Celebrate the holiday season with the grandeur of Marina Bay Sands
'Tis the season of festivities and there is no better place to ring in the new year than Marina Bay Sands, Singapore’s most iconic landmark.
Indubitably, Marina Bay Sands is the brightest gem of Singaporean tourism. Since its grand inauguration in 2010, the integrated resort has garnered much attention globally as an architectural marvel and paragon of sophistication with its visionary house-of-cards design courtesy of esteemed architect Moshe Safdie. Renowned for its lavish amenities and panoramic vistas of the city’s skyline and Marina Bay, the landmark is nothing short of a visual symphony.
Embarking on a bold venture into a new epoch of lavish hospitality, the resort has unveiled an ambitious expansion strategy, earmarking a staggering US$1 billion reinvestment in its hotel. A metamorphosis has undergone in Towers 1 and 2 where every room and suite has transformed from the conventional hotel paradigm to a realm of deluxe residential-style accommodation. Moreover, plans are afoot to add a fourth tower to the ensemble. Rest assured, we’ll be your faithful guide as these developments unfold.
In a recent rendezvous with this iconic establishment, we found ourselves ensconced in the refurbished Sands Premier Room. Marking our first visit since its inception, expectations ran high. Yet, Marina Bay Sands effortlessly surpassed them all, delivering a seamless experience that left us awestruck. The resort not only checked every box but also astounded us with its dazzling array of dining options, upscale retail havens, vibrant nightlife and a rich tapestry of arts and culture. What’s more, a fresh array of immersive experiences has been added to the repertoire, ensuring that the allure of Marina Bay Sands remains as captivating as ever.
Culinary Extravaganza
Marina Bay Sands is a gastronomic haven where culinary exploration knows no bounds. From the nourishing superfoods at Origin + Bloom to the flawlessly curated chef-recommended plates at Spago Dining Room and an extensive selection of over 100 Asian favourites at Rise, the options are as plentiful as they are diverse. Indulge in a carnivorous delight at DB Bistro & Oyster Bar with a generous serving of Prime Ribeye or enjoy a guilt-free indulgence at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, where the jumbo-sized Chicken & Waffles and Buttermilk Pancakes portions beckon on cheat days.
Devotees of Chef Tetsuya Wakuda are in for a treat as his latest culinary venture, Wakuda, has officially opened its doors at Marina Bay Sands. Guaranteed to exceed expectations, it offers aficionados an immersive experience that goes above and beyond. Following the triumph of the two Michelin-starred Waku Ghin, Wakuda aims to redefine Japanese dining by crafting an array of dishes and small plates featuring premium seasonal ingredients.
Must try:
Cultural Epicentre
No sojourn to Singapore would be complete without immersing yourself in the cultural events of the ArtScience Museum. For those yearning to encounter the extraordinary, we earnestly recommend New Eden: Science Fiction Mythologies Transformed. This captivating exhibition delves into the avant-garde realm where visionary female artists such as Morehshin Allahyari, Patty Chang, Chok Si Xuan and Malaysia’s own Anne Samat, alongside collectives from diverse corners of Asia, wield their creative prowess within the science fiction genre.
Anticipate thought-provoking artworks spanning an eclectic mix of mediums — from evocative artefacts to mesmerising films and beyond. New Eden not only serves as a gallery of innovation but also underscores the pivotal roles played by Asian female artists in shaping the narrative of science fiction. This exhibition acts as a powerful platform, shedding light on alternative perspectives and painting a vivid portrait of what an all-encompassing future in the arts entails.
Must see:
Retail Paradise
Your trip to Marina Bay Sands is not truly fulfilled without succumbing to a session of retail therapy at The Shoppes. Regarded as Singapore’s inaugural large-scale shopping haven, this sprawling 800,000-sqf space hosts over 170 luxury brands, emerging labels and avant-garde concepts, spanning bespoke menswear, women’s couture, and luxury watch and jewellery brands.
Venture into the universe of the Louis Vuitton Island Maison, an exclusive haven within the Marina Bay Sands store, boasting treasures awaiting discovery. Alternatively, make your way to one of the globe’s three Amaffi Perfume House boutiques, a sanctuary where only the most exceptional perfumers and distinguished ateliers converge. The Royal Love Story for Men is a must-have if you ask for our recommendation.
In a first-ever collaboration, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands has partnered with Dior Beauty for its annual Christmas Light-up, heralding the commencement of the holiday season. The integrated resort transforms into a resplendent Christmas wonderland, featuring an awe-inspiring 11-m tree crowned by Monsieur Dior’s lucky star — an emblem synonymous with the House — beneath a canopy of 14 garden-inspired floral trees suspended in the heart of the mall. The property is aglow with over 300 Christmas trees adorned with abundant ribbons, inviting visitors to unravel the joy of the festive season at every turn. Not only that, according to Hazel Chan, Senior Vice President at Marina Bay Sands, "In addition to a charming series of in-store workshops, such as torch enameling at Breguet, Christmas calligraphy at Chaumet and candle personalisation at Pomellato, we (The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands) also partnered with various beauty and fashion brands to host invited shoppers to private shopping sessions and trunk shows throughout November and December. Looking ahead, we will continue to enliven the retail journey for our shoppers to rediscover our mall through these one-of-a-kind experiences."
Fun Fact:
There is a complimentary shoe shining service every weekday from 12 pm to 4 pm at B2M, led by the skilled Dexter Geniston, Senior Guest Service Agent and Shoe Shine Master, trained by the esteemed World Shoe Shine Champion, John Chung. All proceeds from this service support the charity, Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS).
Nocturnal Oasis
As a beacon of pop culture iconography, Marquee at Marina Bay Sands stands in a league of its own. With a reopening in mid-2022, this nightclub has mastered the art of the adrenaline rush, boasting state-of-the-art technology, a cutting-edge sound system and electrifying performances from both in-house and guest DJs, including the likes of Marshmello, PG One and the incomparable Steve Aoki.
For those who prefer to enjoy the ambience without hitting the dance floor, make the bar area your station for cocktails and other drinks, served with a panorama of the venue from its eight-armed Ferris wheel. However, should you desire a brief respite and a lungful of fresh city air, the Waterfront Promenade awaits. Here, visitors can indulge in the enthralling Spectra light and water show. The popular 15-minute multimedia extravaganza graces the skyline at 8 PM and 9 PM from Sundays to Thursdays, with an additional showing at 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. If in need of energy booster, head to the South Promenade where the shopping mall expert, Hazel Chan reccomends indulging "comforting cup of coffee at Singapore’s first ever Ralph’s Coffee outlet, the well-loved % Arabica or the opulent Bacha Coffee Fashion Avenue."
Visit www.marinabaysands.com for more information.