Sofitel – Macau

Issue 22 January / February 2009

The redevelopment of Macau’s original harbour has brought Accor’s trademark French flavours to a 408-guestroom hotel featuring concept design by The Jerde Patnership, and 19 luxury Mansions designed by Richards Basmajian.

Sofitel Macau at Ponte16 made its debut in August 2008 at the heart of Macau’s historic waterfront. The hotel has been developed by Pier 16 Resort Hotel Management as part of an estimated US$400 million investment that involves a combined hotel, casino, retail, restaurant and entertainment complex.

Built around the remaining façade of Pier 16, the resort is situated in the Inner Harbour near to the historic centre of Macau. Views on one side look across the narrow waterway to the China Mainland and, on the other, down the main avenida to the city centre and grand casinos of Wynn, StarWorld, and Grand Lisboa. The casino at Ponte16 which opened six months prior is another of tycoon Stanley Ho’s properties under SJM Holdings, the largest casino operator in Macau.

The Jerde Partnership was responsible for the overall concept design of the Pier 16 project with CAA City Planning Engineering Consultants and architects Archiplus developing and executing the proposals. The brief called for a plot size of over 120,000m2 with ample pedestrian space providing a direct link between the city and the water. It was essential that the hotel, casino and retail block had their own recognition whilst preserving the intimate scale and character of the traditional Macanese streets surrounding it. The architecture of the completed building makes use of arches, cornices, pillars, and masonry, as well as a central clock tower which acts as a beacon in front of the hotel lobby.

The hotel features interior design by KWSG Consultants, who have combined traditional Portuguese architecture with a subtle blending of Chinese flavours, and a touch of Accor’s signature French contemporary style. The 408 guestrooms spread over twenty storeys consist of 210 Superior and Luxury Rooms, 153 Club Rooms, 16 Sofitel Suites, and 10 Prestige Suites, each differing in design details and amenities. The colour palette ranges from buff creams to soft brown and ochre with the occasional chocolate accent and dark timber casegoods. All rooms feature Sofitel’s ‘MyBed’ made up of crisp linen, all-feather bedding, and an extra light down duvet with the generous presence of down pillows; a sleeping experience designed for a perfect night’s rest. The Prestige Suites offer the added luxury of a whirlpool bath complemented by L’Occitane skincare products, another reference to Accor’s French heritage.

The Mansion at Sofitel however, is the real art de vivre. Designed by Hong Kong-based Richards Basmajian for the casino’s high rollers, the 19 units are themed Blanc Romance, Black Galaxy, Avant Garde and Eternal Glamour. The soon-to-be launched mansions are built around a tranquil indoor lake and range from 120m2 to 262m2. In the Blanc Romance suite, everything from the velvet sofa to the deep pile carpet is brilliant white. The contrasting Black Galaxy features marble floors and glossy black walls inlaid with pearl shell. Precious materials and acres of space are major features of this mansion. Avant Garde is characterised by clean lines and raw materials with leather and stainless steel featuring predominantly, and finally Eternal Glamour drips with crystals.

Sofitel is currently serviced by two F&B facilities, the Rendezvous lobby lounge serving fine wines and signature cocktails, and Mistral, alfresco dining overlooking the waterfront combining French and Mediterranean dishes. The hotel’s business centre and multi-function banquet room is situated on the 6th floor and can accommodate up to 300 guests theatre style, or 400 guests for the ultimate cocktail reception in which floor-to-ceiling doors can be opened to reveal a waterfront vista.

Although the hotel is now fully operational, Phase II of the resort is yet to come. This will include an arcaded retail street that stretches from one corner of the main plaza to a new waterfront plaza, a theatre, further dining options including a French-style wine and cheese bar, and a European spa within the hotel.

WORDS: Catherine Martin

PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of Sofitel Macau

SOFITEL MACAU AT PONTE16
Rua do Visconde Paco de Arcos Macau
Tel: +853 88610016
www.sofitel.com

Rooms:   408 guestrooms including 19 mansions
Food:      Mistral
Drink:     Rendezvous
Leisure:   Fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, spa (coming soon)
Facilities: Baccara, Promenade