Newest world wonder Marina Bay Sands SkyPark officially open

Amidst its own claims of being a New Wonder of the World and after yesterday's Opening Ceremonies, the Marina Bay Sands is officially open for business. Photos of this unique, record-setting structure are breath-taking. Architect Moshe Safdie combined the three 55-story towers (656+ feet tall) with a rooftop garden platform that spans all three hotel towers, is longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall and is large enough to fit three football fields.

The rooftop garden, known as the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, is an amazing structure. Not only a garden, the SkyPark contains exclusive restaurants, a 150-meter (492+ feet) infinity pool that crosses the span of all three towers and overlooks the city, a public observation deck and gardens containing 250 trees and 650 plants. According to the hotel, the observation deck can hold hundreds of visitors at once, while the SkyPark itself can hold up to 3,900 people. The SkyPark structure is reportedly "one of the largest gravity-defying cantilevers in the world!"

The hotel's Opening Celebration on June 23 kicked off at 5:30 pm with the 2010 World Championship Climb. Seven teams of professional climbers hailing from ten diferent countries speed-scaled each of the the 656-feet tall towers in succession as a team relay and then raced across the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark to the finish line. That evening the celebration continued with performances by Diana Ross, JJ Lin, Kelly Rowland, Sylvia Ratonel and Broadway's Jersey Boys.

Advance tickets for the June 24th opening of the SkyPark Observation Desk sold out early at a reasonable price of $19.00 SGD or approximately $13.57 USD. Currently tickets to the SkyPark must be purchased in person at the lobby ticket counter in Hotel Tower 3.

Accommodation. The Marina Bay Sands offers a variety of accommodation and packages. For a limited time, the hotel is offering a Special Welcome Offer. The offer is for guests booking prior to July 11, 2010 for stays between now and July 31, 2010. Room rates for this special are only $359 per room per night and includes breakfast for two.

Amenities. Guests with children ages 6 and above will be excited about the Qube Kids Club. Aside from the Sands SkyPark Pool, leisure visitors will also enjoy the Banyan Tree Spa, the Atrium Shop, and the opportunity for a round of golf. Business guests will have access to a fully equiped business center, meeting and convention facilities, limousine services and the exclusive Marina Bay Club.

Dining. With well-known chefs such as Mario Batali, Daniel Boulud, Wolfgang Puck and Gus Savoy, connoisseurs of 5-star dining will not be disappointed. For those looking for a cup of gourmet coffee The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Beanstro offers a slelction from around the world. From a quick snack to a gourmet meal, Marina Bay Sands offers it all.

Casino. The casino holds over 1600 of the newest slot machines and almost 500 game tables. According to casino advertisements, there are "more than 6 varieties of games on four levels of gaming, one of which is a non smoking level," and that, " guests will find what they are looking for in the type of environment they desire."

Entertainment. A variety of live entertainment is offered in the various lounges, nightclubs and the casino.

Visitors to Singapore should take the time to enjoy this newest wonder of the world...

Written by Sandi Bird on June 24, 2010
Photos courtesy of Marina Bay Sands