Cover The luxury transformation at Marina Bay Sands (Image: Marina Bay Sands)

With nearly two-thirds of its 1,282 rooms completed, as part of an ongoing multi-year transformation, the hotel is set to usher in a new era of luxury hospitality. Tatler checks into the new Sands Premier Suite

From its stunning architecture and iconic infinity pool set against the city skyline to the top-notch dining and entertainment experiences, as well as cutting-edge exhibitions at ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands (MBS) has captured the imaginations of many since its opening in 2010. Since then, the integrated resort remains at the top of its game when it comes to attracting new and repeat visitors. And its ongoing multi-year, US$1 billion reinvestment programme, which started in late-2021, seeks to elevate its luxury offerings, starting first with the guest rooms and suites. 

No effort was spared when it comes to the extensive design transformation—and MBS is moving from the traditional hotel concept to luxurious residential-style rooms with clean lines, fine furniture and curated art. Since this April, the hotel has completed over 850 rooms—nearly two-thirds of the resulting 1,282 rooms—fanning the excitement of what is to come in this new era of luxury hospitality. These rooms located within towers 1 and 2 represent the first wave of well-appointed luxury accommodations and are expected to be completed by the end of 2023. There will be a total of 422 suites, up from the current 137.

Tatler checks in for a two-night stay in the newly renovated Sands Premier Suite and discovers an urban sanctuary away from home, but with all the creature comforts one would come to expect from a luxury accommodation—and then some.

First Impressions

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Above Rich marble clad walls greets guests when they step out of the lifts (Image: Marina Bay Sands)

Even before you step inside the suite, the new design touches are apparent from the get-go in the lifts and corridors—and repeat guests to MBS would immediately notice the new taupe colour palette, which is soft and soothing to the eye and immediately gets you in the mood for rest and respite. 

A marbled foyer welcomes you inside the space, and every little detail you come across is elevated with a luxurious feel, from the eucalyptus wood veneer panelling in the living room to the leather cladding of the drawer—and even hangers—in the wardrobe. 

There are several touches that pay homage to Singapore’s multicultural heritage: the bedroom headboard takes inspiration from the Chinese screens in Peranakan shophouses, while the Axminster wool carpet features motifs often seen in the textiles found along Arab Street.

Do Not Disturb

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Above The bathroom is an urban retreat with his and hers vanities (Image: Marina Bay Sands)

Modern touches can be found in the thoughtfully curated amenities throughout the suite, whether it is the luxurious Frette bedding, exquisite Legle porcelain tableware, Bang & Olufsen sound system, or even the tailor-made Maison 21G scent that permeates the air.

MBS takes the premise of "home away from home" very seriously, and the same attention to detail carries through to the bathroom space, where you can retreat for some pampering and self-care. Artisanal glass screens and custom pendant lighting accentuate the spacious area, carving out separate nooks for the his-and-hers vanities, as well as the bathtub.

Our favourite highlight of the suite is, of course, the spectacular panoramic views of the garden city skyline. The suites located on the lower floors will bring you eye to eye with the iconic Supertrees of the Gardens by the Bay, while the accommodation located on the higher floors offer a bird’s eye view of the entire gardens as well as the Singapore Strait with ships dotting the horizon. 

Early birds: you can enjoy your morning cuppa on the balcony basking in the first light and stunning views while setting your intention for the day.

The Extras

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Above The armoire features a gold chinoiserie pattern (Image: Marina Bay Sands)
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Above The selection of coffee, specialty tea and snacks in the armoire (Image: Marina Bay Sands)

Another notable highlight of the newly renovated suites is the bespoke minibar, a two-metre-tall armoire decadently illustrated with a muted-gold chinoiserie pattern on its shiny black lacquer exterior. Eschewing the traditional mini bar, you will find within its depths a wide selection of TWG Tea and Nespresso coffee capsules, Voss water, fine wines and snacks to satiate any late-night hunger pangs.

