Faithfullyours

Hey, Faithfuls! I'm a firm believer that you don't need to book an entire night at a hotel to enjoy a little escape from the usual routine. I recently booked a daycation at Aura Hotel Purvis through the Flow app, and for about S$80, we got six hours in a Cozy Queen Room.

Located along Purvis Street, the hotel is right in the middle of the city, with Bugis, CHIJMES and plenty of food options, including cafes, nearby. It's definitely a convenient location if you want to spend the day exploring the area! I'd recommend this area for tourists too.

Check-in was done at the lobby, which I thought was pretty interesting because it doesn't feel like your typical hotel lobby. Instead of just having a reception counter and some sofas, Aura Hotel Purvis has incorporated co-working and meeting spaces into the lobby.

There are long communal tables, private meeting rooms, and various seating areas, giving the whole space a modern co-working vibe.

Our daycation package also came with two complimentary beers or soft drinks. However, the receptionist actually forgot to mention this to us during check-in, so we only realised later and had to ask about it. We didn't have beer anyway, so we opted for the soft drinks.

For this daycation, I booked the Cozy Queen Room, which, as the name suggests, is on the smaller side but perfectly adequate for a short stay.

The queen-sized bed takes up a good portion of the room, with a wall-mounted TV, a small floating counter and the usual tea and coffee-making facilities. There was also bottled water, a kettle, hairdryer, slippers and the basic amenities you'd expect from a hotel room.

The overall design is simple and modern, with warm neutral tones that make the room feel quite cosy. It's not a room where you're going to have loads of space to lounge around, but for six hours, I didn't really need anything bigger.

The bathroom was compact but clean and functional. The sink is separated from the shower area by frosted glass. Toiletries were provided, including shampoo, shower gel and the usual essentials, and there was also a bidet beside the toilet, which is always appreciated.

There was a proper vanity area with a mirror, while towels and slippers were provided as well. It's not a particularly spacious bathroom, but given the size of the room, I think the layout makes good use of what was available.

I actually quite like the idea of booking a hotel room for just a few hours, and because Aura Hotel Purvis is so centrally located, you can easily head out for a meal or some shopping before or after your booking. I actually walked to Raffles City to grab dinner and do some shopping!

Overall, I had a pleasant and fuss-free daycation at Aura Hotel Purvis, and I'd definitely come again! Hopefully, there's beer next time.

Thanks for reading, and see you next post~

Aura Hotel Purvis
Address: 14 Purvis Street, Singapore 188593
Website

Love this post? Feel free to share and comment below or check out my Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt review. Follow my Instagram @faithjoanchua, Lemon8, TikTok, and YouTube for more content.

Hey, Faithfuls! So, I actually visited Le Jardin Cafe a few years back with my ex (LOLLLL), and I was really excited to return for another meal, with the right company this time. Disclaimer: I know the place looks atas, but trust me, the food is actually pretty affordable, and the portions are generous too.

If you’re looking for a gorgeous cafe where you can bask in nature’s beauty with your loved ones, Le Jardin is seriously the place. It's nestled within Fort Canning and really feels like a little escape from the city. It actually doesn't feel like it's in Singapore.

Image credit: @lejardinsingapore

Le Jardin is a venture by Cafe de Nicole’s Flower, which explains its signature floral theme. As the name suggests, the space stays true to its concept, with an open dining area shaded by lush greenery. It’s also pet-friendly, so your furkids are welcome to hang out here, too!

Stepping inside, I was immediately in awe. The space is GORGEOUS. There are flowers everywhere, from the tables to the ceilings. The interior leans towards a Victorian-inspired aesthetic, with muted wallpapers, dark wood furniture, and delicate paintings. It feels elegant without being too stiff, which makes it perfect for a relaxed yet slightly fancy brunch date!

Image credit: @lejardinsingapore

One of my favourite spots was the white corridor just outside the main floral room. It’s lined with rattan barstools and light wood tables, and if you’re lucky enough to snag a corner seat like I did, you’ll get an unobstructed view of Fort Canning’s greenery and surrounding buildings.

If you’re not sure where to start, the Cheese Platter (S$24) is honestly a great option for sharing. It comes with a selection of cheeses like Camembert, Gorgonzola, and Sainte-Maure goat cheese, alongside dried fruits and nuts. It’s a nice mix of creamy, tangy, and slightly funky flavours.

One of their popular dishes is the Rosti (S$23), served with herb yoghurt, bacon, egg, and sausage. The rosti itself was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with that satisfying golden crust. Paired with the creamy herb yoghurt and savoury meats, I found that it made for a rather hearty and well-balanced plate!

