“Eat, sleep, repeat” has been the refrain for many who go on staycations. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax at a luxury hotel, sleep in and indulge in gourmet food.
Then there’s the Treasures of Raffles package at Raffles Hotel Singapore. If you are looking for a challenge, this would be the perfect staycay to choose from.
Yes you’ll still enjoy all the luxuries offered by the iconic Grand Dame of Singapore—a spacious and beautifully appointed suite, an indulgent dinner at The Grand Lobby, and of course, impeccable service.
But don’t expect to rest on your laurels after you check in.
Instead, put on your Sherlock cap and solve the mystery of The Curious Case of the Missing Peranakan Treasure.
Play online and on-site
In this all-new, first-of-its-kind production by Double Confirm Productions, Raffles Hotel Singapore and Sight Lines Entertainment, guests are invited to investigate this whodunnit set against the backdrop of the iconic hotel.
There are actually two mysteries to solve. Without giving too much away, here’s how they work.
Actor/director Hossan Leong (Credit: Double Confirm Productions, Sight Lines Entertainment and Raffles Hotel Singapore)
First is the virtual theatrical experience written by award-winning playwright Jean Tay and directed by critically acclaimed actor/director Hossan Leong.
The Curious Case of the Missing Peranakan Treasure will immerse you into the role of a detective tasked to investigate the missing Peranakan treasure—the crown jewel of the fictional “Treasures of the Straits” exhibition at Raffles Hotel Singapore.
Audrey Luo and Dwayne Lau (Credit: Double Confirm Productions, Sight Lines Entertainment and Raffles Hotel Singapore)
Enjoy the interactive play from the comfort of your suite (you may also choose the half daycation package that starts at 3pm, but we strongly recommend staying the night). You’ll be provided with a tablet to view the play.
Barring no technical hiccups (our tablet froze mid-way but it was resolved eventually), you’ll learn the stories behind each character and their possible motives for stealing the treasure.
Audrey Luo and Siti Khalijah Zainal shine as two tai tais who seem to have a beef with each other. Hossan Leong plays the Resident Historian while Pavan J Singh is a shady technopreneur called Mr Rajakumar. Other members of the cast include Dwayne Lau, Frances Lee and Julius Foo.
The play is segmented into easy-to-watch short clips that were filmed entirely on location at the hotel with 360-degree virtual reality (VR) cameras. It also has surround sound and augmented reality choice-based features.
Siti Khalijah Zainal (Credit: Double Confirm Productions, Sight Lines Entertainment and Raffles Hotel Singapore)
You won’t be able to rewind, pause or fast forward the play so make sure you get comfortable in the next hour or so.
The treasure hunt
Once you’ve solved the case, it’s time to go on a treasure hunt. Your goal is to find a precious jewel that has been hidden on the grounds of the hotel. Explore the hotel’s historic grounds and venture through its illustrious halls, all the while piecing clues together.
Long Bar
As part of the hunt, you are given a package containing instructions, clues and sealed envelopes. Each location will unveil more clues and lead you to your next location. There will be puzzles to solve and maps to follow, but they are not too difficult to figure out.
You’ll also enjoy complimentary Singapore Slings for two and a satay platter at Raffles Courtyard (it was raining while we were there so the location was changed to Long Bar).
Singapore Sling
Along the way, redeem a complimentary gift from Raffles Boutique and cap off your experience with an indulgent Heritage Evening dinner at The Grand Lobby.
The package also offers other special privileges and benefits, including breakfast for two, 15 per cent off at all Raffles-operated restaurants and bars, Raffles Spa and Raffles Boutique, and a complementary history tour with Raffles Hotel Singapore’s Resident Historian.
Solve and win
If you manage to find the thief in The Curious Case of the Missing Peranakan Treasure, you’’ll receive an e-voucher for purchases at Raffles Boutique with no minimum spend, as well as a special Afternoon Tea Experience for two at The Grand Lobby worth $156 redeemable either during the stay or at a later time.
That’s not all. You’ll also be entitled to participate in the Grand Draw for a chance to win a one-night stay in one of the two grandest suites of them all—the Presidential Suite, worth more than $18,000.
A memorable stay
Even though we only stayed a night, it was a fun and unforgettable experience. The interactive play was filled with mysterious characters, scandalous secrets, broken relationships and unexpected twists—more than enough to keep us entertained and hooked.
One of the surprising highlights is the original composition of “I’ll See You Again”, composed by Julian Wong with lyrics by Hossan Leon, and performed by Audrey Luo and Dwayne Lau.
Inspired by Noel Coward, British playwright/novelist/actor and a renowned past resident of Raffles Hotel Singapore, it’s a beautiful and touching song that tugs the heartstrings. Do stay till the end of the play to hear the full song.
So whodunnit? If you are fishing for a clue here, let’s just say looks can be deceiving.
The treasure hunt made the experience more exciting. Instead of wandering aimlessly around the grounds of the hotel, we were able to learn more about the hotel’s storied heritage and local culture at every stop.
Now, who says staycations are overrated?
The Treasures of Raffles package at Raffles Hotel Singapore is available from now till Jun 30 2021. You may also enjoy the virtual interactive play on-demand, from anywhere, at anytime by buying tickets ($38 each) on Sistic from now till Jun 30 2021. Successful mystery solvers will receive an e-voucher for purchases at Raffles Boutique with no minimum spend.
