Integrated advancements

Some of Asia’s top integrated resorts are reinventing themselves with new stays, exceptional experiences and impressive entertainment.

An artist’s impression of Resorts World Sentosa’s future waterfront promenade

Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has major plans in store when business returns to full swing. The integrated resort is in the midst of a S$4.5 billion (US$3.2 billion) transformation into RWS 2.0, which will see an increase in gross floor area of about 50 per cent.

The added 164,000m2 will be largely achieved through intensification of existing land, and new experiences.

An artist’s impression of Resorts World Sentosa’s future waterfront promenade

 

The first attraction slated to open will be a new pirate-themed adventure dining playhouse that replaces the Resorts World Theatre. Next up are a public seafront attraction with free evening light shows, and expansions for both Universal Studios Singapore (USS) and S.E.A. Aquarium.

Prior to the pandemic, work had begun on the new Singapore Oceanarium, which triples the former S.E.A. Aquarium in size and takes over the Maritime Experiential Museum.

USS’ expansion will bring about two new sections – Minion Park and Super Nintendo World – featuring family-friendly attractions, themed shops and restaurants.

RWS 2.0 will also introduce a new waterfront lifestyle complex boasting two destination hotels that will add up to 1,100 more rooms to the entire resort.

Capping off the redevelopment are plans to introduce a new Driverless Transport System that provides last-mile connectivity between the mainland and Sentosa. – Pamela Chow

Desaru Coast in Johor is Malaysia’s first planned integrated destination with five-star international hotels, a conference centre, a water park, two championship golf courses, a retail village and a 17km pristine beachfront.

There are four hotels at Desaru Coast – the 275-key The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, 365-key Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, and soon-to-open One&Only Desaru Coast.

Desaru Coast transforms Johor’s landscape with luxurious hotels, a water park, two championship golf courses, a retail village, and more

 

The most recent hotel to join the fold – in December 2019 – is the Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas. The property has 123 keys comprising 90 deluxe guestrooms in low-rise buildings that overlook the gardens, lagoon and ocean; alongside 33 one- to four-bedroom villas.

The last property slated to open – this coming summer – is the 45-key One&Only Desaru Coast.

General manager, Jerome Colson, let on that guests can expect two unique experiences: The View from the Top tree-climbing experience and The Call of the Gibbons guided morning walk with the resort’s resident naturalist to watch birds and gibbons in their natural habitat, and learn about the flora and fauna of the Panti Forest. – S Puvaneswary

Las Vegas Sands and Sands China will progressively open British-themed The Londoner Macao over the course of this and next year, which is an expansion and transformation of the company’s existing Sands Cotai Central integrated resort.

Joining The Venetian Macao and The Parisian Macao at the Cotai Strip, The Londoner Macao will boast recreations of classic British landmarks, with an exterior facade modelled on the Palace of Westminster and Houses of Parliament, complete with a 96m-tall Elizabeth Tower and clock face.

The Londoner Hotel is the latest all-suite product to join Sands Cotai Central

 

Four hotel brands promise luxurious stays, including all-suites 594 key The Londoner Hotel (previously the Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central). Two floors at The Londoner Hotel will contain 14 bespoke suites designed in collaboration with ex-footballer David Beckham, who is the brand ambassador for resort owner Sands China.

Billed as the most luxurious hotel ever in Macau, the 368-room Londoner Court offers a choice of one- to four-bedroom suites ranging from 130m2 to 370m2.

Guests will be able to shop from around 200 stores at Shoppes at The Londoner – some of which are first-to-market brands – and enjoy access to amenities such as spas and health clubs. Some 20 F&B offerings on property will provide guests with culinary entertainment. Notable restaurants include The Mews, a Thai restaurant; Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill; Churchill’s Table; and a special restaurant for Dongbei and Sichuan cuisine.

On the entertainment front, the resort is planning to roll out British-themed Streetmosphere shows such as the famous Changing of the Guards that takes place daily at Crystal Palace, as well as daily retail parades featuring iconic characters from British history, culture and literature. – Prudence Lui

Occupying a 44-hectare site in the Entertainment City overlooking Manila Bay, Okada Manila is the Philippines’ newest, largest and most luxurious integrated resort.

The resort offers 998 keys, ranging from the 50m2 deluxe rooms to 1,000m2 luxury villas.

Okada Manila promises luxurious stays

 

The family-friendly destination offers PLAY (Purposeful Learning and Activities for the Young) comprising eight purpose-built play areas; dedicated learning programmes for children; alongside regular facilities such as swimming pools and 21 dining options.

Representing the height of opulence, indulgence and wellness is The Retreat Spa, which offers bespoke spa programmes conducted by certified therapists. There’s also The Sole Retreat Foot Spa and Reflexology Center for high-quality spa, beauty, wellness and grooming treatments. Both offer an exclusive range of products.

The resort’s piece de resistance, Cove Manila, is South-east Asia’s largest ultra-luxe indoor beach-by-day and nightclub-by-dusk event venue. This UVA- and UVB-protective mega glass dome – 100 meters in diameter and 30 meters in height – can host up to 3,500 guests, and boasts advanced audio, video and ambient lighting technologies, as well as an in-house production team that that can whip up eye-popping shows and entertainment for up to 3,500 guests.

The integrated resort welcomes private functions, such as family gatherings and celebrations, with a mix of indoor and outdoor venues. The Garden, for instance, appeals to romantic celebrations, with its set of leafy trees, lush blooms and reflective ponds that are looked after by a special team of seasoned landscape horticulturists, landscape architect, urban forester and irrigation specialist. – Rosa Ocampo

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