Andaz Macau, along with the city’s skyline, lights up at night, glistening in the dark for all to see (Photo: Galaxy Macau)
The Portuguese made landfall on the shores of Macau sometime in the 16th century. Surrounded by bountiful seas with the Chinese province of Guangdong just across the water, the peninsula was leased to the settlers and quickly became a major trade hub. Over the years, Macau grew from being a primary supplier of silver, pepper and sandalwood into the “Las Vegas of Asia”, drawing hordes of the rich and famous from all over the region for its unabashed gambling scene, European-influenced culture and, now, jaw-dropping luxury mega resorts.
It has shed its slightly grimy outer skin of the past and gloss, glam and glitz is what it is about right now. Those whose idea of a vacation is never venturing past the hotel boundaries may consider the world-class Galaxy Macau in Cotai. Operated by the industry-leading Galaxy Entertainment Group, the integrated destination checks all the necessary criteria (and then some) for an unforgettable trip to Lotus Island.
Within the Galaxy’s sprawling grounds is a collection of eight luxury hotels... and counting. The Andaz Macau deserves special attention, in particular. Unlike several of the other accommodations connected via the labyrinth-like mall that is the Galaxy Promenade (shopaholics take note: there are over 200 internationally renowned luxury brand outlets here), Andaz conveniently occupies its own building next door. The gilded structure is also home to the Galaxy International Convention Center and 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena, making it the ideal destination for large meetings as well as music festivals and concerts.
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One of the hotel’s signature features, the Macau Steps, is located right by the reception. Its sweeping two-storey staircase is flanked by floor-to-ceiling shelves holding colourful pottery, artefacts and small screens that play over 100 videos of the city’s history and vibrant landscape. Right by this Instagrammable attraction is a steel art installation titled Battle of Macao. Created by Malaysian artist Tang Mun Kian, the piece depicts a scene from the 1622 Dutch-Portuguese conflict — soldiers bearing arms charge into the fray, the historical Guia Fortress, Chapel and Lighthouse looming in the background.
Across the property’s 700 rooms, the studios and suites offer sumptuousness with distinct Andaz flair, further enhanced by captivating views of the Hengqin Islands, the neighbouring Taipa area or the expansive golf course. The bathrooms are perhaps the coolest part of the in-room experience — dual sinks ensure there is no fighting for elbow space. It would also be remiss to not make full use of the deep soaking tubs at least once during your stay. Most impressively, the smart glass windows and dividers automatically become an opaque smoky white hue when the doors are shut, seamlessly creating a private nook to indulge in much necessary self-care sessions.
Now, what elevates a mere hotel to the lofty status of a swanky resort lies in the comprehensive holiday experience found in and around the property. Enter the Grand Resort Deck, a staggering 75,000 sq m water park that would put others to shame. Test your courage on the towering water slides, make a splash on the Skytop Wave Pool or pick up a pool ring and meander down the snaking Skytop Aquatic Adventure River Ride. For the faint of heart, deck chairs and parasols line up invitingly on the pristine white sand beach, while the Surf Bar, Breeze Café, Pool Bar at JW Marriott and Cabana at Banyan Tree Macau are pitstops that come laden with delicious benefits.
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If you have had your fill of shopping and aquatic fun and still find yourself wishing to venture out to see more of Macau, consider the island of Coloane, whose sleepy fishing villages are filled with colonial architecture, historical sites, gourmet haunts and souvenir shops straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. If your intention is to roam the whimsical streets on foot, then fuelling up on custardy egg tarts before your excursion is highly recommended. For this, only Lord Stow’s Bakery & Café will do. If time is of the essence, then grabbing a box to go is the right move.
While wandering without a fixed destination is one of the best ways to get to know Coloane, there are a few attractions that are mandatory for all itineraries. A-ma Temple (or Ma Kok Temple) perched atop a hill in honour of the namesake Chinese sea goddess (Mazu to some), who is believed to protect fishermen and seafarers on their journeys, should be the first stop. A-ma is immortalised in a 20m white jade statue, the tallest of its kind in the world. Tam Kung Temple, named after a child god said to cure the sick and command the weather, contains two rare artefacts — a red and gold dragon boat figurine made from whale bone and a wall mural of a tiger and its cub (the big cats are often depicted accompanying Tam Kung). Additionally, the bright yellow Chapel of St Francis Xavier and the stone monument outside memorialising victory against pirates are well-known landmarks that you cannot leave Coloane without seeing. A word of caution should you choose to enter the sanctum — keep your voice down!
Fret not, foodies — we have not forgotten about F&B recommendations. Those bedding down at Andaz will frequent Andaz Kitchen for breakfast, but the eatery also serves up a delectable Portuguese-inspired spread for the later meals of the day. Some star dishes to keep an eye out for include the Polvo à Lagareiro — chewy, charcoal grilled octopus served with silky potato foam and tart tomato confit; the restaurant’s signature Frango Piri Piri, or chilli roasted chicken accompanied by thick-cut fries; and the Fatia Dourada, a take on the classic Portuguese dessert of deep fried brioche, rolled in cinnamon sugar and topped with lemon curd to cut through the sweetness.
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Other noteworthy restaurants in the nearby hotels include the Raffles Lounge & Terrace (on the lobby level of the Raffles at Galaxy Macau), which is instantly recognisable by the massive glass chandelier that hangs over the bar, emitting a soft golden glow. All meals here are bound to satisfy, but the European Heritage afternoon tea is a particular delight, thanks to the dessert trolley that is wheeled from table to table, for guests to select too-pretty-to-eat confections. Nestled in Banyan Tree Macau, Saffron Contemporary Thai Cuisine by award-winning chef Jan Ruangnukulkit brings the spices, herbs and bright colours of the Land of Smiles to the heart of Macau. The Massaman curry, in particular, with wagyu beef cheeks so tender it practically melts in the mouth, is a winner in our books.
Those inclined towards an after-meal tipple or two will be happy to know that there are many watering holes throughout the Galaxy’s grounds. However, a nightcap to remember is most easily found at The Macallan Whisky Lounge & Bar, the first and only bar in Asia to feature the high-end spirit as its signature liquor. Carrying over 400 malt whiskies, including some of the rarest bottles from the label, this moody den, decorated to mirror the likes of an English smoking room, is a connoisseur’s paradise. On most nights, vocalists or bands lend their talents to the swanky atmosphere, delivering iconic English and Cantonese tunes that will more often than not have the room up on their feet and making merry well into the night.
This article first appeared on Sept 9, 2024 in The Edge Malaysia.
