By Rama Gaind.
| It was just an overnight stay at The Parisian Macao. The ‘dream experience’ resulted in long-lasting memories. This is the first of a two-part feature. |
The Parisian Macao brings the ‘City of Light’ to life in Asia. Relax in your room and enjoy the impressive view of the Eiffel Tower right outside your window.
It was Samuel Johnson who said: “Our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks”. That flicker of hope became a flash – nay, a beacon – of elation as I made my way to The Parisian Macao, a luxury hotel, where you are lucky enough to become a part of Paris. Exuberance is beyond description!
If a holiday in Paris remains a pipe dream, then start planning to see the next best destination when travel opportunities again become available after the end of the global Coronavirus pandemic.
I was fortunate to have stayed at The Parisian Macao for one night – on Boxing Day 2019. Expect the unexpected was a sentiment that had been lurking in the sub-conscious mind. On arrival, the concierge had sent Deep to assist me in finding my way to the VIP lounge. He took my luggage and kindly walked me through the seemingly endless, myriad of spacious, attractively adorned hallways. As we walked, the hustle-and-bustle of the crowds could not be ignored. Their ebullience was contagious!
Deep was a helpful guide at The Parisian Macao. Photo: Rama Gaind.
On arrival at the reception desk, Wira graciously explained access details to facilities at The Parisian Macao, an integrated resort, with a casino, at the Sands Resorts Cotai Strip. It is inspired by the ‘City of Light’ and features a half-scale authentic re-creation of the Eiffel Tower.
The Parisian Macao boasts 3,000 guest rooms and suites, international restaurants and a pool deck with a themed water park. At least one-third of the rooms have spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower. A half-scale authentic recreation of the most romantic structure in the world, Macao’s Eiffel Tower sits magnificently at the hotel’s entrance. It has two observation decks offering stunning scenery of mainland China, as well as, the Cotai Strip.
The Shoppes at Parisian hosts 150 boutiques of the most luxurious brands in the world. Inspired by another French structure – the famed Champs-Élysées – it’s bursting with daily entertainment with French-themed street atmosphere, characterised by an eclectic mix of street artists, mimes and buskers. There is an array of formal gardens, fountains, hedge mazes, reflective pools, carousels, arcades and bistros, all are reminiscent of the City of Light.
Architecture themes
It’s spectacular: The Parisian Macao Rotunda.
I was then taken to a deluxe king room, designed with a contemporary French flair. Practical amenities featured signature toiletries. Wide windows ensured shimmering views of the Eiffel Tower’s illumination.
In 24 hours, the accommodation venue had changed – to The Parisian Macao. Not exactly a hop and a skip, but a sedate 10-minute walk through a walkway that connects it to another iconic property – The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the spectacular French-themed architecture and décor at The Parisian Macao. You’re spellbound from the moment you step inside the hotel’s grand lobby. Cross the threshold, through the majestic gilded doors inspired by the Palais Garnier … and the striking, glistening dome in the Rotunda is eye catching.
Wide-sweeping views from The Parisian Macao are remarkable. Photo: Rama Gaind.
The design of the gilded dome was fashioned after one of France’s most exquisite domes – the L’Hotel National des Invalides in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. Flanked by grand promenades of French limestone, marble and tromp l’oeil ceilings, the Rotunda and its sparkling bronze and gilded ‘Fontaine de Mers’ fountain form the heart of The Parisian Macao.
I was unprepared, but became engrossed in Parisian art and history with intricate design features throughout the resort. The delicate gilding and rich jewel tones of the Louis XIV Versailles-inspired reception and concierge area, the finest reproductions of 17th and 18th century antique rugs, bronze and crystal chandeliers, furnishings, silk textiles and Chinoiserie porcelains to celebrate the height of the French decorative arts.
The Parisian Macao makes these former masterpieces accessible to all.
An invigorating atmosphere grips as the discovery tour continues through endless rows of retail outlets, food courts, restaurant options – with all eyes drawn to the centre piece – a smaller replica of the Eiffel Tower. It was a brisk afternoon of discoveries!
Shoppes at Parisian
Alfred and David in the VIP Lounge at The Parisian Macao. Photo: Rama Gaind.
Experience the creative spirit of the French while browsing through outlets in Shoppes at Parisian. From luxury brand names well known in Paris to popular brands recognised around the world, there is something for everyone. Take delight in strolling through the different precincts named after some of Paris’ most stylish streets and arcades.
The Parisian Macao is also home to traditional French-style sidewalk cafes and bistros, immersing guests in the true Parisian lifestyle. There are more than 28,000- square-metres of retail space and over 170 boutiques, cafés and restaurants.
When visitors arrive, they are greeted by a world of fabulous flavours, including the finest in French dining, quintessential cakes and patisseries, delicious local dishes and traditional delicacies. Whether you crave an authentic snack, a family feast or romantic candlelit dinner, the resort has every culinary base covered.
A skyline-redefining landmark on the Cotai Strip, The Parisian Macao has fulfilled the original vision of Sheldon G. Adelson, chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands and Sands China Ltd.
Spacious hallways are evident inside The Parisian Macao. Photo: Rama Gaind.
Mr Adelson then said “our goal to create a large-scale leisure and business destination in Macao”, which began with the opening of The Venetian Macao, “will be fully realized when The Parisian opens its doors”.
“It’s unlikely another tourism development with the size and scope of the Cotai Strip will ever be achieved again,” he said. “…Together, we have truly made history.”
Life is full of wonderful things just waiting to astound you.
Nothing could be more authentic than these words from Ashley Montagu: “The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us.”
Rama Gaind was a guest of The Parisian Macao.
DETAILS BOX
The Parisian Macao
Estrada do Istmo, Lote 3, Cotai Strip, Macao SAR, P.R. China
T: +853 2882 8833
W: www.parisianmacao.com
