Known for its many casinos, Macau has made a name for itself as the “Las Vegas of the East”. But beyond the bright lights and bustling city atmosphere, this former Portuguese colony also offers a rich variety of cultural experiences, including a UNESCO world heritage site.
Now that the region has succeeded in its urban transformation, Macau is poised to strike a balance through the creation of a nature-inspired luxury escape from Macau’s lively city centre. Next year, it will begin offering an experience connecting visitors to Macau’s rich cultural history with the opening of a new Capella Hotel at the Galaxy Macau complex. It will also be the first Capella Hotel Group property in China’s Greater Bay area.
The Galaxy Macau complex is a consecutive winner of Forbes Travel Guide for best integrated resort with the highest number of Forbes Five-Star hotels under one roof in the world. Soon, in mid-2025 it will claim yet another hotel.
At 17 stories, the Capella Macau will be one of the group’s smaller hotels, creating a truly tranquil experience. Evan Kwee, the Capella Hotel Group’s vice-chairman, has stated that the grand opening will also be an opportunity to connect travellers with the local community through this cultural immersion.
The hotel will feature breath-taking panoramic views of the Macau skyline for its 93 rooms. Capella will be composed of 57 suites featuring balconies and private plunge pools along with 36 Sky Villas. Each villa will hold a real licence to entertain, including a private infinity pool, a karaoke room, a hidden winter garden and much more. The rooms contain exquisite jungle and tropical landscape-inspired interiors, created by the renowned Belgian and French designers, Claire Bētaille and Bruno Moinard.
Beyond the privacy of the guests’ own pocket retreat, the resort has many facilities to enjoy, including the Living Room – the hotel’s magnificent lounge area exhibiting a carefully curated art collection, echoing Macau’s extensive cultural influences.
Michelin-starred chef, Vicky Cheng, will be poised to create an unforgettable epicurean experience as head chef of the hotel’s restaurant. Cheng has distinguished himself not only as a chef but a true culinary artist, bringing a unique East meets West gastronomic style of modern Chinese tastes with classic French cooking techniques.
Guests can digest in comfort by retiring to the equestrian polo inspired, members-only, open-air lounge, Pony & Plume. Envisioned by one of Hong Kong’s most successful interior designers, Albert Kwan, the opulence continues through the provision of rare Cuban cigars, select cocktails and top-level whiskies.
This highly anticipated opening could see Macau evolving not only into an unparalleled retreat haven, but becoming more renowned for its rich cultural heritage; a notable feat in a world where tradition is slowly slipping away.
