It is no secret that Marina Bay Sands is a staple of Singapore tourism. It has been since it first opened its doors in 2010. Boasting an ingenious house-of-cards design by legendary architect Moshe Safdie, the integrated resort is notable for its stunning architecture, luxurious amenities, and stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding bay.
A new era of luxury hospitality is imminent as the resort announced an ambitious expansion strategy comprising a US$1 billion reinvestment in its hotel—all rooms and suites in Towers 1 and 2 are currently being transformed from the traditional hotel concept to deluxe residential-style hotel rooms—and a plan to erect a fourth tower.
We recently had the opportunity to get reacquainted with the iconic resort and stay in its refurbished Premier Room. It was our third visit in two years and somehow Marina Bay Sands still managed to surprise us with its stellar repertoire of dining, retail, nightlife, and arts and culture offerings as well as a new line-up of immersive experiences.
ART EXHIBITIONS
One of the high points of the trip was none other than the Sneakertopia: Step Into Street Culture exhibition at ArtScience Museum. A brilliant concoction by award-winning producer Steve Harris and tech entrepreneur Steve Brown, this larger-than-life showcase, which had earlier made pit stops in Los Angeles and New York, is a playground for Asian sneakerheads.
This fascinating exhibition, which will run until 30th July 2023, brings together creatives and brands from all over the world to celebrate the history and culture of sneakers. There are no less than 100 limited-edition sneakers on display, along with murals, installations, and original artworks to savour—we were particularly amused by the tongue-in-cheek Frugal pop-up.
GASTRONOMIC INDULGENCE
After spending the day at the exhibition, we made our way to superstar JJ Lin’s Miracle Coffee pop-up located at Rain Oculus outside the museum. Its Kaya Cloud—an Americano-style coffee with a kaya-flavoured fresh cream cap and shaved gula melaka—proved to be a fail-proof pick-me-up and was a great prelude to the resort’s endless dining options.
From the Australian Wagyu Tenderloin at Wakuda to the signature Beef Wellington at Bread Street Kitchen & Bar and especially the USDA Prime steak served with classic béarnaise sauce at Cut by Wolfgang Puck, Marina Bay Sands had us covered. The roasted Peking duck at Mott 32 and lobster mac and cheese at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, too, were positively scrumptious.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
We had a magical time at Sands Theatre the last time we were there for The Illusionists. This time around, we had the chance to see Disney’s Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical and as it turned out, like the other 2,000-plus attendees in the audience, we couldn’t Let It Go. Fans of the original animated film should check it out before it concludes its run on 19th March 2023.
To elevate the viewing experience, head to the Event Plaza for a Frozen-themed fountain display happening on the final night of the show at 8.30 PM and 9.30 PM. Until then, you may enjoy Spectra—a 15-minute-long light and water show that illuminates the city skyline—at 8 PM and 9 PM from Sundays to Thursdays as well as at 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
RETURN OF NIGHTLIFE
Marina Bay Sands heard our plea and brought the party back to Marquee. Reopened mid-last year, the nightclub still knows how to make our hearts pumping with its state-of-the-art technology, sound system, and not to mention the exciting line-up—from K-pop royalty PSY and Rain to Norwegian DJ Kygo who is set to helm the decks this Saturday.
But those who do not wish to dive into it headfirst may make a beeline for Avenue Lounge for a pregame drink. Reminiscent of a lavish penthouse apartment, the stylish space offers classic and original bespoke cocktails to get you in the right headspace. There are also a mini bowling alley, vintage arcade pinball and skee-ball machines, and a pool table to get the ball rolling.
SHOPPING HAVEN
No outing to Marina Bay Sands is complete without retail therapy at The Shoppes. Widely described as Singapore’s first large-scale shopping mall, this 800,000-plus square feet space is home to more than 170 luxury brands, emerging labels and new concepts spanning bespoke menswear, women’s collections, as well as luxury watch and jewellery brands.
We managed to roam about the complex for a few hours and found ourselves especially lost in the Louis Vuitton Island Maison boutique. Housed in a remarkable Crystal Pavilion on the waters of Marina Bay—the first of its kind in the world—the store features a comprehensive selection of Louis Vuitton products, including the newly released Horizon Light Up earphones!
For more information, visit www.marinabaysands.com