Chinese Tourists Flock To Gambling Hub Macau For Labour Day Holiday

(Reuters) - Hundreds of thousands of mainland Chinese visitors have descended on the world's biggest gambling hub of Macau for the Labour Day holiday, packing tightly into its narrow cobblestone streets and placing bets in its glitzy casinos.

The surge in visitors comes after China and its special administrative region Macau lifted strict COVID-19 restrictions in January, allowing visitors to stream into Macau for the first time in more than three years.

More than 100,000 visitors arrived in the former Portuguese city each day on Saturday and Sunday, local media reported, citing government statistics, up from 60,000 a day recorded in previous days.

On the pastel coloured streets surrounding the historical sites of Senado Square and the Ruins of St Paul's, hundreds of visitors thronged cheek by jowl to snap photographs and try Macanese delicacies including egg tarts and dried meat.

Macau is the top destination for Chinese travellers within Asia from April 17 to May 7, according to travel data firm ForwardKeys, with bookings up 11% from pre-pandemic levels in 2019 versus a 32% fall in nearby Hong Kong.

Coco Li, a 42-year-old woman from Hubei province who was visiting with her husband, said they chose to come to Macau because travel rules had relaxed.

Li said she was planning to buy cosmetics, handbags and clothes and "definitely go to the casino and gamble for fun, as we still need to control ourselves."

Macau's government has promoted its cultural heritage, food and entertainment to mainland visitors over the past year.

Authorities are keen to diversify Macau, which depends on casinos for more than 80% of its government revenues and has imposed strict new regulations on its six casino operators.

The rush of visitors comes as the densely populated territory grapples with an acute labour shortage.

Hotel occupancy is expected to reach around 90%, with some fully booked for the holiday period, industry analysts said.

Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd said its Raffles hotel would open in the second half of 2023, a delay from earlier plans to open in the first half.

"We've been actively working with the Macau government on our labour requirements," the company said. "For our existing resorts we're effectively fully staffed for the upcoming May holiday."

Sands China Ltd said staff constraints had impacted the number of available rooms in the first quarter, but the situation had improved somewhat in March.

"The company expects that to improve further during the current quarter, so the current outlook is optimistic," it said.

In the meantime, some travellers have been struggling to find accommodation.

Outside Sands' Venetian resort, a 40-year-old man surnamed Wang from Shanxi province who travelled to Macau frequently before the pandemic, was shocked by the crowds.

In the meantime, some travellers have been struggling to find accommodation.

Outside Sands' Venetian resort, a 40-year-old man surnamed Wang from Shanxi province who travelled to Macau frequently before the pandemic, was shocked by the crowds.

"I couldn't even book a room so I just have to wait and see if the casino can give me a room as a gift," he said.Outside Sands' Venetian resort, a 40-year-old man surnamed Wang from Shanxi province who travelled to Macau frequently before the pandemic, was shocked by the crowds.

"I couldn't even book a room so I just have to wait and see if the casino can give me a room as a gift," he said.

"I couldn't even book a room so I just have to wait and see if the casino can give me a room as a gift," he said.
Reporting by Joyce Zhou in Macau; Writing by Farah Master; Editing by Jamie Freed

Sneak Peek: 'THE 13' The Most Luxurious Hotel Ever Built

Louis XIII Holdings Limited announced today that it is officially naming its Macau hotel “THE 13” and released the first images of the interiors. The hotel was first announced in 2013 and will arguably be the most luxurious hotel ever built, expected to open in late summer 2016 at a cost of over US$7 million per room.

THE 13

“As the business and the brand have developed, we felt that the name ‘THE 13’ most accurately reflected our Macau hotel’s combination of Baroque inspiration and contemporary accents. Our brand represents a unique vision of a global luxury lifestyle based on strong bespoke traditions while embracing modern elements that enhance these traditions,” explained Stephen Hung, Co-Chairman.

“13 is my lucky number and the new name along with the new logo fit perfectly with my vision,” said Mr. Hung. “There is a hint of tradition while also suggesting a chic and fun edginess.”

Royal Bedroom

The Company also announced its intention to change its corporate name to “THE 13 HOLDINGS LIMITED” subject to approval by its shareholders and other relevant authorities.

THE 13 today released the first images of the interior of its breath-taking Macau hotel, targeted to open in late summer of 2016. THE 13 revealed images and video of the “Villa du Comte, our entry-level accommodations.” Of the all-villa hotel’s 200 rooms (villas are large suites in Macau parlance), most will be Villa du Comte with a gross floor area of approximately 2,000 square feet while 31 are even larger, topping out at a monumental 30,000 square feet for the Villa de Stephen.

