Faithfullyours

Hey, Faithfuls! If you’re looking for a fun, slightly quirky activity to do with friends (or visiting tourists), Scentopia at Sentosa Island is a pretty cool experience! I was invited to give their perfume workshop a try, and I was very excited to try it out because it's something I've never done before.

The perfume-making workshop costs S$95 per person, and honestly, it’s quite an immersive and hands-on experience. If you're taking the Sentosa Express, you'll have to alight at Beach Station and walk about 15 minutes to get here.

The moment I stepped inside the Scentopia studio, you’re greeted by whimsical, Alice-in-Wonderland–style interiors, filled with colour and, of course, all sorts of scents floating in the air.

The session starts with a short personality test. Based on your results, they recommend how you should distribute your perfume “formula” across five scent categories: Citrus with sweeter, brighter notes; Fresh with more uplifting, clean scents; Floral with soft or romantic profiles; Woody, which is musky and warm; and Oriental with spicier, richer notes.

For me, my floral profile came out the strongest, so I was guided to pick mostly floral scents, plus two citrus scents, and one each from the other categories to balance things out. It’s actually pretty fun seeing how your personality translates into a scent profile.

There are around 120 different scents to choose from (60 that's more male-centric and 60 towards women), but there’s no strict rule about this as you’re free to mix and match across both categories. Each scent has an information panel explaining its key ingredients and general scent profile, which really helps if you’re not familiar with fragrance notes.

You’re given little wand sticks to sniff the scents, and there are also coffee bean containers around to “reset” your nose when everything starts to smell the same (which definitely happens after a while).

Once you’ve chosen all your individual scent components, the staff will pump out a small sample of your combined blend for you to smell. If you don’t love it, you’re allowed to tweak your formula and try another combination once more, which I appreciated cos you know, perfume is so personal, and it’s nice not to feel pressured to commit immediately.

After you confirm your final blend, the staff will mix the actual perfume for you on the spot. You get to bring it home in a pretty bottle, which honestly makes the whole experience feel a bit more special and “worth it”.

BTW, I also left a Google review and got a free orchid-scented perfume (there’s a “male” and “female” version, but again, no one really enforces this). I ended up loving the scent so much that I’ve been wearing it almost every day since.

Overall, Scentopia is a fun, interactive experience that’s great for first-time visitors to Singapore, couples, or friend groups looking for something different from the usual cafe-hopping or shopping. It’s not something I’d do all the time, but as a one-off activity, it’s genuinely enjoyable and makes for a memorable souvenir you can actually use.

Thanks for reading, and see you next post!

Scentopia
Address: 36 Siloso Beach Walk, #01-04, Sentosa, Singapore 099007
Opening hours: 11am to 7pm
Telephone: +65 8031 7081
Website

This blog post is a media invite review.

Hey, Faithfuls! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll know that I love booking daycations. It’s my favourite way for my partner and me to disconnect, experience new hotels together, and just have a change of scenery without committing to a full stay. This time, we decided to try ST Signature Bugis Beach, where you can book either a short stay or a full-day slot.

I booked a 7pm to 7am stay, which cost about S$110—pretty affordable considering the location.

This wasn’t my first time staying at ST Signature either. I’ve previously stayed at their Rochor and Tanjong Pagar outlets, both of which I had decent experiences with. This Bugis Beach branch, however, was a first.

Let’s start with check-in. ST Signature operates on a manless, app-based system, which is honestly my main gripe. Like most AI-driven tech, it can be buggy and frustrating. You’re required to download their app, scan your physical IC, and complete a face scan before you can access your room. Early check-ins aren’t possible either, because your room only unlocks via the app once your booked time starts.

Thankfully, there was a staff member at the counter when I arrived, and she helped guide me through the tedious process. Without her, I think I would’ve lost my patience pretty quickly.

We booked Cabin M for two people, with no window. Surprisingly, the lack of a window didn’t bother me at all. The cabin was cosy, well air-conditioned, and came with a TV loaded with programmes. Funny enough, previous guests hadn’t signed out of their Netflix accounts, so yes, I may have used them.

