The City of Dreams further diversifies Macau’s offerings as it strives to be a choice destination for business and leisure, writes Gigi Onag
Macau has a fiesty spirit that kicks in during times of adversity. When the impact of the global financial crisis hit Asia-Pacific, construction projects came to a standstill and jobs disintegrated. But lately, there have been encouraging signs that the enclave, which marks its 10th anniversary since returning to Mainland, appears to be bouncing back.
City of Dreams (COD), the latest jewel of the ambitious Cotai Strip, which opened in June, is a reflection of this never-say-die spirit. The US$2.1 billion integrated resort developed by Melco Crown Entertainment rolled out on time and within budget, relieving fears that it would be delayed by the economic crunch. And this was where I found myself last October.
By rough estimate, the COD ferry terminal shuttle bus can carry up to 50 passengers at a time, but our driver pushed back from the bus depot with a half-full vehicle when the surge of new arrivals had come down to a trickle. Waiting time took all of five minutes.
After a short 15-minute bus ride, Macau’s newest attraction hoved into view. The three hotels – Crown Towers, Grand Hyatt and Hard Rock – jutted out of the horizon like newly minted dimes. From the distance, the water theme that runs throughout the COD complex is clearly discernible. The elliptical shape of Crown Towers echoes the trajectory of tropical rainfall; the circular tower of Hard Rock Hotel resembles a water vortex; and the twin towers of Grand Hyatt have a wave-like curve.
Water symbolises good luck in Chinese folklore, and it is serendipitous that this element is featured prominently all across COD as its opening on the Cotai Strip signals the turning tide.
COD is yet another attempt at making Macau a multi-day stay destination. The sprawling facility aims to be a “city within a city” with a full range of accommodation, dining, shopping and entertainment experiences to choose from.
WHERE TO STAY
Crown Towers, Grand Hyatt Macau and Hard Rock Hotel bring a total of 1,400 guestrooms and suites into the complex. Each property exudes a distinct character, allowing COD to meet diverse guest tastes. Visitors will certainly welcome the free Wi-Fi internet being offered by all three hotels, both in the guestrooms and public areas.
Hard Rock Hotel, with its 300 rooms and suites, caters for the young and the young-at-heart. It imbibes the spirit of rock and roll, which can be seen in its cool and edgy interiors. The lobby features a memorabilia wall and each floor has a prized celebrity memento at either side of the lift hallway. Its collection includes a sequinned glove from the late Michael Jackson, the black satin bustier and shorts from Madonna’s The Girlie Show tour, a dark felt hat worn by Bob Dylan and many more. Of particular note are the hotel’s especially themed Rock Star Suites (there are only two of them), which can be used as a unique venue for an upscale corporate event of up to 120 people.
The 300-room Crown Towers is positioned as a six-star hotel and appeals to the high rollers on the casino floor. It offers opulence at every turn with each room featuring a dedicated lounge with a full-size sofa, walk-in wardrobe, 42-inch plasma TV, separate bathtub and Japanese-style shower, and other high-end amenities.
The last of the three hotels to open, Grand Hyatt Macau (launched on October 1) is geared toward business travellers and corporate groups. Its 791 guestrooms are split between two towers, each with its own check-in desk. Level three houses the hotel’s corporate and meeting facilities: a 2,000sqm grand ballroom for 2,500 people; a second ballroom called Salao do Teatro (“show theatre” in Portuguese) that boasts a first-of-its-kind open show kitchen; and eight meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 40 to 120 people.
WHERE TO SHOP
All three hotels in the COD are linked by the two-level “lifestyle precinct” called The Boulevard that currently covers 7,897sqm of retail space. Luxury travel retailer DFS, which operates the mall, has divided the area into four distinct shopping zones: Fashion Ready-to-Wear, Accessories World, Jewellery and Watches, and Beauty.
Those with a passion for the finer things in life can get their hands on the latest lines of iconic brands from Europe and the US, such as Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, IWC, Omega, Rolex and many more. The shopping experience at the COD is expected to be bigger and better as The Boulevard is still a work-in-progress. When development is completed, retail space will more than double to 16,258sqm.
WHERE TO EAT
Aside from the shopping, The Boulevard is a dining and entertainment haven for visitors whose pleasure is derived from teasing the palate and satisfying one’s artistic bend.
There is a range of choices to meet palates of different persuasion. For casual dining, the Food Colosseum is a Japanese-style food court, offering a range of tasty treats that are light on the pocket. Gourmets looking for fine-dining fare have over 20 F&B outlets to choose from. Lung Hin on level two of The Boulevard is a must-visit. Here, Michelin-starred chef Tam Kwok Fung can whip up a mouth-watering menu on request. “The secret in cooking well is having the patience to follow the recipe instructions to the letter,” he says. On our tour, Chef Tam served a light dinner comprising of lobster and coconut roll, Iberico barbecued pork and deep-fried truffle and mushroom roll for appetisers; a soup of braised minced watermelon with fresh crabmeat; and steamed fish fillet with tofu in XO chilli sauce and braised vegetable with conpoy and bamboo pith for mains.
Meanwhile, those craving for a taste of northern China can visit Beijing Kitchen at the Grand Hyatt. Companies can host lunch or dinner in a tastefully decorated private room. During a specially prepared lunch, executive sous chef Stephen Au and Beijing Kitchen manager Fred Xu gave us a taste of the house specialities. The most unforgettable and a must-try is the old-fashioned Peking duck prepared in a wood-fired oven – Beijing Kitchen serves not only the skin but also the duck meat.
WHERE TO PLAY
Those expecting a Las Vegas-type light-and-sound show will find it at The Bubble.
