Sofitel Singapore City Centre X Virgin Active 3D2N All-inclusive Wellness Retreat: We review if it's worth it
We stayed at the 3D2N All-inclusive Wellness Retreat by Sofitel Singapore City Centre X Virgin Active and lived to share the deets. Try it from 19 to 21 April.
I have always been curious about wellness retreats and how they incorporate activities targeting a mind/body reset for busy city dwellers. When Sofitel Singapore City Centre reached out about a 3D2N All-inclusive Wellness Retreat in collaboration with Virgin Active, I was all for it. As a past member of Virgin Active gym, I have had a great time during my year-long membership participating in most of the workout classes available. However, due to COVID-19, I ceased my membership and have not gone back since.
Since my partner and I are on the wrong side of the weighing scale as we had fallen off our fitness regimen recently, I thought the 3D2N retreat could be an ideal time to not only spend some quality time, but also to kickstart a proper workout routine together.
Sofitel Singapore City Centre: Location/Check-in
The five-star luxury hotel with a French flair is right smack in the middle of the central business district, conveniently located above the Tanjong Pagar MRT station. For those driving, the car park has a direct entrance, within steps of the hotel. Check-in was a breeze, thanks to the friendly smiles of the receptionists.
Upon arrival to the lobby, I was immediately arrested by the hotel's artwork and sculpture. The flower lightboxes at the lift lobby were stunning and reminded me of a mesmerising artwork I saw in Denmark a couple of years back. So was the huge porcelain plate with watercolour artwork displayed in the lift lobby on my 17th floor. Contemporary art with a whimsical twist is also on display on the gym floor which leads us to the infinity swimming pool. Perhaps a small plaque about the artists would have satiated my curiosity about these interesting artworks in the hotel.
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First Impressions: In-room facilities and services
We stayed in the Luxury Room, a spacious 38 sqm floor space with floor-to-ceiling windows, facing the business district. Upon check-in, we were greeted with a huge plate of superfruits which included strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. What a wonderful way to kickstart a wellness retreat.
The room came with modern comforts that are essential in any 5-star hotel stay. The standouts at Sofitel are its Nespresso Coffee machine, TWG premium tea bags, L’Occitane bathing amenities, a deep bathtub, Bose entertainment system, 49-inch smart TV, and of course, speedy Internet access.
As this is an eco-friendly hotel, I like that there's a drinking tap and a glass bottle available for guests to top up their drinks. It was so convenient when I wanted to drink plain water or make beverages in the room. The bottle is also available for sale should the hotel guest be so inclined.
The Bose entertainment system was also easy to sync with my playlist. If only the speakers were installed in the bathroom, that would have completed my romantic notion of luxuriating in the bathtub with opera music playing in the background!
The bedroom slippers are super luxurious and guests are welcome to bring them home too! The weighing machine in the bathroom is a nice touch as it helped me monitor my weight amidst the feasting during the stay.
What I loved the most was the luxurious King-sized bed with ultra-comfortable linens. According to Sofitel, its exceptionally crafted Sofitel MyBed is specially reserved for the appointed Luxury Rooms. Having slept there for two nights, I can personally attest to the supreme comfort of its linens. The bed came with four pillows, and guests have the option to pick from a Pillow Menu consisting of more than seven different natural and hypoallergenic pillows. I took the opportunity to try out two more of the pillows on the menu.
At Sofitel Singapore City Centre, guests can also enjoy a nightly turndown service, featuring a calming tea ritual to bring an added layer of relaxation to their evenings. For those seeking additional pampering, a luxurious bath ritual is available upon request, providing guests with a fragrant escape. To further enhance the sleep experience, a comprehensive sleep menu is available, offering amenities such as sleep masks and earplugs. As we were situated at the CBD, the night brought on a sense of tranquil beauty to it and we never needed sleep masks or ear plugs to turn in. But these should be handy for those with roommates who snore or are battling jet lag.
Of course, there are restaurants, bars, and cafes aplenty around that area. But we did not need them, as the hotel took care of all our needs.
Collaboration with Virgin Active
During the 3D2N stay, Sofitel and Virgin Active have planned a total of five well-crafted workouts and wellness sessions from Reformer, Sound Bath, Cycle, and Grid to a 7km run showcasing the iconic landmarks in Singapore.
