it again! - from Malé International) is pretty much the island paradise anyone who has ever dreamed of an island paradise has been dreaming of. Hello convoluted sentence. What especially had me sold was the concept of their Sunset Water Villas - 2 exclusive villas, built on stilts over water, has a circular revolving bed for you to view the sunset/sunrise from, and a living area with glass flooring so you can see the colourful marine life shuttling by underneath you. They also have 21 Spa Water Villas, each with a private treatment room. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, which may well be a gimmick, but at least you’ll be able to say that you’ve dined in the only aquarium-style undersea restaurant in the world. :)

Related:
Alternative Dating Activities (For The Budget-Conscious)
Alternative Dating Activities (For The Budget-Free)

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