5 hanok houses under $205/night in Seoul, South Korea, for a stay like no other

hanok home front yard

Want a travel experience where tradition meets comfort? Then join us as we guide you through a selection of hanok houses in Seoul, South Korea, that are pretty affordable.

These architectural gems, steeped in history, offer a unique blend of age-old Korean culture and modern amenities, delivering an unparalleled stay experience.

From their quaint tiled roofs to their warming ondol floors, these hanoks under $205/night are not just accommodations, but a journey into the heart of Korea’s heritage.

Let’s roll with the list!

2-bedroom hanok home in the well-known Gangnam district

2-bedroom hanok home in the well-known Gangnam district

Price: $133/night

This tranquil retreat offers easy access to Seoul’s central area, with the nearest train station, Daechong Station, just 10 minutes away.

If you book a stay here, you will enjoy exclusive use of the entire second floor, accessible via a separate entrance, ensuring utmost privacy. This space features two bedrooms, a living room for you to unwind in, and a spacious terrace that offers fresh air. A bathroom equipped with a bathtub offers the ideal space for a soothing soak or bubble bath after a long day out exploring.

To sweeten your stay, the host also provides a complimentary breakfast for the first 5 days. This isn’t just a place to rest your head, it’s a doorway into the soul of Seoul. Embrace a unique blend of tradition and modernity in one of the city’s most sought-after districts, in Gangnam style 😉

Remodeled hanok house with a yard in Yongdu-dong

Remodeled hanok house with a yard in Yongdu-dong

Price: $147/night

Delve into a blend of tradition and modernity at Koji Hanok, a beautifully remodeled private house complete with a welcoming yard. While this accommodation retains its historical charm, it has been renovated to meet contemporary standards.

You get two bedrooms, a comfortable living room, a modern kitchen, and a practical bathroom. The house, despite its age, is well-equipped with a floor heating system, ensuring warmth even on the chilliest days of winter. The kitchen, fitted with modern appliances, allows for simple cooking, offering you the opportunity to whip up a quick snack or meal when you need it.

Experience the essence of Seoul at Koji Hanok, where your stay is a rare encounter with Korean culture.

MUJI-style hanok stay in Gongdeok-dong

MUJI-style hanok stay in Gongdeok-dong

Price: $162/night

Sodam Stay is a delightful hanok tucked away in the residential area of Gongdeok-dong. It’s a hideaway, strategically positioned and a testament to the timeless allure of traditional Korean architecture.

Start your day basking in the golden sun rays as they dance across the quaint yard, or enjoy the rhythmic patter of the rain from the comfort of your hanok on a rainy day. Sodam Stay is your perfect retreat for a serene and rejuvenating stay.

The hanok features two bedrooms, giving you the choice between a double bed or two single beds, catering to your travel squad and preferences. Indulge in the simplicity of traditional Korean living coupled with modern comforts at Sodam Stay on your next visit to the land of kimchi.

Hanok with a garden near Hansung University Station

Hanok with a garden near Hansung University Station

Price: $201/night

Nestled in the heart of an old neighborhood that blossomed in 1936, Space MODA is a petite yet private hanok house exuding charisma.

As a testament to its heritage, this standalone hanok has been tastefully refurbished over time, blending the old with the new for an amazing stay experience.

Accommodating two guests, this property boasts a small garden, providing a serene sanctuary amidst the bustling city. The bedroom features classic Korean bedding for an authentic feel.

While the kitchen is well-appointed, full-scale cooking is not permitted. However, you are welcome to whip up a quick toast or brew a warm cup of coffee or tea.

A mini hanok stay in Bukchon Hanok Village

A mini hanok stay in Bukchon Hanok Village

Price: $204/night

This mini hanok is a modernized treasure that brings the 1920s back to life, located within the captivating lanes of Bukchon Gedong Road.

This unique property, one of the few in Bukchon that retains its original wooden structure from the 1920s, has been thoughtfully remodeled to exude a contemporary flair while still honoring its history.

Stepping into the home, you will be welcomed by an interior adorned minimalist-style, creating a harmonious blend of the past and present. This Airbnb space has been designed with relaxation in mind, right in a residential area, so it will sit very well for folks looking for a quiet stay.

These hanok houses, each under $205/night, offer an opportunity to immerse in Seoul’s rich history and culture without breaking the bank. Each place combines the charm of traditional Korean architecture with the comforts of modern living, ensuring a stay like no other. Whether you want to soak in the morning sun in a tranquil yard or listen to the rain pitter-patter on traditional roof tiles, secure your stay today, and get ready to step into an abode where the past and present coexist in harmony.

