STARGAZING IN SINGAPORE

Pangaea, the "ultra-lounge" brand that entertains celebrities and wealthy clubbers in the West, is launching its first incarnation at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore next Thursday, marking its move into Asia.

The self-professed "Studio 54 of today" has branches in New York, London, Miami and Spain, with a guest list that includes such celebrity names as Jack Nicholson, Madonna, Prince, Kate Moss, Leonardo diCaprio, Bill Clinton, Harrison Ford, Sting, Paul McCartney, Cindy Crawford, Paris Hilton, Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Giselle Bundchen, Jennifer Lopez and Britain's Prince Harry. 

The door policy was relaxed just long enough on Friday night for a scruffy media posse from Asia and Australia to slip through into the super-luxurious ambience. 

The Pangaea Singapore's mission statement? 

"As simple as it is challenging: to incorporate the unique character of Singapore and the Marina Bay Sands, recognise their inherent needs, and in so doing provide the most exclusive and thrilling ultra-lounge in the world. Not everyone endeavours to drive a Ferrari, travel with Louis Vuitton luggage, dress in Herm่s and Gucci, or fly private jets, but for those that do and demand the very best, Pangaea is your home."

Echoing its ancient Greek namesake, Pangaea is meant to be a super-continent where elite guests enjoy lavish entertainment programmes and late-night drinking.

The brand was created by Michael Ault, who built SpyBar in '90s New York before taking the lounge-bar craze global with 25 nightclubs around the world.

Ault's formula has lured celebrities like flies, drawing the comparison with infamous predecessor Studio 54.

Hunkered amid brand-name shops and premium outlets at Marina Bay Sands, you'll have to access Pangaea Singapore from the bustling shopping area. Once inside, you're greeted by a mix of tribal decor and minimal Old World luxury. Sit down on one of the fat crocodile-leather sofas that dot the expansive space and the Pagaea Girls ("the immaculate hostesses") descend in their exclusively designed dresses to hand you a drinks menu and an iced water. 

The drink list here is minimal but straight-to-the-point with premium products. No fancy fusion concoctions or hard-to-digest molecular drinks, Pangaea Singapore serves vodka, gin, rum, scotch, bourbon and bubbly, as well as whites and reds.

Liquor lovers can indulge with a vast selection of premium brands that covers Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray Ten gins, Cruzan Dark and Ron Zacapa Centenario 23-year-old rums, Johnny Walker Blue Label King George V, quite a selection of single malts, Hennessy and Remy Martin cognac and Don Julio tequila, plus premium wines. A glass costs from S$18 to S$70 and a bottle will set you back anywhere between S$280 and a staggering S$9,000 - tax and service not included. Oh, and there's the minimum S$40 cover charge to reserve a table. 

The lounge boasts "the world's top DJs and staff" working in concert with musicians, drummers and dancers. 

If you belong to that exotic species of filthy-rich fun-loving creatures, this is a watering hole where you can mingle with your own kind and enjoy exquisite alcohol you don't necessarily get even in high-end bars. But clubbers who prefer feeding off the fun of eclectic music, funky cocktails and underground venues will be steering clear, muttering about "just another ridiculously over-priced franchise lounge". 

PARK YOUR FERRARI HERE

Pangaea Singapore is at the Marina Bay Sands. It's open from Thursday to Saturday from 10pm. The cover charge is S$40 (Bt965). 

Call (+65) 8611 7013 or visit www.Pangaea.sg.