The air-conditioning was cold, the bed was comfortable, and I genuinely had a good rest. It actually felt quite snug and relaxing. But unfortunately, the bathroom was a huge letdown.

ST-signature-bugis-beach-M-cabin-no-window

It felt like the room itself had been revamped, but the bathroom was completely neglected. There was visible mould, an unpleasant smell, and overall, it just felt unhygienic. I avoided using it as much as possible. The sink is located outside the toilet, which isn’t unusual for ST Signature, but it didn’t help with the overall experience.

ST Signature Bugis Beach also doesn’t provide toothbrushes or toothpaste in the room by default. You’ll find shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, but basic dental kits are only available upon request from staff. Some guests have mentioned that staff can be less than enthusiastic about this, and if there’s no one manning the lobby, well ... good luck. Other things to note: they don’t provide bottled water or slippers either, so come prepared.

On the plus side, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout your stay, and the location really is excellent. The hotel is less than a 10-minute walk from Bugis, City Hall, and Esplanade MRT stations, and close to attractions like Marina Bay Sands, Kampong Glam, Bugis Village, and the National Library. Office buildings and malls such as DUO Tower, Bugis Junction, Suntec City, and Millenia Tower are also within walking distance.

As a co-living hotel, ST Signature Bugis Beach features a communal kitchen, Cook Lab, which offers daily free premium 100% Arabica coffee. There’s also a communal hall area, plus access to a microwave and fridge. If you’re feeling social, there are pockets of space where guests can mingle.

Overall, this stay was very much a case of you get what you pay for. The price and location are good, but the bathroom situation was a dealbreaker for me. My previous experiences at their Rochor and Tanjong Pagar outlets were much cleaner, so this was disappointing. The photos on their website look great, but I can’t help wondering if I got the short end of the stick because it was a short stay.

Would I give this branch a second chance? Probably not. Once bitten, twice shy.

Thanks for reading, and see you next post!

ST Signature Bugis Beach
Address: 85 Beach Road, Singapore 189694
Telephone: +65 6291 7050

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 came across Inner Teahouse on TikTok, and as with many good food and cafe finds, curiosity got the better of us. We went down on a weekend and were pleasantly surprised to find the place calm, quiet and almost meditative, kind of a nice change from the usual crowded cafe scene.

Inner Teahouse is founded by Jane, a tea enthusiast originally from Xiamen. Growing up surrounded by Fujian’s rich tea culture, she wanted to recreate that intimate, traditional tea experience here in Singapore. The teas are sourced directly from farmers in Fujian’s well-known tea-producing regions, which makes the experience feel more authentic and intentional, rather than just another “aesthetic” tea spot.

The teahouse is located on the upper floor of a shophouse, and stepping inside honestly felt like walking into someone’s home in China. The space is gorgeous in a quiet, understated way, with warm lighting, wooden furnishings, and big windows looking out towards the hawker centre opposite. We ended up taking quite a few photos because the whole place has this peaceful, lived-in charm that’s really hard to replicate, and I seriously appreciate that it doesn't feel so tryhard.

The only downside is that the tea here starts from S$30, which is FINE in my humble opinion. It's quality tea after all, and you're also paying for the experience. If you don't want to get a whole tea set and prefer to share it with someone else, you can just pay an additional S$15 per person.

You’ll first be invited to smell the tea leaves before committing to your choice. Once you’re happy, Jane will brew the tea for you personally, and you can enjoy unlimited refills at your own pace. You also get to choose the type of teaware your tea is brewed in, which adds a nice tactile and visual element to the experience.

I went with their Da Hong Bao, a classic oolong tea known for its rich, roasted character. The fragrance was deep and layered with warm, toasty notes that had a subtle mineral and woody undertone. The tea itself was smooth and full-bodied without being bitter, with a lingering roasted aroma that stayed in the mouth long after each sip. I LOVED IT.

It also came paired with walnut banana bread and some light crackers, which complemented the tea nicely without overpowering its natural flavours.

