The Four Seasons brand is a beacon of excellent service and outstanding hospitality that always strives to be the best in everything they create. Countless awards and a myriad of satisfied customers who chose Four Seasons over other hotels speak for themselves. In 2020, Macau became the first location to host the first-ever Grand Suites at Four Seasons, a new milestone in the brand’s history representing the unprecedented level of luxury and bespoke service. To experience it, we stayed a night at one of the splendid suites. Read on to see why it was so hard for us to check out!
Concept
For many travelers worldwide, be it business or leisure, Four Seasons Hotels have been at the top of the game. For those who wish to be the best, there is always room for innovation and progress. To impress the most sophisticated and picky guests, Four Seasons created a place that offers a concept of home away from home. So top-notch facilities, luxurious design, and excellent service, fundamental to the brand, were upgraded to the level of high-class apartments with attributes inherent to a comfortable home, like a kitchen, books, or a playroom for the kids.
The Grand Suites are located in the new all-suite tower of Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip, and offer five types of accommodations, from the smallest one-bedroom suites to the opulent two-story villas. 289 units differ in one way or another. For instance, ours had a fitness room, and others may feature massage rooms or kids’ playrooms, depending on what the guests prefer.
If you are the very-very VIP guest, Four Seasons might invite you to stay at the Skyvilla, the epitome of opulence and luxury. A two-story apartment is over 455 square meters with three bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom that features a sauna and a round jacuzzi bathtub, a fitness room, and countless other amenities. Probably the most spectacular one is the plunge pool on the balcony overlooking Cotai. Remarkably, there is nothing similar to it in the whole city!
Check-in and service
How does every stay at a hotel usually start? From hostels to five-star hotels, check-in always comes first. But not at The Grand Suites. Upon arrival, we were greeted at the hotel lobby and escorted directly to our room or, shall we say, apartment? We wouldn’t dare to call a 259 square meter suite a room where a walk-in closet (yes, there is a walk-in closet!) would be the size of a standard Hong Kong flat.
While we sat on the light blue velvet sofa, our butler asked us a few questions to finalize the check-in. Then, to honor Chinese traditions and welcome us with a symbolic ritual, the Four Seasons staff invited us for an in-room tea ceremony, as they do for all The Grand Suites’ guests.
To showcase the extra special treatment that Four Seasons offer their VIP guests, the hotel provided us a chance to try out the butler service. Besides the obvious advantages of having someone ready to help you out with any requests and needs, guests can contact the butler service via WeChat. Whether it’s a spa appointment, a table reservation, or an inquiry about the water temperature in the pool, all your wishes are only a text message away.
Dynasty Suite
We had the chance to check-in the one-bedroom Dynasty Suite for our short stay at The Grand Suites. A one-bedroom apartment has everything that one might need and more–a comfortable queen-size bed, living room with a dining area, kitchen, fitness room, two balconies, and a spacious bathroom with a jacuzzi and a steam shower. Among our favorite parts of this suite is the large walk-in closet. Yes, we mentioned it before, but it is impossible to get over it, alright?
Should you wish to stay in and spend an evening resting on a couch, two 98-inch TV-screens (one in the living room, one in the bedroom) will give you a full cinema experience. Guests can connect their phones to Apple TV to broadcast whatever they desire. Having troubles dealing with modern technology? WeChat your butler, and they will come to your rescue.
In every unit, you will find a puffy massage chair. Of course, it cannot compete with the strong and skillful hands of the Four Seasons therapists. However, once you sit back, relax, and switch it on, it’ll be difficult to get up! Top it up with a steam shower and bubbly jacuzzi for a relaxing night in after a busy workday or an afternoon of exploring Macau’s landmarks.
The Spa
If you have the chance to book an appointment at The Spa, don’t hesitate to do so. Awarded with five stars by the Forbes Travel Guide, this haven of relaxation and rejuvenation will be the cherry on top of your stay. Four Seasons master therapists will restore your balance and release any tension in your muscles in a couple of hours. The Spa’s menu offers a range of treatments for the face and body. If you are not sure what to choose, ask for recommendations, and the therapist will help you pick a treatment that will cater to your needs and concerns.
For us, it was the Blissful Sensation package, an homage to Macau’s Portuguese heritage. A 90-minute ritual features exfoliation with sea salt infused with Portuguese Port wine and herbs, as well as a full-body massage with grease-free aromatic oil. Slow deep strokes combined with meticulous and precise techniques didn’t give the tight knots in our back any chance.
Dining
Exclusively for The Grand Suites’ guests, breakfast is served at Vista 38, a restaurant on the 38th floor with a breathtaking view. The buffet includes both Western and Asian options, and there is hardly anything that they missed in terms of variety. Freshly baked pastries, omelets, noodles, and dim sum will help you start the day on a delicious note. If eggs Benedict is your favorite brekkie, let a waitress know, and two perfectly cooked poached eggs topped with Hollandaise sauce will arrive at your table alongside fresh juice of your choice, tea, or coffee. The Grand Suites’ guests can also choose to eat at the Belcancao buffet. It’s always great to have options, right?
Do we even have to mention that in case guests wish to have breakfast in bed, they can arrange for in-room service? When the weather is pleasant, it’s great to have a morning coffee on one of the balconies while admiring the Cotai strip.
In the evening, there is an array of Four Seasons restaurants to dine at, including the Michelin-starred Zi Yat Heen. Or Zi Yat Heen chefs can prepare a Cantonese feast directly at the suite, why not? Guests just need to pick a dinner menu, and the cooking team will make it happen.
Should guests wish to cook themselves, they can do so in the kitchenette equipped with top-notch appliances. If they notify the hotel what groceries they need for cooking, everything will be ready upon check-in.
Something special
With all the options and amenities mentioned above, it is tough to leave the comfortable suite. But frankly, there is no need to take your slippers off even if you crave a fancy cocktail! Upon arranging it at least a day in advance, the bar will come to you. A mixologist will bring a trolley and offer a list of cocktails, from fruity rum-based Plantation Nation to bold Italian classics like the Negroni.
Another fantastic experience to consider if you are spending the evening in is bath rituals. Let yourself forget about the world for an hour or two with the “As beauty goes by” bubble bath with milk and honey. Romantic couples would appreciate the “In the mood for love” bath featuring rose petals, Thai orchids, a bottle of chilled champagne, and strawberries. There are six rituals for kids and adults to choose from. Isn’t that a perfect way to finish the day at the luxurious Grand Suites?
For reservations, call +853 2881 8888
The Grand Suites at Four Seasons Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip Estrada da Baía de N. Senhora da Esperança, S/N, Taipa, +853 2881 8888, www.fourseasons.com