Read More...

5 red numbers under $58 you can wear for National Day 2023 and re-wear for CNY 2024

SHAROPOVA SKORTS IN WINE (front and back)

As the colors of National Day blend into the festive hues of Chinese New Year, there’s no better way to celebrate than embracing the reds in style.

We’ve curated a list of stunning red ensembles that will not only make you stand out in the National Day crowd but will also be a perfect fit for the Lunar New Year festivities next year.

Get ready to make a fashion statement while honoring both the patriotic passion and the cultural richness of our beloved city-state.

All under $58.

Legend Button-Down Top & Skirt – Valentine

Legend Button-Down Top & Skirt - Valentine

Price: $26.90 (top); $36.90 (skirt)

The Legend Button-Down Top is a chic and audacious addition to your fashion repertoire. Its cropped silhouette makes it a versatile piece, just perfect for those sultry summers in Singapore. Try coupling it with a snazzy cropped bolero for a trendy twist.

The high waist cut of this skirt spiced up with a bold side slit, is an ode to confident curve flaunting. Crafted to pair seamlessly with the Legend Button-Down Top, you can don this dynamic duo with an oversized blazer and sneakers for a laid-back day out beyond National Day and CNY.

Luna Lace Bustier Top (Maroon)

Luna Lace Bustier Top (Maroon)

Price: $34.90

Glamor never goes out of style, and this bustier top proves it. Exclusively crafted for the stylish woman, this maroon lace stunner features intricate floral detailing that adds a touch of romance.

The anti-slip bust band and adjustable straps provide support so you can dance the night away in comfort, while removable padding allows you to control your coverage. Made from a polyester blend, this top combines comfort and elegance.

When you slip into this bustier, confidence is your accessory. Seductive yet sophisticated, this little lace number gives new meaning to ‘drop-dead gorgeous’.

Sharopova Skorts in Wine

Sharopova Skorts in Wine

Price: $36.90

This wine-colored skort is your new go-to for athleisure style. Constructed of a mid-weight polyester-spandex blend, it’s stretchy yet structured, so you will feel supported through every swing and stride.

While a skort channels retro sporty vibes, the clean-lined silhouette, and rich merlot hue give this piece a polished, contemporary finish. An extra front flap provides coverage as you bend and move, and side pockets are perfect for stashing keys or cash on the go.

Whether you’re racing through errands or meeting friends for brunch, the Sharopova skort’s effortless versatility and comfort ensure you will feel as chic as you do carefree.

Paige Embroidery Top in Red

Paige Embroidery Top in Red

Price: $46

This top is sweet as candy and spicy as chili padi.

Crafted from breezy cotton and awash in a vibrant red hue, it features intricate embroidery and a laser-cut pattern that gives classic femininity an artisanal edge. The bandeau neckline shows off sun-kissed shoulders while providing subtle support thanks to an anti-slip silicone trim. But the real star is the peplum flare at the waist, which creates a silhouette that’s fitted, flirty, and undeniably flattering.

Whether you’re dancing the night away or soaking in the sunshine, this top ensures you will be the best dressed at any event.

Sonnie Smocked Jumpsuit in Wine

Sonnie Smocked Jumpsuit in Wine

Price: $51.50

And last but not least, we have this wine-hued jumpsuit, your new go-to for any event. With an effortlessly chic maxi cut, smocked bust, and breezy polyester blend fabric, this one-piece wonder flatters your figure while keeping you comfortable all day (or night) long.

The adjustable straps provide a customizable fit, while side pockets add a touch of laid-back cool. Whether you’re brunching with the girls on National Day or meeting your relatives over the CNY break, this stylish yet versatile jumpsuit transitions seamlessly from day to play.

As we conclude our list, remember that fashion is all about versatility and showcasing your style. These pieces offer a seamless blend of style, affordability, and adaptability, making them apt for celebrating both National Day and CNY. Add these splashes of red tones to your wardrobe, play mix and match, and be ready to turn heads at every event in between and after.

Read More...

4 award-winning body massages in Singapore you should try for under $200

spa massage with essential oil

Pampering yourself shouldn’t have to be a hesitation.

As revealed in the Women’s Weekly Spa Awards 2023, there are some truly outstanding body massages in Singapore that you should splurge on as a treat for yourself.

Here’s a roundup of award-winning body massages that not only promise sublime relaxation but also come with a price tag that’s as worth it. Ready to indulge? Let’s dive in.

