Marina Bay Sands review: What to eat, see and enjoy
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Singapore is home to some of the most iconic landmarks: the thorny Esplanade performing arts centre, Merlion Park and the Singapore Flyer just to name a few. But perhaps the most iconic of them all is the majestic Marina Bay Sands. Standing out proudly amongst the city’s skyline at 194 metres, the architectural marvel, comprising three 55-storey hotel towers crowned by the magnificent Sands SkyPark, has become synonymous with the best of Singaporean luxury hospitality.
Having been featured in countless documentaries, films, and social media, Marina Bay Sands is on the top of the bucket list for many travellers around the world who hope to experience its extravagance. After all, it offers 1,850 luxury rooms and suites, a cutting-edge museum, a world-class theatre, a state-of-the-art convention and exhibition facilities, as well as the finest shopping and dining destinations in the region—all a stone’s throw from each other.
As the most desired luxury hotel destination in Singapore, Marina Bay Sands has never ceased its pursuit of elevating its grandeur to new heights. In 2021, the hotel embarked on a $1 billion reinvestment programme to transform its existing towers, spanning extensive upgrading of its rooms, dining experiences and more. Just this January, it was announced that Marina Bay Sands is investing an additional $750 million in its next hotel transformation phase, which includes the construction of a stand-alone fourth tower.
To get a preview of the hotel’s ongoing billion-dollar transformation, I had the opportunity to experience Marina Bay Sands’ upgraded furnishings and offerings. Ahead, find out what the highlights of my 3D2N stay at Asia’s leading integrated resort are and what you can see, eat and enjoy during your own visit to Marina Bay Sands.
ROOMS
Immerse yourself in the true meaning of elevated luxury living in any of the resort’s three collections: Sands, Paiza and Original. Each offers a unique selection of rooms and suites, exquisitely designed to impress even the most well-travelled guests. They also come with privileged access to the Sands SkyPark, which is home to Marina Bay Sands’ iconic rooftop infinity pool and the world’s largest public cantilever housing an observation deck.
For my 3D2N trip, I stayed at the newly refurbished Sands Premier Room, which came with a stunning view of Gardens by the Bay. Here’s a tip: stay in and order room service for breakfast. I promise enjoying your meal whilst looking out the window will be the perfect way to start your day!
The room also includes a bespoke Armoire and cocktail trolley, a 75-inch smart TV (a wonderful companion to enjoy said cocktails), a walk-in wardrobe, spacious bathroom and separate vanities. At 45 square metres, I highly recommend this room for couples, small families and solo travellers looking to splurge.
For a truly indulgent affair, the brand-new Paiza Collection deserves a mention for setting a new standard of ultra-luxury hospitality. Located on one of the highest floors, Paiza is exclusively reserved for Marina Bay Sands’ most distinguished guests. Here, every need is meticulously attended to by a 24-hour butler team. The Paiza Collection offers five opulent suites: Marina, Horizon, Straits, Presidential and Chairman.
FOOD
With Singapore’s booming culinary scene, there is much for food lovers to explore. Fortunately, Marina Bay Sands is a gastronomic haven which offers the finest dining destinations right at your doorstep. There are over 80 gourmet options available, which range from Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants and modern bistros to premium food marketplaces. Here are the standout gastronomic experiences I enjoyed during my stay that you should have on your list.
Wakuda Restaurant & Bar
Chef Tetsuya Wakuda beautifully blends contemporary Japanese fare with French culinary techniques at this bold and artfully designed restaurant. From its doorways reminiscent of Tokyo’s Golden Gai to the sushi counter overlooking its iconic red maple tree, enjoy Wakuda‘s premium set lunches, 13-course omakase or sip on signature highballs in a luxurious setting.
Spago by Wolfgang Puck
Known for his inventive and audacious style of cooking, this celebrity chef restaurant is the first international offshoot of Puck’s legendary Spago Beverly Hills first opened in 1982. Inspired by its vision of being a ‘garden in the sky’, Spago Dining Room (which is located on the same floor as Sands Skypark) is characterised by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the breathtaking vista of the city that opens to a spectacular al fresco dining area. Some must-trys include the Big Eye Tuna Tartare Cones, USDA Prime New York Sirloin, Chargrilled Octopus and Seasonal Agnolotti.
Rise Restaurant
For the best of Singaporean classics and a variety of cuisines in one place, you can never go wrong with a buffet. At Rise Restaurant, I was truly spoilt for choice with its extensive offerings, whether that was its mountainous portions of fresh seafood on ice; time-honoured signatures such as Singapore Chilli Crab and Australian Wagyu Beef Rendang; mouthwatering American favourites; decadent desserts and charcuterie spreads.
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
When you’re craving a good ol’ burger and fries, be sure to head over to Yardbird. Bringing Southern flair to Singapore, this restaurant will hit the spot with its traditional American flavours such as its famed Chicken & Waffles, Smoked Pork Ribs, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and more. I recommend Yardbird to customers of all ages—because who doesn’t like fried chicken, right? To cool down the heat, check out the alfresco bar which houses one of Asia’s largest collections of American whiskeys, gin, beer and handcrafted cocktails.
ENTERTAINMENT
At Marina Bay Sands, you won’t find a lack of things to see and explore. Easily immerse yourself in the pulse of Singapore’s cultural and entertainment scene, whether you’re a lover of the arts, theatre or high-octane raves. Ahead, find some of the activities I enjoyed during my trip.
Marquee Singapore
After making its Asian debut in 2019, it didn’t take long for Marquee Singapore to become one of the hottest nightclubs in the region. If you’re looking for a thrilling and unforgettable night, you won’t find anything more electrifying than the largest nightclub in Singapore—which houses a massive, eight-armed Ferris wheel (yes, you read that right!), a three-storey spiral slide and has seen acts such as Steve Aoki, Afrojack and Rocky take over its DJ booth.
ArtScience Museum
As one of Singapore’s iconic cultural landmarks, you can’t leave this place out when you’re at Marina Bay Sands. Unlike most museums, ArtScience Museum is unique in that it explores the intersection between art, science, technology and culture. Therefore, I highly recommend visiting this museum as there are many exciting exhibitions that will suit a range of interests, from science fiction, robotics, particle physics, marine biology, space exploration, pop culture, and many more.
Digital Light Canvas by TeamLab
For something Instagram-worthy and entertaining the little ones, consider Digital Light Canvas by the world renowned art collective TeamLab. In this interactive and immersive space, watch your sketches come to life in an LED digital ecosystem; turn your drawings into souvenirs to take home; and take part in calligraphic art with every step you take as brushstrokes blossoming in your wake.
Sands Theatre
While I personally did not get to catch a show here during my trip, I believe Sands Theatre deserves a mention. For those who wish to experience scintillating performances, discover award-winning local and international Broadway musicals such as Matilda and Hamilton and concerts at what is regarded the best theatre in Singapore.
SHOPPING
Of course, you can’t leave the shopping out when talking about Marina Bay Sands! Look no further than The Shoppes for the ultimate retail therapy. As Singapore’s first large-scale luxury shopping mall with more than 170 high-end brands, you will find everything from women’s collections, bespoke menswear, luxury children’s labels to high-end watch and jewellery brands.
Inspired by European shopping districts, The Shoppes also boasts 19 luxury duplex stores, making retail experiences unique and specialised. I particularly enjoyed touring the Louis Vuitton Island Maison and the sensorial journey of exploring Amaffi Perfume House’s signature scents.
To book your stay at Marina Bay Sands, click here.
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