A city escape for modern nomads can mean a lot of things, but if there’s one box we can all agree must be ticked, it’s accessibility to all facilities. Marina Bay Sands meets this crucial requirement and then some. A stone’s throw away from Changi Airport, the 20-minute drive feels even shorter when you’re escorted in a six-seater Toyota Alphard MPV—a package available to all guests staying at the award-winning integrated resort.
It hasn’t been a year since we were last here but the news that the ongoing USD1 billion reinvestment project in the hotel is beginning to bear fruit is enough reason to make the trip. While the rooms and suites in Towers 1 and 2 are indeed undergoing an extensive renovation, the matter of course is not always apparent, save for some sporadic, faint hammering noises in the lobby area. The rooms remain a sanctuary amidst the bustling metropolis.
Following the design direction to turn the resort’s traditional hotel model into a residential-style concept, the rooms have been upgraded with more than a few creature comforts. The Sands Premier Room, for instance, mirrors the country’s multicultural milieu. It is especially evident in the bedroom headboard that recalls the Chinese screen in a Peranakan shophouse, as well as the Axminster wool carpet that features a motif inspired by the textiles found along Arab Street.
These influences, however, are discreetly adopted so as not to overwhelm the senses. It is, after all, designed to be an urban retreat. Take one step into the living space and you are greeted by a defined yet intimate marbled foyer, eucalyptus wood veneer panelling, custom lighting, and curated art pieces. Complementary amenities such as the lavish Frette bedding and tailor-made Maison 21G scent further enhance the experience.
A similar visual language can be seen in the bathroom area, particularly with artisanal glass screens and custom pendant lighting. The custom-built millwork open closet adds to the luxury feeling. The tech-savvy travellers would be pleased to hear that Marina Bay Sands has also outfitted the room with wireless charging pods, motion-activated occupancy sensors, curtain control panels, and state-of-the-art devices like the Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speaker.
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But the real treat here is the massive 75-inch Samsung television. Paired with a Yamaha soundbar, movie-watching in the Sands Premier Room is a highlight in itself. It definitely elevates our Succession marathon as it allows us to stream the show from our own devices via Chromecast. On top of that, wireless smartphone chargers have also been embedded in the bedside table for the travellers’ enhanced convenience.
Hoping to make a real impact, not only on the guests but also on the world, the integrated resort has taken the necessary steps to become a more ethical brand. One of the efforts put in place to conserve energy is the use of an intuitive lighting system linked to motion-activated occupancy sensors, which respond to the presence of guests, allowing the curtains to automatically open while the air-conditioning configures to its pre-set mode.
This commendable initiative comes as no surprise as Marina Bay Sands has been certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Industry Criteria for Hotels and Accommodations earlier this year. The certification bears testament to its continued efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while making its operations more resource efficient—from waste-reducing and recycling measures and equipment to energy and water efficiency practices.
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“With the scale of our business and the resources needed to support operations, sustainability needs to be incorporated right from the start. In fact, our building was built with sustainability in mind. By way of example, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands was designed with a glass roof to maximise natural lighting into the mall, reducing energy consumption,” says executive director of sustainability Meridith Beaujean in a statement.
The integrated resort’s environmentally conscious attitude is not a recent undertaking. Marina Bay Sands has lowered its overall carbon footprint by over 50 per cent since 2012, decoupling its environmental impact from business growth. It is a key factor to a growing number of visitors when deciding on their preferred lodging—and Marina Bay Sands has all its bases covered.