Genting Singapore began a $6.8 billion project in November 2024 to expand and refresh the offerings at Resorts World Sentosa, the company's integrated resort on Sentosa island, amid what the company describes as a rise in global competition for tourism1. The work started with new non-gaming attractions rather than casino floor changes1.
Two attractions have opened since. The interactive art experience Harry Potter: Visions Of Magic opened on Nov 22, 2024, and the Minion Land attraction at Universal Studios Singapore opened on Feb 141. The Singapore Oceanarium, which replaces the S.E.A. Aquarium and is three times larger, is expected to open in the first half of 20251.
The next element is The Laurus, a five-storey all-suite property that will become Singapore's first The Luxury Collection-branded resort, a Marriott International brand1. It is expected to open in the third quarter of 2025, with bookings from May1. The Laurus will house 183 suites, with deluxe and premier suites starting at 72 sq m and costing from $1,200++ a night1. The hotel and its grounds will also include courtyard spaces, a function room, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and a new all-day dining restaurant1. Bangkok-based interior design firm P49 Deesign was engaged for the interiors1. The Laurus replaces the Hard Rock Hotel1.
Mr Tan Hee Teck, chief executive of RWS, said of the property:
"The Laurus embodies the very essence of our ongoing pivot to offer curated destination experiences as part of RWS' transformational expansion plans."
A waterfront lifestyle complex is also under construction at RWS, slated for completion by 20301. It will include two more luxury hotels with a total of 700 rooms, an 88m-tall light sculpture, an elevated walking trail with views of the Sentosa landscape and the Greater Southern Waterfront, and a promenade with retail, dining and entertainment options1. Those two hotels will add to the six hotels at RWS: Crockfords Tower, Equarius Hotel, Equarius Villas, Hotel Michael, Hotel Ora and The Laurus1.
| Element | Detail | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Potter: Visions Of Magic | Interactive art experience | Opened Nov 22, 20241 |
| Minion Land, Universal Studios Singapore | Attraction | Opened Feb 141 |
| Singapore Oceanarium | Replaces S.E.A. Aquarium, three times larger | Expected first half of 20251 |
| The Laurus | 183 suites, from $1,200++ a night | Expected third quarter of 20251 |
| Waterfront lifestyle complex | Two hotels, 700 rooms, 88m light sculpture | Slated for completion by 20301 |
What it means for players
The expansion as reported covers hotels, attractions and a waterfront complex, not the casino itself. No changes to the gaming floor, table limits, entry rules or the casino's levy for Singapore residents appear in the reporting1. For locals, expats and visitors who gamble at RWS, the practical effect described is on the wider resort: more hotel rooms and attractions, and a new luxury tier priced from $1,200++ a night1. Entry requirements for the casino at Resorts World Sentosa are unchanged in the reporting, and how the resort compares with Marina Bay Sands or with Genting Highlands is not addressed by the expansion announcement1. General entry and play rules for gambling in Singapore and the games offered at both integrated resorts are set out separately.
What happens next
Bookings at The Laurus open from May, with the hotel expected to open in the third quarter of 20251. The Singapore Oceanarium is expected in the first half of 20251. The waterfront lifestyle complex, including two luxury hotels with 700 rooms, is slated for completion by 20301. No further dates for the $6.8 billion project have been reported1.