Beyond just drinking tea, Inner Teahouse also functions as a cultural space. They host artist showcases featuring crafts, arts and homeware from China, Japan and beyond, with items ranging from around $68 to over $200. It’s quite nice that you can learn about the artists and their work through a card while you’re there.

If you’re looking for a more in-depth experience, Inner Teahouse also offers a curated Tea Experience (S$108), which is open by appointment only and updated monthly based on available slots. Each session features a curated set of three teas—one white tea, one oolong tea, and one black tea.

Inner Teahouse isn’t the kind of place you rush through, which is why I spent about two hours here. I find Chinatown to be very hectic most of the time, so this was a nice space to just relax and enjoy peace of mind. If you’re into tea, calm spaces, or just want a peaceful spot to recharge, this is defo one of those hidden gems that feels like a little escape within the city.

Thanks for reading, and see you next post!

Inner Teahouse @ Chinatown
Address: Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089170
Opening hours: Mon, Wed-Thurs 12pm to 7pm, Fri 12pm to 5pm, Sat-Sun 12pm to 7pm
Website

Love this post? Feel free to share and comment below or check out my Rise Bakehouse Heritage review. It's another aesthetic cafe in Chinatown known for their cakes. Follow my Instagram @faithjoanchua, Lemon8, TikTok, and YouTube for more content.

Hey Faithfuls! I’ve been eyeing this rooftop bakery and restaurant at KADA for the longest time, and I’m so glad I finally made it there. It’s called Alani, and fun fact: I actually stumbled upon it before it even opened. I remember seeing the space, getting curious, and then waiting (very patiently) for its opening. Fast forward a few years, and I finally got around to visiting it properly!

I went alone on a weekend, and unsurprisingly, it was pretty packed. I managed to snag a seat along the walkway near the wall, which I honestly didn’t mind at all. Most of the seating here is communal-style, and if you know me, you’ll know I’m really not a fan of sharing tables—especially when you end up seated opposite couples engaging in extreme PDA while you’re just trying to enjoy your bread in peace.

If you’re lucky, you’ll get one of those standalone tables facing the view. They’re lovely, but fair warning: it can get really hot up there.

The menu is accessed via QR code, and I went in fully expecting rooftop, boutique-bakery prices. To my surprise, most of the items were under S$20. I thought, okay, the portions will be on the smaller side, but NOPE SIR. The dishes here are surprisingly generous and very hearty.

For mains, I ordered the Fermented Pumpkin Pesto & Wagyu Beef Sourdough (S$18), which is one of the pricier items on the menu, but still very reasonable in my opinion. The sourdough was chewy with a slight char, layered with a rich pumpkin pesto, melted cheese, and bits of wagyu beef. What really tied everything together was their homemade spiced chilli oil, which added a nice kick. Also worth mentioning: their sourdough is made with a 14-year-old, hand-carried Greek starter, which makes the bread even more special.

I also tried the Spanakopita with Phyllo Pastry, Spinach, Leeks, Feta Cheese & Fresh Herbs (S$11). The phyllo pastry was beautifully flaky, and the filling was generously packed with spinach, leeks, feta, and fresh herbs. It came with a tangy sauce on the side that cut through the richness nicely. Strangely enough, it reminded me a little of a Chinese pancake in texture, but with very European flavours. Unexpected, but in a good way.

For desserts, Alani has a rotating selection of bakes displayed at the counter, so you can just pick whatever catches your eye. There were options like banana cake and carrot cake, and I went with the carrot cake. It was huge — easily shareable between two to three people. The cake was moist and warmly spiced, with shredded carrots adding texture and natural sweetness. The crumb was soft and studded with crunchy nuts throughout. Honestly, very comforting and dangerously easy to finish.

For drinks, you can order their homemade lemonade or get a cup of coffee. They actually serve coffee made with beans from Morph Coffee Roasters, who work with One Fifteenth Coffee from Jakarta.

