Kai Suites, Singapore: A Luxury Haven for New Parents and Their Little Ones

When asked what new parents need most, the answers often include help with the baby, freshly prepared meals, and a peaceful night’s rest.

At Kai Suites, an exclusive luxury retreat for postpartum mothers in Singapore, all these desires are fulfilled – for a price.

Kevin Kwee, the visionary behind the hotel, shared with Dinogo Travel that his personal journey as a parent inspired the creation of Kai Suites.

“As a father of four, and having supported my wife through various confinement experiences, I truly understand the significance of prenatal education, postpartum healing, and the comprehensive care required for both mother and baby during this critical time – not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally,” says Kwee.

Expectant parents typically reserve their stay when they are about 6-8 weeks away from their due date. Upon discharge from the hospital, a guest relations officer and a nurse greet the new family at the exit, whisk them away in a limo, and escort them to Kai Suites for a smooth transition.

The check-in process at Kai Suites mirrors that of a luxury all-inclusive resort, but with the added support of medical professionals on hand.

To date, nearly all guests have been Singaporean residents, which is expected given the travel restrictions during the pandemic. However, Kwee is eager to expand the hotel’s reach and attract international guests in the future.

Kai Suites features 18 exclusive private suites. While extended family members are welcome to visit, only partners and spouses are invited to stay overnight, promoting deeper family bonding.

A common request from new parents is the desire to connect with others going through the same experience. To cater to this, Kai Suites has created communal spaces where guests can socialize between their massages, doctor consultations, and afternoon naps.

Though a new concept in Singapore, postpartum hotels like Kai Suites have deep roots in Asia. In China and other Chinese-speaking communities worldwide, the tradition of zuo yue zi, or 'sitting the moon,' remains widely practiced.

During the first month after childbirth, new mothers are often cared for by their families in ways that allow them to fully focus on their recovery and bonding with their newborn. This may include special teas and nutrient-rich foods designed to restore their health and replenish iron levels.

While some modern Chinese see these ancient customs as outdated, especially in an era with improved healthcare, contemporary 'confinement centers' continue to thrive, with some costing tens of thousands of dollars for the full experience.

Other establishments, such as Nadora in Selangor, Malaysia, and Gem Care in Taipei, merge modern hotel luxuries with traditional wellness practices.

Kai Suites appears to blend traditional postpartum care with the realities of modern capitalism.

Although the hotel just opened in November 2020, Kwee is already focused on future growth. He plans to extend the brand by introducing a range of food products, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and health and beauty items tailored specifically for new mothers.