Most people think of a holiday in terms of expensive air tickets to faraway places, heavy suitcases and a long checklist of things to pack, but a new concept of vacationing is becoming increasingly popular - the staycation experience.

Besides being more affordable, a staycation can be far less stressful, while offering the entire family the chance to catch up on the newest and latest in your own country.

Gourmet at your doorstep

In food paradise Singapore, the best way to start your staycation is by eating your hearts out. If you used to zip around the globe in search of fine food, your travelling days are over.

Joël Robuchon Restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa is a fine dining establishment also found in the gourmet capitals of Las Vegas and Tokyo. It boasts the very best of French haute cuisine. The restaurant has a repertoire of inventive French classics, as well as an extensive wine list with more than 1,000 different labels.

The restaurant is also the recipient of this year's Singapore Experience Awards' Best Dining Experience award. If you love feasting with all five senses, dine at The Black Swan, set in The Quadrant at Cecil, a historic Art Deco building at the heart of Singapore's Central Business District.

The restaurant's team of chefs orchestrates a collection of classic dishes executed with finesse and presented with contemporary flair. Are you a foodie and a culture buff?

Head down to Catalunya Singapore for some traditional Spanish flavours. To truly experience the warmth of the Catalan culture, guests are offered an interactive experience, such as helping to cut up the signature suckling pig with a plate - and smashing it afterwards.

If you love a fairytale-like dining experience, head to The White Rabbit at 39C Harding Rd (off Dempsey Road). Just as in Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, enter from one of the two magical entrances - one through the front of the chapel and the other through a secret garden tunnel.

The food is classic European cuisine with the 36-hour Brandt Shortribs and the Ranger's Valley Wagyu Carpaccio being the best finds.

After a heavy meal, ditch the guilt by walking off some of the calories. Go shopping!

Shopaholic's playground

If you are a discerning shopper seeking a uniquely luxurious shopping experience, take a trip to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands where you will find a mix of new-to-market brands, luxury duplexes and flagship stores, such as Italian label Brioni and Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe.

Indulge the collector in you with exclusive "Singapore- only" offerings, such as limited edition bags from CH Carolina Herrera, Etro and Lana Marks, which can be purchased only at The Shoppes.

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is also this year's Best Shopping Experience award recipient. Watch enthusiasts, your search ends here. Occupying 8,000 sq ft of luxurious space at the heart of Orchard Road, Malmaison by The Hour Glass is Singapore's first residential inspired luxury emporium that celebrates artistry and craftsmanship.

Housed within are some of the legendary watch marques from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier and Hublot. Malmaison has also picked out a selection of the finest gentleman's suits from across Europe with fine tailoring befitting of the best dress watches.

For would-be home chefs, the new Tangs Home features a Gourmet Kitchen concept with seven new live demonstration kitchens. The flagship coffee counters boast spaces for workshops, recipes and coffee pairings.

Shoppers can interact with celebrity chefs at regular demonstrations and sample their cooking.

Great beats

What better way to wind down the day than to chill out with great music in the company of best friends?

At Ku Dé Ta Club Lounge, a new and improved entertainment structure now focuses on top local and international talents.

The diverse musical experiences range from chill out grooves at Sunset Sessions, house hits on This Is House Thursdays to disco-influenced favorites every Monday night at DYSKO.

The club is also this year's Best Nightspot Experience recipient. The young and adventurous can head straight for Zouk, an environment that is pulsing with fresh ideas to cater to its upbeat patrons.

Like the clientele it serves, the club is always willing to break new ground, organising unique offsite events to create new experiences. ZoukOut, the largest outdoor dance music festival in Asia will be in its 14th installation this year.

If you are into house, tech and minimal music, Ky¯o is the place for you.

Housed in a former bank vault in the basement of Keck Seng Tower in the busy Central Business District, this is the perfect place to escape for a short while from work, stress and daily life.

For a space where elemental music meets visionary art, Ky¯o's central bar, measuring 24m, is possibly the longest bar in Singapore.