Travelling can often mean loss of routine, overindulging and burning the candle at both ends. But, when visiting Singapore, travellers needn’t worry about skipping healthy habits and can enjoy a more conscious lifestyle, while also still enjoying the good things in life. For those planning to travel further afield, they can break up the journey by staying over in Singapore to relax and rejuvenate.
This June, Singapore’s flagship Wellness Festival returns for the second year (17 June – 9 July 2023), with a compelling programme of live and virtual events to highlight well-being throughout the destination.
From leisurely nature walks to the city’s best healthy eateries and secret spots for exercising, we’ve rounded up the best well-being activities to enjoy at any time of year:
For the nature lover
Let the beauty of nature unfold on a revitalising hike through Singapore’s national parks. Step outside of the city centre and explore the even greener side to the City in Nature, as visitors do not need to go far to experience blissful peace and stunning vistas.
Located just 20 minutes from the Marina Bay area, MacRitchie Reservoir offers some of the best wildlife views on the island. In a natural rainforest, visitors can enjoy a choice of hikes across the scenic terrain. For the best views, head upwards to the Treetop Walk – 25 meters above ground at its highest point. The 250-metre suspension walkway cuts through the mature forest canopy, with a bird’s eye view of the unique wildlife.
For fans of two wheels
A cycling-friendly city, Singapore has miles of bike routes and plenty of hire shops, for those looking to explore the island on two wheels. The country was the first in Southeast Asia to host a Tour de France Criterium event in October 2022 and aside from bike lanes across the city, visitors can also enjoy the Park Connector.
The Park Connector route is an island-wide initiative featuring green corridors of bike parks across Singapore’s national parks and with over 30km of trails, there’s a route for any type of rider. Offering spectacular views across to the Marina Bay area and city skyline, the 15-kilometre East Coast Park wraps around a beautiful stretch of beaches, And the newest cycle route, the Rail Corridor offers a North to South exploration through the heart of the island state. The repurposed Bukit Timah Railway Station situated at the centre of the 21km route provides a natural halfway stop, where riders can disembark to refuel at the conserved station café.
For the gym-goer
In a modern metropolis, there are countless gyms and places to work out in the city. Whether it’s a boxing class, a group HIIT workout or a solo treadmill sprint, Singapore boasts an array of fitness options for all types of exercise.
As well as internationally recognised fitness brands, Virgin Active, Barry’s Bootcamp and Pure Gym, Singapore has a burgeoning boutique gym scene. Gymmboxx is a Singaporean gym brand that has grown to eight outlets across the country, offering pay-as-you-go entry to gym-goers visiting on a short-term basis – perfect for visitors.
For the action seeker
Singapore is not only a cultural and business hub, it’s also home to famous annual sports events, including the Grand Prix Singapore night race, the Asian leg of SailGP and the HSBC Women’s World Championship.
Sports-keen visitors are spoilt for choice here, even if they aren’t visiting to see an event. Take to the roads with the social impact initiative Singapore Sidecars and enjoy a tour of the Grand Prix racetrack, by Vespa. Or, try your hand at sailing, among other watersports at Kallang Water Sports Centre, with spectacular views of the Singapore skyline, Kallang Basin and Marina Bay area.
For the Spa Lover
Complete tranquillity and relaxation can be enjoyed in the heart of the city, at Singapore’s award-winning Aramsa Spa. The country’s only spa located in a national park, Aramsa is immersed in the nature surrounding it and caters to a multitude of needs, with treatments such as massage therapy, detox and water therapy. With 17 uniquely designed treatment rooms, seamless spaces that bring the outside in and a peaceful atmosphere where guests truly feel at one with the natural world, Aramsa Spa offers a haven away to recuperate.
For the conscious foodie
As a melting pot of cultures, Singapore is renowned for its delicious array of cuisines that span many influences. Whether it’s Hawker Centre eats or Michelin-starred dining, you are spoilt for choice – even when it comes to eating healthily.
As society becomes more aware of the impact that food consumption has on the planet, restaurants such as Whole Earth, (specialising in Peranakan-Thai dishes) and Analogue, with its plant-based foods and innovative 3D-printed bar made entirely from recycled plastics, are leading the way with modern menus that cater to healthier choices.
Start the day at The Living Cafe, a healthy hotspot in Bukit Timah for the restaurant’s specialist menu free from preservatives, additives, dairy and red meat. Lunch can be taken at Central Business District favourite The Daily Cut, for nutrient-filled salad bowls complete with grilled meats. For the final meal of the day, head to buzzy Chinatown, to dine at Afterglow by Anglow. A restaurant leading the raw food movement in the city, Afterglow by Anglow serves only vegan foods and is dedicated to working with local farmers and producers, to create inventive clean dishes.
How to book
Beachfront Singapore Stay from £1,375pp
A six-night stay on Singapore’s idyllic Sentosa island is from £1,375pp, based on two sharing a room at a luxe resort, Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, including flights, transfers and a 10% saving (already applied).
To book contact DialAFlight on 020 7962 9933. https://www.dialaflight.com/flights/asia/singapore. Offer valid 1/4/2023 – 30/6/2023.
Tickets to the 2023 Wellness Festival are dependent on events, some are free to attend and others require pre-payment. Please visit https://www.wellnessfest.sg/ for more information and to book.
To find out more about Singapore, visit: www.visitsingapore.com
