The English UK Fair Macau 2012

Introducing Macau

Located on the southeast coast of China, Macau is a place to find traditional Chinese culture while enjoying the exotic Portuguese architecture which sits beautifully alongside its East Asian flair. The name Macau is derived from the word Magao (A-Ma Temple), which was the shrine dedicated to Mazu, a sacred sea goddess respected by Macau people.

Macau is a city with two faces. On the one hand, the fortresses, churches and food of its former colonial master, Portugal, speak to a uniquely Mediterranean style on the China coast. On the other, is the glamorous nightlife of the rapidly emerging gaming and entertainment hub.

During the past few years charismatic-but-sleepy little Macau has experienced the sort of boom usually associated with cities like Shanghai. But rather than skyscrapers and office towers, the construction here is all about Vegas-style mega-casinos and hotels.

There is, however, much more to Macau than gambling. The islands of Coloane and Taipa constitute a colourful palette of pastels and ordered greenery, offering serene traditional countryside, ancestral Chinese villages and pine-forested hills. Much of the 'old' Macau is preserved on its islands, which is home to fishing boat building yards, colonial mansions, Chinese temples and floating fisherfolk communities.

Discover unique clothing shops, curio markets, snack stalls and jewellery shops housed in the narrow alleyways at the Peninsula. This is the oldest and most populous part of the former Portuguese territory of Macau, now a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. It has an area of 8.5 square kilometres and is geographically connected to mainland China. The Portuguese influence is everywhere. From cobbled back streets, baroque churches, stone fortresses, to Art Deco buildings and restful parks and gardens. With several world-class museums, the Penenisula is a unique fusion of East and West that has been recognised by Unesco, which in 2005 named 30 buildings and squares collectively as the Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage Site.

Today, Macau has built up a world class tourism industry with a wide choice of hotels, resorts, restaurants and casinos. Its economy is closely linked to that of Hong Kong and Guangdong Province, in particular the Pearl River Delta region, which qualifies as one of Asia's 'little tigers'.

Thanks to the mix of cultures, this is a paradise for gourmands, with a wide range of delicious cuisines from all over the world including unparalleled Macau-style Portuguese cuisine, traditional Cantonese cuisine, exotic food from Italy, France, Brazil, India, Japan, and Korea. Everyone can find their own favourite. Moreover, the well-known Macau dim sum delicacies should never be missed.

The fusion of Portuguese and Chinese provides a zesty ambiance and culture unique to the region, just waiting to be explored.

© Macau Tourism

Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16

Situated on Macau's picturesque waterfront, Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16 is an integrated entertainment-casino resort in the centre of the city at the heart of the charming historical quarter. It is ideal for both leisure and business travellers savouring the glamorous mix of classic and modern styles. As a sparkling gem of the historic quarter, the Sofitel showcases stunning and elegant Portuguese/European architecture infused with Chinese elements.

The hotel’s 408 luxury rooms and suites are exceptionally appointed and overlook the charming harbour and the historic city. Each room emanates a feeling of warmth, elegance and luxury, and guests can look forward to relaxing in contemporary and spacious accommodation which provide every amenity for the modern traveller including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen television and DVD player. En suite bathrooms come with L'Occitane and Hermes designer toiletries.

Transforming conviviality and comfort into an art form, Sofitel’s restaurants and bars provide the perfect setting for relaxing and socializing. Get the taste buds going by dining at the Mistral, which offers alfresco dining overlooking the waterfront, serving contemporary buffets and a refined menu drawing on French and Mediterranean influences. If a relaxing drink is what you are after, the lobby lounge, Rendezvous, serves fine wines and cocktails, while the Pool Bar, open seasonally, is a refreshment centre dedicated to fresh fruits, juices and scrumptious tropical smoothies.

Just steps from the busy city centre, the hotel is positioned in the perfect location for you to explore all the wonders of Macau. Take a 10-minute stroll, and you will find yourself at Senado Square, famed for its waved patterned mosaic of coloured stones. Follow this pavement and you’ll be in front of the iconic ruins of St. Paul’s. A short taxi ride will whisk you away to the glamorous casinos on the Cotai Strip.

Back at the hotel, take a dip in the outdoor pool on the sixth floor overlooking the waterway, spin the roulette wheel at the casino, and indulge in irresistible desserts. These are all right beneath your feet as you walk out of your room. Everywhere you look, the Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 offers sights to dazzle your eyes: from the massive glittering crystal ball hanging over the hotel's entrance, to the rich woods, opulent fabrics, and fantastical lighting fixtures throughout each public space.

The magical complex of restaurant, bar, recreational facilities, meeting and banquet venues, in-house casino, and MJ Gallery ensures that Sofitel has created an exquisite world for lovers of "art de vivre"; connoisseurs who travel the world in search of places that delight their senses and stimulate their curiosity.

© Sofitel Luxury Hotels

Click here to visit the resort's website