– JUNE 30, 2015
The Marina Bay Sands integrated resort is one of the most awe-inspiring creations by mankind. This amazing monument contains a hotel, SkyPark (including an observation deck and infinity pool), nightclubs, a skating rink, a theatre, high-end shops, celebrity chef restaurants, an art-science museum, event centres, and a casino. It was developed by Las Vegas Sands and is billed as the world’s most expensive standalone casino property at just under $4 billion Cdn funds (including the cost of the land).
We are talking about a 55 storey – 2,561 room hotel, a 120,000 sm (1,300,000 sf) convention-exhibition centrem, a 74,000 sm (800,000 sf) high-end shopping mall, the world’s largest atrium casino with 500 tables and 1,600 slot machines, a 340m long SjyPark with a capacity of 3,900 people3 and a 150m infinity pool. This building has the world’s largest public cantilevered platform, which overhangs the north tower by 67m!!!
The resort and SkyPark were officially opened in June 2010, with the casino opening earlier in April 2010. The indoor skating rink was christened by a Michelle Kwan performance before anyone else was allowed to use it.
Simply put, if you have ever looked upon this resort and not been inspired to go see it someday then you need to get your pulse checked. This is magnificent architecture at its best. We are all lucky to be alive when jewels like this are conceptualized and then actually created.

Marina Bay Sands Hotel – see the cantilever on the right side (a cantilever is a portion of structure that is not directly supported at its end)

Marina Bay Sands Hotel – the tile façade shown at the bottom of the picture is a mesh skin that moves with the wind. It looks like the movements of water, but on a vertical surface. Very fascinating to watch.

Marina Bay Sands Hotel – the tile façade shown at the bottom of the picture is a mesh skin that moves with the wind. It looks like the movements of water, but on a vertical surface. Very fascinating to watch.
The interior of this structure is also hard to imagine based on our human scale.
The high-end shopping mall has every type of store you would imagine in a property like this.
A concave glass skylight works as a sense of destination while wandering this huge mall. At certain points of the day the water is turned on and a great water show is on for everyone to see.
The hotel rooms were well designed and a welcome change from the places we have been staying thus far (with the exceptions of the people who have let us into their homes of course).
The infinity pool was a real treat. It just vanishes off the edge of the roof.
The observation deck was at the other end of the pool on the roof. Amazing views for sure!
This has been one of the greatest highlights of this trip. A modern architectural marvel amongst the more ancient wonders seen on this trip.
<><><><><><><><>
For more photos of our adventure go to our flickr account here.