LUXURY

Sanctuary for the Senses
Galaxy Macau
The first glimpse of the Galaxy Macau Resort’s identical twin towers
with an opportunity to enjoy the ultimate in entertainment,
the shimmering Pearl River Delta far below. The ultra-modern
If I wish to indulge in more luxury, the Banyan Tree Spa
is overwhelming. The soaring gold and white monoliths rise above
the skyline like a futuristic sci-fi mini-city in a distant universe.
The Resort comprises three distinctive five-star properties with
2,200 rooms, suites and villas across three hotels; the ultraexclusive
Banyan Tree Hotel & Resort, the Okura Hotel & Resort
and the Galaxy Macau Hotel, which opened in May 2011.
The three hotels are fully integrated as entertainment precincts,
sharing common facilities like the gaming room and wave pool.
My hotel, the 256 room Banyan Tree, occupies part of one
tower block, along with the 488 room Okura. The second tower
block is occupied by the 1,500 room Galaxy. Overall, the mega
resort covers a mind-numbing 550,000m 2 and provides guests
dining and leisure activities.
After a full day of shopping and sightseeing in the heritagefilled
avenues and alleyways of Macau – China’s newest Special
Administrative Region – I’m grateful to escape the 35°C August
heat with a view to soaking in a private relaxation pool within
my Grand Cotai Suite. The Banyan Tree is the first high-rise
hotel in Macau to feature private pools in all its spacious
suites – sanctuaries for the senses. Guests can also choose
a Spa Suite with its own treatment room, a Sky Villa with a
gourmet-outfitted kitchen or a Sanctuary Pool Villa with a
Resort Host presiding over every need. My large luxury suite is
light and airy with a panoramic view of busy shipping lanes on
design elements are simple and elegant – marble, glass,
stainless steel and contemporary sculptures, all conducive to
feelings of calmness and relaxation. The decor is inspired by
Chinese architecture and style, combining ancient traditions
with modern furnishings that are visually striking in their beige
and vermillion red accents.
The main entry foyer of the Galaxy gives one a palpable sense
of peace and tranquillity. Fragrant scents float in the air and
staff add the human touch with smiles and warm greetings.
A mammoth multi-coloured water fountain, monumental
chandelier and a huge cut-glass diamond rise and fall in an
impressive water and light show. It’s an experience of fantasy,
anticipation and delight that is filled with feng shui.
offers 21 treatment rooms that are steeped in holistic Asian
healing traditions. I’m looking forward to dining later in the
Belon Oyster Bar & Grill, the resort’s signature restaurant that
specialises in seafood and steak meals.
Each day’s stay is full of opportunity and promise. I check out
the gaming hall, which covers the area of three football fields
and is a fairytale scene of flashing lights, whirring machines,
jangling jackpot bells and high-octane excitement.
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Story: Paul Rush