Marina Bay Sands - In the Lap of Luxury

The skyline of Singapore is magnetic; thanks to the Marina Bay Sands tower and its plush perfection - a delight for an Indian traveller seeking luxury.

- Sudipto Roy

From being just a hotel, the iconic Sands property in the Marina Bay of Singapore has positioned itself as a leading business, leisure and entertainment destination in Asia. With over 2,500 hotel rooms and suites, the magnificent rooftop Sands SkyPark and one of the most exquisite shopping malls in Asia, this compelling property plays host to marquee exhibitions and celebrity social gatherings. As a journalist covering ITB Asia, it was my second stay at the Marina Bay Sands that let me soak in the plethora of plush activities that it offers.

Built for around USD 6 billion and opened late in 2010, the Marina Bay Sands is a colossal property. Although it might not give the impression of a romantic bungalow in the middle of a jungle, the lavishness reflects in plenty. I was a business traveller, for a change, but I was trying to speak to my compatriots as and when I came across them. I would not say that I didn’t expect much from the room but I was mostly enchanted by the hotel’s additional amenities – especially the infinity pool.

Upon arrival I was warmly received and got my own porter. “Is this your first time at the hotel?” the receptionist asked me. I said no, second and she immediately checked something in the system and smiled, and told me “we’ve upgraded you to a better room, no extra charge.” A better room might mean many things and in the case of Marina Bay Sands, it might be a room located on a higher floor. There are three 200m towers of Marina Bay Sands hotel, each rising to 55 storeys, with the famous infinity-edge swimming pool floating on top across the towers like a boat – exclusively for the hotel guests.