Five urban escapes at Orchard to ease your restlessness

Whether you’re looking to spend your downtime relaxing or on an adventure, Orchard has got some surprising gems.

Although Phase 3 of reopening was announced to be in the works, traveling for leisure overseas still remains an uncertainty.

If you’re looking for an urban escape that makes you forget about your travel woes, here are five exciting spots to hit for a fun day out in the city.

While John Mayer probably wasn’t referring to a full-body massage at a spa retreat in the city when he sang ‘Your Body is a Wonderland’, you definitely deserve one.

Natureland Spa at Orchard Point has everything from body therapy ($64.20 for one hour) to guasha, an ancient Chinese healing technique ($26.75).

And if you’re looking for some privacy, they also do home massage services too.

If your idea of an escape is a fun workout, then this trampoline park might just be for you. At BOUNCE (Cineleisure Orchard), you can be just like Zach LeVine and Blake Griffin and play some ball at their Slam Dunk area.

Or if your idea of a challenge is Ninja Warrior, their adventure challenge course X-Park is a great place to test your skills.

Bring three of your friends along and save some cash with their Awesome 4Some bundle at $75 for one hour.

If salons and spas aren’t your thing, try virtual reality at SANDBOX VR. The VR gaming centre offers an hour and 15 minutes of immersive action-packed adventure at Orchard Central.

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a gladiator? Their game UFL virtually equips players with weapons like tridents and claws. Choose from five games to battle with or against your friends for an other-worldly experience.

Want to paint your pain away? Take some time off work or school and enjoy an afternoon of painting at boutique tea house Arteastiq.

They have branches for you to create your very own artwork at three prime locations: Mandarin Gallery, Plaza Singapura, and Jewel Changi Airport.

At their Art Jam ($48 per session), you can create a work of art in the comfort of their uber-modern studios. Not only that, but their extensive selection of gourmet teas will be sure to ease you into your creative process.

Feeling hangry and having a bad hair day from work? Indulge in a relaxing time at Korean salon-cafe Walking on Sunshine.

Located at Orchard Central, the garden-themed space is perfect for a full makeover: they do hair, nails, and care treatments all in one place.

Best of all, its cozy sister cafe next door can satisfy your Korean-fusion fix.

If you’re into pasta, try my personal favourite, the Bulgogi Beef Cream Fettuccine ($19.50).

While we might get a bit restless without our yearly ritual of vacations and jet-setting, there are really some cool things we can do right here in the city. Remember to social distance while out and about, and stay safe!