Media Review
As I grow older with each passing year, I’ve realised that I crave for peace and tranquillity more and more. It’s probably an age thing, but also an increasing need to retreat for rejuvenation as life gets busier and more intense. Singapore is progressing really fast in every area – socially, economically, statistically, etc which is a good thing, but that makes it even more important for us to find a place where we can withdraw to regularly, to recharge ourselves and spend time with our loved ones.
Honestly, I have never thought of signing up for any club membership, but when Hollandse Club approached me to do a review of their Club facilities, my interest was piqued. I’ve always had this misconception that club memberships are more for expatriates or the filthy rich. Turned out, the membership fees are not exorbitant like I imagined. For majority of Singaporeans who will not hesitate to spend on good food, entertainment and leisure, a Club membership gives them the liberty to enjoy such a lifestyle with exclusive benefits. You will see what I mean as we go along.
The Hollandse Club was founded in 1908 and they eventually moved to their current premise at Camden Drive. Today, the Hollandse Club is a vibrant family club with over 1400 members from over 40 different nationalities. My family had an opportunity to have a 2D1N staycation at one of the rooms at Hollandse Club - Talk about staycation options with a difference! We’ve stayed in many hotels before, but staying at a Club was a first! Let’s take a look at our room before exploring the rest of the Club.
The Rooms
Our Superior room was huge at 30sqm and my family of four had ample space staying together in the room, with a large double bed and an additional bed added for us. Our room looked out to lush greenery, which was really nice and therapeutic.
The room also comes with a single sofa seat and a writing desk, and we still had plenty of space to move around – That’s how spacious the room was! Love it. :)
The bathroom had a standing shower, with all the usual toiletries provided. Coffee, tea and water were complimentary as well.
I know what you are thinking – This sounds like a great staycation option! I agree, but the rooms are only available for booking by members of the Club or guests of members. Prices are extremely affordable and start from Members: $110, Members’ Guests: $140. More room types here. But first, become a member of the Club to be eligible! This is all part of the exclusive benefits you will enjoy as a member of the Hollandse Club.
The Facilities
As members of the Hollandse Club, you will enjoy many exclusive benefits. The use of facilities* at the Club are exclusive to members only, so if you like to enjoy your weekends with your family and friends, doing all kinds of recreational activities at an exclusive club, this is the membership to take up. (* Some facilities require booking fees.)
The Swimming Pool
This might be the biggest draw for my family at the Club because my kids love swimming, and their pools are great with diving boards and a slide!
The Playground
Yes, young kids would be so pleased. Even my 8yo was!
The Gym
You can totally cancel your gym membership if you have a Hollandse Club membership because the gym here is well-equipped and due to the exclusivity, it is definitely less crowded than a public gym.
The Kids’ Room
This is a play room filled with toys and educational/creative activities for children 2 – 11 years old. The younger kids can play with the toys or watch cartoons on the TV, while the older kids would enjoy the video games. Parents are not allowed in the playroom but rest assured, there are staff who will look after the children while you enjoy a leisurely meal with your friends or spend some time at the pool or the court. Sounds like a perfect place of retreat for parents!
The Chill-Out Room
The Chillout Room was recently re-launched and provides teenagers with their very own spot in the Club where they can hangout and socialise. The room was made specially for teenagers by teenagers who put in hours decorating the walls with Graffiti to give the room a special touch. The room comes complete with a TV, DVD player, Fussball table, pool table, table tennis and comfortable furniture to relax on. Children aged 11 and above are allowed in the Chillout Room.
(Credit: http://www.hollandseclub.org.sg/)
The Library
The library at Hollandse Club exudes an old British charm that I love. You can either spend a relaxing afternoon in the library flipping through their huge collection or request to borrow the books home.
The Sports Facilities
The Hollandse Club owns 5 beautiful courts, set amidst private greenery each with professional astro turf and flood-lighting, and they are available for booking by the members. Love how the courts are surrounded by lush greeneries and lots of trees! Throughout the year, there are social and tennis events for both junior and adult tennis players organised by the Club, including competitive tournaments, social tennis tournaments and social tennis events. Other sports facilities include two squash courts and a Multi-Purpose Court, which is used for sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball and floor ball. Balls are available upon request for members to have a game with their friends.
(Credit: http://www.hollandseclub.org.sg/)
(Credit: http://www.hollandseclub.org.sg/)
The Restaurant
Of course, one of the most important aspects of a Club is its dining. At Hollandse Club, you will enjoy great food at their recently reopened alfresco restaurant - Jaxs’ Bistro & Pizzeria. The restaurant is open to both members and non-members.
Information about Hollandse Club membership can be found on their website. If you are interested to try it out, you can go for their free one-month trial and experience for yourself what exclusive Club membership is all about!
Hollandse Club
22 Camden Drive
