The former Sands Cotai Central celebrates its rebirth as The Londoner Macao, with the city emerging triumphantly from the pandemic
(MACAO, April 28, 2023) Sands China Ltd. will formally launch its rebranded integrated resort, The Londoner® Macao, with a grand celebration on May 25 to be attended by David Beckham, the British soccer icon and a Sands Resorts Macao global ambassador.
With a theme of “The Journey Begins”, the gala event looks to the future as Sands China Ltd. renews its commitment to Macao through a new 10-year gaming concession.
The Londoner Macao comprises five opulent hotels – including all-suite namesake flagship, The Londoner Hotel. Formerly known as Sands Cotai Central, the integrated resort has been undergoing a spectacular rebranding process since 2021 and today, as The Londoner Macao, exudes a wow factor in a city already known for superlatives.
“Now that Covid-19 pandemic restrictions have eased, we are delighted to finally give The Londoner Macao the unveiling it deserves and share its fabulous transformation with the world,” said Dr. Wilfred Wong, President of Sands China Ltd. “At the same time, we’re also celebrating the opportunity we’ve been given over the next 10 years by the Macao SAR government to help the city evolve into a fully diversified, global tourism hub.”
A US$2 billion metamorphosis
The integrated resort’s hotels offer nearly 6,000 rooms in total, complemented by three spas, four health clubs, more than 20 dining options, boutiques from 150 world-renowned brands, and state of-the-art conference facilities, including the new 6,000-seat The Londoner Arena. The refurbishments and additions have cost approximately US$2 billion (MOP 16 billion).
Uniting much of the lavish complex is a British design aesthetic that conveys both prestige and playfulness. Designers have been inspired by various aspects of English style – from historic architecture and gentleman’s clubs to royal tradition and the Cool Britannia chic of a global Britain – creating an architectural (and highly Instagrammable) masterpiece even by Macao standards.
Essential photo opportunities that every guest will want to check out include:
- A majestic entranceway, where a glass-covered porte-cochère (modelled after a similar feature at London’s Victoria Station) and cobbled driveway set the tone for a uniquely British stay;
- A life-size replica of London’s iconic Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) that chimes every hour like the original;
- The palatial Crystal Palace atrium – a version of the Victorian design icon in glass, iron and marble with an intricate, 10-storey-high ceiling;
- A “Changing of the Guard” inspired by the daily ceremony at Buckingham Palace and enhanced by music, LED displays and special effects alongside artists playing Trumpeters, Drummers, Scots Guards and the Queen;
- The full-scale reproduction of the famed Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain with its Anteros Statue in London’s Piccadilly Circus, one of the British capital’s most recognisable locations;
- An imposing façade featuring architectural details modelled after the Palace of Westminster and Houses of Parliament that comes to life in the evenings with the Londoner Light and Sound Spectacular and seasonal displays; plus
- Scores of British-themed details around the complex, from a red double-decker Original 1966 London Bus and classic red phone booths to black London cabs, statues of English personalities and even a replica of the late Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee State Coach.
“We feel so proud to be able to finally celebrate The Londoner Macao, one of the most ambitious hospitality projects in Macao to date, and welcome guests from all over the world to experience this truly one-of-a-kind property”, said Dr. Wong.
Describing the complex as “a tribute to the beauty and history of London”, he said the resort would “delight visitors with its large-scale reproductions, surprising experiences, spectacular dining and incredible attention to detail”.
What’s New
Accommodation
The invitation-only Suites by David Beckham are Macao’s first celebrity-designed suites. The 14 super-luxe apartments range in size from 113 to 298 square metres and are located on the top two floors of The Londoner Hotel.
From his base in England, Beckham worked closely with renowned London interior design firm David Collins Studio to bring his namesake Suites to life and add his personal touch to the design. He will be seeing them in person for the first time during his visit to The Londoner Macao.
Through the ‘Be My Guest’ programme, the football star invites visitors to enjoy a luxurious stay alongside a few exclusive lifestyle experiences. They can enjoy Beckham’s favourite dishes and his handpicked cigars, whiskeys and cocktails at select restaurants.
Meanwhile, Londoner Court offers an exclusive sanctuary within The Londoner Macao. Its suites, ranging in size from one to four bedrooms, have been designed by the award-winning Steve Leung Design Group to recreate the ambience of a distinguished London residence – with a modern touch. Elevating the luxurious experience, all guests enjoy round-the-clock butler service.
Guests staying at The Londoner Hotel will enjoy exclusive access to The Residence, a private club with themed rooms inspired by historic British figures, royalty and the arts. Stretching across 1,100 square metres, the residential-style lounge serves a premium food and beverage programme, including breakfast, afternoon tea, all-day snacks and evening cocktails.
A testament to their service and atmosphere, both The Londoner Hotel and Londoner Court earned Forbes Travel Guide five-star ratings in their first year of operation.
Dining
Joining The Londoner Macao this summer is the Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, bringing a convivial atmosphere and classic British cuisine to Macao. Guests can look forward to Ramsay’s famous beef wellington, premium steaks, shepherd’s pie and ale-battered fish and chips.
The Mews is also coming to The Londoner Macao this summer. Hidden behind grand townhouses, London’s famed mews once consisted of stables and living quarters for household staff, but these days have been upgraded and converted into sought-after addresses. This glamorous restaurant puts a global twist on British tradition by offering a menu of Thai delicacies in a nod to a cuisine that has become hugely popular in multicultural Britain.
A destination for gourmet experiences, The Londoner Macao is home to several award-winning restaurants, including The Huaiyang Garden. Specialising in Huaiyang cuisine with a refined menu
by celebrity master chef Zhou Xiaoyan, the sophisticated restaurant was awarded one Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2023 within its first year of opening.
Event and conference space
The newly opened, state-of-the-art The Londoner Arena, can accommodate up to 6,000 visitors for a wide range of events, from international sporting fixtures to corporate conferences and high profile concerts.
In total, The Londoner Macao boasts 34,300 square metres of meeting and convention space, including 13 ballrooms, six meeting rooms and the 1,700-seat The Londoner Theatre, ideal for long-running shows and medium-sized performances.
Background
Known as Sands Cotai Central until it was rebranded in February 2021, The Londoner Macao is owned and operated by Sands China Ltd., a majority owned subsidiary of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation.
The integrated resort encompasses several award-winning properties:
- The Londoner Hotel, featuring Suites by David Beckham
- Londoner Court
- Conrad Macao
- The St. Regis Macao
- Sheraton Grand Macao
The complex also features 150 fashion and lifestyle boutiques that comprise Shoppes at Londoner. The Shoppes at Londoner joins Shoppes at Venetian, Shoppes at Parisian and Shoppes at Four Seasons for 850 combined stores – all within walking distance of each other.
