Destination Macau Report

Episode 21: City of Dreams

The Melco PBL Entertainment project on Cotai, City of Dreams, is on track to open its first phase during the first-half of 2009. Co-owner Lawrence Ho said at the recent topping-out ceremony that the group's "dreams are taking shape", and that the project, which includes a Hard Rock Hotel and Crown Towers in its first phase, would open in "approximately one year". continue >>>

Episode 20: Celine Dion parties

The Venetian went into overdrive for the sellout show by Celine Dion. She saved the best for last with an encore of her smash hit from Titanic, before releasing a flood of patrons into Blue Frog, McSorley’s and Café Deco. The after-show party to see and be seen at, however, was at The View, a new ultralounge open to VIPs only, which also played host to the Damiani fashion show. continue >>>

An Interview with Frank McFadden

Anthony Lawrance interviews Frank McFadden, President New Ventures and Business Developments for SJM. McFadden has worked on gaming projects in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He is now driving the development of new business for Macau's former monopoly gaming operator, SJM, which is about to launch an IPO on the Hong Kong stock exchange. continue >>>

Ep. 19: CNY brings in the crowds

Macau started the Year of the Rat with anything but a squeak. More than two million visitors flowed into the city over the week-long Chinese New Year holiday … ushering in another year of prosperity. The Venetian Macao welcomed their 10 millionth visitor on the sixth day of the New Year celebration, while The Grand Lisboa attracted an estimated 600,000 visitors over the holiday.
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Ep 18: Ponte 16 - Old memories, new tunes

European-styled Ponte 16 is the first new resort to be located in Macau’s historic inner harbor, signaling the start of a revitalization plan for the old urban district. Ponte 16 features a 5-star Sofitel hotel plus a 270,000 square foot gaming floor. Highlights of the opening night included special guest star appearances by Hong Kong singers Stephy Tang and Teresa Fu … and Taiwanese R&B star – David Tao. continue >>>

Episode 17: Fight Night

Heavyweight boxing has arrived in Macau. The Clash of the Titans,which took place at the Venetian Arena, saw up-and-coming Derric Rossy beat former Olympic champion Ray Mercer on points. But it was the women on the undercard who wowed the crowd. Janaya Davis from the USA proved a tough opponent to world middleweight champion Wang YaNan. continue >>>

Episode 16: Follow the signs

The Wynn Macau's "Tree of Prosperity" has to be seen in person to be fully appreciated, but Destination Macau gives you a sneak view of this Hollywood-style set production. The Venetian Macao has also completed another phase - this time opening the 2nd and 3rd of their indoor canals and shops, giving visitors another reason to splash out. continue >>>

Episode 15: The Lion roars

MGM Grand finally has something to roar about with the opening of their hotel resort property in Macau. MGM Mirage is the world’s largest gaming company – and by partnering with Pansy Ho, daughter of Macau casino magnate Stanley Ho, they are well positioned to mark their territory in this part of the world as the grand masters of entertainment – turning gaming and hospitality into an art form.
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Episode 14: Anniversaries, Auctions & Adventures

The bold and the beautiful came out to celebrate StarWorld's first anniversary – including Tony Leung, Michelle Reis and Miss Universe Riyo Mori. Over at the Grand Lisboa, the hammer came down on the almighty "Truffle of the Century" - weighing in at 1.5kg, which was sold for US$330,000. All this, while the new Cotaijets service between Taipa and Hong Kong was making its maiden voyage. continue >>>

CotaiJets blast off

The Venetian has finally launched its ferry service, with the CotaiJets running high-speed boats between the Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal and Hong Kong. Destination Macau went along for the maiden voyage, which proved to be smooth sailing all the way. continue >>>

Episode 13: Federer vs Sampras

Tennis legend Pete Sampras and current world number one Roger Federer lifted the roof on the Venetian Macao in an exhibition match that often sounded more like a pop concert. 15,000 fans filled the Venetian's indoor arena to watch Sampras triumph over the young champion in straight sets, 7-6, 6-4. But it wasn't only the fans that were in awe. continue >>>

Episode 12: Macau Grand Prix

Macau roared as more than 200 racing drivers and riders, as well thousands of motor sports fans, descended on the territory to join the annual Macau Grand Prix. Destination Macau was there to watch the drivers kick off with good old-fashioned pedal power. See our exclusive interview with Bruno Senna and view pictures from David Hartung. continue >>>

Macau Kitchen ~ Chef Justin North at Aurora

The Wine & Gourmet Asia Expo was brought to a lip-smacking close at the weekend with number of elite lunches and dinners presided over by visiting masterchefs, including Justin North from Sydney's Becasse. We go behind the scenes.

