--- Courtesy of Patchay@SkyscraperCity & SSC Forumers.
When was your last trip to Singapore and how did you spend your holidays there? Honestly, I had not much "Buzz" when I last visited the nation state a few months back.
Future Buzz
But in a few years time, things will change dramatically.... The recent announcement of the first casino within an Integrated Resort (IR) at Marina Bay will put Singapore on the forefront of travel destinations in continental Asia if not the world. Very soon, the Singaporean government will announce the winner of the second IR at resort island, Sentosa.
Whose fantasy will prevail at Sentosa?
Take a look at the 3 final proposals and why not dream for your choice in Singapore...
1. Genting-Star Cruises' Resorts World Sentosa
The proposed resort city caters to the mass-market; focusing on family and children's entertainment and edutainment.
Highlights of Resorts World Sentosa:
- A theme park by Universal Studios consisting of more than 22 featured mega-attractions.
- Quest Marine Life Park is to be the world's largest oceanarium, also include bat rays, dolphin and shark sanctuary and the world's largest collection of coral reef and open ocean fish.
- Equarius Water Park, a water theme park with water-based adventure rides such as ‘Water Coaster’ and 'Snakes and Ladders’, all integrated within the natural tropical environment.
- Maritime Xperiential Museum, said to be the only museum in the world dedicated to the maritime heritage of Asia and marine archaeology. One of the centrepieces of the museum will be a 360-degree multimedia-rotating theatre where visitors board an Arabia-bound vessel that sank near Singapore 1,100 years ago.
- A zone dedicated as the "Shopping adventure of Asia" consisting of the world's largest collection of 'flagship concept stores' such as Cartier, Nike and Hamleys.
- Six hotels, including a hotel-cum-casino designed by world famous architect, Michael Graves, a Hard Rock Hotel and a six-star hotel-cum-spa by the world renowned ESPA brand. There will be spa therapies with dolphin interaction in specially created spa lagoons.
- A biomed research and learning centre led by world renowned genomics scientist, Dr J Craig Venter.
2. Kerzner-Capitaland's Atlantis Sentosa
The second bidder is by luxury hospitality group, Kerzner partnering developer, Capitaland. The proposed resort, named after the underwater lost city of Atlantis, and the resort atmosphere is set ahead of time in the year 3000.
The resemblance of fish, salad, soaked tissue papers or a Mid-autumn festival lantern immediately comes into your mind. The proposed city will have gigantic glass canopies, if built, will become the most iconic landmark for Singapore.
Highlights of Atlantis Sentosa:
- The Sail - two gigantic glass-and-steel structure that looks like a lotus flower, that will constantly change its appearance, driven by dynamic technology systems that run through its architecture and contents.
- A water theme park called Aquaventure that would have 14 spectacular rides, such as Squid Tower Slide Complex, River Rides and Crab Playground.
- Coral Lagoon, to be the world's largest coral lagoon and the world's biggest man-made coral reef where visitors could snorkel or dive. Within the resort, it has the world's biggest jellyfish exhibition, a shark tunnel and sites for deep-sea scuba diving.
- Aquasphere, the world's largest and most technologically advanced aquarium (bigger than Resorts').
- AquaLabs featuring a centrepiece futuristic mechanical fish and its habitat as well as other interactive and edutainment contents.
- The Gardens of Robotanica displaying some 1,000 species of natural and mechanical or robotic flora and fauna. Guests will also interact with walking robots.
- Gastronomical international cuisines in high-end established restaurants featuring celebrity chefs such as Joel Robuchon, Gordon Ramsay, Santi Santamaria and Sanjeev Kapoor.
- An entertainment hub for 4 international TV stations - Discovery Channel, MTV, Nickelodeon and Johnson's.
- Teens-only Club Rush - with entry barred for adults - will have Internet video games, movies, dancing; and a little chocolate and candy factory targeted at youngsters.
3. Eighth Wonder's Harry's Island Sentosa
Called the Harry's Island, perhaps it is the most 'fictional-looking' resort in the world! Yes, it is also the most expensive plan among the three bidders.
Highlights of Harry's Island:
- In the centre, sits a giant artificial dormant volcano island (Jurassic Park look alike arena), which promises free nightly shows and a theme park with 35 rides and attractions.
- The Caldera - a centrepiece 10-storey waterfall within Harry's Island.
- Ten hotels, including a hotel built around a football stadium affiliated to Brazilian soccer star Pele.
- A wellness, spa, yoga retreat run by new-age guru Deepak Chopra.
- First ever 'Romance Hotel' cum wedding pavillions by world renowned wedding designer Vera Wang.
- On 'Orchid Island', there is a hotel-cum-a cooking school with 50 super-F&B outlets run by French celebrity chef Alain Ducasse.
- An oceanarium incorporating rainforest exhibit headed by Philippe Cousteau, the grandson of the late French undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau.
- Architectural wonders such as the 'flying deck of cards' hotel-cum-casino called the Crown Towers Hotel, the cubical-style Banyan Tree resort, 'Toy Box' exhibition centre of luxury goods as well as the grand Starwood W Hotel, 8th Wonder Arena and the Franco Dragone Theatre.
- State-of-the-art Siemens Command and Control Centre and Star TV studios.
So much to see, so much to enjoy. Genius or creative egos are these companies trying to show to the world.
Then, what kind of resort would you spend money on? I would love to see something adventurous, and preferably integrated within a family-themed wonderland for the enjoyment of all ...especially to my beloved little nephews!
--- End of post. Acknowledgements: SkyscraperCity and CNA.
Tags: Asia, Singapore, Sentosa, casino, travel and Patchay-Blogspot. Related post: Marina Bay Sands.
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