This article first appeared in the Nov 2009 (pre-launch) and Jan/Feb 2010 issues of World Gaming magazine.
One of Macau’s best kept secrets which epitomises the high roller life is The View lounge. Lesser mortals would say it’s on the 24th and highest floor of the Sands Tower, but to the Sands it is on floor “VIP”, and that’s the button you press in the elevator to take you into this world formerly reserved for celebrities and the Sands’ best VIP players.
Earlier this year the Sands opened The View lounge up to just a few more people. One no longer needs to be a celebrity or high-rolling player, but The View is still billed by Sands as “A Paradise for the Select Few”, where memberships are still by invitation only. The View is the kind of place that you need to know before you go – it’s almost impossible to stumble across it.
The View
After leaving the elevator, there’s always a beautiful greeter to whisk you into the lounge. Many partygoers at The View don’t realise that they are just metres away from four ultra-opulent gaming lounges for the crème-de-la crème of Sands’ baccarat players. Each lounge is equipped with two baccarat tables, a stunning view out over the Macau ferry terminal and out to sea, and of course a full karaoke set-up to keep the entourage amused while the serious betting goes on.
But I digress – back to the lounge across the hall from baccarat and karaoke. Sands multi-million dollar fit-out has created a late-night lounge environment with a superior and elite ambience. The evening views across the Macao Peninsula and beyond are a site to behold. The space is characterised by the carefully selected materials and customised finishes, rich furnishings, and original works of art. Gorgeous décor in the form of plush 70s velvets and old school leather lounges abound. You immediately feel important in a venue like this – all 5,000 square feet of it.
The View has live music nightly, and don’t be surprised to see hot Brazilian dancers emerge late at night. Suited men-of-substance sipping their cognacs and gorgeous ladies in evening dresses clutching signature cocktails are right at home here.
The View is a favourite for high-end product launches and parties. It’s held fashion shows, official after-parties, and private functions for the likes of the Indian International Film Academy, Glenmorangie Signet, Remy Martin, Celine Dion, Chris Brown, Mariah Carey, Vince Wong, Cheung Tat Ming, Princess Tenko, Air Supply, Hong Kong and American celebrities from the small screen, and Bollywood and Hollywood A-listers.
The View was a natural location for Macau’s first bachelor auction, as it was for the recent Davidoff cigar-rolling exhibition by a master cigar roller from the Dominican Republic. Speaking of cigars, The View has an exquisite private cigar room, lined with high-end cases of wine from around the world.
In keeping with its high end reputation, The View hosted the Official Grand Prix Party with Rodolfo Avila in November, right next to the Grand Prix track itself. Next time you’re in the mood for some high roller self indulgence, The View could be for you.
