MACAU’S SPLIT PERSONALITY ATTRACTS VISITORS
MACAU is a compelling destination, not only for its centuries of East meets West heritage, but also for the way its historic character moulds with its contemporary features, according to Macau Government Tourist Office Australia and NZ managing director Helen Wong. “It’s definitely a centre with a split personality that is very unique to Asia. Despite its fascinating historic past and the tasty ingredients which make it special, Macau is a city on the move with much change taking place in shaping its modern appeal,” she says. With construction on the 29.5km Hong Kong-zuhai-macau bridge set to be completed at the end of 2016, the project is breaking new ground for a number of hot spots on the Cotai Strip. For instance, it will ease access to the islands of Taipa and Coloane, home to entertainment precincts as the City of Dreams, Sands (The Venetian) and the Galaxy. Other projects include the Parisians, which will feature a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower, complete with an observation deck and 200-seat restaurant. There will also be the Versailles-like Lisboa Palace, a project costing more than $4.5 billion, complete with three hotels including a Palazzo Versace and another designed by Karl Lagerfeld, the chief designer for the Chanel and Fendi fashion houses. The City of Dreams, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, has also commenced work on a new hotel tower, featuring a 40-storey complex with a 30 metre lobby atrium, restaurants, spa, and ultra lounge. It will also feature a sky pool, 780 guestrooms, suites and villas set to exceed five-star standards. Both are expected to open in 2017. MGM is developing another contemporary Cotai project that will include 1600 hotel rooms. Completion is slated for early to mid 2016. Meanwhile, work is also underway on Wynn Resorts’ 1700-room entertainment and hotel complex, also set to open in 2016. Cotai is also home to the iconic resort and theme park, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom; a $5 billion attraction billed as China’s answer to Orlando in Florida. The park features a circus and open zoo, mega rollercoaster ride and a whale-shark tank, as well as 1880 hotel rooms, a conference centre, spa and indoor water park.