No trip to Singapore would be complete without a visit to the iconic Marina Bay Sands (MBS) hotel, home to the world’s largest infinity pool. This spot has been firmly on my bucket list for years. Much like the Park Hyatt Tokyo pool, I have been dreaming of the day when I could swim at the MBS rooftop infinity pool and this was the trip! I bought 1 night for the cheapest rate on the cheapest date I could find.

I checked in using the MBS app and received my room assignment and key within a few minutes of my arrival. Maybe they thought I was an influencer from LA or they just felt like being nice, but I got upgraded to a corner suite, with views of both the city and Gardens by the Bay. Also I had not one, but TWO balconies running along the entire suite, a full living room, massive bathroom with soaking tub, and massive bedroom. Plus my favorite hotel amenity - a Nespresso machine.

After I got over the initial shock of my baller PALACE, I went to the Sky Park Observation Deck on the 57th floor to get a 360 view of the town. I believe this is worth a visit for the views (if you’re not staying at the hotel).

I went to the pool shortly afterwards but it was a bit hectic and rainy, so I stayed for about 5 minutes and gave up, opting for a night swim after dinner instead. I had an underwhelming, loud and expensive dinner at Lavo but it was fun to get dressed up at least. My night swim was delightful and while there were definitely people in the pool, it did not feel crowded.

Funny story: A girl swimming near me took a photo for some strangers so I asked her if she’d take my picture as well. We started chatting about our trips and traveling and how I was on a sabbatical. I thought “How fun. Another solo female traveler”. And then it was slowly revealed that she was there with her family. When I mentioned I had quit drinking she was like WHOA how old are you? When I told her, she was like… I’m 17. So this whole time I thought I was bonding with a mid-20s solo female traveler but no, she was just a child on vacation with her family. CRINGE.

In a totally fun twist of fate, my friend Josh from London was in Singapore for a few hours because the cruise ship where he worked was docked there. Funnily enough, my 17 year old bestie from the pool was going to be on that same cruise! And even better, it was Josh’s BIRTHDAY. He and his friend joined me in my ridiculously oversized room for some birthday coffee and chats. It was a DELIGHT and we laughed and gossiped and talked about his former employer, CATS the musical. Then we had a bougey brunch at Spago near the pool.

Would I stay at MBS again? No, definitely not. Am I glad I stayed there? Yes, it was silly and it was fun. And part of my sabbatical philosophy is to check off items on my bucket list.

Pro-tip: For any friends considering a stay, I’d recommend just grabbing drinks at Ce La Vie since their patio overlooks the pool - you basically get the same view for a lot less money. Granted, you can’t swim in the pool, so depends what experience you’re looking for.

See my Singapore post for more ideas of places to see and things to do in Singapore!