The newly opened Marina Bay Sands is set to change the face of international tourism

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