5 Things We Love About the Über-Luxe Raffles Galaxy Macau

There have been several new hotel openings in Macau over the last year, but few have generated as much excitement as Raffles at Galaxy Macau. The 450-suite hotel soft-launched last year in October and recently celebrated its official opening. Here are five things about it we loved most. 

1. The Unfettered Opulence 

The design of Raffles at Galaxy Macau impresses at first glance. Outside, a dramatic LED façade illuminates the Macau skyline; inside, a majestic design scheme marries glamorous Italianate architecture with fine art and sumptuous materials. This is tasteful, unfettered luxury the likes of which Macau hasn’t seen before. 

Immersion into this extravagant experience begins in the second-floor lobby, which is positively palatial. Here, elaborate chandeliers and Art Deco-esque patterns punctuate soaring ceilings, while black-and-white marble flooring and gleaming metal details set off a 70-meter green wall and heavy red-and-grey velvet drapes. Throughout, artworks themed around the four seasons—by acclaimed artists like Joris Kuipers, Sun Yu-Li, and Latchezar Boyadjiev—create points of visual interest. 

2. The Exquisite Attention to Detail  

Bespoke butler service is a Raffles signature, though this reaches new heights in Macau. My butler, Moses, picks me up in Hong Kong; in the car, there are cashmere blankets and plush slippers, all monogrammed with my initials. Later, in my suite, my initials are everywhere, from the wooden hangers and towels to the pillowcases. Excessive? Perhaps, but it’s done to make returning guests feel at home (your items are stored between visits).  

More carefully considered surprises follow. One night, I return to a bath filled with bubbles and rose petals; the next—after he discovered I’m an F1 and Ferrari fan—it’s a snack tray laid out in the shape of Italy’s Monza racetrack (Ferrari’s home circuit) and a handwritten card. 

3. The Decadent Dining 

As you’d expect, Raffles at Galaxy Macau offers indulgent drinking and dining experiences that combine masterful gastronomy and thoughtful service.  

At the 10-seat, Zen-like Sushi Kissho, meticulous omakase menus created by sushi master Masaaki Miyakawa feature jet-fresh Japanese ingredients handled with precision, including Miyakawa’s signature Aomori Black Abalone with Liver Sauce. 

Next door at slick Teppanyaki Shou, expert teppan chefs grill rich omakase menus imbued with premium ingredients like abalone, Australian lobster, and—my personal favorite—Odagyu wagyu from Kagoshima. 

In the regal Raffles Lounge and Terrace, menus include indulgent European-inspired plates like the Raffles Eggs Benedict—made with lobster and egg tart pastry—and Sicilian red prawn carpaccio. Look for the pastry and dessert trolleys. 

By night, Long Bar—the first-ever speakeasy rendition of Raffles’ famous concept—is the place to be. Amid interiors inspired by Macau’s smuggling past, a DJ spins retro tunes on vinyl—think Elton John and The Beatles—while patrons sip on creations by award-winning bartender Antonio Lai (T+L tip: Don’t miss the solera-aged negroni). 

4. The Suite Life 

Raffles at Galaxy Macau is the city’s first all-suite hotel and features 450 opulent hideaways, each designed to feel like a private residence and rendered in soft hues of white, grey and burgundy, and rich textures of marble, metal and wood. 

Alongside the personalization, every detail in the suites is calibrated for comfort. In the living room, my Deluxe Suite boasts a Singapore Sling bar, a plush seating area with a faux fireplace, heavy drapes by floor-to-ceiling windows, and a dining table. The spacious bedroom is richly but minimally appointed—I even spot samples of the nine pillows on offer—while the lavish marble bathroom, through sliding doors that turn opaque at the touch of a button, is stocked with Maison de Caulières amenities.

5. The Glam Extras 

High rollers at Raffles at Galaxy Macau can access Horizon, an exclusive enclave featuring a casino, a 24/7 eatery and bar, karaoke rooms, cinemas, and even a Truefitt & Hill salon. 

However, all guests can enjoy the tranquil infinity pool—fringed by sun loungers and cozy cabanas—on Galaxy’s family-friendly Grand Resort Deck, and all the shopping, dining, and entertainment options at the Galaxy promenade. While there’s no gym or spa (there are rumors that these will come eventually) a Raffles butler whisks me to the Thai-inspired Banyan Tree Spa Macau—one of the seven other luxury hotels within strolling distance at Galaxy Macau. 

raffles.com/macau; suite rates from MOP 8,500 per night 

Images coourtesy of Galaxy Macau.

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