For something more Asian-leaning, we tried the Ribeye Braised Rice (S$30). This was super filling! The ribeye was juicy and tender, with a nice sear on the outside, while the braised rice underneath soaked up all the savoury flavours.

For dessert, we had the Homemade Pandan Tiramisu (S$14), which was really well done. It featured layers of pandan-infused mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers, with a subtle hint of alcohol. The pandan added a local twist without overpowering the classic tiramisu profile too.

Drinks here are also solid. I got the Kaya Matcha (S$10.90), which ended up being my favourite. It’s topped with a coconut kaya cream that adds a rich, slightly salty-sweet note to the earthy matcha.

Turns out Le Jardin Cafe is also a popular venue for weddings, so if you’ve ever wanted to cosplay as Benedict and Sophie, this is your chance. And if you’re still in the courting phase ... they sell bouquets too. Just saying. HINT HINT.

I had low expectations at first because I thought it was just another pretty cafe, so I'm really glad that I was proven wrong. It's quite a hassle to get to, and I had to climb up many slopes and stairs, but it's so worth the trip. I'll probs just get a Grab next time.

Thanks for reading, and see you next post!

Le Jardin Cafe @ Fort Canning
Address: 5 Cox Terrace, Level 2, Fort Canning Arts Centre, Singapore 179620
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am to 9pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am to 9pm
Telephone: +65 8870 9977
Website

This blog post is a media invite review.

Hey, Faithfuls! I've been wanting to check out Eden Cafe for the longest time after seeing countless photos of its gorgeous botanical setting. Nestled within the Chinese Garden section of Jurong Lake Gardens, it's one of those cafes that truly makes one forget you're in Singapore. I live in Simei, so I definitely felt like a foreigner being in this part of the country.

Getting there does require a short six-minute walk from Chinese Garden MRT Station, but honestly, the scenic stroll through the gardens is part of the experience UNLESS IT RAINS, which was what happened during my visit.

But if you're visiting on a normal day, by the time you arrive, you're greeted by lush greenery, peaceful river views, and the iconic Cloud Pagoda in the distance. The cafe itself blends beautifully into its surroundings with warm wood accents, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and plenty of natural light, creating a space that brings the outside in.

There are both indoor and outdoor seating options, but if the weather permits, I'd highly recommend sitting outdoors. Our table overlooked the river, and throughout the meal we spotted birds hopping around the water's edge and turtles swimming nearby. The funniest part was that a tortoise literally wandered through the cafe and walked right past our table. We all paused mid-conversation just to watch it casually stroll by. Definitely not something you see every day, and it made the whole dining experience feel even more unique!

Anyway, let's talk about the food! The cafe is halal-certified too, so more people can enjoy their food.

You really can't go wrong with a local breakfast, so we got the Traditional Toast with Soft-Boiled Eggs. It was a comforting start to the meal, though I did wish the toast was crispier, as it felt a little soggy and stale. Thankfully, the fragrant kaya and generous slab of butter helped make up for it. Paired with the silky soft-boiled eggs and a dash of dark soy sauce, it still made for a nostalgic local breakfast that's hard to resist.

I also had the House Braised Beef Short Rib, which I LOVED. The beef was beautifully braised until fork-tender, making it effortless to pull apart with each bite. The meat was packed with flavour after soaking up the braising juices, while still remaining wonderfully juicy.

The Spicy Minced Chicken Mushroom Pasta packed quite a punch. It was noticeably spicy and a little on the oily side, but I still enjoyed it. The savoury minced chicken was flavourful and paired well with the earthy mushrooms, while the spice added plenty of heat without masking the chicken's flavour. If you enjoy spicy pastas, this one is definitely worth a try.

Of course, I couldn't leave without trying the Matcha Tiramisu Cake Latte—this was easily the most unique item on the menu. Imagine an entire slice of matcha tiramisu perched on top of a matcha latte!! It was kinda extra, but it was pretty.

Drinking it, however, is a messy affair. You'll have to dunk the whole tiramisu into the latte, which will almost certainly cause the drink to overflow a little. As the tiramisu soaks up the matcha, it turns wonderfully soft and mushy, almost transforming the drink into a matcha dessert soup. It definitely isn't the neatest thing to eat or drink, but oddly enough ... I really liked it.

I really enjoyed my brunch here! Between the lush greenery, tranquil riverside setting, and wildlife roaming around, it almost feels like you've escaped the city for a little while. Do note that there's a 90-minute dining limit, especially during busier periods. If you're hoping to linger over coffee, soak in the scenery, or simply enjoy the peaceful vibes a little longer, I'd recommend visiting during off-peak hours when it's less crowded—you might just get to stay beyond the allotted time like I did!

