An exclusive 2 nights/3 days staycation was held recently at the soon-to-be-opened The Straits Medini, Johor Bahru, brought together approximately over 50 invited guests, partners, investors, and VVIPs from Singapore and Malaysia for a vibrant celebration of culture, wellness, entertainment, and companionship.
The thoughtfully curated event combined relaxation with engaging activities, themed dining experiences, and memorable performances, making it a standout gathering for all who attended.
Nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Medini, the resort redefined for senior living and scheduled to open in April 2026, provided the perfect setting for guests to unwind while participating in a carefully designed programme that promoted social connection, health awareness, dining pleasure, and cultural appreciation.
The relaxed resort atmosphere encouraged guests to reconnect with friends, meet new acquaintances, and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Elvira Tan personally led guests on a tour of the resort’s clubhouse, where they were greeted by an energetic lion dance performance, with prancing lions welcoming guests to the rhythmic sounds of drums and cymbals.
Throughout the stay, guests were treated to creative lunch menus ranging from Muhibbah-style cuisine, Chinese Oriental favourites, and wellness-inspired healthy dining, with two highlight evenings dedicated to immersive themed dining experiences.
The first evening featured Hola Night, transporting guests into a lively Spanish-inspired celebration. Guests embraced the theme by dressing in vibrant Spanish-style attire, filling the venue with colour and energy. A cleverly designed three-course set dinner accompanied the evening’s entertainment, which included a dynamic three-piece live band performing upbeat English, Spanish, and Latin-inspired rhythms that had guests tapping their feet and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
The second highlight evening, “Bunga Sayang Peranakan Night,” celebrated the rich heritage of Peranakan culture. Guests arrived elegantly dressed in kebayas and traditional Peranakan attire, transforming the Straits Brasserie into a vibrant showcase of heritage and tradition.
The evening was masterfully hosted by renowned Singaporean entertainer Hossan Leong, whose wit, humour, and engaging stage presence kept the audience entertained with moments of laughter throughout the night.
A highlight of the evening was the Lucky Draw, while adding nostalgic charm was a special performance by Shirley Tay, the famed “Singing Chef.” Tay delighted the audience with beloved classic oldies, encouraging guests to sing along and relive fond memories through music.
One of the most inspiring moments of the gathering came from 82-year-old Eunice Chua, a seasoned travel industry veteran and Business Advisor at World Express Travel, whose career spans more than five decades.
She shared her personal philosophy on maintaining youthful energy and positivity – “Always stay in the company of people.”
According to Eunice, maintaining strong social connections, laughter, and active engagement with friends are essential ingredients for a fulfilling and vibrant life.
Beyond the evening celebrations, the three-day staycation featured a variety of interactive daytime activities and wellness session such as Chinese Calligraphy Workshops, Financial Advisory Talks, Emotional Wellness Workshops, Fun Board Games and more, giving guests opportunities to learn new skills while focusing on personal well-being.
A particularly appreciated initiative was the complimentary health screening provided by Gleneagles Hospital Medini, where medical professionals conducted health checks for guests, reinforcing the event’s strong emphasis on health, well-being, and lifestyle awareness.
The event also featured a heartfelt celebration for guests with February birthdays. In a joyous moment, the birthday celebrants gathered to cut a magnificent five-kilogramme birthday cake, surrounded by fellow guests singing birthday wishes.
Guests departed with warm memories of engaging activities, delightful performances, and the joy of spending meaningful time together in a welcoming environment. They also shared constructive feedback that will help further refine preparations for the resort’s official opening.