I’ve been back a few more times since, including visits with my boyfriend, and he fully agrees that Alani is really good. If you’re planning a visit, I’d recommend coming on a weekday when it’s less crowded, choosing a more private table if possible, and going when it’s windy — it honestly makes a huge difference. Get those things right, and you’ll have a really lovely experience.

If you’ve been eyeing Alani like I was, this is your sign to finally go. Thanks for reading, and see you next post!

Alani @ KADA
Address: 5 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069183
Opening hours: Thurs-Fri 11am to 3pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am to 2:30pm
Telephone: +65 8380 8139

Website

Love this post? Feel free to share and comment below or check out these other cafes in KADA. They have other coffee spots too, such as Echo House and Kyuukei Coffee. Follow my Instagram @faithjoanchua, Lemon8, TikTok, and YouTube for more content.

Hey Faithfuls! I’ve been wanting to try Shio & Sato for the longest time, but every time I've passed by, the queues have been INSANE. So when they reached out and invited me to try their shio pan, I was genuinely excited, and honestly very grateful that I didn’t have to brave the line.

For those unfamiliar, Shio & Sato specialises in shio pan, AKA Japanese salt bread that’s known for its crisp exterior, chewy centre, and buttery core. I got to try their Mini Omiyage Box (Box of 10), which is pre-order only and priced at S$34.90. It’s a great way to sample multiple flavours at once, especially if you’re indecisive (like me).

The box comes with their Sea Salt (S$3.60) flavour, their OG. The outside was lightly crisp, while the inside stayed chewy and soft. As you bite into it, you get that subtle savouriness from the salt, followed by a buttery centre that melts into the bread.

Their Truffle (S$4.80) was one of my faves! It came filled with a truffle centre that wasn’t overpowering. The umami was gentle, balancing nicely with the bread's buttery notes. A good choice if you enjoy truffle but don’t want it screaming at you.

The Matcha Hokkaido Milk (S$5.80) was chock-full of sweet, luscious matcha cream. It honestly reminded me of a matcha cream puff, just wrapped in shio pan instead. I'm a matcha lover and I was obsessed with this, though the cream could get a bit heavy on the palate.

One of the more interesting flavours was the Taro White Rabbit (S$6.50). The filling was a sweet, milky taro paste that genuinely reminded me of White Rabbit candy. The bread itself stayed soft and buttery, with that signature crisp, butter-laden base. Nostalgic and surprisingly comforting.

Then there's the Green Chilli (S$5.50), which was filled with smooth cream cheese and topped with finely chopped green onions. The cheese was slightly tangy, and the green onion added a refreshing bite, keeping things from feeling too heavy.

For something more familiar, the Garlic Herb Cheese (S$5.50) tasted like a herbaceous cheese bread! It was comforting, straightforward, and easy to enjoy. The garlic flavour did hit a bit too much, though, making this jelak after some time, but it was still delicious.

Shio & Sato's Tamago (S$5.50) reminded me of egg mayo spiked with pepper, tucked inside a sesame-crusted shio pan. Savoury, creamy, and very satisfying, especially if you enjoy Japanese-style egg fillings.

Lastly, the Hokkaido Milk (S$5.80) showcased the richness of Japanese milk, which is noticeably creamier than regular dairy milk. It had a faint vanilla fragrance and was more subtle compared to the other dessert flavours.

If you like seaweed, I recommend their Kombu (S$4.80), made with seaweed harvested off the coasts of Hokkaido. It was umami, and I enjoyed the seaweed flavour.

I also managed to try Panettone (S$6.90), which was their festive shio pan made with enriched dough folded with raisins, lemon peel, and cranberries.

One thing that really stood out to me was how consistent the bread texture was across all flavours. Crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, with that buttery core that makes shio pan so addictive. The variety of flavours is impressive too, and there’s really something for everyone, whether you’re team sweet or savoury!

Shio & Sato will be around until January 2026, and I’m honestly a little sad that their Orchard store will be closing. That said, you can still pre-order, so if you’ve been putting it off like I did, this is your sign. Thanks for reading, and see you next post.

This blog post is a media drop review.

