If I had to describe our current hotel landscape as a person, I would probably picture one who is always impeccably dressed, the envy of many who yearn to be just as confident and sophisticated as him. Chalets, on the other hand, are the gregarious social butterflies who always seem to have a joke ready to elicit a laugh and a comforting word for a smile. There is just this uniquely raw authenticity that chalets like D’Resort @ Downtown East possess that hotels can never emulate.
Taking a trip down memory lane, I pay a visit to the ever-popular D’Resort @ Downtown East to see if it still holds the same charm and warmth that made it such a beloved part of my childhood.
An Enduring Legacy Uplifted with a Modern Flair
Back when it was known as Costa Sands Resort, I recall its series of bucolic apartments as a novel and exciting addition to the neighbourhood. During our school breaks, everyone would be flocking to the chalets in droves, snapping group pictures (the selfies of yesterday) in colourful summer wear as they strolled into their vacation homes, each bringing with them an appetite for roasted meats and convivial joys. And it was truly a sight to behold – swarms of students (like myself) lazing around the pool as that one diligent volunteer frantically fans undulating clouds of BBQ smoke emitting from a pit packed with everything from satays to fish paste wrapped in banana leaf (otah). Days like these painted a picture of pure bliss, a blend of aromatic scents and radiant smiles that truly captured the moment.
Do not let my contemplative musings misdirect you though ; these unforgettable memories are still very present today, especially with the revamp that saw Costa Sands Resort rebranded as D’Resort @ Downtown East. Furnished with modern facilities and amenities, our beloved social hub retains its effervescent spirit while benefiting from much-needed quality-of-life upgrades. Group cycling sessions at the nearby park, midnight supper at Downtown East and jovial banter at the BBQ pits – these moments are very much alive today at this contemporary vacation resort, with a glow-up to extend its legacy of fun to a new generation of holiday-goers.
Minimalistic and Homely Comforts
While its older variant was reminiscent of a colonial apartment, its current collection of rooms exudes a form of minimalism that is elegant and very much deliberate. Most noticeably, the interior is especially spacious, with ample room to host impromptu social gatherings. The pantry space is also placed right at the entrance of the room so as not to disrupt the atmospheric quality of the main living area. These new rooms feel refreshingly uncluttered, modern and satisfyingly homely.
I’m no architectural expert, but I’m almost certain that convenience is the heart of its conceptualisation. The BBQ space is just a sliding door away, and everything you can possibly need from the service counter can be accessed via a multi-purpose Smart television. The main concourse now houses a mini-mart that opens until midnight, a bicycle kiosk as well as an abundance of vending machines stocked with drinks and snacks. There’s even an exclusive shortcut prepared for guests intending to visit Wild Wild Wet!
A Splashing (and Budget-Friendly) Good Time!
Speaking of Singapore’s largest water theme park, did you know that when you book a Beach Cove room at D’Resort via SAFRA’s website, you will receive complimentary Wild Wild Wet tickets for up to 4 guests (worth up to $140) and free usage of the BBQ pit (worth $35)? And really, what better way to combat our notorious humidity than a relaxing glide down the aptly named “Shiok River” on a float? Whether you’re simply looking for some solace from the heat or a hint of adrenaline to get your hearts pumping, this expansive aquatic playground promises plenty of opportunities to sate your appetite for novelty and exploration.
A Foodie Paradise
Just a 5-minute walk from D’Resort lies the East’s eponymous recreation crown jewel – Downtown East, a culinary melting pot brimming with possibilities for the intrepid foodie. As a die-hard Eastie, I can’t remember the number of times I ate at communal favourites such as King of Prawn Noodles, Watami Japanese Dining and the now ubiquitous Don Don Donki!
And fret not, BBQ hosts! NTUC FairPrice opens until as late as 11pm, not to mention convenience stores of the likes of Cheers and 7-Eleven to stock you with whatever you need if the party continues through the night.
Staycation? More like Fun-cation!
Funnily enough, describing my time at D’Resort as a ‘staycation’ just doesn’t sit right with me since there really wasn’t much staying in at all. I literally spent most of my time wandering the massive entertainment complex that rested comfortably beside the resort, initially overwhelmed by the options presented to me. Should I watch a movie first at the cinema? Perhaps I could test my dexterity at its indoor climbing arena and bowling rink. Or maybe even channel my inner Bruno Mars at one of its Karaoke bars. The dilemma of choice!
I strongly recommend preparing an itinerary similar to one that you would have for a free-and-easy trip abroad. And trust me – a stay here is more than enough to satisfy that aching wanderlust.
SAFRA members enjoy Ground Floor Beach Cove room from just $170 nett per night! Every booking comes with up to 4 complimentary Wild Wild Wet tickets (worth up to $140) as well as free usage of the BBQ pit (worth $35) when you book a room via SAFRA’s website. More information at https://www.safra.sg/lifestyle/d’resort
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