FROM TOP: BILL YIU, RALF TOOTEN “Macau is always going to have the gamers – no question – but it is also a luxury shoppers’ paradise and a haven for foodies, and now it’s evolving to encompass major exhibitions” Andaz (the world’s largest Andaz), the other a sparkling new all-suite Raffles, both of which are owned by Galaxy Macau (galaxymacau.com). While the former taps into the “bleisure” market with an adjacent 16,000-seater arena, a hip bar and tip-top fitness facilities, the latter is squarely aimed at high rollers. “Raffles is not for every city and not for every owner, as we’re very, very protective of every element of the brand. It has to be at the highest end of the market,” explains Gary Rosen, the CEO of Accor Greater China. “In Macau, the rates can be supported – Raffles will be the highestend hotel in the city – and we have a very special owning partner who understands what it takes to reach this level of luxury and to maintain this level of luxury.” What it took was for the Lui family (owners of Galaxy Macau) to invest US.3 billion into creating the largest allsuite Raffles hotel in the world, with 450 ultra-luxurious accommodations set across two blinding-gold towers connected by transparent glass walkways. Conceptualised as the private residence of a 14th-century Italian merchant, the soaring lobby features columns of snowy white Statuario marble and a showstopping 15m-high chandelier made up of 500,000 crystals supported by 23,000 crystal rods, weighing just shy of five tonnes. Suites range from one-bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, faux fireplaces and digital art canvases, through duplexes, penthouses and pool suites, all the way up to a sprawling 228sq m Presidential suite with Imax views of the Special Administrative Region. For now, though, all are reserved for invited guests only – a cunning tactic which has led to almost full occupancy every night since the hotel opened. “The dynamics are changing,” says Rosen. “Macau is always going to have the gamers – no question – but Macau is also a luxury shoppers’ paradise and a haven for foodies, and now it’s evolving to encompass major exhibitions, concerts and conferences with the aim of becoming a global tourism destination.” Ladies and Gentlemen, place your bets. From top: The Londoner – and its Big Ben replica – at night; the sumptuous dining room at Diva, the W hotel’s Cantonese restaurant 21 DEPARTURES
