The newly opened Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, offers 2,500 luxury hotel rooms and suites spread over three 57-storey-towers, the 12,400-square-metre SkyPark, 300 luxury-brand outlets, gaming facilities, a conference centre, spa, two theatres, an art museum, nightlife venues and 50 dining outlets — including restaurants by six celebrity chefs.
The architect behind this $5.6-billion (Dh20-billion) project is Moshe Safdie, who has created many impressive buildings including the US Institute of Peace headquarters in Washington. "It is a building that will change the way people look at Singapore,'' Safdie says.
Glorious heights
The crowning glory of the complex is the SkyPark, which sits atop the three 230-metre-high buildings of the Marina Bay Sands hotel and can accommodate up to 3,900 people.
It has a 150-metre infinity pool and landscaped gardens - with hundreds of palm trees and flowering tropical plants — besides two restaurants, including Sky on 57 by Singapore celebrity chef Justin Quek.
For those who enjoy fine cuisine, Marina Bay Sands has brought together Michelin-starred legends, such as Daniel Boulud, Santi Santamaria, Guy Savoy, Tetsuya Wakuda, Mario Batali and Wolfgang Puck. The restaurants will offer a variety of cuisines, including Spanish, French, Italian, American and modern seafood.
Retail therapy
For those seeking retail therapy, there are 300 luxury-brand stores including the largest by Louis Vuitton. It is located on a crystal pavilion surrounded by water and will only be accessible via an underwater passage.
Admirers of fine jewellery and haute couture will find Gucci, Prada, Bvlgari, Cartier, Leviev, Van Cleef & Arpels and many others to satisfy their shopping needs.
Total relaxation and pampering comes at the 6000-square-metre Banyan Tree Spa on the 55th floor. Spectacular city views will be the backdrop to a variety of Asian-inspired massages, therapies and treatments.
The Marina Bay Sands promises an experience that will provide international visitors with recreational elements to keep them busy for days on end.
- www.marinabaysands.com
— Scott Adams is a Madrid-based freelance writer
