In the course of 2024, Marina Bay Sands has been incrementally pushing ahead with the second phase of its extensive reinvestment programme, which focuses on the refurbishment of Tower 3, the Hotel Lobby, and Sands SkyPark. The first phase saw a complete overhaul of Hotel Towers 1 and 2, along with new dining offerings and upscale lifestyle amenities. Marina Bay Sands’ chief operating officer, Paul Town, anticipates these enhancements will strengthen Singapore’s appeal as a leading tourism destination. “The second phase will be critical as it propels the property to new heights and positions us strongly in the market to seize future growth opportunities,” Town says. This transformation is part of a multi-year venture as the integrated resort enters the final stage of its US$1 billion (RM4.67 billion) expansion project announced back in 2022.
Among these restorations, Marina Bay Sands has introduced a premium category featuring grand residential-style suites situated on the highest floors of the hotel, known as The Paiza Collection. This division is reserved solely for the hotels’ most elite guests, with special privileges including seamless check-ins in a private arrival lounge, standalone elevators, 24-hour personal butler services, and members-only access to the Paiza Sky Club.
A key differentiating factor is the heightened experience that begins with the discreet Paiza VIP arrival. “Our hotel guests are chauffeured in our own Rolls Royce Cullinan Black Badge and escorted to their suite by a dedicated butler,” says Nicholas Ionides Marina Bay Sands’ vice president, communications and corporate affairs. In tandem with these new entitlements, the resort has also been strengthening the service calibre of their staffs. Butlers undergo in-house training at their own Butler Academy, while team members participate in Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Training. Additionally, the Premium Services team now extends its presence to the airport, ensuring a hassle-free journey from arrival to departure.
At the apex lies The Paiza Royal Collection, housed across levels 50 to 54 in both Towers 1 and 2. These suites are designed to deliver heightened experiences and comes with sweeping views of the urban skyline and coastal waters. The collection covers an intimate one-bedroom Marina suite with a Teckell ‘Minuto’ foosball table; the placid Horizon suite envisioned as a holistic sanctuary; the Presidential Suite with its own golf simulator; and the palatial Chairman Suite with a wide range of provisions that accommodate up to 12 guests.
The suites are woven with elements of flora and fauna, and are layered with modern touches like polished panels and marquetry floors. Although each unit projects a distinct contemporary appeal, the Social Bar stands out as a hallmark—a beverage experience that surpasses the cocktail trolley found in their Sands Collection. “The Social Bar is the ultimate entertainment hub, where we encourage guests to unwind over evening tipples, enjoy a game of pool with friends, or belt out some hits on our karaoke console,” Ionides says.
Perched atop Hotel Tower 2 is the all-new Paiza Sky Residence, where Paiza guests are granted with full-day complimentary access. Replicating the noble tenor of Beijing’s Summer Palace, the Residence serves as an appeasing enclave amidst the bustling city below. Upon entry, guests are greeted with nature-inspired facets, oriental textures, visual art, and deep earth tones with accents of gold and royal blue.
Inside the Residence, the Conservatory is an alcove that overlooks the South China Sea, where guests are treated to brunch buffets, classic breakfast staples, lunchtime favourites, and a selection of made-to-order options. Adjacent to the Conservatory is The Library, which doubles as a private meeting and event space. On the other side of the Residence is the Tea Lounge, which sits a Tea Vault that holds a diverse collection of Chinese teas—a tea sommelier is on hand to enliven the tea-tasting session with a traditional Gongfu tea ceremony.
As evening descends, the Whiskey Bar comes alive in the farthest corner of the Residence. Intended for greater privacy, the bar is tucked away from the main dining area by an embossed gold foil whisky locker displaying some of the world’s rarest collections. The bar also offers an array of signature wines and spirits, along with live entertainment during selected afternoons and evenings.
In the coming months, Marina Bay Sands will be carrying out substantial upgrades and ambitious efforts to establish itself as a premier destination for hyper-luxury tourism. Following the renovations across all three towers, guests will have access to a total of 1,850 rooms, 770 of which are suites.
For more information on The Paiza Collection, visit their official website here.
Photography: Marina Bay Sands
Lead image: Expansive living areas designed for entertaining on a grand scale.
