Do you have a favourite family staycation spot? Still looking for one spot that ticks all the boxes?
Many families see swimming pools, bathtubs, family-friendly restaurants and child-friendly activities as essentials. Recently, we had a chance to review a Marina Bay Sands staycation as a family. In short, we had a great time.
Here are 10 reasons why you could plan your next family staycation in the iconic landmark on Singapore’s Southern coast.
Marina Bay Sands Staycation Review: A Fantastic Family Staycay Destination
1. Iconic Landmark that offers an Unrivalled view (and bragging rights)
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Marina Bay Sands is one of the most iconic landmarks in Singapore. It is an experience that one has to try at least once in a lifetime. My sons have always marvelled at the “ship” above the three towers and they were thrilled to be able to be in the building!
Our room offers a panoramic view of the skyline and we highly recommend a Premier King room with Sky View. We spent much time just admiring the scenery, spotting heritage buildings, office buildings and even Bukit Timah Hill.
I could also share how the land at Marina Bay was reclaimed, point out the original shoreline where the harbour was teeming with trading junks and bumboats. The rapid transformation is also testament to Singapore’s growth as a city-state.
2. Best Infinity Pool
The must-do is definitely the Infinity Pool atop Marina Bay Sands. This is probably the only pool that makes you feel you are swimming at the top of the city. It is currently only accessible to hotel guests, and each room is entitled to one 1 hour 15 minute slot per day.
If you prefer not to swim, you may just sit by the poolside or visit the Skypark Observation deck which is also only accessible to hotel guests.
3. Meals with a View
Get treated to a sumptuous spread, complete with a view.
Spago and LAVO are both restaurants sitting at the top floor, level 57, of Marina Bay Sands. We enjoyed our meals at the family-friendly restaurants that were also very thoughtful in their service.
Spago by Wolfgang Puck is the first international offshoot of the renowned Beverly Hills restaurant. Fusion food is served, and the set lunch menu and mains are worth a mention. For starters, we enjoyed the Burrata with Confit Kumquats, Tuna Tatare Cones which were a refreshing treat for our palate. The boys polished off their Sashimi Salad and Smoked Maple Leaf Duck Breast, while the adults had perfectly seared Miso Broiled Ora King Salmon and Grilled Iberico Pork. The bonus was the mocktails that were served as well as Coconut Panna Cotta which ended our meal on a sweet note.
Spago is located right next to the Infinity Pool and also offers magnificent views of the Singapore Straits.
We also enjoyed lunch at LAVO, an Italian fine-dining restaurant. At LAVO, diners will be able to enjoy the bird’s eye view of the city and use the binoculars for an even closer look. Be treated to hearty Italian cuisine like their famous LAVO meatball made of Imperial Wagyu and Italian Sausage, Charred Octopus, Iberico Pork Chop and Margherita Pizza. Kids loved their Italian meals and were even more excited when the 20 layer Chocolate cake was served. I thought the Oreo Zeppole was fantastic, the taste of oreo and vanilla melding in the mouth was just delightful!
Located at Sands SkyPark at the top of Marina Bay Sands, the restaurant overlooks the famous Infinity Pool and offers spectacular views of the city skyline.
4. Meals at the Shoppes
There are countless dining options at the Shoppes just a stone’s throw away from the hotel. The connection is also seamless via the escalators and basement. Every kind of cuisine was available for discerning diners.
Our dinner spots were at Black Tap and Bread Street Kitchen, both were popular restaurants and busy at the time of visit. Black Tap was of course known for their decadent milkshakes and burgers. The American diner concept also served huge portions, so do be mindful of the portions while ordering. We highly recommend getting the huge onion rings too, along with the Old Fashioned Burger and the Greg Norman which was the best selling burger in America.
The highlight of the meal was definitely the milkshake – we opted for Brooklyn Blackout which was all things chocolate – chocolate chip frosting, chocolate syrup on whipped cream, brownie atop a chocolate shake!
Who wouldn’t have heard of Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsey? This classic spot by the waterfront sells traditional British fare like Fish & Chips, Beef Wellington and roasts. It also serves cocktails for parents who think they need a drink or two.
5. Visiting ArtScience Museum
Besides feasting with the family, visiting sights with your children is a must-do especially with ArtScience Museum just around the corner. Exhibitions such as FutureWorld, Virtual Realms are worth a visit. Ticketed guests can also enjoy complimentary movie screenings at the Museum as well.
6. Sustainability and Art Tour
Guests can also sign up for a complimentary Sustainability and Art Tour run by the Sustainability team at Marina Bay Sands. The walking tour offers insight into how Marina Bay Sands was designed and built with a strong emphasis on sustainability. For instance, the roof of Marina Bay Sands allows much natural light to flow in, thus requiring much fewer lights in the day.
One functional art installation is the Rain Occulus. Rainwater is collected and flows through the giant bowls resembling water fountains.
Art sculptures are aplenty at Marina Bay Sands, look all around and you could spot the art in various corners of the buildings. One interesting tidbit was the incline of the tower at Tower 1, the angle is measured at 26 degrees with the reason being that 2 and 6 makes 8 an auspicious number especially for Asians.
7. Attentive and Thoughtful Service
Even though it’s a massive hotel which has over 2500 rooms, service was surprisingly attentive and thoughtful. We had additional sets of toiletries and amenities without making the request and also felt the warmth of the staff wherever we went.
One perk was also the snacks and drinks which were complimentary. Kids naturally gravitated towards the mini bar and fridge during staycations so knowing these were accounted for was a welcome gesture.
Security was also tight to make sure that visitors are registered, with guests having to indicate their room numbers whenever they leave their rooms.
8. Connectivity (MRT)
Given the location of Marina Bay Sands, it was well connected to other parts of the island. Bayfront MRT was near, which makes it easy commute if there was a need to head to other places via the MRT.
9. Outdoor time at Gardens By The Bay and space for scooting, cycling, blading
Since Marina Bay Sands Hotel is right next to Gardens By The Bay, families can schedule some outdoor time as well. Bring those scooters, bicycles and inline skates along at the family staycation so everyone gets moving together.
Even if you choose not to venture to the Gardens, there are wide open spaces at the promenade suitable for families on wheels.
10. Plenty of Photo Opps
Family staycations mean opportunities to take memorable photographs. With magnificent skyline views all around, there are plenty of photo-taking opportunities. If you are at the pool, lifeguards at the Infinity Pool may even offer their assistance.
We experienced very willing staff ready to help snap the family photographs and they seem rather adept at it too.
A Memorable Staycation at Marina Bay Sands
The next time you think of a family staycation, why not consider a memorable one at Marina Bay Sands. Besides the view, there is much to do, eat, play and in all a great spot to bond with the family.
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