The Sands Ultimate Download

#sandsultimatedownload

So those that know me, know I represent Sands Resorts Macao and Marina Bay Sands Singapore; that much is a given and LinkedIn never lies (well, rarely).

However, after having the pleasure of escorting 20 Australian MICE planners to join Sands Resorts Macao’s Ultimate Download program last week, I have felt compelled to share some of the key highlights from our experience.

Last week, 150 MICE buyers from 7 countries, were brought together by Sands for the first time to experience Macao and the hospitality that Sands hotels now have on offer, transformed with 6 inter-connected properties and 13,000 rooms.

You’ve been to Macao before, maybe? You’ve heard from colleagues about their experiences, possibly? But have you been to the completed Cotai Strip within the last 3 months? Wow!

And this was the start of our experience, for the Australian contingent.

The sparkling, new, huge ferry terminal on Tapia Island, having recently opened on 1st June was our first insight into this new Macau!

Spotless and efficient, this new terminal has been designed to cater for transit numbers of up to 5,000 at a time! My group moved through seamlessly. In fact, as there are no visa requirements for Australians, we were straight though in no time at all.

Once through it was only a matter of a 10 minute transfer to our Sands home for 4 nights, the Conrad Macao Cotai Central. The sparkling lights of the Cotai Strip and The Parisian Macao’s half life-sized Eiffel Tower built our excitement for the days to come.

And what a program. I have never seen a company put on a show of this scale.

First day, spa treatments and then we enjoyed the outdoor pools and over 850 onsite shops across all resorts. Welcome drinks outdoor at The Parisian, beneath the Eiffel Tower lit up at night.

The Ultimate Connect conference with motivational speaker Robert Kerby, insights from Jack Morton and a panel of US & APAC MICE leaders discussing today’s trends and challenges.

The renowned ‘midnight supper’ at the beautiful, intimate St Regis , but held early in the evening so we could enjoy tai chi, yoga or boot camp early the next morning in the recently opened Le Jardin gardens. Amazing!

Le Jardin, authentic, gated French Gardens at sunrise, a 5 minute walk outside from the Conrad, overlooking Coloane mountain. Did I mention the weather? 25 – 30 degrees, blue sky and as Taipa Island is only 30 sq. km, warm ocean breezes.

Morning offsite activities ranging from Portuguese egg tart making, hiking or Sky Tower walks. Lunch? Why not a Master Chef competition in The Parisian Ballroom. 

The Ultimate Master Chef was a full scale production, with competing teams from each of the 7 countries given 30 minutes to prepare a dish from a surprise box of ingredients. Akin to the show itself. A high value production with your colleagues right there in front you, we were all absorbed!

The Australian team of Laura Richards from The Conference Business and Kim McNeil from Helloworld made us proud with a dish the judges voted as ‘restaurant quality’. 

That night, we glammed up for The Thriller Show at The Parisian theatre, a short interconnected walk through to The Venetian Ice World (full body jackets and mulled wine provided!), followed by the Ultimate Show in the Venetian Ballroom. Extravagant food & wine, musicians, cancan dancers, live opera singers and more. A quick night-cap followed at St Regis Marble Bar before we headed up to our rooms for the next day.

After all of these incredible experiences, what stands out most was not the seamless flow of events and group movement that Sands can offer (though that was certainly amazing). Nor was it the endless professional staff on hand or the world-class service. The beauty of the Coloane hiking trails, ocean views and the walking tours through cobblestone streets in historical areas.

 For me, it was the sense of intimacy we felt as team amongst the giants of these properties. The sense of uncovering a secret, a new destination previously discarded and the team building was a stand-out across the whole week. We went as a group and came back as a family of friends.

From me to you, I feel Macao is now reimagined. But don’t take my word for it. Ask anyone of the Aussies or better still experience it for yourself – you won’t be let down!

If you’re interested in finding out more about the new Macao, drop me a line at [email protected] or visit the Sands Resorts Macao website https://bit.ly/2sP0fQZ.

 I’ll happily get in touch to tell you more!