Special Advertising Feature
Mention the Netherlands and immediately, tulips, windmills, cheese, clogs and the colour orange spring to mind. But beyond all these, the Dutch are also known for their warm hospitality, which is exactly the kind of atmosphere that greets you upon entering the Hollandse Club. Tucked away on Camden Road in Bukit Timah, the resort-style members’ club possesses a prominent Dutch heritage inviting to both young and old.
Continuing traditions from an illustrious history
The Hollandse Club was established in 1908 by the growing Dutch community in Singapore, with the aim of creating a “home away from home”. Today, it has grown to become a truly international club that accommodates families and individuals alike.
Staying true to its culture of hospitality for all, you do not have to be Dutch to join, nor is there a membership quota — it has 1,300 members of over 45 nationalities, including French, Australian and Singaporean.
Fun and learning abound
The club prides itself on being a top recreational haven, with an emphasis on providing a wide array of activities for its members. While it boasts an impressive variety of sports facilities, it is especially loved for its five AstroTurf tennis courts, and half Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Both these facilities are often packed, even on weekday afternoons, thanks to the professional classes for both adults and children (conducted in Dutch and English) that are held there. Members can also can participate in Pilates, karate, judo and Tinytots football lessons, as well as youth laser tag competitions.
In fact, the club will be holding its monthly Movie at the Pool event on the 4 June, open to members and non-members to enjoy a relaxing evening by — or even in —the pool.
Upholding its family-friendly philosophy, it is also the only club in Singapore that will offer day care services for busy parents. This way, they can have peace of mind that their children are cared for while they attend to their work. It also has a Chill Out Room for teenagers, complete with a pool table, table tennis, and foosball table.
Commenting on the club’s benefits, Samantha, an expat from the UK and a member for six months, said, “We chose the Hollandse Club for its relaxed and international vibe, and its facilities. We mostly use the pool and the supervised children’s room. Overall, the club has a lot to offer, from tennis lessons to scuba-diving trials, and that was what attracted me.”
Echoing her sentiments is Marina, a Dutch national who has been a member of the club for the past three years. “I love to play tennis at the Hollandse Club because the environment is just magical.
“What I like are the well-maintained AstroTurf tennis courts, different from the regular hard courts. It’s also the laid-back environment that encouraged me to sign up for a club membership,” she said.
Respite from the city
In recent times, the club has expanded its facilities to include 13 boutique-style hotel rooms. These rooms provide excellent accommodation for members who wish to enjoy staycations, or weary business travellers looking to stay at a resort away from town.
A night’s stay costs $140, making it a more affordable alternative to other hotels along Orchard Road, which charge between $200 and $400 per night.
An exclusive promotion for new members
If you are considering becoming a member of the Hollandse Club, now is the best time to join. Come May, the club will be launching its new one-year social membership with a monthly subscription fee of $225 (for families) or $150 (for individuals), with a minimum spend of $100 at the club’s F&B outlets.
What makes this promotion even more attractive is that unlike at other associations or clubs, membership does not come with a joining / upfront fee. Interested parties can also enjoy one month’s free trial to experience what the club has to offer.
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This article was first published in the print version The PropertyGuru News & Views. Download PDF of full print issues or read more stories now! | ||