From multi-generational holidays to festive activities, a CNY staycation is a fresh way to celebrate ‘reunion’ in Singapore. Try suggesting a reunion retreat this year!
Chinese New Year reunions have always been the emotional heartbeat of the season, a time for togetherness that traditionally centres around a meal. However, through the passage of time, squeezing relatives into a two-hour restaurant slot can feel more transactional than transformational.
This festive season, consider stretching the celebration beyond a single, fleeting meal. A reunion retreat reframes Chinese New Year as a shared experience, one that allows your family to reconnect at your own pace, across generations.
For those wondering where to go during CNY holiday in Singapore, D’Resort might just be the answer.
Key Takeaways
- Extend the traditional reunion meal into a CNY staycation to allow for calm, unhurried bonding across generations.
- Retreats create space for meaningful family time. D’Resort offers a relaxed alternative for families celebrating CNY in Singapore.
- Leverage a mix of Beach Cove duplexes and Rainforest rooms at D’Resort to comfortably house families while maintaining privacy.
- Trade the ballroom for a private BBQ pit, putting a modern twist on the tradition of preparing a festive meal together.
- Enjoy direct access to Downtown East and Wild Wild Wet for lion dances, mala-themed water park thrills, and shopping rewards.
- Start CNY with a nature-filled stroll through Pasir Ris mangrove, welcoming new energy in a tranquil setting.
Why a Reunion Retreat Works Better Than a Reunion Meal
Reunion meals are meaningful, but they pass quickly. A CNY retreat allows celebrations to stretch naturally across days.
Why a CNY staycation works better:
- More time for bonding across generations
- No rushing between houses or reservations
- Space for conversations beyond the dining table
- A shared environment that feels relaxed
When you consider how long (or some might say, short) the CNY holiday in Singapore is, a retreat helps families make the most of it without overpacking each day.
Space That Brings Everyone Together, Comfortably
Finding space to accommodate everyone tends to be a challenge big families face. At D’Resort, you can book multiple rooms, allowing togetherness without sacrificing comfort. This approach supports multi-generational celebrations for an easy CNY stay that feels more like a vacation than an obligation.
- Coastal comfort: The Beach Cove rooms’ bright and breezy atmosphere is perfect for spending quality time.
- Forest sanctuaries: The Mangrove Walk rooms provide a serene view of the greenery and age-friendly features, ideal for seniors who appreciate a quieter environment.
- Themed wonder: The Rainforest Family suites turn a simple stay into a visual adventure. While the kids explore the in-room treasure box, the adults can catch up in the lounge.
- Feast under the stars: Host your reunion at a dedicated BBQ pit, a modern take on traditional reunion dinners with a relaxed flow of food and conversation.
Where Is the Best Place to Go or Things to Do for CNY?
Once you have committed to a CNY staycation, the next question usually follows, “How many days of Chinese New Year will we be there?” The answer matters less when every day offers something different, from festive activities to quiet moments of rest. Here is how to make the most of it.
1. A new year calls for fresh beginnings
Wearing new clothes symbolises renewal, but today, the idea extends to personal well-being.
(Best done before CNY to step into the new year looking your absolute best and especially since some stores may close for the festivities.)
2. Do more with little travel
One of the many advantages of a reunion retreat at D’Resort is the convenience of various dining, lifestyle and entertainment options nearby.
Best of all, enjoy free parking at Downtown East on 17 and 18 Feb (Day 1 and 2 of CNY).
3. Welcoming the New Year in nature
Typically, the first day of Chinese New Year involves “stepping out” to receive auspicious energy. D’Resort’s surroundings make this ritual feel especially grounding.
- Pasir Ris Beach walks: A sunrise stroll presents a calm, reflective way to begin the year, offering a “fresh start” for your family.
- Mangrove boardwalk: Explore the nearby mangrove forest, with flat, accessible paths that allow grandparents, parents, and children to walk together.
The Ultimate 3D2N Reunion Retreat Itinerary
Day 1: The Eve of Prosperity (Check-in & reunion BBQ)
Late morning / early afternoon
- Most families take a half-day off on CNY eve, making it the perfect time to head to Downtown East. Delight in a quiet lunch there before checking in.
- Upon check-in, let different family members ease in their own way e.g. seniors rest, children explore the surroundings, adults catch up over coffee.
Mid-afternoon
- Take a walk around Pasir Ris Park or the mangrove boardwalks nearby.
- This is a good window for light conversations and getting into the reunion mode without committing to a full activity.
