Luxury entertainment in Singapore has a new name - Marina Bay Sands. Jassmin Peter takes you on a tour of this grandiose construction, which suggests the Lion City might never be the same again.
Possibly Singapore's most ambitious and architecturally-stunning development, Marina Bay Sands (www.marinabaysands.com) opened it doors in late April though its official grand opening will be celebrated on June 23, with sections of the US$5.5 billion project progressively opening over the coming year.
The brainchild of premium developer Las Vegas Sands Corporation - renowned for creations such as The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel and The Palazzo Las Vegas Sands, Marina Bay Sands is situated on reclaimed land and has been designed to draw the corporate, convention and international tourism crowd. Hoping to lure 17 million visitors annually, Marina Bay Sands is pitched as "the world's most magnificent destination for world-class entertainment, shopping and business" and promises a stellar line-up of amenities and attractions open any time of the day and night. By comparison, Resorts World Sentosa is cornering the family market, thanks to the opening of Universal Studios Singapore, and is attracting a predominately Asian audience.
At a glance...
Premium players and members of the invitation-only Paiza club have access to exclusive gaming and dining privileges and 30 private gaming rooms on the casino's upper two levels. On the fourth level sits Ruby Room - exclusive to high-rollers.
Accomodation Designed by American architect Moshe Safdie, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel encompasses three towers soaring to 55 stories and capped by an outdoor Skypark. Bet on a room with a view. Each of the 2,651 rooms - of 18 different layouts - is configured to capture city or sea vistas, while the 250 luxury suites include butler service and access to VIP areas.
Sands Skypark Marina Bay Sands' crowning glory is its 1.2 hectare, gravity-defying SkyPark, floating atop the hotel towers and offering a 360-degree view of Singapore and its neighbouring countries. Longer than the Eiffel tower is tall, this cantilever is perched 200 metres high in the sky and could accommodate four-and-a-half A380 jumbo jets! Expected to open later this year, here you'll find exclusive restaurants and lounges, an observation deck, landscaped gardens and three Olympic swimming pools - with a surreal infinity edge flowing into the city and sea beyond.
Retail therapy Shopaholics will have a field day at 300 retail outlets, including luxury brands Fendi, Ferragamo, Franck Muller, Hermès and Tiffany & Co. and a refreshing mix of international and emerging designer labels such as Anne Fontaine, Henry Cotton's, Paul & Shark and Stefano Ricci. Shopping at Louis Vuitton will be an entirely different experience, with this "island" boutique housed in one of two Crystal Pavilions, floating on Marina Bay and encased in glass and steel.
Entertainment The mall offers an in-line skating rink and leisurely boat rides on a canal meandering through the retail area, while an impressive lotus-shaped museum - expected to open by December - will showcase blockbuster exhibitions from around the world. Two state-of-the art theatres will host rotating shows, including Broadway hit The Lion King, debuting in 2011 and set to run for a year.
The remaining Crystal Pavilion will host two of the USA's hottest nightclubs. Pangaea occupies the first level and has an ultra-lounge bar accessible through an underwater tunnel. The top level of this "floating" structure will be home to Avalon, owned by actors Bruce Willis and Dan Ackroyd. Both clubs will host star-studded private parties, exclusive events and rock concerts.
Spa sensation A 20,000 square feet Spa and Health Club is located on the 55th floor. The gym will open shortly and features weights machines, a cardio corner, Pilates and yoga classes and a juice spa. Banyan Tree debut its first Singapore location here, offering 15 nature-inspired treatment rooms.
Sands EXPO and Convention Center Further securing Singapore's position as Asia's convention hub, this new convention centre is the biggest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) facility in the country. Able to host more than 45,000 delegates and 2,000 exhibition booths, it has 250 meeting rooms and a ballroom with a capacity of up to 11,000 people, said to be the largest in South-East Asia.
Events plaza This huge outdoor area adjacent to Marina Bay uses a unique hydraulic system to move its steps and can accommodate up to 10,000 people for live performances and waterfront shows.
Casino entry fee
To enter the casino area of either Integrated Resort (IR) you must be above 21 years of age. All Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents are also required to pay a $100 entry levy - unique to each IR - for 24 consecutive hours, or $2,000 for a one-year multiple entry permit. Those holding foreign passports including Residents with Employment Passes and similar, enjoy free entry.
is entry fee is absorbed by the Singapore Government and anyone who attempts to evade it faces fines of up to $1,000 upon exiting the casino. For more information or to purchase the entry levy online, visit www.marinabaysands.com or www.rwsentosa.com
Posted Jun 2010
