Weekends away with the kids have just taken on a completely new dimension, thanks to The Ritz-Carlton Millenia’s new Night Safari Adventures. Who’s up for taking the kids on a little camping trip (in the comfort of a luxe room with a view)? We think we’ve just found a new excuse to go on a Singapore staycation…
The Ritz Kidz programme was created for children between ages four and 12 and has been rolled out across hotels worldwide to engage kids in the spirit of adventure and travel, by focusing on something unique to each particular destination. And from now until 29th December, you and your little ones can try out this fun in-room camping experience.
At check in, your children will be presented with their own welcome letter, a discovery map and a Ritz Kids passport. This kicks off a gleeful treasure hunt throughout the main lobby and newly created Play Area, locating various checkpoints from which to collect various stamps. The biggest highlight though is likely to be the ice cream pass, which entitles each child to a free scoop each day.
The Ritz has clearly dedicated enormous effort into thinking of all the little touches that will appeal to a child. And for us adults, you can expect the exceptional service and attention to detail that Ritz-Carlton is renowned for.
And the rooms… let’s just say that these are undoubtedly some of the most sumptuous in Singapore, with the best views of any hotel on the island. We loved taking in the full expanse of the harbour, from the magnificent MBS on the left to the entire city skyline on the right. And here’s a novelty: kids will adore being able to take their bath whilst watching the Singapore Flyer slowly rotate right in front of their eyes, through the huge, octagonal window.
Nothing has been forgotten in the room itself – your child will delight in their own specially-sized bathrobe and slippers to match yours (so don’t forget to mention their age at booking!). There’s also a Ritz Kidz goodie bag for each young guest (which doubles as a stylish canvas handbag for little ladies) including a full toiletry set.
The real surprise though is the in-room camping experience that will be set up just before bedtime. An actual tent will be installed in the room containing bedding, a safari night lamp and a cuddly toy lion to take home, dressed in safari gear. There’s also a jungle-themed platter with animal biscuits to munch on, plus a star-gazer night light to cast sparkles across the room.
Okay, so the main swimming pool is closed for renovations for the next month, which if you didn’t know better might be an issue. However, the hotel has created a temporary outdoor area with two splash pools and sunbeds so you can still get your swim on, and there are two excellent options for use of pools at other hotels (one nearby, one at Sentosa), with transfers included.
The hotel has invested heavily in making up for this small inconvenience in the form of the Ritz Kids Play Area. Five rooms on the gym/spa level have been completely dedicated to entertaining your little ones throughout their stay – there is a darkened movie room, a drawing/craft room, a reading room, a toy room and a play room.
The whole place is nothing short of incredible. The only drama is the fact that prising the kids out of the hotel to actually go and do or see anything is also virtually impossible!
From $780 per night; reservations can be made by calling 6434-5111 or emailing [email protected].