Pan Pacific – a Special Family Brunch and Pampering Spot near Orchard

Often overshadowed by its newer, flashier little sister downtown at Marina Square, the Pan Pacific Orchard is one of Singapore’s Grande Dame hotels, beloved by shopping-mad tourists who descend on Orchard Road for their retail fix. But there’s more to this hotel than just a hotspot for travellers, and Sassy Mama was lucky enough to get a special invitation to check out their famed Sunday Brunch at 10 Claymore (in the lobby), as well as some special pampering time in their St. Gregory Spa! We know… we have the best job sometimes!

Sunday brunch at Pan Pacific Orchard is a bit of a Singapore institution, popular with local families wanting to enjoy a fab buffet that’s actually good – you won’t find any lukewarm, congealed fare here! We arrived bang on the dot at 12pm (with a hungry toddler who was chomping at the bit to get going) and found everything ready to go, with stations manned, chefs in whites and chafing dishes full of delicious food. As well as the buffet, there is a separate a la carte menu from which you can order tasting portions of Singapore classics, like Char Kway Teow and also some Western faves like lamb chop, which are sure to win Dad’s heart. There is a separate kids’ menu if you think your little one won’t fancy the buffet, but we had a browse around the buffet options and felt like it more than met the needs of our picky eaters. And if all else fails, you can always bribe them to eat their veggies by pointing out the amazing selection of desserts…

Standouts for us as we happily stuffed our little faces were the Aberdeen Angus Beef, the aforementioned Char Kway Teow, the sushi selection and of course, the desserts! My littlies were in full bargaining mode to share mini cupcakes, ice cream and chocolate brownies – maybe not the healthiest end to a meal but for a once in a while treat it certainly felt decadent! The best thing about the 10 Claymore brunch though? Compared to somewhat similar offerings at other 5-star hotels the Pan Pacific Orchard brunch is pretty well priced at $68++ — with littlies eating for free!

Post-brunch I happily waved goodbye to the husband and kids and headed upstairs to get some serious relaxation time. After a quick whizz around the spa’s facilities (and a gasp at the seriously AMAZING pool) I slipped into a plush white robe and headed to meet my therapist, Mai, to try out the signature St. Gregory Hot and Cold Stone Massage. Lasting a perfect 75-minutes (60-minutes is too short, while I get a bit antsy with 90-minute treatments) I was beyond impressed by the skill of my masseuse and how the combo of searing-ly hot stone contrasted with icy cold stones coaxed me into a dreamy state of bliss. I must confess that as I have quite sensitive skin (is that code for being a weakling?) I did gasp several times with the heat of the stones and asked for them to be cooled slightly, but I think tougher mamas would have absolutely no problems! I would definitely recommend requesting Mai when you make a booking as she really has magic fingers – a stubborn shoulder knot I’ve been dealing with for ages just melted away under her touch. I could have hung around a little longer for a dip in the pool or a steam in the steam room, but decided – big mistake – to head home to hang with the kiddos… Two hours later and most of my chilled vibe had disappeared, but that just gives me an excuse to head back to Pan Pacific Orchard for another wonderful massage!

The Sunday brunch at 10 Claymore is priced at $68++ per person and the St. Gregory Hot and Cold Stone Massage is priced at $190 for 75 minutes.

Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel
10 Claymore Road, Singapore 229540
Tel: (+65) 6737 0811
Website