IT is so pleasurable to have a scoop of ice cream on a warm day.

Imagine chilling out by the beach, watching the world go by.

It becomes especially enjoyable when the ice cream is beyond the usual run-of-the-mill quality.

Movenpick's ice creams are good and its sorbet, better.

There is a simple test to see if a brand is serious about its ice cream - just taste the basics: chocolate, strawberry and vanilla.

If it gets these flavours right, the other flavours are likely to be good.

Movenpick's vanilla is spot on. It is rich and smooth, without the icky aftertaste that accompanies the offerings from lesser brands.

The chocolate is flavourful and almost dense, while the strawberry actually tastes like strawberry.

As for the sorbet, one serving is all you need for instant refreshment. I found the lime sorbet thrillingly invigorating.

It is easy on the throat and cools the mouth.

Those who need a splash of alcohol might want to try the Campari sorbet ($12.50).

It combines orange juice, Campari liqueur and two scoops of grapefruit orange sorbet.

This is one to order for yourself, while your kids and non-drinkers enjoy creations such as the Beno Bear Kid?s Creation (above left, $9.50) or the double sundae (above right) at $8.50.

But the truth is, no matter how wonderful the ice cream is, it is a stretch to expect someone to travel into Sentosa just for a cone.

Even though getting into Sentosa is now easier (there is the Sentosa express from Vivocity), it still requires some effort to land on Palawan Beach.

But if it's the weekend, pack up the dog and round up the kids (or friends) for a day by the beach.

And while you're there, make sure you pop in for a sorbet break.

Whenever possible, we should enjoy the tender mercies bestowed upon us. This is the least you can do for yourself on a hot humid day.

Movenpick Ice Cream Shoppe is located beside Bora Bora Beach Bar at Palawan Beach, Sentosa.