Deep Tissue Body Treats

Price: $98 (90 minutes)

Escape the clutches of chronic discomfort, stiffness, and tension with this therapeutic body treatment, designed specifically for those suffering from the effects of injuries or overworked muscles.

This treatment, which uses methods similar to a Swedish massage, realigns your knotted muscles and connective tissues, focusing on your areas of pain at a gentle pace while applying firm pressure.

Though mild bruising might occur, it’s a small price to pay for the relief it brings, particularly to those enduring a lifestyle with shoulders feeling like boulders.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Price: $120 (90 minutes)

Experience the transformative power of the Lymphatic Drainage Massage, designed to cleanse your body of toxins and surplus fluid while boosting blood circulation.

This massage works wonders on your lymphatic system, yielding numerous positive impacts on your body. And we all know that a well-functioning lymphatic system is key to a robust immune system.

The treatment can be applied across your entire body, or targeted to specific areas prone to fluid retention, such as the legs or abdomen, helping to reduce swelling. It’s particularly recommended for pregnant women looking to alleviate leg fatigue.

Oasia Signature Massage

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Oasia Spa (@oasiaspa)

Price: $150 (60 minutes); $200 (90 minutes)

Perfect for urbanites struggling to unwind, this deep relaxation massage is your ticket to tranquillity.

It skillfully melds a unique fusion of techniques—Thai, Shiatsu, and Indian—to alleviate tension and muscular discomfort. Your spa therapist will assist you in selecting the ideal massage oil, imbued with essential oils, through a sensory test.

Before the massage, you will also be able to customize your experience, choosing your areas of focus and desired pressure. The session commences with a head massage, coupled with guided special breathing techniques, designed to gently escort you into a state of profound relaxation.

Como Shambhala Massage

Price: $200 (60 minutes); $280 (90 minutes)

Embark on a journey of tranquility with this signature massage that will thrill your senses with bespoke botanical massage oils.

This treatment employs soothing rhythmic movements to lull your mind and body into a state of utter relaxation while promoting your overall wellness.

Tailored to target your specific areas of concern, this massage offers your body the chance to restore and recalibrate according to its unique needs.

As we wrap up our curated selection of award-winning body massages in Singapore you should try under $200, remember that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity. These treatments, recognized in the Women’s Weekly Spa Awards 2023, offer a blend of relaxation and rejuvenation without breaking the bank (if you do it sparingly, heh). So, why wait? It’s time to indulge in some much-deserved pampering and experience the award-winning difference for yourself. After all, you’re worth every minute of it!

Read More...

4 options for your sick pets to visit the vet without bringing them down physically

resting pug puppy on the floor

When our furry friends aren’t feeling their best, getting them to the vet can be quite a task.

But what if you didn’t have to physically bring your sick pets to the clinic? With advancements in veterinary care, there are now various alternatives that eliminate the need for stressful travel. 

From online consultations to mobile vets who come right to your doorstep, we’ve rounded up some options (with prices) to ensure your beloved pet receives the best care, right from the comfort of your home.

ZumVet

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ZumVet (@zumvet)

Website: zumvet.com

Price: Starting from $37.80 for online video consultations

Embrace the power of technology with ZumVet, a virtual platform designed to serve as a helpful initial touchpoint to determine whether a physical visit is necessary.

Whether you’re pondering over your dog’s peculiarly odorous breath or fretting about your cat’s sudden bout of loose stools, ZumVet is your go-to resource. Their team of licensed vets stands ready to guide you, empowering you to make informed decisions regarding your pet’s health. 

Say goodbye to the inconveniences of clinic visits and enjoy the ease of having your pet’s medications, preventatives, and supplements delivered right to your doorstep, all within the same day.

Happy Vet

Website: myhappyvet.com

Price: Teleconsults from $50; Housecalls from $150

Navigating the challenges of a vet clinic visit can be taxing for both you and your pet. 

Introducing to you Dr. Goh Shuling, also known as Dr. Forest from Happy Vet, who is dedicated to delivering top-tier veterinary care right in the sanctuary of your home, always prioritizing your furkid’s welfare.

A distinguished graduate from the University of Melbourne, Dr. Forest holds an honors degree in veterinary medicine. Renowned for her empathetic, detail-oriented, and professional work style, she is consistently praised for her stellar communication skills and warm personality. 

With Dr. Forest, your pet’s health care becomes a stress-free experience.

The Housecall Vet

The Housecall Vet

Website: thehousecallvet.com.sg

Price: $140 for the first pet; $50 for each subsequent pet

Meet The Housecall Vet, a home-based veterinary service spearheaded by Senior Veterinarian, Dr. Chua Hui Li.

