Lights on! The Parisian Macao opens its doors

Macao’s latest playground

The romance and nostalgia of Paris infuses every facet of the Sands Group’s latest property. Much like its sister the Venetian Macao, the US$2.9 billion Parisian Macao is a highlight reel of its namesake city. French-themed architecture is recreated with gilded doors which recall the Palais Garnier, the Arc de Triomphe, the dome of L’Hotel National des Invalides and the bronzed ‘Fontaine de Mers’ in the nexus which lead into grand promenades of French limestone, marble and tromp l’oeil ceilings.

Conceptualised by Charles Lee – senior architect at Gensler of the United States – The Parisian Macao took four years and a team of 50 to design and a further five years to complete. Some of the astonishing facts of the Parisian Macao’s construction include 2,800 tonnes of steel used to create the tallest and most faithful replica of the Eiffel Tower yet. A total of 4,500 design drawings led to the creation of the Cotai Strip’s latest landmark, which stands at approximately half the height of the 324-metre monument in Paris. A total length of 26 kilometres of electrical cabling powers the 6,600 lights which, in turn, serve up 15 musical, illuminated shows each day.

At The Parisian Macao, approximately 3,000 guest rooms and suites – including the sumptuous Versailles suite – offer plenty of living space. Inside these well-appointed accommodations, the Parisian touch is conferred through beautiful room illumination, Parisian signature bath products and, at the 72 sq m Lyon suites, separate living areas which command a view of the Eiffel Tower or manicured gardens.

Guests at this integrated resort may look forward to world-class dining curated by the assured touch of executive chef Alex Gaspar across seven different restaurants, including one at its Eiffel Tower. The latter, called La Chine, adroitly combines regional Chinese with French culinary styles, resulting in gastronomic hits such as ‘Roasted Duckling a l’Orange’ and pineapple tart tatin.

Out at its 300,000 sq ft shopping arcade, open-styled bistros and cafes offer the quintessential Parisian experience. The French capital’s soul is reflected through a wondrous setting reminiscent of the city’s streets; street lamps, artists, buskers, mimes, formal gardens, fountains, hedge mazes and reflective pools. Meanwhile, the spirit of relaxed elegance may also be enjoyed by the young and adults through carousels, arcades and bistros.

Its retail mix is a resplendent combination of luxury retailers such as Cartier, Roger Dubuis, Alexander McQueen, plus an eclectic mix of cafes, specialty restaurants and even a tobacconist. All these outlets are thoughtfully lined across avenues named after Paris’ most famous shopping boulevards; Champs Elysees, Faubourg Saint Honore, Place Vendome and Avenue Montaigne.

A day of retail shopping naturally leads into a spot of pampering. The Parisian Macao excels at this with Le SPA’tique, the 550 sq m Parisian Health Club and 10 cabanas by the outdoor pool where guests may unwind over cocktails and spectacular sunsets over the strip. Parents with children will be pleased with the Kid’s Play Zone comprising Aqua World with its giant tunnel slides and Jules Verne airship, as well as Qube Kingdom; a giant play area decked out with game stations, interactive wall panels, ball pits and carousel.

After dinner entertainment takes place at the 1,200-seat Parisian Theatre. Its resident show kicks off with the Michael Jackson-tribute Thriller Live, which runs till November 13. Opening packages start at MOP1,398++, which includes a night’s accommodation for two with breakfast or lunch, a pair of tickets to Thriller Live, Eiffel Tower observation deck access for two and limited edition opening souvenirs.

Parisian Macao