The world’s best: Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16, enjoy unprecedented French style indulgence in Asia

Having earned its nickname, ‘Las Vegas of Asia’, Macau has attracted affluent travellers and gamblers for many years. The city lies just on the south coast of China, across the famous Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong. Macau is an exciting hot pot of mixed cultures and identities, making it a top destination choice for those who desire easy access to casinos alongside a dose of history.

The many expansive casinos, hotels and malls on the Cotai Strip are world-famous landmarks, but for discerning travellers, a little more subtlety is desired, even in a place as opulent as Macau. The Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 offers just this.

Hotel

The Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 opened in Macau in 2008 and has become one of the most famed luxury hotels in the city over the last 12 years. Offering thoughtful amenities and heartwarming service, all with a touch of French ‘art de vivre’, the hotel draws inspiration from the lively city surroundings. The French-style property is a lot more intimate than other hotels in Macau due to its close quarters and cosy corners, and is very well located to explore the heart of the city as just across the road guests will find the maze of narrow lanes of the old city.

Just down the street from the hotel are the old docks, which explains ‘Ponte 16’ in the hotel’s name, where guests can see dockhands still unloading cargo from packet boats. No other five-star hotel in the city, of which there are many, benefit from such an invigorating location immersed in local culture.

While the exterior of the property has a chateaux feel to it, there are also elements of Portuguese colonial design that lend the property an incredibly European feel, which makes it popular with international guests and those from mainland China alike.

Rooms and suites

The Sofitel is home to 408 rooms including 19 ‘Mansions’, which essentially operate as small hotels within the hotel – ideal for those seeking the ultimate privacy and space during their stay in Macau. Much like the rest of the property, standard rooms have European accents and are equipped with L’Occitane or Hermes amenities and espresso machines. A simple upgrade to the club floor provides you with access to the lounge ‘Club Millesime’ where you have the privileged bird’s eye view of the sprawling city beneath.

Casino

The world-class casino is one of the biggest attractions of the Sofitel, with 270,000 square feet of gaming floor and over 100 gaming tables, two distinct VIP halls and over 300 slot machines. Visitors can indulge in a game of mini Baccarat, Face Up Black Jack, Three Card Baccarat, Fan Tan or Pai Kao. The luxurious casino is fully integrated into the resort and hotel and offers a wide range of diverse entertainment throughout the year. PlayFrank.com, one of the leading online casino and gaming platforms, listed the Ponte 16 casino as one of the best and most exclusive in Macau, making it well worth a visit during your trip.

Dining and bars

Simultaneously elegant and relaxed, Mistral Restaurant offers impressive international buffets and à la carte dining throughout the day

Five restaurants throughout the hotel ensure there is something for everyone at Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16. A buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner is all served at Mistral Restaurant, offering a blend of cuisines from France, China and the Middle East. The interiors of Mistral transport guests to the fields of rural Provence with blue and cream mosaics, pastel hues and floral detailing on the intricate ceilings. For French haute cuisine though, book a table at Prive. Seasonally-sensitive menus offer a real taste of France in Macau, alongside a blooming wine cellar and a very good sommelier to guide you through any wine pairing. Whilst Prive offers vast views of Macau’s glittering skyline, at the very top of the hotel guests find Le Chinois Cantonese Restaurant, an incomparable dim sum experience.

Retro-style Rendez Vous Lobby Bar is located next to the buzzing hotel lobby, with an aperitivo served every Friday evening with a selection of wines, champagnes, antipasti and French cheese on offer. Rendez Vous is also home to Le Gouter, the hotel’s decadent afternoon tea served every day from 2.30pm until 5pm.