Late afternoon
- Freshen up, change into comfortable clothes, and rest in rooms.
- Optional shopping or quick retail run at Downtown East for BBQ supplies.
Evening: Reunion BBQ dinner
- Host a relaxed BBQ dinner at a dedicated pit.
- Cooking together becomes part of the celebration. Make it unhurried, communal, and remember to customise for different age groups.
- End the night early, allowing everyone to rest and recharge.
Day 2: Day of Red & Mala (Water Park & Rewards)
Morning
- Indulge in a slow breakfast. Downtown East has plenty of breakfast choices that will help you and your family start the day right.
- No alarms, no rushing — let the day start naturally.
Late morning to early afternoon: Water park fun
- Head to Wild Wild Wet for a half-day splash session and dive into mala-inspired excitement. The first 50 guests get limited-edition Flumi stickers!
- Younger family members can enjoy the rides, while others relax along Shiok River or in shaded areas.
- Keep this portion flexible, where some may stay longer, and others can return earlier for rest.
Mid-afternoon: Recovery time
- Return to D’Resort for naps, showers, and quiet time.
- This rest window is key for multi-generational groups.
Early evening: Festive dining out
- Head to Downtown East for dinner at family-friendly options.
- Alternatively, keep things casual with shared plates and light bites.
- With your receipts, get a scratch card* for a chance to win a Mercedes-Benz drive experience, NTUC Club vouchers, and more.
Night: Optional light entertainment
- Wind down with karaoke or a play session. The newly opened INMERS Café at Downtown East features Floor is Lava, where players dodge ‘lava’ tiles, clear safe zones and race through levels using agility and teamwork.
- Participation is optional. The goal is togetherness, not a packed schedule.
Day 3: Nature & New Beginnings (Mangroves & Movie)
Early morning (optional)
- For early risers, take a sunrise stroll along Pasir Ris Beach.
- A calm, reflective way to welcome the day and the year ahead.
Morning
- Pack up at an easy pace.
- Enjoy one last family breakfast before check-out.
Late morning
- Quick souvenir shopping or festive browsing at Downtown East.
- Say goodbyes without rushing.
Usher in Calm and Connection
Chinese New Year is not measured by how elaborate a single meal is, but by the moments shared over time. Whether you are taking a half-day leave on CNY eve for an early check-in, or staying through the entire week, a CNY staycation gives every generation the space to celebrate and enjoy the festivities at their own pace.
FAQs
1.Where to go during CNY holiday in Singapore?
For families seeking a balance between excitement and relaxation, resort-style stays like D’Resort offer a refreshing alternative to the usual packed schedules. Maximise your CNY holiday in Singapore by choosing a location that offers flexible room options, allowing everyone from toddlers to grandparents to find their own rhythm between rest and tradition. Currently, D’Resort’s Busload of Fun Staycation deal comes with 1 hour of free Tayo Station playtime for 1 adult and 1 child (available till 31 Mar 2026).
2. How long is the CNY holiday in Singapore?
CNY typically spans two public holidays. For 2026, the first and second day of CNY falls on 17 and 18 Feb, respectively. However, many choose to extend their celebration into a week-long retreat to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere and resort amenities.
3. Where are the best locations for a Chinese New Year reunion retreat in Singapore?
The best locations are those that function as a self-contained festive hub. When deciding where to go during your CNY holiday, look for a resort that offers a blend of nature and entertainment. D’Resort is a perennial favourite because it allows families to honour traditional rituals like the reunion dinner while remaining steps away from a wide range of dining options, coastal nature trails, and the thrills of a water park.
4. Does D'Resort offer staycations for multi-generational CNY celebrations?
While individual rooms at D’Resort generally accommodate a maximum of 4 pax, the resort is designed for large-scale togetherness. Families often book multiple adjacent Beach Cove or Rainforest rooms to stay close.
5. Is a resort stay suitable for multi-generational celebrations?
Absolutely. A retreat at D’Resort is thoughtfully designed for inclusivity, featuring age-friendly rooms and wide pathways. The proximity to Downtown East provides high-energy activities for the youth, while the quiet mangrove walks in Pasir Ris Park offer a tranquil pace for seniors, ensuring everyone is comfortably included in the festivities.
6. What are the family-friendly amenities at D’Resort for my CNY holiday retreat?
Beyond the comfortable lodging, the resort serves as a gateway to a suite of amenities. Families can enjoy dedicated BBQ pits for communal cooking, a variety of themed rooms, and direct access to Wild Wild Wet. Convenient shopping and dining at Downtown East are just steps away, too.