Virtually every design detail in the hotel is bespoke and created especially for THE 13. Everything from the elaborately detailed Baroque scrollwork, to the sculptures, to the fabrics, to the wall coverings, to the furniture, to the tableware, to the Rolls-Royce Phantoms was created by Mr. Hung and THE 13’s talented team of designers.

Stained glass and marble bathroom

“This was a labour of love,” said Mr. Hung. “The team and I put every ounce of creativity and passion we had into this project to ensure every detail was perfect. Our guests, I believe, will find the result truly remarkable and beyond anything they have previously experienced.”

The Villa du Comte is a split-level, one-bedroom villa with the following features:

• Private Elevator Lobby. To ensure the ultimate in privacy, all guests access their villas via elevators which open directly into the villa’s private elevator lobby, like a New York style penthouse.
• Butler Service. Every villa is supported by 24-hour butler service from THE 13’s team of majordome, trained by world famous MCM Palace Consultants and certified by the English Guild of Butlers.
• Spectacular Décor. The décor combines spectacular floor to ceiling baroque details and period artworks contrasted with surprising modern elements woven together through exceptional craftsmanship to create an environment of unparalleled romance, elegance and luxury.
• Roman Bath. 6-8 guests can relax in the Villa du Comte’s ornate marble Roman Bath beautifully presented under a vaulted baroque ceiling supported by neo-classical columns and lit by a spectacular crystal chandelier. When not in use, the Roman Bath is covered by a retractable marble floor.
• Stained-Glass and Marble Bathroom. Guests bathe under art covered ceilings lit by standing candelabra. A rain shower and electric bidet toilet are hidden behind a floor to ceiling stained-glass façade.
• Royal Bedroom. The villa bedroom features a king-size, velvet-canopied bed with an elaborately carved and gilded Baroque headboard in the royal tradition.
• Diamond Series Furniture. To complement the Baroque setting, Mr. Hung created, together with leading artisans, a glittering series of faceted chrome furniture for the living room, bedroom and bathroom.
• Rolls-Royce Transportation. On arrival and departure, all hotel guests receive complimentary transfer to and from Macau transportation hubs via THE 13’s fleet of bespoke, red, extended wheel base Rolls-Royce Phantoms.

Roman Bath

“These images offer a preview of a very special gateway to the refined and remarkable. THE 13 connects our international guests to the world’s most coveted luxury experiences and to each other. We are proud that Macau will be establishing a new world standard for ultra-luxury hotels through its native brand, THE 13,” said Mr. Hung.

Visit website: the13.com

Source: http://www.luxurytravelmagazine.com/

Major Luxury Hotel Openings To Watch For In 2016

From a new Four Seasons Hotel in NYC, to the highly anticipated re-opening of two iconic Parisian landmarks and Shanghai Disney, 2016 will be a big year for the luxury hotel market.

AMERICAS

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown (pictured above)

In South Tribeca – a block from the World Trade Center and minutes from Wall Street or SoHo – Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown adds its classic NYC profile to the world’s most famous skyline. A city stroll from gleaming fashion arcades, or gastropubs and eateries on historic streets, Four Seasons introduces a level of luxury alive with Downtown’s creativity, confidence and 24/7 vitality. Enjoy a hand-tailored New York experience in an ambience that’s vibrant and fun.

The James Hotel, West Hollywood

The James Los Angeles, the first new ground-up hotel in West Hollywood in approximately 30 years, will be comprised of 286 rooms, two restaurants, rooftop and lobby bar and approximately 10,000 square feet of meeting space – with spectacular views of the Los Angeles area. The boutique property will open in the heart of Sunset Strip at the corner of Sunset and La Cienega Boulevards. The LA location will be the third for the brand after locations in Chicago (Magnificent Mile) and New York (Soho).

SLS Las Vegas

SLS Las Vegas, a resort featuring more than 1,600 rooms and suites, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, features some of Las Vegas’ hottest nightlife and culinary venues, and is situated in the North Strip, a bourgeoning neighborhood between the heart of The Strip and the up-and-coming Downtown district. SLS Las Vegas is now accepting reservations.

EUROPE

Ritz Paris

The ultra-luxury hotel has been undergoing renovations since July 2012, the biggest makeover in the hotel's 117 year-old history. The Ritz Paris is reborn and invites you to experience anew the City of Light. Now freshly restored, its grand décor and intimate salons welcome guests to rediscover a unique atmosphere and the inimitable French art de vivre. The refurbishment includes a new spa by luxury fashion brand Chanel, called "Chanel au Ritz Paris." The hotel is accepting reservations for stays starting March 14, 2016.

