Studio City Macau
Photo Courtesy of Melco Crown Entertainment Limited
The tiny special administrative region of Macau took center stage with visits from a few of the biggest names in Hollywood on October 27. New resort and entertainment complex Studio City Macau pulled out all the stops at its red-carpet grand opening, with Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro on hand to greet the crowds. Adding to the excitement was Mariah Carey’s live performance in the 5,000-seat event center, as well as the Scorsese-directed short film, The Audition, featuring legends De Niro, DiCaprio and Brad Pitt.
A cinematic new addition to the Cotai Strip, the $3.2 billion address is set to offer larger-than-life experiences for Macau travelers. Studio City is the latest project from the prolific Melco Crown Entertainment group, which also owns nearby Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Altira Macau, City of Dreams Macau and City of Dreams Manila. The new resort is set to be an epicenter of entertainment with theatrical experiences at every turn.
Star Premier King Suite, Photo Courtesy of Melco Crown Entertainment Limited
Gazing at the imposing Art Deco-inspired façade, the first thing to catch the eye is a figure-eight Ferris wheel. The first of its kind in the world and standing nearly 427 feet tall, the Golden Reel ride is constantly in motion in the heart of the resort, symbolizing both moving pictures and the number eight, which is considered fortuitous in Chinese culture.
The rest of the complex is just as action-packed. Have a go at the Batman Dark Flight, the world’s first 4-D flight simulation ride of the Caped Crusader, or check out the 40,000-square-foot Warner Bros. Fun Zone, a kids’ play area where all your favorite Looney Tunes characters make appearances. For little ones and adults alike there’s also The House of Magic, a mysterious, multi-theater show hosted by illusionist Franz Harary.
Trattoria Il Mulino, Photo Courtesy of Melco Crown Entertainment Limited
If it’s a dining experience you’re after, there are plenty of opportunities to feast like a celebrity under Studio City’s ornate roof, from the Ibiza-style Pacha Macau nightclub to a slew of restaurants featuring top chefs. Of the more than 30 food and beverage offerings, highlights include Trattoria Il Mulino from New York, Pearl Dragon by chef Tam Kwok Fung, a retail outlet from chef pâtissier Pierre Hermé and a restaurant slated to open next year with chef Alain Ducasse (of Five-Star Spoon by Alain Ducasse) at the helm.
Amid all this fun, Studio City somehow still manages to run a 1,600-room hotel, separated into two parts: Star Tower and Celebrity Tower. The former is the more opulent of the dynamic duo with larger rooms beginning at 700 square feet and featuring 55-inch LCD TVs, walk-in rain showers and a shimmering silver and blue color palette.
Both offer glittering views of the Cotai Strip, luxury amenities and easy access to the casino and The Boulevard mall. Designed to make you feel as if you’re strolling about a movie set, the shopping center features stores from marquee luxury brands like Tom Ford, Belstaff, Balmain, Graff, Gucci and more.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the complex surprises with an expansive outdoor pool and Jacuzzi area, where you’ll find a white sand beach, a pool bar, cabanas and even a swirling RiverScape ride. But if your idea of relaxation is face down on a massage table, then find your peace at Zensa Spa. Whether you’re a stone therapy connoisseur, film enthusiast or simply in need of an action-packed adventure on your next trip to Macau, Studio City promises to capture your imagination.
