Sofitel Macau: Waterfront Luxury : Trail-Stained

Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 faces Pearl River and is among the best luxury hotels in Macao. Signature menus at Mistral restaurant, an indoor lotus pond, lavish rooms with harbor views, and a waterfront pool are some of the highlights of the retreat.

I had wafted across the open seas to reach the fair land of Macau from the bustling Hong Kong International Airport. Yet, I hadn’t tired of water; far from it. And when the curtains at my luxurious Sofitel room swung back to reveal the merry waterfront and the colourful boats that bobbed about, there wasn’t a happier soul than me in all of Macau.

I arrived to see the reception area bedecked in Christmas cheer. And like all travellers who arrive having undertaken long journeys, I yearned for a hot shower and a quiet cup of coffee in the comfort of my room. But first, I was to have a tour of the wonderful hotel and enjoy an elaborate nine-course meal consisting of authentic Chinese fare.

My lunch menu - pretty short, eh? — My lunch menu – pretty short, eh?

We were introduced to the hotel’s best suites with world-class furnishings, indulgent bathrooms and splendid views of the city. Rooms at Sofitel Macau begin at around 10,000 rupees per night, which is on par with Indian rates. We also caught a glimpse of the in-house casino, their charming French patisserie Rendez Vous and the inviting gym, designed to lure even the laziest of tourists.

But what literally took my breath away was the serene lotus pond, part of a private suite painted in charming yellow and white; and the beautiful waterfront swimming pool with its angelic winged fountains. Enjoy this visual tour of the hotel.

Casino at Sofitel Macau — Come here to try your luck

Introducing Sofitel Macau

The hotel offers 408 opulent rooms, ranging from luxury accommodation with sweeping views of Macau city or the Pearl River Delta horizon (37 sqm); larger suites part of which are the renowned Prestige Suites (80 sqm), the best rooms in the hotel and the picturesque villas (120-262 sqm) known as the ‘mansions’. Guests can pamper themselves at So SPA, which offers a variety of wellness and beauty treatments.

Mistral, the restaurant serving international buffets

A view of Macau city; Grand Lisboa to the left and Macau Tower to the right

The fitness centre — So FIT, the fitness centre

The outdoor swimming pool

We all know that swimming pools aren’t just for swimming. They are also for frolicking, relaxing, enjoying views of the sunset or lying on the lounge chairs with a good book and some music. The outdoor pool at Sofitel Macau is perfect for all of these activities and on winter mornings, the breeze is strong enough to make you want to hold on to your hair and dress.

Swimming pool at Sofitel Macau — The swimming pool with water-spouting cherubs in the distance

The swimming pool at Sofitel Macau — You can lounge by the pool with the city keeping watch over you

A quintessentially Chinese luncheon

We were ravenous after a long day of travelling and touring and when we finally assembled for lunch in the late afternoon, I felt quite ready to demolish the nine courses that the chefs had prepared for us. As I dug my way through steamed dimsums, pickled fungus and delightful bird’s nest pudding, I began to realise just how flavourful and healthy Chinese food can be. Don’t be fooled by the greasy concoctions served in India. This was the real taste of China, complimented by endless cups of fragrant jasmine tea.

Cold dish selection (cucumber, black fungus, shredded chicken)

Steamed vermiceli roll with mixed fungus — Steamed vermicelli roll with mixed fungus

Bird's nest and mango pudding — Bird’s nest and mango pudding

My own piece of paradise

I stayed in a luxury room that came with a king size bed, 37 inch LCD TV which I never ended up using because the city commanded all my attention, seamless WiFi, a bathtub and aromatic L’Occitane bathroom amenities and best of all, a spectacular view of the Pearl River Delta. I loved the verbena collection the hotel had curated, consisting of a shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and lotion, all of which smelt like citrus heaven.

Bathrooms are so important, aren't they? — Bathrooms are so important, aren’t they?

The verbena L'Occitane collection — The verbena L’Occitane collection

Planning a visit to Macau? Consider staying at Sofitel at Ponte 16 for its proximity to Senado Square and the Historical Centre, which is where all the major attractions of Old Macau lie. Book your stay at Sofitel Macau here.

You can visit the churches, forts and ruins, as also the stunning A Ma Temple, the maritime museum, Macau Museum and my favourite spot of all – the Ruins of St. Paul’s and the food street below. The relics of a wealthy Chinese merchant who used to reside here are also worth visiting – Lou Kau Mansion and the Chinese Garden of Lou Lim Ieoc. And at night, walk by the waterfront, enjoying the glimmering city lights and the chilly winter breeze, until you come upon the hotel, waiting to welcome you with its famously soft beds and a scrumptious breakfast spread in the morning.