Thanks for reading, and see you next post~

Eden Cafe @ Chinese Garden
Address: 70B Yuan Ching Road, #01-04, Singapore 619629
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 9am to 9pm, Fri-Sun 9am to 10pm
Telephone: +65 9863 0516
Website

This blog post is a media invite review.

mercure-singapore-tyrwhitt-swimming-review

Hey, Faithfuls! You know I have a soft spot for staycations, especially when they're in neighbourhoods with plenty to explore. This time, I checked into Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt, a newly refurbished hotel tucked away along Tyrwhitt Road!

Book a room at Dorsett Changi City Singapore

The location was honestly one of the biggest selling points for me. It's just a short walk from Bendemeer MRT Station, and it's actually near my office, which made it convenient to head to work the next day. You're also close to tourist spots like Jalan Besar, Little India, and Bugis, so there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and hidden gems nearby if you're planning to spend the day exploring before heading back to the hotel.

mercure-singapore-tyrwhitt-classic-room-double-bed

I booked the Classic Room with 1 Double Bed, which comfortably accommodates up to three guests. I stayed alone, so you can guess that I got a lot of space!

Although the room isn't huge, the layout made good use of the space and never felt overly cramped.

One of my favourite features was the floor-to-ceiling windows, which overlooked the charming low-rise shophouses below. It gave the room plenty of natural light during the day and made it feel much more open than I expected.

As expected from Mercure, the essentials were all covered. There was complimentary coffee and tea, an electric kettle, mini refrigerator, high-speed Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a safe, hairdryer, slippers and a TV with cable channels.

The bathroom was modern and well-maintained, featuring both a fixed rain shower and a handheld showerhead, which I always appreciate because everyone has their own shower preference.

Toiletries were provided, alongside fresh towels and a hairdryer. While compact, the bathroom was practical and made good use of the available space.

mercure-singapore-tyrwhitt-swimming-pool

Image adapted from Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt

If you're planning to spend more time at the hotel, Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt also has a rooftop swimming pool and a fitness centre. The rooftop pool is a lovely spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing or shopping. It's not massive, but it's peaceful enough if you're just looking to cool off or relax for a while. There's also a gym if you'd like to squeeze in a quick workout during your stay.

One thing I really enjoyed was the neighbourhood itself! Tyrwhitt Road has slowly become one of my favourite areas in Singapore. It's filled with independent cafes, artisanal bakeries and local eateries, so you'll never run out of places to explore. There's Abundance, Romme., Prince Noodles and more!

Overall, I had an enjoyable stay at Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt. If you're looking for a hotel that's well-connected, comfortable and reasonably priced without compromising on modern amenities, this is definitely one to consider. There's also something about this neighbourhood that feels a little more laid-back than the usual tourist hotspots, and having a comfortable hotel to return to at the end of the day definitely made the experience even better!

Thanks for reading, and see you next post~

Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt
Address: 165 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207569
Telephone: +65 6340 1188
Website

Love this post? Feel free to share and comment below or check out my Oasia Hotel Downtown review. Follow my Instagram @faithjoanchua, Lemon8, TikTok, and YouTube for more content.

Hey, Faithfuls! I recently booked a staycation at Dorsett Changi City Singapore, and since I live in the East (Upper Changi, to be exact), it honestly felt like the most convenient choice. I didn’t want to travel all the way into town just to stay overnight and then drag myself home the next day.

Book a room at Dorsett Changi City Singapore

What I didn’t realise (and probably should have guessed) is that the hotel is actually directly linked to Changi City Point. I mean, the clues were all there in the name, but yeah. It was such a pleasant surprise because having a mall connected to your hotel just makes everything more convenient with food options, last-minute snacks, coffee runs, even some shopping if you’re bored.

BTW, the hotel is also situated next to Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre, making it a pretty convenient hotel for business travellers and event attendees. Expo MRT Station is about a 5-minute walk away and just one stop from Singapore Changi Airport. If you’ve got an early flight or late arrival, this is a very practical option.

Some people say this part of Singapore is ulu, but I honestly think it’s pretty self-sufficient. If you’re here for a short trip or quick shopping, you really don’t need to head all the way to town or tourist-heavy areas.

dorsett-changi-city-superior-room-twin-bed

My room was the Superior Room, which cost me S$209.09 per night. The room felt more like a fully furnished studio apartment, which made it quite comfortable.

Honestly, the room looks simple, but aesthetic in its own way. Furnishings are kept minimalist style-wise, with woody tones and dim lighting.

Unfortunately, the TV wasn’t working while we were there and there was a note to contact staff if we encountered issues, but we didn’t bother since we weren’t planning to watch anyway.

One small thing: our room faced the opposite building, so privacy was something we had to be mindful about. We made sure to close the curtains properly.

