| Date Published: 29 December 2011 By Monica Pitrelli |
Tweet |
If you want to make Cupid’s Day special this year but are short on time and creativity, we’ve got you covered. We found a place that will plan the details for a weekend of romance, indulgences and sweet surprises. You’ll barely lift a finger but take home all the credit. Book a room at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore “Couples Floor” and let the pampering begin.
My Part
I email and book a room. That’s it. No creative planning, no stashed bottle of champagne in my luggage, no surreptitious calls to the hotel for romantic in-room setups. Absolutely zero forethought. Sometimes it’s the thought that counts… but sometimes it isn’t.
Their Part
A few days before: I receive a call from David, our “Experiential Assistant”. Our what? David explains that he is calling to welcome us and to inquire as to our preferences for pillows (“one neck pillow, one body pillow”), in-room DVDs (“hmmm, Dirty Dancing?), board games (“Do you have Jenga?”) and desired room temperature (“22 degrees”). Check-in is at 3pm, but would we like to schedule an early spa treatment to start our stay early, arrange for Bath Butler service (more on that later) and make arrangements for breakfast in bed? Yes, please.
Saturday, 12pm: Upon arrival, David greets us at the front desk. He shows us to the spa where we enjoy a decadent couple’s massage. Still in our robes, we sit down for a spa bento lunch – a healthy arrangement of seared tuna, San Marzano cherry tomatoes and organic basil salad, fruit skewers, veggie sticks and an assortment of dips.
3pm: David shows us to the 11th-storey Couples Floor, where complimentary fruit, canapés and sweets are served throughout the day. There are no screaming kids and no impatient business types – just like-minded people looking to decompress for a romantic weekend alone. Our Premier room is spacious, with beautiful carpets, recessed ceilings and a view of Orchard Road. Our requested pillows are on the bed, Dirty Dancing is in the DVD player, Jenga is on the desk, and the room is a perfect 22 degrees. Complimentary candies, cookies and chocolate covered strawberries await, as do a collection of love poems on the bedside table, 101 romantic ideas hidden inside the “Love Box”, and CDs of famous love songs by artists from Marvin Gaye to The Cure. There are even iPhone and Blackberry penalty cards you can use if your significant other attempts to do any work.
3.30pm: We order a pot of tea and nestle into bed with our books to relax.
5pm: The Bath Butler arrives. We continue reading as he prepares a rose water L’Occitane-infused bath accompanied by candlelight and chocolate-covered strawberries. We are missing the complimentary wine and canapé evening service available to Couples Floor guests from 5pm to 7pm. But neither of us seems to mind.
8pm: We head downstairs for dinner at One-Ninety, the Four Season’s bistro grill. The set menu starts with a kir royale and tender duck confit with kumquat compote and toasted sourdough. We comment on the excellence of the duck, and to our surprise, the waiter brings us a second portion. Grilled sea bass, Black Angus New York strip loin and a bottle of Côtes du Rhône preface vanilla panna cotta and peach melba with almond crumble. The service is outstanding, and perfectly portioned to leave room for a nightcap.
10pm: We venture to the rooftop pool area on the 20th floor, and order martinis after stretching out on a pair of lounge chairs to stargaze. A masseuse approaches us and asks if we would be interested in a neck and scalp massage. Yes, please.
11pm: Though only a few kilometres from home, we feel worlds away. We retire to our room for a peaceful night’s sleep. A wake-up call is unnecessary.
Sunday, 9am: We slowly begin the day. Though we don’t have kids, we do have busy schedules, so rising anytime after 8am is a rare treat.
10am: A knock on the door signals breakfast has arrived. Our “Lazy Lovers” meal – homemade Bircher muesli, berries and cream, scrambled eggs, croissants and mimosas for two – is served in bed. The bedding is so plush that the bowls and plates stay put. The Lazy Lovers breakfast is part of the “Indulgences Till Noon” menu, a special selection of ideas and meals only available to Couples Floor guests. The menu has something for everyone – order a Bloody Mary cocktail bar to your room or have a picnic basket pre-packed for a leisurely morning in the Botanic Gardens.
11.50pm: After lounging the morning away in our bedclothes, we take five minutes to pack up our belongings. As promised, housekeeping never interrupts our morning; they don’t come by Couples Floor rooms until after noon.
12pm: Time to check out. David is downstairs to see us off. As we step into a taxi, he says, “We hope to see you again.” Yes, please!
Book a room on the Couples Floor for an extra $50 per night. One-hour massages start at $145 per person. The Bittersweet Bath Butler service is $60, and the Lazy Lovers breakfast in bed is $90 for two. To book, call 6831 7305 or visit www.fourseasons.com/singapore.

-
- EVENTS CALENDAR
- Upcoming events, parties, promotions and sales

-
- READ THE MAGAZINE NOW
- Read the current issue, back issues and Guides

-
- NOTICEBOARD
- Baby announcements, items for sale and community news

-
- JOB LISTINGS
- Local jobs now hiring

-
- DIRECTORY
- A comprehensive guide to Singapore companies, services and facilities

-
- COMPETITIONS
- Click here for your chance to win great prizes

-
- WINE CLUB
- Great Bargains and Home Delivery

-
- TRAVEL
- Book Your Holiday Now!

-
- VILLA
- Book Your Perfect Villa Here!

