As one enters the Singapore airspace, one can't help but feel exhilarated by the grand aerial view of the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) presented before your eyes. It is now an iconic complex that speaks volumes not only how this country has arrived but also how it has evolved to embrace a sustainable future.
When I first set foot inside the Marina Bay Sands more than a decade ago, I knew I was in for an unforgettable experience. Over the years, I have returned to this iconic landmark several times, often attending events at the Sands Expo and Convention Center or dropping by in one of its restaurants, shops, or bars.
Aerial view of the Marina Bay Sands property.
True enough, each visit has left me with better impressions than before. Even now, as I walked through the doors of MBS during the 2023 edition of the ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) Asia Pacific, which was held for four days from June 19 to 22, I am still amazed by the sheer grandeur of the entire MBS complex, especially its hotel and rooftop infinity pool, considered the world’s largest of its kind. It's hard not to shower it with superlatives because that's simply how it feels — awe-inspiring, captivating, and exceptional. After all, Marina Bay Sands is a testament to humanity’s brilliance, creativity, fortitude, and foresight.
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
This year, the MBS team introduced us to the Signature Suite, which is located on the 42nd floor. As I stepped into this newly renovated suite, I was granted a glimpse into the US$1 billion reinvestment program — the most ambitious endeavor since MBS’s opening in 2010. With over 850 meticulously designed hotel rooms completed, it is determined to herald a new era of luxury hospitality.
The rooms – located in Towers 1 and 2 of the iconic hotel – represent the first wave of exquisitely designed luxury accommodation that draws inspiration from Singapore’s multicultural environment.
This room highlights the luxury transformation of Marina Bay Sands.
Every corner of these newly configured rooms and suites exudes a sense of spaciousness intertwined with intricate details, offering a preview of the multi-year transformation that began in late 2021. The future of luxury hospitality and travel is being reimagined before our eyes.
"This extensive design transformation of our iconic hotel is a leap forward in our commitment to set new benchmarks for ourselves and the industry. The transformation doesn’t just stop at our new rooms, as this is only the beginning," said Paul Town, Marina Bay Sands' COO. "Over the next few years, guests will witness luxury at every corner of our property. From the arrival experience at the lobby to new concepts on Sands SkyPark, every guest touchpoint is being reviewed and transformed, at a scale unprecedented in our 13 years of operations. We are excited about what lies ahead as we transform to meet the evolving and elevated expectations of our guests."
The transformation journey doesn't end here. The MBS team reveals that the next phase will “focus on the ultra-luxe suites, elevating the hotel's offering to cater to the rising demand for luxury travel.” As the transformation in Towers 1 and 2 nears completion by the end of 2023, this will extend into Tower 3, the lobby, and Sands SkyPark. The integrated resort’s suite of world-class experiences will also encompass a revamped Executive Club lounge, new fine dining options, and health and wellness offerings.
Sunset at Sands SkyPark featuring the world's largest rooftop infinity pool.
Elevated design
Designed to deliver an elevated home-away-from-home experience, Marina Bay Sands’ new rooms and suites are a haven of calm for luxury travelers, families, and business delegates. Guest rooms are an urban sanctuary, featuring a marble foyer that invites guests to unwind.
“The new design philosophy echoes in the finest details and elevated level of craftsmanship, from the understated elegance of the taupe color palette to the selection of impeccable materials and textures,” said a statement from MBS. “Every item in the room was coordinated to provide an intuitive guest experience that provides intentional functionality with a luxurious feel, such as leather cladding of the drawer safe and hangers in the wardrobe.”
The bathroom is an urban retreat with his and hers vanities.
Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s multicultural environment, the bedroom headboard mimics a Chinese screen in a shophouse while the floor is covered with Axminster wool carpet. The intricate placement and careful curation of cohesive furniture, artwork, and all items that can be touched and experienced create a residential feel that embraces guests.
At the center of the harmonious design is the Armoire, a bespoke minibar. The Armoire opens to a wide range of specialty tea, coffee, fine wines, and snacks. Meanwhile, the Cocktail Trolley presents an elevated beverage experience that evokes the excitement of Singapore’s eclectic cocktail scene. Well stocked with an assortment of liquors and pre-mixed cocktails, guests can create their drinks of choice.
A bedroom has a view of Gardens by the Bay.
The ingenuity in design and attention to detail carries through to the bathroom space, which has been designed to be an urban retreat. Artisanal glass screens with integrated niche lighting accentuate the area while custom pendant lighting decorating his-and-hers vanities soothe the senses.
As the largest hotel in Singapore to be certified to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Industry Criteria for Hotels and Accommodations, Marina Bay Sands has also prioritized sustainable design features and innovative technology solutions that help conserve energy.
As Marina Bay Sands embarks on this new chapter, it invites guests from all over the world to feel for themselves what true luxury hospitality is. There is no need for imagination as the reality of luxury, this MBS kind of quality, is just a flight away.