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Episode 11: The Beyonce Experience

Shining. Sparkling. Glittering. R&B diva Beyonce was all of these as she delivered a dazzling one and half hour performance to a packed Venetian Macau Arena. It was the first time the Grammy-winning superstar performed in Macau, which formed part of “The Beyonce Experience” world tour. Looking stunning in a silver dress, Beyonce threw down her iconic single, “Crazy in Love” to the crowd with amazing booty shaking energy. continue >>>

Episode 10: From NBA to Mega Macau

Macau just had what could only be called a Mega Weekend. Asia's largest integrated resort – the Venetian Macao hosted the NBA China Games in its indoor arena at the same time as its first large-scale trade shows took place over three days in its massive exhibition center. Big or small, Macau has something for everyone.
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Episode 9: The Venetian Macau opens

Asia's largest integrated resort, The Venetian Macao, is now officially open - ushering in a new chapter in the history of Macau. Hong Kong star Alan Tam and American legend Diana Ross were among the stars at the opening ceremony - held in the 15,000-seat Venetian Arena.

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Episode 8: Macau’s Ace of Diamonds

Where in the world would you expect to find the biggest ace of diamonds? Try Macau – where the the 218.08-carat ‘Star of Stanley Ho’ - will be on permanent display at the Casino Grand Lisboa. In his unveiling speech, Dr. Ho said that the diamond, which is named after him, reflects SJM’s timeless commitment to Macau.

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Episode 7: PLAYBOY comes to town

Just when you thought you’d seen it all – the Playboy bunnies make an appearance. Macao Studio City one of Asia’s first integrated leisure resort properties to combine studios, retail, entertainment and world-class hotels, and Playboy Enterprises, announced plans to open a Playboy-inspired multi-faceted entertainment destination in Macao. Nightlife here will never be the same again.
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Episode 6: DRAGONE tops Crown Macau opening

Macau’s future as the entertainment capital of Asia has been unveiled with the opening of the Crown Macau. Australia’s PBL and Macau’s Melco put on a party to remember for VIP guests who were treated to DRAGONE, a stunning show of dance, acrobatics, juggling, and contortion. Visitors will soon enjoy this spectacle on a nightly basis, when DRAGONE takes a permanent home at the City of Dreams on the Cotai Strip in 2008.
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Episode 5: The Cotai Strip (Part 1)

Catch a glimpse of the Cotai Strip ® in Macau, which is described as Asia’s Las Vegas ® by the Las Vegas Sands Corporation - the same folks who trademarked the registered names behind this next big destination. It’s here that Sheldon Adelson’s Venetian Macau Resort will open in 2007 with 3000 rooms, Venetian-style canals and Chinese singing gondoliers. continue >>>

Episode 4: Casino king Stanley Ho opens Grand Lisboa

Stanley Ho has upped the ante on his rivals in Macau by opening a fantastically designed entertainment complex in the heart of the city. Come with us and marvel at the Grand Lisboa's kaleidoscopic golden LED dome – the world's largest – and then step inside to see why this building, with four floors of gaming tables and slot machines, plus six restaurants, is set to become a beacon for visitors to the city for many years to come. continue >>>

Episode 3: Macau dances to a new beat

Two new nightclubs are giving Macau something to sing and dance about: Tryst at the Wynn Macau and Sky21 at the AIA Tower. We went along to their opening parties recently to find Catwoman, Chinese contortionists and lots of beautiful people having a great time. It seems like nightlife in Macau is moving to a new beat. continue >>>

Episode 2: Stars out for Galaxy

What do Tony Leung, Rocco Yim and the Laurel Group have in common? These big names in film, architecture and food have joined the Galaxy Group in Macau. We went along for the opening of the Starworld Galaxy, and found crowds of thousands lined up around the block, straining to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars before trying their luck at the tables.
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Episode 1: Wynn’s world of ‘what might be’

Steve Wynn, the Las Vegas gambling mogul who dreamed up the Bellagio and Mirage, has a reputation for flamboyance. Yet he also is known for the intensity of his attention to detail. Since the opening of his first resort and casino in Macau on September 6, the latter has been very much in evidence. continue >>>