Galaxy Macau has not set an opening date and is not yet officially taking bookings, but is (currently) rumoured to be opening in April. The US$1.8 billion integrated resort was built ‘with Asian pride’ and this is reflected in the design, entertainment options, retail mix and variety of cuisine on offer at the more than 50 F&B outlets.
 
The good news for meeting and event planners is that the 550,000 sqm complex is truly integrated and one point person will handle every aspect of an event – and everything will be incorporated onto one final invoice.
 
Luxury facilities
On offer are three five-star hotels with a combined inventory of 2,200 guestrooms. Banyan Tree has gone all out for its high-rise urban resort, with a world-first offer of private relaxation pools in all 246 guestrooms, which start at an impressive 93 sqm. The all-suite hotel will also offer ten pool villas within the gardens between the complex’s two main towers, ranging from 348 sqm to 950 sqm.
 
The design of Hotel Okura reflects its Japanese management with traditional touches throughout the property and its 488 guestrooms, 59 of which are suites. Galaxy has been the most tight-lipped about its hotel facility, all we know at this stage is that it is certainly the largest with 1,500 guestrooms. The 1,330 sqm ballroom at Banyan Tree is supported by four additional meeting rooms, which combine to accommodate 170 people.
 
Post-meeting options
General facilities include Wave Pool Beach, the world’s largest rooftop wave pool, which is also available for corporate events of 1,000 people. The pool covers a massive 2,000 sqm and features waves of up to 1.5 metres. If this sounds like too much excitement, delegates can also relax on the 350-ton white sand beach surrounding it. More formal events can also be held in the poolside cabana area.
 
Late night entertainment is centred around China Rouge, a 1,600 sqm 1930s Shanghai-inspired venue that is part bar, lounge, stage show, restaurant and nightclub. There is 30,000 sqm of retail space featuring more than 30 boutiques. The 2,800 sqm Banyan Tree Spa includes 21 treatment rooms – a sizeable offering for visiting incentive groups. The hotel also has 11 spa suites. Its F&B offering includes Grill, a seafood and grill specialist with an extensive wine list, three private rooms and a cigar divan. The all-day dining restaurant will focus on local and Southeast Asian cuisine.
 
Extras at Hotel Okura focus largely on dining. Terrace will serve fusion cuisine in lacquered Bento boxes, lobby-level Nagomi features an afternoon tea service with Japanese sweets and Macanese desserts, while Sakazuki will give diners the chance to savour authentic kaiseki meals.