Wander Woman

By Lauren Raps

Top Photo: Overlooking the Masters Course at Greenhouse Restaurant

Lauren's journey to cross the globe, one amazing experience at a time

Passport-Free Travel: Experience A Thai Getaway Right Here in Singapore

There are many ways one can experience Thailand while still in Singapore, from the Golden Mile Mall to the countless Thai restaurants we have across the country.

But the next time you want a Thai getaway, head straight toward Changi Airport.

Just before you reach the airport, turn off the ECP and pull into the beautiful Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore Hotel. A gorgeous, five-star hotel, Dusit Thani sits within the prestigious Laguna Golf Club grounds and is owned and operated by Dusit International, one of Thailand’s premier hospitality companies. Dusit Thani is Dusit International’s first property in Singapore.

The Thai influence is subtly incorporated into every aspect of the hotel. The second you pull up to the resort, you’ll be greeted by a doorman dressed in Thai costume who will escort you to the hotel lobby, which gleams with natural light and beautiful, contemporary fixtures. Dusit Thani has hosted countless happy staycationers since it opened to the public in December 2020. As the first resort in Singapore to offer access to two championship courses, it has become especially popular for its Stay and Play golf packages.

One of the resort's three pools

The hotel offers several dining options, from casual grab-and-go at the Dusit Gourmet to the poolside Tee Deck, an al fresco restaurant open for lunch and dinner. The jaw-dropper, however, is the Greenhouse, where guests literally eat in a conservatory. A lush, forest-themed restaurant, the all-day restaurant offers a picturesque view over the Masters Course and an array of multicultural cuisines; but, as you expected, we are here for the Thai food, and the chef serves up mouthwatering Northern and Southern Thai specialties.

Of course, Dusit Thani would not be a Thai-influenced hotel without a world class spa, and while the Devara Spa offers a transcendental Thai massage, it also sets the tone for Dusit Thani’s mission to serve as a wellnessfocused urban resort. Hitting the spa, with its staff and services exuding Thai hospitality, is a must-do.

The resort has 198 rooms, all with warm and sophisticated contemporary Asian decor. The room categories range from simple rooms to generous suites, but my favorite has to be the Deluxe Patio Pool View room, where guests can leave their room from a private patio that takes them directly to the pool deck. Here, you can take your pick of three swimming pools, depending on whether you are traveling with your significant other, your family or your girl squad.

Dusit Thani has three tennis courts and a full-sized gym and will have extended spa facilities open later this year. The hotel also is offering many staycation/grand opening packages, so pack your bags and head to Thailand… no passport or plane tickets needed.

Lauren Raps is AWA's Bar Night Chair. She moved to Singapore in January 2021 with her husband and three boys. She is the President and Founder of Travel Prospect, a full service leisure travel planning company.

Lauren Raps