The Lion City is an exotic-yet-familiar destination for groups, with a kaleidoscope of influences. Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures all coexist in this ethnic mosaic -- where with futuristic skyscrapers flourish.
A stroll down Serangoon Road in the heart of Little India takes travelers past women in colorful saris, henna artists at work, and floral garlands on display, as the fragrance of Indian spices dances in the air.
Among the sights visitors will likely see are monks chanting at the Buddha Tooth Relic Museum; the breaking of coconuts at Sri Mariamman Temple, the island nation's oldest Hindu temple; and men prostrating themselves at Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam, the heart of Singapore's Muslim community.
This is one of the safest and cleanest countries in the world, thanks in large part to its low unemployment rate and the city-state's harsh judicial system.Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, today it is one of the world's most prosperous nations. Although it is culturally diverse, English is the predominate language.
One of Singapore's greatest treasures is its Botanic Gardens, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a testament to its reputation as a Garden City. Established in 1859, the most visited botanic garden in the world has thousands of plants and multihued orchids, the largest display in the world.
Although world renowned for its chili crabs, other dishes like chicken rice and curry puffs should not be missed. Hawker centers -- open-air food complexes -- dot the city, and two of these modest food stalls have even been recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide, one with a star.
In contrast to its ethnic neighborhoods stands the architectural marvel, Marina Bay Sands, an integrated resort that consists of three hotel towers with 2,561 luxury rooms and suites, and crowned by Sands SkyPark, a tropical oasis of lush gardens, celebrity chef restaurants, the world's largest and highest outdoor infinity pool, and 360-degree views. Since it opened in 2010, Marina Bay Sands has attracted new meeting and incentive groups to the Lion City.
"Singapore has exploded the last 10 years," says Mike Lee, Marina Bay Sands' vice president of sales. "It is strategically located, with over 6,600 flights weekly, connecting to over 270 cities worldwide. It is safe and secure with no hurricanes or typhoons to contend with."
Changi Airport is an attraction in its own right. Thousands of butterflies flutter about in its Butterfly Garden. Other specialty gardens showcasing sunflowers, cacti, and orchids, as well as a koi pond, make the airport unique, as do two movie theaters, and a "snooze lounge" complete with a babbling brook.
High Life
To say Marina Bay Sands is just a hotel is like saying Dom Perignon is just a fizzy drink. A staff of over 9,500 caters to a guest's every need.
Chefs Daniel Boulud, Mario Batali, Wolfgang Puck, Gordon Ramsay, Tetsuya Wakuda, David Thompson, David Myers, and Justin Quek all have restaurants at the property, with over 60 dining options in total.
With more than 270 of the most luxurious boutiques imaginable, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is a fashionista's paradise. A new personal shopping service offers private sessions where shoppers are paired with personal stylists from individual brands who pre-select pieces based on budget, style preference, and fashion penchant. Carefully curated wardrobes await shoppers in store during this VIP excursion.
The ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands explores the intersection between art, science, technology, and culture. One of its most amazing exhibits surrounds a visitor in an ecosystem of computer-generated flowers and butterflies that flourish and wither with the seasons, and respond to one's movements.
This lotus-shaped structure is made up of 10 "fingers" housing a total of 21 galleries. Intimate spaces allow planners to be innovative when hosting cocktail receptions, meetings, and other types of gatherings.
Southeast Asia's largest light-and-water show takes place in front of Marina Bay Sands, where the universal tale of the journey of life is told through the use of water, multicolored lasers, and video projectors set to a soundtrack that incorporates Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" and music from violin prodigy Gabriel Ng.
When it's time to get down to business, Sands Expo and Convention Centre has more than 1.3 million square feet of flexible convention and exhibition space. Singapore's largest and most versatile exhibition and meeting venue features 250 meeting rooms, six exhibition halls, and Southeast Asia's largest ballroom (which can accommodate 6,600 for a banquet and up to 8,000 for an auditorium-style lecture).
Sustainability infuses the way this resort does business. Its global sustainability program, Sands ECO360, guides the company in responsible operations to reduce its carbon footprint and overall environmental impact.
A green meeting concierge helps clients craft sustainable meetings using the Sands ECO360 Meetings Planning Tool and Harvest Menus that help lower the emission of greenhouse gases during transportation by incorporating locally sourced ingredients.
Questions or comments? Email [email protected]
This article appears in the September 2016 issue of Successful Meetings.
WHERE TO…
RELAX - Banyan Tree Spa
An oasis of tranquillity awaits on the 55th level of Marina Bay Sands Hotel at the Banyan Tree Spa. Combining the sleekness of its modern interior with sensual, spiritual, and Asian elements, it offers 15 treatment rooms and a stunning tea lounge.
MEET - Gardens by the Bay
Plant life from all over the world is featured here as well as a futuristic grove of "
Supertrees,"
giant vertical gardens, and two large conservatories: the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Event spaces abound and one noteworthy setting is the Flower Field Hall, which offers views of a colorful garden on one side and a panorama of the Marina Bay skyline on the other.
PLAY - Clarke Quay
Located on the banks of the picturesque Singapore River, Clarke Quay is one of the city's most lively nightlife spots with restaurants, pubs, and clubs housed in restored warehouses. Twinkling lights, pulsating music, and a festive atmosphere await.
High Life
To say Marina Bay Sands is just a hotel is like saying Dom Perignon is just a fizzy drink. A staff of over 9,500 caters to a guest's every need.
Chefs Daniel Boulud, Mario Batali, Wolfgang Puck, Gordon Ramsay, Tetsuya Wakuda, David Thompson, David Myers, and Justin Quek all have restaurants at the property, with over 60 dining options in total.
With more than 270 of the most luxurious boutiques imaginable, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is a fashionista's paradise. A new personal shopping service offers private sessions where shoppers are paired with personal stylists from individual brands who pre-select pieces based on budget, style preference, and fashion penchant. Carefully curated wardrobes await shoppers in store during this VIP excursion.
The ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands explores the intersection between art, science, technology, and culture. One of its most amazing exhibits surrounds a visitor in an ecosystem of computer-generated flowers and butterflies that flourish and wither with the seasons, and respond to one's movements.
This lotus-shaped structure is made up of 10 "fingers" housing a total of 21 galleries. Intimate spaces allow planners to be innovative when hosting cocktail receptions, meetings, and other types of gatherings.
Southeast Asia's largest light-and-water show takes place in front of Marina Bay Sands, where the universal tale of the journey of life is told through the use of water, multicolored lasers, and video projectors set to a soundtrack that incorporates Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" and music from violin prodigy Gabriel Ng.
When it's time to get down to business, Sands Expo and Convention Centre has more than 1.3 million square feet of flexible convention and exhibition space. Singapore's largest and most versatile exhibition and meeting venue features 250 meeting rooms, six exhibition halls, and Southeast Asia's largest ballroom (which can accommodate 6,600 for a banquet and up to 8,000 for an auditorium-style lecture).
Sustainability infuses the way this resort does business. Its global sustainability program, Sands ECO360, guides the company in responsible operations to reduce its carbon footprint and overall environmental impact.
A green meeting concierge helps clients craft sustainable meetings using the Sands ECO360 Meetings Planning Tool and Harvest Menus that help lower the emission of greenhouse gases during transportation by incorporating locally sourced ingredients.
Questions or comments? Email [email protected]
This article appears in the September 2016 issue of Successful Meetings.