Destination
Reasons to check into Marina Bay Sands once the border reopens
CONNECTED BY TWO of the region’s busiest transit links, Malaysia and Singapore have enjoyed long-standing close bilateral relations, and rightfully so due to our shared history, common ancestries and hearty appetite for epicurean experiences. We are especially glad to know that in the challenging times of Covid-19, our neighbour is still looking out for us.
When Marina Bay Sands sought our advice on Malaysians stranded in Singapore that they could reach out to, we put them in touch with our A-Lister and wellness guru Wong Yu Jin, who has not been able to travel home since the border between the two countries closed in March this year. Under the kind hospitality of Marina Bay Sands, Yu Jin and his wife Samantha Lee, a medical front-liner in Singapore, enjoyed a luxurious staycation along with a host of sumptuous experiences. Here are the highlights of their stay and perhaps things you can look forward to once the border reopens, hopefully soon!
TRUFFLE HUNTING AT DB BISTRO & OYSTER BAR
In celebration of the truffle season, the award-winning French bistro has curated an a la carte Black Truffle Celebration
Menu, featuring the prized French black winter truffles. Exclusive to Périgord in Southwestern France, these wild truffles found in the roots of a native oak tree species are highly regarded as “black diamonds” for their intense earthy aroma.
Menu highlights include the roasted pumpkin soup, black truffles, duck confit, celery variations, pumpkin seeds (S$35++), and the al-dente house-made tagliatelle pasta, topped with freshly-shaved black truffles and aged parmesan (S$40++ for pasta with 3gms of truffles; S$55++ for pasta with
5gms of truffles). Also not to be missed is the restaurant’s signature DB Burger Royale (S$75++, served with 5gms of truffles). Featuring a gourmet patty of ground sirloin wrapped around red wine braised short rib and creamy foie gras, the restaurant’s signature burger is served with a perfumed black truffle aioli for a luxurious dining experience. Truffle aficionados can trust in the culinary team to serve up an indulgent four-course Chef Tasting Menu (S$185++), made using the freshest ingredients available daily. Alternatively, choose to spruce up any dish of your choice with freshly-shaved black truffles (3gms for S$25++).
For reservations or enquiries, call +65 6688 8525, or visit marinabaysands.com.
SUNDOWNERS AND STYLISH BITES AT SPAGO BAR & LOUNGE
Enjoy breezy weekday afternoons over gourmet bites and free-flow beverages at the sky-high alfresco Spago Bar and Lounge boasting mesmerising views of the South China Sea. Available from Mondays to Thursdays, 2pm to 7pm, the Sundowners Menu offers a choice of five signature bites at S$65++.
Highlights include the signature chicken “laksa” spring roll, USDA prime beef sliders, juicy Japanese fried chicken “karaage”, and octopus sushi roll. Cocktail enthusiasts can also sip handcrafted cocktails such as the citrusy Love You Long Time (S$19++), a concoction with Ketel One Vodka, sweet tangerine, Thai basil and sparkling sake, or the signature Garden of Eden (S$19++), featuring a homemade mango black tea infused vodka with lemon and cane sugar.
For reservations or enquiries, call +65 6688 9955, or visit marinabaysands.com.
MULTI-SENSORY DINING AT KOMA
A modern Japanese restaurant and sushi bar created by Tao Group Hospitality in collaboration with Marina Bay Sands, KOMA is located within The Shoppes and offers original creations featuring sushi, robatayaki and izakaya style dining. The restaurant also boasts a luxurious bar and lounge that serves an extensive selection of over 30 types of sake sourced from across Japan. Designed by American design firm Rockwell Group, KOMA features breathtaking design features that draw heavily on iconic Japanese architecture and places. Some of the key design elements include a 20m-long arched passageway that is inspired by the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, and a majestic 2.5m-high Japanese bell that overlooks a traditional foot bridge and reflecting pool.
For reservations or enquiries, call +65 6688 8690, or visit marinabaysands.com.
ON TOP OF THE WORLD AT LAVO
Set atop the iconic Sands SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands, LAVO Singapore ‒ featuring an Italian American restaurant, a luxurious lounge and live DJ sets - showcases Tao Group Hospitality’s first Asian outpost of its famed Las Vegas and New York City concept. Outfitted with reclaimed subway tiles and exposed bricks, a massive wooden wine cabinet and antique mirrors, LAVO Singapore channels a 19th century Italian American restaurant complete with a sprawling wraparound outdoor terrace. The vibrant terrace features subtle lighting, a light timber trellis, an outdoor bar and a gelato cart. Highlights of the menu created by Chef Ralph Scamardella include penne a la vodka, linguini with clam sauce, large meatballs and chicken parmesan. Each element of the space ‒ from the curved tiled bar with panel detail to the classic LAVO round leather booths ‒ converges to create the ultimate experience in dining and nightlife.
For reservations or enquiries, call +65 6688 8591, or visit marinabaysands.com. RELAX & REJUVENATE AT NATURELAND SPA PREMIUM
Located at The Shoppes, the spa offers you and your loved ones a sensory journey that will rejuvenate, relax and uplift both your mind and body in a luxuriously tranquil setting. Their signature messages (Foot Relief and Body Relief) are designed to improve blood circulation, promote healing from within and increase metabolism to remove toxins in our body.
For reservations or enquiries, call +65 6788 6780, or visit marinabaysands.com.
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