With a career journey that kick-started in 2005, Dr. Chua has worked in premier vet clinics like ARVC, Companion Animal Surgery, Singapore Vet Clinic, Mount Pleasant Clementi, and The Cat Clinic.

She further honed her expertise by securing a post-graduate degree in Small Animal Abdominal Ultrasonography from the University of Melbourne in 2018, adding on to her post-graduate degree in Feline Medicine from the University of Sydney in 2004.

Now, she brings her vast knowledge and compassionate care right to your doorstep, redefining veterinary services for your sick pets.

VetMobile

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by VetMobile (@vetmobile.sg)

Website: vetmobilesg.com

Price: Starting from $180

Introducing a fresh take on vet care with Dr. Angeline Yang, the innovative mind behind a service that marries holistic treatment and preventive medicine.

A proud alumna of Massey University, New Zealand, Dr. Yang has honed her craft in an area of veterinary care that’s ripe for enhancement. She seamlessly integrates traditional Chinese medicine with Western medical techniques, a testament to her certification as a Vet Acupuncturist from Chi University since 2016.

Beyond the purview of cats and dogs, Dr. Yang’s inclusive approach opens her consultation room doors to all small critters, including rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and tortoises.

Caring for a sick pet doesn’t have to be a distressing process. With options like home visits from empathetic professionals and digital assistance from platforms, you can ensure your pet gets the best care without the physical and emotional stress of a traditional clinic visit. Remember, the goal is to keep our furry friends happy and comfortable, and these alternatives help us do just that. So, explore these options at your convenience and discover a new, stress-free way to keep your pet in the best of health.

Read More...

Entrepreneurs Can Now Easily Rent An Office In Premium Locations In Asia-Pacific

For well over a decade, Compass Offices has been providing extraordinary office solutions for entrepreneurs in prime locations throughout the Asia Pacific region. Their professional design and planning teams seamlessly execute inimitable customised workspaces to suit a range of requirements, from individual hot desks to entire fully-serviced office floors in various sought-after business districts, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Melbourne, Sydney, Manila, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Tokyo and Osaka. Compass Offices can customise workspaces in their existing offices or lease entirely new spaces that suit your needs and location requirements. They offer full-service packages, including design and project planning to ensure you have precisely what your business needs.

Building Office Solutions

From now until the end of 2024, demand for office space in the Asia Pacific region is forecasted to jump to a whooping 1.35 billion square feet. Entrepreneurs across the region are turning to Compass Offices to provide easy-book office spaces in respected business hubs.

Contemporary offices with corporate fit out, upscale facilities, comfortable furnishings, essential support services and world-class IT and telecommunication needs are part of their everyday offerings. Whether seeking hot desks, fully serviced offices or entire business floors, they have the ultimate solution for your business needs.

You can enjoy fully integrated services such as a fully-staffed reception, business lounges and meeting rooms. The professional support team can assist you and your teams with reception support and secretarial duties when you require a helping hand.

Whichever location meets your criteria, you’ll find a flexible, turnkey solution designed to meet your requirements. Each office is carefully planned and designed to ensure maximum comfort and productivity. Compass Offices designers provide optimum ventilation, soundproofing, temperature control and lighting for your well-being. The Compass Offices team focuses on customer service. It continually goes the extra mile to ensure the ultimate flexibility for your office requirements, whether for a single person or a busy team office of 100 people.

Customisable Offices for Entrepreneurs

Flexibility is vital for successful entrepreneurs across the Asia Pacific region, as a new report finds more than half of the workforce prefer flexible work. Compass Offices provides dynamic workspaces to fit modern-day aspirations of emerging, transient and already thriving professionals and corporations. The impressive portfolio of solutions provides you with functional workspaces that are highly flexible and responsive.

There is a range of open-plan spaces, shared areas and private offices within the Compass Offices portfolio. Typically, you can customise flexible serviced offices according to your business requirements. Compass Offices can also change with the appropriate support for your company as your business or commercial landscapes change.

Unlike traditional offices and many static shared workspaces, Compass Offices can accommodate your needs according to the preferences of your team and business. The affordable office space promotes efficiency, performance and productivity for your employees and business.

No matter where you are in your business cycle, there is a flexible Compass Offices solution for daily rentals, one month or much longer. As every business functions differently, each office easily reflects that with customised spaces, layout, meeting rooms and additional features. Entrepreneurs can rely on stable, high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity and a professional in-house IT team that can take care of individual needs, such as dedicated IP, Gigalink connection, initial setup support, and VLAN segmentation for enhanced network security.

 

Read More...