I don’t usually start my hotel reviews with a picture of a fever cooling pad but for this review, I will.

We checked into the hotel a tad late as Buddy was running a fever. We apologized to the staff and told her the reason. A few minutes after we had settled in our room, there was a knock on the door. The same staff who received us at the lobby earlier had arranged for this box of fever patch to be sent up along with a packet of organic probiotic snacks for Buddy. We didn’t expect the hotel to do anything about our son’s fever, but they did. Welcome to the Ritz-Carlton Millennia Singapore.

To us, this is unequivocally the most family-oriented luxury hotel you can find in Singapore.

We’ve experienced unparalleled hospitality two years ago when my wife, Angie arranged a surprise birthday staycation at the  for me. Just when I thought our staycation experience cannot get any better…the good folks at the Ritz-Carlton Millennia Singapore made it even more unforgettable this time…for the kids.

To ‘Hogwarts’ and Back…

Few weeks ago, we had to cancel our daughter, Dana’s 9th Birthday Party due to a family emergency, which required me to make an urgent trip back to Penang. Since this would be her last ‘single-digit’ birthday, I decided to surprise her with a short 1-night staycation at the Ritz-Carlton Millennia Singapore. Angie told me they had just launched their ‘Ritz Kids Night Safari Adventures Package‘ and I knew without a doubt, this is right up our daughter’s alley.  Starting at the lobby awaiting check-in, the kids were presented with their very own ‘Adventures Passports’ which gave them a small glimpse of the fun that is to come.

The minute we stepped into our Premier Suite, Dana was immediately swept off her feet. The Ritz Carlton team had arranged for large customized ‘Harry Potter’ cake adorned with her name, Harry’s iconic specs, a wizard’s wand and a wizard’s hat – all hand-made for her. Around the cake were sweets, candies and cookies. And there was even a present for the birthday girl to bring home – a Gryffindor Scarf and a handwritten card with the number 9! This surprise setup made this true blue Harry Potter fan beam from ear to ear…and her parents, awestruck by the length Ritz Carlton goes through to ‘wow’ even the littlest of guests.

While we’ve had hotels giving us small complementary cakes on our birthdays, we certainly did not expect any hotels to go to ‘Hogwarts’ and back and charm us with their magical hospitality. 

Camping ‘Under The Stars’:

After the euphoria of the cake and dessert table, the kids got even more excited when they opened the door separating the bedroom and living area to discover that right next to the luxurious King-sized bed was an actual tent pitched just for them! We were so impressed with the roomy tent which comes with a fluffy kid-sized mattress complete with quilt, feather pillows, Ritz Kids Adventure Bags (containing bath amenities for kids) and limited edition Ritz Carlton ‘Explorer’ Lion Beanies. Right at the foot of the tent are colouring pencils and activity books illuminated by a small camping lamp. How inviting!

Needless to say, the kids hit the tent right away and it was difficult to pry them away! Except for ice cream and the Ritz Kids Club!

The Ritz Kids ‘Adventure’

The kids were presented with their very own Adventure Passports upon check-in. The Adventure Passport is essentially a map for kids to go around various checkpoints in the hotel to collect stamps. Once the kids have collected all 6 stamps, they can exchange for a little surprise at the Ritz Kids Club. With this Passport, kids can walk up to the hotel’s main restaurant, The Colony, anytime they fancy to redeem artisan ice cream. This made the kids feel so very welcomed throughout the stay.

Ritz Kids Club and Pool

The Ritz Kids Club is newly converted play area from a Suite room. It is stocked with toys, games and craft materials suitable for kids (10 and below). There’s also a small TV corner where cartoons are screened. Manned by the hotel staff, the room is a safe zone where parents can accompany their kids while they play. We found this a nice alternative to having the kids just bumming around in the hotel room aimlessly!

What’s a staycation without a dip in the pool? The Ritz Carlton has recently completed an overhaul of the pool area to make it more family-friendly. The pool is now made slightly shallower and the entire stretch of the pool’s sides are now completely tiered so that kids can wade in and out of the pool safely. If you prefer to laze in the sun with a good book or music, the poolside has just added some large comfy cabanas for guests to…yes, while the time away. Right next to the pool is the newly revamped gym, which consists world-class fitness equipment as well as a fitness studio where guests can use for personal fitness sessions including yoga.  

Twinkle-Twinkle…

When night fell, it was not difficult to get the kids tucked into their tent! In fact, the moment we returned from dinner, the kids went straight for the tent like moths to flame. Inside, they were chatting, laughing and telling make-believe stories… till they both fell asleep contentedly in that comfy tent. Needless to say, the rest of the evening belongs to us, the parents so we took turns to enjoy a long soak in the tub, admiring the city-skyline lit up at night. Before we turned it, we turned on the Star Lamp that came with the Ritz Kids Night Safari Adventures Package. The entire family slept soundly ‘under the stars’ that night. What a truly unique experience!

Rise and Shine!
Next morning, we all woke up fresh and guess what…we had to nudge the kids to leave their tent so we can head down for breakfast at the hotel’s main restaurant, The Colony.

The Colony is a large restaurant cleverly separated internally by partitions filled with memorabilia harking back to Singapore’s colonial past. The partitions ensured that guests have their own space and privacy to enjoy their meals. Despite the size and the crowd, service was brisk and attentive. You know how sometimes when you stay in a 5* hotels, the service attitude and overall ambience can be a little upper-lipped and stiff? Nope, not here at the Ritz-Carlton Millennia Singapore. The atmosphere here was relaxed, welcoming and non-pretentious.  

The buffet breakfast spread is easily one of the most extensive here we have seen. From the freshest salads to the most exotic of cheeses, from Western Continental to local heritage breakfast and desserts… the choices, I must admit, made decision making in the morning really tough! But fret not, whichever dish you choose, you’ll in for a delectable treat!

Our personal favourites were:
– The open-faced canapes and garden salads…yes, they are as fresh as they look
– The local desserts and cakes…including the Kaya Toast
– The egg benedict and onsen egg…its really worth the wait
– The Indian prata and curries. Hotels rarely get them right. This one did!
– The dim sum. It’s your loss if you miss it
– The pastries. One look, one bite and you’ll be back for more. Enjoy them with a cuppa of freshly brewed coffee /tea.

All Good Things:

The Ritz Kids Night Safari Adventures Package is a truly memorable and highly recommended experience for families. The kids get a unique ‘camping’ experience while parents get pampered by the trademark hospitality of the Ritz-Carlton.  In my previous post, I had mentioned that staying at the Ritz is akin to a homecoming. Two years later, I still echo the same sentiment. But more than a mere a homecoming for friends, it felt more like coming home to a family that we know will never disappoint us.  

Thank you Ritz-Carlton Millennia Singapore for allowing this Dad to give his daughter a most magical birthday staycation!

Here are the details of the Ritz Kids Night Safari Adventures Package:
• An overnight accommodation in a Premier Suite
• Daily buffet breakfast for two adults and two children
• A Ritz Kids Night Safari sleeping tent throughout the stay
• Ritz Kids amenities include:
o A specialty prepared edible turn-down amenity
o Children activities on weekends
o Daily ice cream pass
o Ritz Kids birthday surprise (for birthdays within the stay duration)

To find out more or to make your own Adventures booking, go to:
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/singapore/hotel-overview/press-releases/ritz-kids-night-safari-adventures

The Ritz-Carlton Millennia Singapore

Address: 7 Raffles Avenue Singapore, 039799 Singapore

Contact Number: +6563378888

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