Amenities-wise, it was simple but functional. There were, tea and coffee-making facilities (tea bags provided, no coffee machine), an electric kettle, mini fridge, ironing board, and in-room safe.

The en suite bathroom was clean and well-maintained. There was no bathtub in our room, but we had a rain shower, which I actually prefer. And there’s a bidet!!!! Toiletries included ELEMIS shampoo and body lotion, plus a toothbrush and toothpaste set. Bedroom slippers were also provided.

Overall, the room felt cosy, clean and relatively soundproof. It’s not the kind of hotel that feels overwhelmingly crowded, which I really appreciated.

Image adapted from Dorsett Hotels

For those who care, the hotel actually has an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre, though I didn’t end up using them during this stay.

There’s also a 24-hour gym, steam and sauna facilities in the changing rooms, and a 24-hour self-service launderette available on levels 03 to 11. For those staying longer, laundry and dry-cleaning services are available too. My main gripe with this hotel is that they don't offer free parking.

Dorsett Changi City Singapore isn’t flashy or ultra-luxurious, but it’s cosy, practical and in a genuinely convenient location, especially if you want to be near the airport or prefer staying in the East. If you’re planning a short stay, business trip, airport layover, or simply don’t feel like heading into the city centre, this is a solid option. For East-siders like me, it’s honestly a fuss-free staycation choice that just makes sense!

Thanks for reading, and see you next post

Dorset Changi City Singapore
Address: 3 Changi Business Park Central 1, Changi City Point, Singapore 486037
Telephone: +65 6933 9833

Website

Love this post? Feel free to share and comment below or check out my Oasia Hotel Downtown review. Follow my Instagram @faithjoanchua, Lemon8, TikTok, and YouTube for more content.

Hey, Faithfuls! I first visited Under Der Linden about five years ago, and I still remember how peaceful it felt tucked away in Wessex Estate. So when the opportunity came to revisit it, I didn't hesitate. The cafe is really gorgeous, and it looks like one of those garden cafes where people get married.

Whether you're seated indoors or outdoors, the pace here immediately slows down. The indoor dining area is warm and cosy, with earthy tones, wooden furnishings, and plenty of plants.

Outside, diners are treated to tranquil views of the surrounding lawns and heritage buildings, making it an ideal spot for slow brunches, long conversations, or simply escaping the city's hustle for a few hours.

The cafe is pet-friendly too, which is a plus if you're a fur parent.

We started our meal with the Crispy Calamari Fritters (S$16), and they were honestly SO addictive. I'm a little allergic to seafood, but I ate this UP. Each piece was fried to perfection with an incredibly crispy exterior that gave such a satisfying crunch with every bite, while the calamari inside remained tender and juicy. It also came with an umami-packed dipping sauce.

For mains, we shared the Wagyu Beef Burger (S$29), featuring a 200g Wagyu beef patty, miso aioli, onion compote, bacon jam and cheddar cheese. It was a hearty burger with plenty of bold flavours. The bacon jam added sweetness, while the miso aioli brought a savoury depth that complemented the juicy beef patty nicely.

Between the two mains, my favourite had to be the Butter Broth Spaghetti (S$26). Served with Red Argentine prawns, baby loligo and cherry tomatoes, the dish looked deceptively simple but was packed with flavour. The butter broth coated every strand of pasta without feeling overly rich, allowing the seafood's sweetness to shine through. The prawns were plump and naturally sweet, while the cherry tomatoes added little bursts of acidity that balanced the dish beautifully.

Dessert came in the form of their Homemade Pistachio Tiramisu (S$18). Made with espresso, Marsala wine, and finished with pistachio crumble, it struck a lovely balance among creamy, nutty, and lightly bitter coffee notes. The pistachio wasn't overpowering, but added a fragrant richness that made this a refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert.

To end the meal, we ordered an Iced White (S$7.90) and a Matcha Latte (S$7.90).

Both were well-made—the iced white was smooth and balanced, while the matcha latte had a pleasant earthy flavour without being overly bitter.

If you're after something a little more unique, Under Der Linden also offers a selection of signature drinks from S$14, including the Grape Elixir With Yakult, Floral Dusk, and Peach Please, which sound perfect if you're not in the mood for coffee.

Returning to Under Der Linden after five years reminded me why I enjoyed it in the first place. The food is consistently good, the surroundings are peaceful, and there's something incredibly relaxing about dining there. Would I make the journey back again? Absolutely. Especially for that Butter Broth Spaghetti and maybe another order of those dangerously addictive calamari fritters!

Thanks for reading, and see you next post!

Under Der Linden @ Portsdown Road
Address: 5B Portsdown Road, #01-02, Singapore 139311
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am to 9pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 9pm
Telephone: +65 9838 2977

Website

This blog post is a media invite review.

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