Bare Your Sole 2014 is a barefoot walkathon that will be taking place at Gardens by the Bay East (Rhu Cross) on 12th July (9am – 12pm). Gather your friends to partake in this meaningful event and help raise funds for Habitat for Humanity Singapore’s Project HomeWorks (to help clean up the homes of the elderly poor living in 1 bedroom rented HDB apartments).

Not only is joining Bare Your Sole a good way to work out for a good cause, walking barefoot is also slowly becoming a big trend around the world. Research has shown that walking barefoot boasts many health benefits and one that we love is the increase of antioxidants through absorbing electrons from the Earth; keeping one even more connected to Mother Earth, literally speaking!

A day of fun, with food, music, games and entertainment awaits you, and the 2.5km/5km walkathon will be nothing short of fulfilling your needs – spiritually and physically. Sign yourself up now at www.bareyoursole.org.sg!

And when you are done with your refreshing barefoot walk, give yourself a pat on the back and replenish your energy with a good meal! We have selected five places for you to pamper your taste buds and to seek solace in. Well, just because you deserve it!

SUPERTREE DINING @ GARDENS BY THE BAY

Since the Bare Your Sole walkathon is taking place at Gardens by the Bay, why not embrace the surroundings and dine at SuperTree?

Showcasing five different dining concepts, you are bound to find something that you like at SuperTree Dining. Hill Street Coffee Shop has really good local delights like laksa and nasi lemak, and we absolutely love their steamed kaya toast. Over at Peach Garden Noodle House, cave in to affordable and delicious Chinese dishes. Casa Verde serves a range of pastas, pizzas and crostini, while Union Square Cafe offers classic American comfort food like burgers, hot dogs and milkshakes. Or if you have some extra calories intake to clock, go for the fried chicken from Texas Chicken.

18 Marina Gardens Drive
Gardens by the Bay Singapore
Tel: +65 6636 3323
Nearest Station: Bayfront

DEAN & DELUCA

Since my first trip to Dean & Deluca in New York back in 2012, I have been sold and am a fan of the brand. You really cannot go wrong with their hearty brunch and selection of fine breads. It is not difficult to fall in love!

The Prawn, Avocado & Mango Salad (S$13) is perfect for those with lighter palates. Tossed in a citrus cilantro vinaigrette, the salad comes with fresh and creamy avocado, sweet mango, earthy zucchini ribbons, and vine-ripened cherry tomatoes.

If you are starving after a good work-out, go for the the Berries & Flap Jacks (S$21). Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this is one dish that will make you feel recharged and revitalised.

#04-23/24 Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6509 7708
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

COOK & BREW

One of our new favourite to-go places is Cook & Brew at The Westin Singapore. It has earned our loyalty with its extensive menu and addictive relaxing vibe.

The cosy interior furnished with oak browns and wood elements is very much like a typical German living room where you can enjoy your comfort food and chill out with friends and families. If you need another reason to head there after the Bare Your Sole walkathon, there is ample parking (S$3/entry on weekends) at Asia Square. And by the way, we’ve said it before but we will say it again – the German platter is so good!

The Westin Singapore
33/F Asia Square Tower 2
12 Marina View
Tel: +65 6922 6948
Mon to Thu: 11am – 12midnight
Fri: 11am – 1am
Sat: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Downtown/Marina Bay

TUNG LOK SIGNATURES

Bare Your Sole is a great way for families to get together and enjoy some quality time. And after the session, what better way to bond than to go for yum cha at Tung Lok Signatures?

Besides a range of dim sum, some of the signature creations that you should try are Chilled Australian Lobster served with fresh fruits, and Crisp-Fried Cod Fish with chef’s special sauce.

#02-88, Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street
Tel: +65 6336 6022
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun & PH: 11.30am – 3.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

COLD STONE CREAMERY

Ice cream is always good at any time of the day, but even more satisfying after a walkathon. Cold Stone Creamery is currently having a Blueberry Indulgence promotion. Another boost of antioxidants, we’d say!

Opt for the Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream (from S$6), or slurp some Blueberry Smoothies (S$9). The Cheesecake Fantasy Shake with Blueberries (S$9) is a decent choice too or party with your family over Blueberry Passion Cheesecake (S$49 for a whole cake).

181 Orchard Central Road
#01-09/10
Tel: +65 6634 1015
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Register now at www.bareyoursole.org.sg

The rates for Bare Your Sole 2014 are as follows: adult S$35, student S$20, NSF S$20, family of 4 S$95, and senior citizen (above 65) S$20.

The goal of the charity walkathon is to raise S$500,000 for Habitat for Humanity Singapore. Play your part and help raise money for those in need – sign up for Bare Your Sole today at www.bareyoursole.org.sg. Online registration closes on 30 June 2014 at midnight.

This post is brought to you by Bare Your Sole 2014, organised by Habitat for Humanity Singapore..

Singapore has always been known as a ‘Garden City’, and with the opening of Gardens by The Bay, it further strengthens and positions Singapore as a city in a garden. Some people have compared it to London’s Hyde Park and New York’s Central Park, and while the comparison is flattering, Gardens by The Bay is very much different and has its own character and X-factor.

Spanning 101 hectares, Gardens by The Bay is made up of three waterfront gardens – Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden – and it houses over 250,000 rare plants. Alongside other main attractions like the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, and the skyscrapers at the Marina Bay area, Gardens by The Bay has become an iconic part of the beautiful Singapore’s skyline. In years to come, I am sure it will become one of Singapore’s prominent national icons.

Gardens by The Bay also has a conservatory complex which comprises two cooled conservatories: the Flower Dome – the worlds largest columnless glasshouse – and the Cloud Forest. Entry admission to the two domes for local residents is S$20 per person, while the standard rate for all other visitors is S$28 per person. Besides the two domes, you can also take a walk on the OCBC Skywalk (S$5 admission fee), a 128-metre long walkway at the Supertree Grove with a height of 22-metres.

Another reason to visit Gardens by the Bay is to dine at the restaurants and eateries in the park. From fine dining restaurant such as Pollen by Jason Atherton – owner of Pollen Street Social in London – to popular local chains Canele Patisserie and Bakerzin, to casual eateries at Supertree Dining like Casa Verde, Peach Garden Noodle House, as well as the new open-air food court Satay by the Bay – it is a good excuse to visit Gardens by the Bay to have a meal, and take a long stroll after dinner.

Gardens by The Bay Singapore
18 Marina Gardens Drive
Nearest Station: Bayfront