Singapore: Resorts World Sentosa

Perched on Singapore’s holiday island of Sentosa, Resorts World Sentosa envisions becoming a leading family destination globally. A US$4.4 billion casino-entertainment resort spanning 49 hectares, it’s teeming with attractions including the newly launched Universal Studios theme park, Maritime Xperiential Museum and the world’s largest Marina Life Park that are slated to open in 2011.

Resorts World Sentosa boosts six themed hotels with a total of 1,800 rooms, MICE facilities including one of Asia’s largest column-free ballroom and a 1,600-seat Festive Grand Theatre that stages Voyage de la vie, a outstanding circus theatre show presented through song and dance. Ideal for families, most of rooms in Festive Hotel come with a loft bed and storybooks catered to children; babysitting service and toy rental are also available at a fee. For the sophisticates, Hotel Michael is an art gallery in its own right. Named after Michael Graves – a world renowned American architect who primarily designed Resort World Sentosa – the hotel rooms are appointed with arty furniture and fittings designed by him.

Universal Studios Singapore is divided into seven themed zones with 18 of the 24 rides and attractions that are premiering in Singapore such as Far Far Away Castle from the world of Shrek, Madagascar river ride and Battlestar Galactica – the world’s tallest dueling roller-coasters. Rain or shine, visitors are well sheltered in air-conditioned for most of the attractions.

The first and only Universal Studios theme park in Southeast Asia, you get a taste of Singaporean local delights such as chicken rice, laksa and nasi lemak at Discovery Food Court as well as other Asian specialties like dim sum at Hollywood China Bistro. Over 13 F&B outlets serve a variety of international eats from classic American burgers to Thai peanut chicken wrap and Indian Briyani in the park. Pyrotechnics show is set to culminate the themed activities every Friday and Saturday at 9:30pm.

WaterWorld

A major attraction not to be missed, FestiveWalk features the Lake of Dreams, a spectacular laser show and Crane Dance, a nightly performance that involves a pair of mechanical cranes grooving on the music, light and water effects. Other highlights on the strip are concept stores such as the Rock Shop where you can find Hard Rock souvenirs and Victoria’s Secret, the world famous retailer of lingerie and beauty products. For dining options, celebrity-run restaurants are aplenty. Spearheaded by Australia celebrity-chef Scott Webster, Osia serves modern Australian cuisine inspired by fresh Australia produce. To relish traditional haute Kaiseki cuisine, dine in Japanese chef Kunio Tokuoka’s eponymous restaurant.

Voyage de la Vie is the resident show at the Festive Grand, Resorts World Sentosa.

Resorts World Casino

Click to view more Crane Dance photos and video.

This article was published in Travelog Singapore on Oct 2010.