The dome-shaped theatre, located in the heart of COD, is the setting for the story of the Dragon Pearl that unfolds in an immersive, 360-degree multimedia show backed by hi-def content, over 29,000 theatrical LED lights and a sweeping musical score. Visitors who have seen this virtual underwater adventure say that they see a different aspect of the tale at every viewing, depending on where they stand inside the hall. Capacity is about 500.
The free 10-minute show is staged every 30 minutes from 12 noon to 11pm and has been enjoying capacity crowds, so walk-ins need to line up to experience The Bubble. Hotel guests, can avail of the VIP pass for priority entrance. The Bubble has won kudos for being such an exceptional space that COD management has been receiving enquiries about allowing it to be used for special corporate events and functions.
By the first half of next year, repeat visitors will have another water-themed attraction to enjoy at the COD. A 2,000-seater purpose-built theatre will be the permanent home of The House of Dancing Water, a live production from the creators of Le Rêve (The Dream in French) and Celine Dion’s A New Day in Las Vegas.
There is no better way to cap a day of walking around the COD complex than a one-and-a-half-hour massage and facial at the Rock Spa, located on level three of Hard Rock Hotel. I was ushered to one of the seven private treatment rooms, where my therapist Catarina Tang performed the classic massage on my back and shoulders. Her long kneading strokes soothed away the tension and stress. Afterwards, she gave me a facial to hydrate my skin. I appreciated how she explained what she was doing every step of the way.
I was too relaxed after the massage to try out the nightlife. But guests looking for some chill-out time can unwind at the alfresco bar Wave, enjoy some music at the Flame Bar or have a casual chat at the R Bar. Guests must check out also the live band performances within the complex. And, of course, those who want to court Lady Luck can spend their time at the casino, where 520 gaming tables and 1,350 gaming machines lie in wait.
A two-day stay is clearly not enough for one to experience everything in the COD complex. And this is one property alone. Evidently, as it evolves and diversifies its offerings, Macau is on its way to become a multi-day destination.
Tip Off: Smart Travel Intelligence
Macau offers not just ritzy casinos and five-star hotels but also a memorable cuisine derived from its unique mix of Chinese and Portuguese heritage
GETTING AROUND
The bus system in Macau is confusing, even for the locals. Hop on a free hotel shuttle bus from either the Macau ferry terminal or the Taipa ferry terminal. When you are stranded somewhere in Macau, it is best to have the taxi hotline numbers (tel 853 2851 9519, 853 2893 9939) on hand. The flag-down charge is MOP$13 (US$1.65) for the first 1.6km. MOP$1.50 (19 cents) will be added for every 230m. Waiting on passengers’ request will incur MOP$1.50 (19 cents) for every minute.
MAKING CALLS
Smartone Vodafone, CTM and 3 offer pre-paid SIM cards to allow visitors to call anywhere in Macau using the local flat rate. These SIM cards are available in retail outlets and even in dispensing machines at the Macau Ferry Terminal. The pre-paid SIM has a face value of between MOP$50 (US$6) and MOP$300 (US$36). Most SIM cards are valid for 180 days upon activation or upon top-up with a new value.
CHANGING MONEY
It is best to exchange at certified money changers in downtown Macau where the rates are best. Although many places accept the Hongkong dollar and the Chinese yuan, exchange your currency into Macau patacas to get more bang for your buck. The HK$10 (US$1.30) coins are not accepted in Macau, so don’t think you can offload those heavy coins here.
Two money exchange outlets that are popular with local residents for offering the best rates are P&W Casa Câmbio Lda (tel 853 2883 9617) and Casa Câmbio Soi Cheong Lda (tel 853 2832 9323). Both establishments have branches in Macau and Taipa.
EATING CHEAP
Find small eateries for cheap meals. You can get a grilled eggplant (MOP$10/US$1.27), a pork chop bun (MOP$20/US$2.55) and other delicacies on the beach at Hac Sa. There is a bus stop right on the beach, so no hill climbing is necessary.
If you go over to the other beach at Cheoc Van, you can have a seaside alfresco meal at an Italian restaurant called La Gondola (Cheok Wan, Coloane, tel 853 2888 0156) for MOP$200 (US$25) or MOP$300 (US$36) plus wine, which is also a bargain for a sit-down place in such a beautiful setting. The menu is not extensive but the dishes are delicious; the seafood is fresh; the service is good; and the atmosphere well worth the trip. Problem is, you either have to walk up a long hill to get back to the bus stop or call a taxi when you leave because it’s on the beach.
Nga Tim (Caetano 8, Coloane Village, tel 853 2888 2086) offers a variety of tasty and reasonably priced Chinese, Portuguese and Macanese dishes in a festive outdoor setting in the heart of the square surrounding St Francis Xavier Church.
Also, there is Café Lisboa ( Rua Branganca, Mei Keng Gardens in Taipa, tel 853 2884 3313) located in an out-of-the-way alleyway in a residential area. This warm, family-run café is a favourite with the locals for late breakfast, lunch or dinner. It features fresh-from-the-market seafood, hot bread and pastries right out of their own oven, as well as traditional favourites like roast suckling pig, grilled chicken and bacalhau (cod fish) with cream.
SHOPPING
Besides the shopping malls in the hotel resorts, there is the multi-storey department store New Yaohan in Central. For bargain shopping, nothing beats Three Lamps, which is a 10-minute bus ride from the centre of Macau. It is an interesting experience just to wander around this bustling outdoor market and prices for clothing, accessories and other stuff are as low as they can get. Easier to find is Senado Square, whose lanes are packed with stalls and tiny shops selling goods at bargain prices.
INFORMATION HOTLINE
“183” is Macau’s information hotline with English language service for phone numbers for restaurants, hotels and taxis.