Hotel de Crillon, Paris

Since 1758, Paris has sparkled with the grandeur and magic of the Hôtel de Crillon. Over the course of the last three centuries, the Hôtel de Crillon has witnessed the reign of two French kings, the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Empire and the birth of the League of Nations. Built to captivate, the hotel’s majestic architecture has dazzled generations of visitors and played host to some of history’s greatest French and international events. For the reopening in 2016, the hotel will celebrate the beginning of a new era.

Il Sereno Lake Como, Italy

Scheduled for opening in Spring 2016, the sister hotel to Le Sereno on St. Barth's has been years in the making. Il Sereno will be located on a bluff on the eastern shore of the lake, next to the village of Torno and six miles from the city of Como. One of the best perks will be the hotel’s private dock, so that guests can arrive in style aboard the hotel’s wooden boat- a custom-built water-limousine. In-demand designer Patricia Urquiola was recruited to decorate the 34 suites. Il Sereno will have a 60-foot infinity pool and a terrace restaurant that’s destined to be the place to see and be seen.

AFRICA / MIDDLE EAST

The Oberoi Marrakech

The Oberoi, Marrakech is a luxury spa resort nestled within twenty five acres of fragrant citrus orchards and ancient olive groves. Located just 20 minutes south of the city center, the resort is a haven of peace and tranquility, blessed with magnificent views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. The Oberoi, Marrakech will be opening in the third quarter of 2016.

Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, UAE

The first Four Seasons in the Emirati capital will be 200-room Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, in the heart of the new Central Business District. The striking new building is on a prime stretch of waterfront adjacent to the new ADGM Square complex, home of the new Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. A retro-modern Chicago steakhouse, a cocktail bar, and a poolside restaurant with sweeping views overlooking the sea are among an array of dining options planned. The building will also house 124 private and serviced residences.

St. Regis Cairo, Egypt Opening October, 2016

The St. Regis Cairo draws guests to the heart of Egypt’s modern metropolis on the north end of Corniche Road. With sweeping views of the Nile River and proximity to fine shops, restaurants and the pyramids, the hotel reigns as Cairo’s finest address. Michael Graves’ contemporary design embraces traditional architectural flourishes and graceful geometric lines throughout the hotel’s restaurants and lounge, pools, spa and 23,000 square feet (2.155 square meters) of meeting and conference space.

Cousine Island Seychelles

Cousine Island will reopen in April 2016 and introduce a new Presidential Villa as well as a tailored Guest Ambassador program to support the island’s ecosystem platform. The first exclusive eco-luxury private island in the world to adopt a conservation-based management structure, all revenue generated by Cousine Island's accommodation will be reinvested for long term sustainability, conservation and biodiversity.

ASIA

Wynn Palace Cotai, Macau

Scheduled to open on June 25, 2016, the $4.1 billion Wynn Palace will feature 1,700 rooms, an 8-acre Performance Lake, air-conditioned SkyCab, gaming space, meeting facilities, spa and salon, luxury retail and fine dining.

Mandarin Oriental, Bali

Located on the southern Bukit peninsula, the luxury hotel group's newest property will be built on elevated terraces to offer commanding views of the Indian Ocean. The resort will be comprised of 97 villas, each with a private pool and 24 guestrooms. The signature restaurant will be a cliff-top, cantilevered dining space with sweeping ocean views. Guests will also be able to indulge in luxurious spa services that include Balinese treatments.

Rosewood Phuket

The exquisite, secluded Emerald Bay is an ideal setting for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts to debut its first Asia resort. Rosewood Phuket’s innovative architecture with subtle Thai influences will blend organically and sensitively into the hillside forest landscape while uninterrupted views of the Andaman Sea will be visible from 71 spacious villas and 32 residences. Four restaurants will include a rustic Thai seafood restaurant on the beach, built with recycled teak wood; a casual poolside seafood eatery, a bistro and a terrace bar. They will be complemented by an array of recreational options: Sense spa; four swimming pools; health club with gymnasium; yoga pavilion; sea sports pavilion and tennis court. The Pavilion will be a residential-style space for meetings and functions while a wedding pavilion steps from the beach will host up to 200.

Shanghai Disney Resort

The opening of Disney's third theme park in Asia after Hong Kong and Tokyo is expected to open in Spring 2016. When it does, the park will also open the doors to two highly anticipated themed hotels, The Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and a Toy Story Hotel. At the Art Nouveau-inspired Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, guests will be greeted by bronze statues of Micke

Source: www.luxurytravelmagazine.com