From dull and easily cast aside, the newly revamped Marina Square seems set to please every one from the weekend families to the artistic individual with its phenomenal range of products. With 8 thematic zones- Food for Thot, Galleria, Market Street Bazaar, Groove Nation, Unfettered Expression, Urban Sophistication, Family/Kids/Hobby and Art of Living, it’s shopping made easy! Then again, you can even forget the retail therapy and head straight for a movie at Golden Village Marina.

This shopping haven may be tucked at the further southern end of Singapore but, its neighbours of Esplanade Theatres, Millenia Walk, Suntec City and CityLink Mall more than makes up the feet exercise. Alternatively, there are free trolley buses taking you back and forth from both Orchard Road and City Hall MRT.

If you care for some food, my vote goes to Azabu Soba, which would debunk the idea that Japanese cuisine revolves around sushi. Be sure to try their house specialties- the exquisite Cold Ramen Seafood and Macha Zen, a divine dessert for green tea fans. For tourists eager to sample local fare, go up to level 4 and head straight to Marina Food Loft, where you are promised a gorgeous view of the bay. Or should chomping on juicy-as-sin burgers be your choice of dinner, join the queues at Carl’s Jr. or pop by Billy Bombers.

Marina Square is also home to 2 new stylish concept stores - PUMA and Topshop and high street favourites such as Miss Selfridge, ZARA, Warehouse and Mango for the discerning fashionita and the sporty hunks. Get acquainted with the clean yet chic designs of Spain’s from Massimo Dutti and Buffalo David Bitton of Canada, both lines with very exclusive distribution.

While music enthusiasts wouldn’t find any famous record stores here, you can buy used CDs from EARZ, most of which are imported from the States and Europe. And your vanity may not be satisfied with the lack of popular makeup lines, but your pockets will save you with cheap offerings from The Face Shop, a trendy Korean brand.

Marina Square may have been around for a while and had a bad reputation for a while, but this ‘new’ kid on the block amidst world-class hotels and established centres, sure can stand on its own.