Hey Faithfuls! I recently booked a short staycation towards the end of the year. I was on extended year-end leave (very grateful), while my boyfriend was still very much living that corporate life. So we thought, why not book a hotel in the CBD? That way, he could still work, enjoy free parking, and do a little WFH in a nicer setting.

Book a room at Oasia Hotel Downtown

That’s how we ended up at Oasia Hotel Downtown, a hotel we’ve walked past countless times but never actually stayed in.

If you’ve seen it in person, you’ll know exactly what I mean when I say it’s stunning. Just a three-minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, the hotel stands out dramatically against the usual concrete, steel, and glass of the CBD. Its signature feature is the lush green facade complemented by sky gardens and sleek architectural lines. It really does feel like a tropical skyscraper planted right in the middle of the business district.

Check-in was done on the Club Floor, and I was immediately obsessed with the vibe the moment we stepped out of the lift. The space was breezy, calm, and serene, with lots of openness and thoughtfully chosen furnishings that made it feel welcoming rather than stuffy. There’s also an area called the Skyline Pavilion, where you can just sit back and soak in the city views.

The lobby has a small bar where you can get fruits and water, and I shamelessly took a lot of green apples.

If you're feeling peckish in the middle of the night, you can head to the lobby to get snacks from their vending machine, too.

We booked the Deluxe Room with King Bed, which cost around S$380 for a weekend, one-night stay, including breakfast for two. All Deluxe Rooms come with a premium king-sized bed with (obstructed) city views, and the room itself was exactly what you’d want for a comfortable, fuss-free stay. At the far end of the room, there’s a single chair. My butt did not touch this at all, but I did leave my bags on it.

The room was equipped with all the usual contemporary amenities—cable TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, an iron and ironing board, an in-room safe, a hair dryer, and a 48-inch LED TV.

There was also TWG tea along with Nespresso capsules and a Nespresso machine, which always feels like a nice little upgrade.

In the wardrobe, you’ll find bathrobes and slippers as expected, as well as an ironing board.

There's also a work desk along the wall separating the room from the bathroom. It’s surprisingly spacious and functional, and the chair provided decent back support for short working periods. Power outlets were easy to locate, and the Wi-Fi connected quickly without issues—very important for WFH days.

Speaking of power outlets, there were plenty in this room, which I appreciate. There's also a small desk beside the bed with a notepad, phone, and TV remote.

Right in front of the bed was the TV offering a selection of cable channels, including Fox Movies, Fox Sports, and Mio Stadium. Note that casting only works on Android devices!

Image adapted from Oasia Hotel Review

The bathroom came with both a handheld and a rain shower, and honestly, I spent way too long enjoying the water pressure. Zero complaints there.

Pool-wise, Club guests have access to a pool on Level 21 with an obstructed view, while all guests can use the two rooftop pools on Level 27, located at opposite ends of the building. This hotel is all about paying for a view, and that's the only gripe I have.

There’s also a small gym on Level 12, open 24/7.

oasia-hotel-downtown-the-marmalade-pantry

Breakfast was served at The Marmalade Pantry on Level 1. The spread was simple, featuring a small selection of local and Western dishes, cereals, fruits, salads, a cheese platter, plus coffee and tea.

While the a la carte options weren’t extensive, you could order as much as you wanted, and everything we tried was well-prepared.

Evening cocktails for Club guests were served from 6pm to 8pm, with no prior reservation required. You could choose to sit indoors or outside in the breeze. Parking at the hotel is chargeable, but guests who book directly through the hotel’s website receive a complimentary one-time exit parking coupon per room night.

Overall, Oasia Hotel Downtown was a really pleasant stay, especially if you’re looking for a CBD hotel that doesn’t feel cold or corporate. Between the greenery, thoughtful amenities, and Club Floor experience, it felt like a proper urban retreat. Would I come back? Probably, but I'll have to pay for an unobstructed view for sure.

Thanks for reading, and see you next post.

Oasia Hotel Downtown
Address: 100 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079333
Telephone: +65 6812 6900

Website

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

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