Rooms with Views: Encore at Wynn Macau

Photo: Encore Tower affords great views of Macau and Nam Van Lake

Mention spectacular skylines around the world and Hong Kong is bound to pop in to your mind. With thousands of skyscrapers right on the edge of Victoria Harbor, the view is unbelievable. Journey to neighboring city Macau and the skyline couldn’t be more different. With the tallest building in Macau reaching about half way up that of the tallest in Hong Kong, Macau has only a handful of high-rises, most of them apartments or hotels. But by no means does this make the skyline less impressive. The backdrop to this former Portuguese colony is constantly changing with numerous casino and hotel projects, giving visitors a different view every time they visit.

Although most of the developing is being done on the Cotai strip, the views from the Macau Peninsula have the added value of Nam Van Lake and Macau Tower, which sees the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display, visited by thousands of residents and tourists each year. If you are one of the lucky few that is staying in a hotel that affords views of the fireworks, you will be able to avoid the crowds and the weather and enjoy the show from the comfort of your room. One such hotel with this view is Wynn Encore. Built in 2010, the hotel is somewhat unique in Macau in that the entire building is taken up by suites - 410 to be exact.

Photo: Check in at Encore is a sight in itself

Having previously stayed at the Wynn (read our review here), we thought we would give Wynn's Encore Tower a try next time. Upon check in we were greeted by very professional and friendly staff, along with hundreds of jellyfish that are housed in a giant tank right behind reception (animal lovers need not worry as they are very well looked after and even have a strict bedtime). The effect of the jellyfish is mesmerizing and is something quite unique in Macau.

Photo: The suites at Encore are decorated in red and gold to symbolize prosperity and celebration

Our suite in Encore was smaller than our previous one in Wynn Tower, but was just as impressive in all other areas (size doesn’t matter after all). The room was decorated in very bold and luxurious red and gold, which may sound a bit kitsch, but in true Wynn style it was ever so classy with attention to every detail. The colors represent prosperity and celebration, which, depending on your luck in the casino, could be very appropriate or not.

Photo: Enjoy an evening by the pool during the warmer months

Encore Tower shares the same fitness center and swimming pool as Wynn Tower, so it can be a bit of a trek if you are looking for a workout or pool session. It is, however, worth it once you arrive. The pool is a particular haven in the summer months. The gym is well equipped and has everything you need to earn that lavish dinner you plan on having.

As with most hotels in Macau, luxury boutiques abound. At Encore’s Shopping Esplanade the staff are ready to help you find that perfect evening dress or top-of-the-line watch. Don’t miss the opportunity to peek inside the Chanel boutique, which was designed to mirror Mademoiselle Chanel’s Parisian apartment.

Photo: Dining with a view at Ristorante il Teatro

While we wanted to take in the splendor of the lavish room all afternoon by sipping champagne, our stomachs eventually gave us a gentle reminder that dinner was approaching. After spending an indulgent two hours getting ready (half of which was spent relaxing in the tub with a bottle of bubbly) we headed downstairs to tantalize our taste buds at Ristorante il Teatro (read our review here).

Photo: For a casual meal head to 99 Noodles

If you are looking for Asian cuisine, there are three other signature restaurants: Wing Lei (read our review here), Golden Flower and Mizumi. For more casual dining, there is a good seafood dinner buffet at Café Esplanada, Red 8 - Wynn’s all day dining restaurant - offers Cantonese and Northern Chinese cuisine, and 99 Noodles offers hand-pulled and cut noodles dishes from Northern China.

Photo: Unwind with an evening cocktail at Bar Cristal

For an after-dinner cocktail head over to Bar Cristal. Intricately designed to mimic a jewelry box, the bar is decorated with silk and mahogany with a remarkable French chandelier overhead. Made from Belgian crystals, this 19th century work of art is one of many in Wynn’s vast art collection. For a delightful seasonal cocktail we recommend the Sinatra Smash, made with blackberries, sweet and sour, vanilla syrup, bourbon, and a dash of Crème de Cassis.

The following morning we had a delicious Portuguese omelet at Café Encore for breakfast. The service, as always, was friendly and attentive. The interior of the cafe is very tasteful and is sure to delight art lovers. Decorated with paintings that are inspired by the works of Paolo Veronese (a Venetian Renaissance painter whose work is featured all over the world including one piece that hangs directly opposite the Mona Lisa) as well as a 17th-century cherub and the silhouette of a Greek vase filled with fruit and leaves inspired by a Caravaggio still life.

Photo: The Spa at Encore offers guests a private therapy suite for their treatment

After breakfast it was time to visit the spa. The Spa at Wynn Encore offers one of the most elegant and luxurious spa experiences we have ever come across (read our review here). We urge you to try the ultimate in spa treatments: the 1-6-8 massage. Be sure to factor in an extra 30 minutes to take advantage of the facilities in each private therapy suite. After our treatment it was with a heavy heart that we begrudgingly checked out. We were told by a staff member that guests usually have a clear preference for either Wynn Tower or Encore Tower, we urge you to find yours.

As for ours, we may just have to stay a few more times to decide.

For reservations call (853) 8986 9966

www.wynnmacau.com

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