If you haven’t booked your Christmas holiday yet, and you want to spend it with your family, Singapore’s integrated resorts could be the ideal choice. From Marina Bay Sands’ famous infinity swimming pool to Resorts World Sentosa’s Universal Studios and Marine Life Park, the casino-based vacation resorts offer something for everyone regardless of their age.

Among the two, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) recently celebrated its grand opening. The $4.93 billion resort is developed by Malaysian conglomerate Genting Group, and is one of the most expensive casino properties in the world.

While many would visit the resort for its casino, the property also offers a number of attractions, including Universal Studios Singapore, which is Southeast Asia’s only Universal Studios theme park. Film buffs will get an opportunity to “live” the movies, including the spooky “Revenge of the Mummy,” thrilling “Transformers,” and the famous “Shrek” rendered in 4-D.

Most children will love its Marine Life Park, which is the world’s largest oceanarium with 100,000 fish representing 800 species. Tired moms and dads would benefit from the resort’s ESPA programs, which includes seawater therapy and lifestyle coaching.

One should not expect Boracay Island or Bali resorts from RWS; there are no scenic natural beaches or the soothing comfort of a nightly hammock by the sea. What the resort offers is a variety of entertainment options for all, whether you are a Shrek-obsessed kid or a busy urban professional who simply wants to get away from the city and the cold.

Universal Studios Singapore

Southeast Asia’s only Universal Studios theme park, Universal Studios Singapore features 24 rides and attractions in seven themed zones: New York, Hollywood, Sci-fi City, Ancient Egypt, the Lost World, Far Far Away and Madagascar.

It has a pair of the world’s tallest dueling coasters, a castle from the world of Shrek and a live show featuring the legendary actress Marilyn Monroe and the popular cartoon character Betty Boop.

The major rides of the park are “Human” and “Cylon,” which are said to be the world’s tallest pair of dueling roller coasters. It takes 90 seconds to complete the 1-kilometer route, while going through “a Cobra roll, corkscrews, and vertical loops and near collisions” that propel thrill-seekers.

Visitors also should not miss the park’s “Transformers the Ride,” which lets its takers live the famous action sci-fi action flick “Transformers.” The 3-D thrill ride takes one through the subway tunnels, down city streets and across high-rise rooftops, in order to complete their mission to save the planet. It’s a hyper-realistic experience and its 4-D qualities enhance the suspense of the ride. For example, one can feel heat when fire erupts in 3-D during the ride.

The amusement park is scheduled to launch its new attraction, the “Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase,” in the next three months. This will be the world’s first Sesame Street indoor theme park ride, according to RWS.

Ocean suites

Resorts World Singapore’s Marine Life Park is divided with two separate attractions: Adventure Cove Waterpark, which is infused with marine life elements, and S.E.A Aquarium, which claims to be the world’s largest aquarium.

Starting this month, there’s an extra option to experience the underwater view for RWS visitors. On top of snorkeling and playing with sharks and dolphins, one can now stay in a suite that offers an immersive experience of observing over 70 marine species through a floor-to-ceiling acrylic panel in the bedroom. 

The two-storied suites, 11 in total, are located in S.E.A Aquarium. Every suite includes a panel that offers an exquisite marine view, as well as a cleverly designed bathtub beneath the wooden deck. Guests can enjoy a warm bath while enjoying the underwater view at the same time.

The rate for the Ocean Suites is S$2,400 ($1,940) and they will be available for reservations by the end of this month, said RWS.

ESPA

If you are simply seeking to relax away from the cold, RWS’ ESPA would be the ideal place.

The spa, which opened in July, is located at the tranquil western tip of the resort. It houses 24 multi-functional treatment rooms, a studio for yoga and pilates, as well as a separate studio for manicure and pedicure treatments.

The spa also introduced the authentic Hammam treatments, which are very similar to the Turkish variant of a steam bath, for the first time to Singapore.

Its signature treatments include “revitalizing Hammam cleanse,” a treatment which uses a traditional Kese mitt and black olive soap to do a deeply cleansing full body scrub.

Hotels

The resort offers six hotels in total. Among them, the luxurious Crockfords Tower, which houses RWS casino; Hotel Michael, a boutique hotel that features the works of American architect and designer Michael Graves; the Hard Rock Hotel, famous for its famous rock ‘n’ roll ambience; Festive Hotel, which offers contemporary and chic atmosphere; Equarius Hotel, which is located near a pristine forest; and water bungalow-equipped Beach Villas.

Reservations can be made through (+65) 6577-8899 or online at www.rwsentosa.com.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)