Those looking for a nightcap will love the new addition of an amenity trolley that is well stocked with an assortment of liquors and pre-mixed cocktails—bringing some of MBS’s signature cocktails from the restaurants into the rooms—along with the glassware, and cocktail garnishes such as dried orange slices.

Read also: By The Glass: Fabien Duboueix, Head Sommelier at Marina Bay Sands

Food & Drink

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Above The grilled salmon at Koma Singapore (Image: Darren Gabriel Leow)

The MBS experience is not complete without savouring the gastronomical delights at the resort’s celebrity chef and signature restaurants. 

You can take in the beautiful views of Singapore’s central business district over a sky-high breakfast at Spago Bar & Lounge located on the 57th floor. The selection here includes Western staples such as eggs florentine and buttermilk pancakes, as well as local favourites including bee hoon soto, nasi lemak and roti prata. 

Or, if you so prefer, tuck into a variety of Southeast Asian breakfast cuisines at Rise (Lobby, Hotel Tower 1), from the wide selection of bread and pastries to piping hot dishes such as laksa, congee, roti jala, dosai, and even steamed and baked dim sum. Special mention goes to the shakshuka for that morning perk me up, especially for this non-coffee drinker.

For lunch, we head to Koma Singapore (B1-67 The Shoppes), the modern Japanese restaurant and sushi bar renowned for its highly Instagramable interiors. But aesthetics aside, the dining options here are a delight as the team is enthusiastic and on-hand to make order suggestions based on your dietary restrictions, or even put together a menu for you. 

From the appetiser featuring a trio of salmon pillow with burnt jalapeno and smoked avocado, wagyu beed gyoza and crispy chicken, to the spicy tuna roll and the mains of grilled salmon, every dish was executed to perfection in terms of taste and presentation. And as if that’s not enough, the dessert duo of lemon yuzu mousse and bonsai of molten dark chocolate and crunchy praline is another meal of its own.

Meanwhile, for hearty French homestyle dining, db Bistro & Oyster Bar (B1-48 The Shoppes) is the go-to spot for its comforting brasserie classics. We had wild mushroom soup, Norwegian sea trout and, of course, rounded off our meal with the molten chocolate cake, which is the perfect sweet ending to the meal. Fair warning: pace yourselves with the bread basket, which is so good and perfect with the soup, we had a second helping.

Tatler Tip

Tatler Asia
Above Cyril Kongo and his six-metre-long artwork. "The World Is Yours" (Image: Marina Bay Sands)
Tatler Asia
Above Pastry chef Janice Wong painted a three-metre wall with different types of chocolate paint (Image: Marina Bay Sands)

Our stay early this year coincided with Where Art Takes Shape, which kicked off the resort's year-round series revolving around key festivals. Held in conjunction with the Singapore Art Week 2023, and its anchor event, Art SG, which was held at MBS’s Sands Expo & Convention Centre, the festival also featured other key activations across the property, which included a live painting by French-Vietnamese graffiti artist Cyril Kong and a chocolate feature wall at Rise with homegrown pastry chef Janice Wong as well as chocolate painting workshops.

This month, the focus is on gastronomy with Where Your Senses Feast, a lively food and wine festival featuring experiential dining concepts, an unprecedented culinary experience at ArtScience Museum, and a French wine cave.

Other upcoming festivals in the second half of the year include a journey of relaxation and rejuvenation with Where Mind and Body Connect, in conjunction with Wellness Festival Singapore 2023; a week-long celebration of live entertainment and music with Where Music Takes Over; and 21 days in October where of fashion takes centre stage. 

Read also: Marina Bay Sands’ Food and Wine Festival is set to be a gastronomic escapade unlike any other

 

Tatler Asia
Above Marina Bay Sands (Image: Marina Bay Sands)

MBS’s latest reinvestment programme is the biggest and most ambitious to date and is in addition to the integrated resort’s multibillion-dollar expansion announced in April 2019, which will include a state-of-the-art entertainment arena, an ultra-luxury hotel tower and new Mice space.

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