Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands hotel
Looming from the Singapore skyline as a shimmering mirage, the Marina Bay Sands is an astonishing monument to architectural genius Moshe Safdie. The three 55-story towers are crowned by a rooftop skypark 200 meres in the air, which includes an infinity edge outdoor pool to capture the sights of Singapore.
Everything about the Sands is worth ogling, and no matter how many times you rub your eyes, it’s real. With some 2,560 hotel rooms to choose from, chances are you will want to be doing some sightseeing from the inside. The rooms are spacious, well appointed, and with each room having a balcony, include either a view of Singapore or the ocean.
If you’re feeling really luxurious, you can go all the way up to a Presidential suite, which includes a baby grand piano and butler service. And it wouldn’t be Asia without a soundproof Karaoke room to blast the night away.
Singapore is a melting pot of Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures and a foodie haven, where everything from the cheap and delicious hawker food in Chinatown to celebrity chef restaurants on rooftops can be found.
The oppressive humidity causes your whole body to weep in sympathy, and you’d suspect that Singapore’s revolution from a sweaty flight stopover to must-see destination happened at around the time air-conditioning became popular.
Singapore’s mix of cultures is evident in the buildings and surrounds, from towering skyscrapers to temples. Although not all is sacred in a push to become more Westernised – a beautiful church in the centre of town has been turned into a pub!