IT’S LIKE A DREAM
Here’s a look at Macau’s new Morpheus hotel through the eyes of Datin Dian Lee as she recounts an unforgettable three-day experience there, for Asia’s Most Stylish photo shoot
I
was really excited when I found out this year’s Asia’s Most Stylish photo shoot was going to take place in Morpheus, City of Dreams Macau. It’s an incredibly modern hotel designed by the late Dame Zaha Hadid, and filled with the most amazing artworks. Malaysia Tatler was so kind to offer me return business class tickets on Malaysia Airlines to Hong Kong and a connecting ferry to Macau. I decided however to save time and fly directly via Air Asia. At the arrival hall, I was greeted by a butler who immediately identified me based on the number of suitcases I had brought along.
The drive from the airport to Morpheus was a mere two minutes. When the car pulled up at the hotel entrance, it was like a scene from Men In Black, because there were men in black suits waiting for me. I was almost embarrassed to disembark the car due to all the attention! Upon stepping out I was greeted by Morpheus’s manager and several of his staff. Instead of checking in at the reception, I was escorted through the majestic lobby to a highspeed glass elevator which took me to my room on the 21st floor. In the lift, I got to enjoy a panoramic view of the breathtaking voids that traversed the centre of the hotel.
As it turned out, my room wasn’t just a an ordinary room, but a heavenly suite with my initials embroidered on the pillowcases and bathrobe. I was greeted with a bouquet of flowers in my favourite colours, Pierre Hermé chocolates and a handwritten welcome letter in the most beautiful calligraphy. My butler offered to help me unpack, but I was too embarrassed for him to go through the amount of clothes I brought for a three-day trip. The suite was futuristic as well. The electronics, including the entertainment system in the room were controlled by a tablet. The bathroom was equipped with Acqua Di Parma potions and even a Dyson hair dryer. I was especially pleased with the high speed internet, as it made it so much easier to continue with my work during the short break.
I ordered room service for dinner and when I called to order I was greeted by a distinctive accent. We realised that we were both Malaysians and had a little laugh about it. Apparently, there are many Malaysians working at Morpheus and it made it all feel a little more familiar and welcoming for me.
The next day I woke up bright and early to hit the gym. I got to try the Icaros machine that combines fitness and virtual reality, which is currently the only machine in Asia! It was pretty cool, but I wouldn’t recommend it to people with motion sickness. I had breakfast at the club lounge, where they served a feast fit for a king with bird’s nest, lobster, king crabs and Pierre Hermé pastries. Too good to miss, I felt both spoilt and also guilty that my morning workout was in vain.
Before the group photo shoot in the afternoon, I was told by the Hong Kong Tatler team that I had some free time and I should hit the spa. So I did. I was totally blissed out when I stepped in for the hair and makeup session. But even in my state of relaxation, I was aware that I was in a room so heavily guarded that the girls from Ocean’s Eight couldn’t have pulled off a heist even if they wanted to. Why the extra security, you ask? They were guarding the jewels for the shoot.
The group photo shoot went by quickly and I finally met the seven other Most Stylish Women from neighbouring countries. The shoot was followed by a welcome dinner at the spanking new Alain Ducasse restaurant with the Most Stylish ladies, Hong Kong Tatler team plus the team from Morpheus.
I was seated next to the Most Stylish Woman from the Philippines, Lucy Torres Gomez at dinner. To be honest I didn’t know who she was before that night and I had to discreetly ask my best friend— Google. Lucy is a famous Filipino actress and a politician with beauty and brains. I was amazed to find out that she has a beautiful 18-year-old daughter when she clearly had the looks like that of someone who is 28. We connected instantly over yoga and essential oils. Dinner by Alain Ducasse was exceptional but it was the conversations with Lucy, Michael from team Morpheus and Emilie from Tatler that made it even more memorable.
The following day was a full day of photo and video shoots. I got up early for hair and makeup and channelled my ‘alter ego’ in front of the lenses. The styling team were wonderful. They made sure I was comfortable and happy with each style and look, ensuring that I was still ‘me’. The shoot ended around 4pm and I was invited back to the spa, followed by dinner at The Tasting Room, a two-star Michelin restaurant by chef Fabrice Vulin.
At the end, I felt totally spoilt and a little guilty that I had this amazing experience all to myself—those three days felt like a dream.