Nestled at the foot of the iconic ship-like Marina Bay Sands hotel, The Shoppes is not just a shopping destination but an attraction and a symbol of Singaporean luxury. It`s an entire subterranean world, a universe of high fashion, exquisite gastronomy, and incredible entertainment spread out beneath the famous cascade of towers.
A Gallery of Luxury: From Chanel to Bvlgari
The Shoppes positions itself as the ultimate destination for luxury brand shoppers. It features virtually the entire "empire" of luxury, lined along spacious, light-filled galleries:
• Fashion Houses: Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Dior, Hermès, Fendi, Loewe, Bottega Veneta, Salvatore Ferragamo—this list goes on and on. Many boutiques are flagships and showcase exclusive collections.
• Jewelers and Watchmakers: Bvlgari, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Piaget, Harry Winston. For watch connoisseurs, there are boutiques for Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet.
• Footwear and Accessories: Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Valentino.
The unique aspect of shopping here isn`t just the brands, but the experience itself: impeccable service, exclusive models, and an atmosphere of serene elitism.
Architectural Highlights: Canals, Gondolas, and Ice
The Shoppes reimagines the very concept of a shopping mall, transforming it into a water-themed entertainment complex:
Canals and Gondolas: A system of canals runs throughout the center, navigated by elegant gondolas. It`s a direct nod to Venice, but with a futuristic twist. You can take a gondola ride directly beneath the luxurious boutiques—a unique experience that has become a signature feature of the place.
The Ice-Skating Rink (The Rink): An indoor ice-skating rink is located right in the heart of the shopping mall. It`s a popular spot for families with children and for anyone looking for an unusual way to spend time in Singapore`s hot climate. Even if you don`t plan to skate, watching the skaters against a backdrop of glittering storefronts is a spectacle.
A Culinary Heaven: From Street Food to Michelin-Starred Restaurants
You can find options for every taste and budget here:
• Luxury Restaurants: Waku Ghin by Tetsuya Wakuda (two Michelin stars), CUT by Wolfgang Puck, DB Bistro Moderne by the famous chef Daniel Boulud.
• Iconic Establishments: The famous Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay.
• Affordable Food Court (Rasapura Masters): Despite the overall luxury, there is a large and very high-quality food court offering Singaporean street food and Asian cuisine in a comfortable setting.
• The Center`s Jewel: The Apple Store with its Dome-Garden
Flagship Apple Store
One of the most impressive attractions inside The Shoppes is the flagship Apple Store. This is not just a retail outlet but a grand architectural landmark.
• Majestic Dome: The store`s spherical structure, resembling a giant "bubble," rises partly above ground, becoming part of the Marina Bay waterfront landscape. At night, the dome is spectacularly illuminated.
• Subterranean Access: Despite the dome being visible from the outside, the entrance to the store is located inside the shopping mall. You descend into it via an elegant spiral staircase or a lift, emerging into a spacious, light-filled space beneath the dome.
• Rooftop Garden: A small garden is landscaped around the base of the dome at ground level, which you can access from the store. It`s a popular spot for photography, offering views of both the dome itself and the Marina Bay Sands towers.
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is a place where you can easily spend half a day without buying a single item. Come here to feel the pulse of modern Singapore, take a gondola ride, enjoy a coffee overlooking the ice rink, and simply become part of this impressive picture.