We were eased into the first day of activities. Starting with Reformer Pilates, guests get to engage in a set of static and dynamic stretches and holds that will leave my partner and me feeling clear, centred, and balanced. Just before bedtime, the Sound Bath Therapy class lulled us to dreamland using crystal singing bowls.
On the second day of the retreat, it’s time to get serious with our physical level. Rise early for a high-intensity class Cycle, followed by a buffet lunch with a gruelling session of Grid Training to follow. So be sure not to overload the stomach during lunch!
Designed to elevate the participants’ fitness levels and tap into their inner strength, the culmination of the wellness retreat has got to be the 7km scenic jogging experience led by Virgin Active trainers. You will partake in Singapore’s most iconic landmarks and photogenic spots, such as Lau Pa Sat, Marina Bay Sands, Art Science Museum, Helix Bridge, Esplanade, and Merlion Park, nicely rounding up your 3D2N at Sofitel.
All wellness activities take place at Virgin Active Tanjong Pagar, conveniently connected to the hotel on level six, which has been recently rejuvenated to offer state-of-the-art facilities. Retreat participants will also receive a complimentary three-day pass to the fitness club, allowing them to explore a variety of workouts and relaxation amenities.
"We are thrilled to partner with Virgin Active once again to bring back our popular 3D2N All-inclusive Wellness Retreat," said Jacqueline Poey, General Manager, Sofitel Singapore City Centre. "In today's fast-paced world, it is essential to carve out time for self-care and relaxation. We invite guests to join us for a weekend of pure bliss, where they can disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and prioritise their well-being."
In today's fast-paced world, it is essential to carve out time for self-care and relaxation. We invite guests to join us for a weekend of pure bliss, where they can disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and prioritise their well-being.Jacqueline Poey, General Manager, Sofitel Singapore City Centre.
Food, glorious food
Complementing the wellness activities are exquisite culinary offerings curated by Sofitel Singapore City Centre's team of talented chefs. From nutritious French and medicinal Chinese dinners to energising breakfasts and a sumptuous barbecue dinner, each meal is thoughtfully crafted to nourish the body and delight the senses.
On the first night, we had a heartwarming French and medicinal Chinese dinner. The Steamed Barramundi Filet, Double-boiled Chicken soup with red dates, and Papaya and Snow Fungus Soup were divine. Be careful not to overload during the buffet breakfasts and lunches. But be sure to try out the local kuehs, kaya, satay, and assorted desserts. The BBQ dinner on the final night wrapped up the stay perfectly with on-demand satay, pomegranate salad, delish pistachio gelato, macarons, and more.
Is it worth the price?
As we become increasingly mindful of our health and wellness, this exclusive 3D2N All-inclusive Wellness Retreat provided by Sofitel Singapore City Centre and Virgin Active happening from 19 to 21 April 2024 may just be what you need for a mind/body reset. Designed to help individuals slow down and unwind from the stresses of everyday life, its thoughtfully curated programmes, from invigorating workout sessions to sumptuous culinary experiences, gave my partner and me a good starting ground to restart our fitness regimen. It was a rejuvenating stay.
The 3D2N package includes:
- Two-night stay in Luxury Room
- Five fitness and wellness programmes led by Virgin Active
- Full-board meal plan including two buffet breakfasts, a buffet lunch, and two dinners
- 20% savings on total food bill at Racines
- Three-day access pass to Virgin Active Tanjong Pagar
Sofitel x Virgin Active 3D2N All-inclusive Wellness Retreat is priced at S$980++ for one person and S$1,180++ for two persons. If you are still considering if you should part with a thousand dollars for this wellness retreat at Sofitel, here’s some girl maths for you. A quick check on Booking.com for the same room with breakfast for two but without the wellness activities costs S$1,125. There’s not much of a price difference, so why not the all-inclusive wellness retreat?
The hotel has its own 24-hour So-Fit gym with a decent selection of gym equipment which includes weights, elliptical machines, and treadmills. The room also comes with a yoga mat should you choose to practice in the comfort of your room or the relaxing lawn facing the infinity pool on level 6.
Limited spots are available, and guests are encouraged to book early to secure their place in this transformative experience. For reservations or inquiries, guests can visit this link, call +65 6428 5000, or email HA152@sofitel.com.
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