The year-end celebratory season shouldn’t just be the only reason to show some (more) love for your sweetie pie, hon or any lovey-dovey cutesy nickname you have for each other. But, it sure is a great opportunity to give your bae a present because festive feels – and love – are definitely all around.
So, for our concluding chapter to our 3-part series on the out-of-the-box gift ideas (Part 1’s for parents with young children, while Part 2’s for that friend who’s impossible to buy gifts for), here are our recommendtions for festive presents for the love of your life. Happy gift shopping!
1. Go on a Spa-Fari
Yes, you read right – a “Spa-Fari”. Basically, that’s our way of describing the spa experiences at the beauty and massage haven, Masego The Safari Spa.
Instead of heading to your usual couple spa haunt, surprise your tired boo at the first and only Safari-themed tranquil retreat in Singapore, one that features an encampment of canopied tents, providing a whole host of holistic wellness therapies.
Indulge your sweetie (and yourself, too) with its series of seriously relaxing treatments. For face massages, try its 60-minute Nature’s Facelift that’s not an actual facelift procedure, but is an anti-aging facial to aid in firming up skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with intense pulse light therapy.
For the body, aim for the Tropical Abyss Deep-Tissue Massage (60 or 90 minutes) that’s great for body toning, body sculpting or after-exercise relaxation with deep-tissue kneading that targets muscle groups.
Couple this with its Warm Therapeutic Herbal Ball Therapy (60 minutes) that uses traditional Balinese herbs such as ginger, pandanus, and juwed and piduh leaves to relieve muscle aches, counter fatigue and boost your energy circulation.
Or, look through all the other options available here – we suggest the Cloud Forest Head Spa (45 minutes) and its The Earth Below Foot Spa (60 minutes) for a real spa-caytion. Your other half really deserves a full-body, full-day, full-on pampering experience after all!
Psst: Look out for its newest outlet in Punggol!
Please enquire with the spa for the full details, opening hours and prices. Masego The Safari Spa, various locations, including 333 Boon Lay Way, Level 4, Leisure Wing of SAFRA Jurong, 649848, www.masego.com.sg; www.facebook.com/MasegoSpa; www.instagram.com/MasegoSpa
2. Scents make sense
Fragrances are your go-to options if you really want to keep your gift-giving traditional yet classy. A perfume or cologne gift is a tried-and-tested tradition for the festive season. But you definitely should know your other half’s likes and dislikes before you attempt to give one as scents can be very subjective and personal.
For the sunshine of your life, the Caribbean-breezy and citrusy Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne ($$172 for 100ml) will be your chic-est pick from the parade of scents.
A sweetheart who loves all things, well, sweet? The Prada Candy Gloss EDT ($126 for 80ml) will be the perfect parfait of cherry and orange blossom for her taste.
Or, if she’s the coolest girl in the room, then NYC cult brand, Bond No.9’s Signature Scent EDP Spray ($230 for 100ml) is the gold-bottled blend of rose, tonka beans, musk and oud extract to send her way.
Have a fun-loving guy in your arms? Bvlgari’s Aqua Marine Pour Homme Eau De Toilette Spray ($152 for 100ml) will freshen him up with its rosemary flower + cedarwood + grapefruit smell so that you can hold onto him even better.
Love your man’s intense nature? Then “compliment” him with a complementary Gucci Absolute Pour Homme EDP ($167 for 90ml) that’s equally intoxicating with its leather accord, goldenwood, Nootka Cypress extract, three forms of patchouli oils and vetiver.
All fragrances available from VIIMART, https://viimart.com; www.facebook.com/viimart; www.instagram.com/viimart.official
BONUS: SAFRA members get to enjoy $10 off with a minimum spend of $60 (for new VIIMART customers) and 10% off with no minimum spend required (for existing VIIMART customers) at VIIMART. Click here for more information.
3. Romancing on the high seas
Missing your usual couple holiday, or worse, still haven’t got the chance to have your honeymoon? Soothe the heartbreak and settle your wanderlust by chartering a yacht with White Sails.
It’s the next best thing to an actual holiday overseas – just shorter, more affordable, and literally over the sea. For just $399 for a weekday trip and $599 for a weekend trip, the two of you will get to enjoy a 4-hour cruise on White Sail’s Sunrise catamaran to the idyllic Lazarus Island, all by your lovely twosome.
There are enough creature comforts on your getaway boat to make you want to while the day away. The Sunrise comes with 3 bedrooms, ample seating space, a galley with essential kitchen appliances, a bathroom with shower and a bathing platform with heated hand shower.
The much-more-fun bits on the boat: A trampoline net that offers a 360-degree view, a karaoke system, 2 kayaks, 2 snorkelling kits and 2 fishing rods. Amusement in the sun and in the sea, guaranteed!
Wish to make your day out on a yacht more memorable? Add on a BBQ feast option (from $250) that offers foodstuff such as chicken franks, garlic bread, chicken kebabs, herb butter salmon fillets, satay, otah and more.
But, before you get set to dining and romancing while drifting across the waves, best be prepared by reading up the FAQ section on the White Sails’ site, to ensure your and your first mate’s safety and comfort.
White Sails, ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, https://whitesails.com.sg; www.facebook.com/WhiteSails.SG; www.instagram.com/whitesailssg
BONUS: SAFRA members get to enjoy special promotional prices for a 4-hour yacht charter to Lazarus Island at White Sails. Click here for more information.
4. Jewellery for the jewel in your crown
Here’s how you can make your precious one shine bright(er) than a diamond: Buy him or her some jewellery.
Not some costume knick-knacks, but ones that are made of real gold, silver or with other precious metals and stones, preferably from a trusted name. Like Arthesdam Jewellery, a leading gold retailer, wholesaler and trader of precious metal and stone jewellery that’s been operating in Singapore for the past 20 years.
Animal lovers will fawn over the petite 925 Silver Dog Pendant ($68) in the brand’s Everyday Wearables in Silver collection.
Make a power couple statement by choosing the 916 Gold Black Clover Earrings ($486) and 916 Gold Dangling Black Clover Earrings ($517). Or, simply mix, match and make your own accessories by picking any of the charms and pendants (from $90) made from various materials such as glass, 916 gold and glittering crystals and stones.
Whatever you choose, just remember: It’s not about the price, but about its significance for your significant other.
Arthesdam Jewellery, 95/97 Serangoon Road, 218000, www.arthesdam.com.sg; www.facebook.com/ArthesdamJewellery; www.instagram.com/arthesdam.jewellery
BONUS: SAFRA members get to enjoy $20 off with a minimum of $200 spent; $50 off with a minimum of $500 spent; or free delivery with no minimum spent online at Arthesdam Jewellery. SAFRA members also get to receive $10 off and a $20 return retail voucher with a minimum of $300 spent instore at Arthesdam Jewllery. Click here for more information.
