Macau Lifestyle
  • What's On

    Categories

    • Giveaways
    • Entertainment

    Recent Stories

    Horoverse X MAEN watch
    Horoverse x MAEN: Limited Edition Neon Cities Timepiece Celebrates Hong Kong and Macau’s Iconic Glow
    Jewelry & Watches
    The Macallan 200 Year Whisky Exhibition
    Step into History: The Macallan 200 Years Young Exhibition
    Events & Promotions
    Photo provided by Harry Potter_ The Exhibition_(4)
    A Spellbinding Journey into the Enchanting World of Harry Potter™: The Exhibition
    Events & Promotions
  • Dining

    Categories

    • Restaurants
    • Local Eats
    • Cafes
    • Bars
    • Chef Spotlight

    Recent Stories

    our bucket list of things to do if you’re visiting Macau on a Budget. The Venetian Macao canals
    Macau on a Budget: A One-Day Itinerary
    Macau
    Michelin Guide Macau 2024
    Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2024: Macau’s Culinary Triumphs
    Dining
    Minibar and Lounge Interior Yellow Neon Signs Macau Lifestyle
    Sing Along: Best Places for Karaoke in Macau
    Bars
  • Lifestyle

    Categories

    • Wellness
    • Weddings
    • Family
    • People

    Recent Stories

    Tap Seac Swimming Pool Wide View from Below Sunny Day Macau Lifestyle
    Best Public Pools in Macau
    Family
    hac-sa-reservoir-park
    Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau
    Family
    Moo Creamery Founders Portrait
    Moo Creamery: Freshly-Made Ice Creams Delivering Original Flavors in Macau
    Dining
  • Culture

    Categories

    • Arts
    • Heritage & History
    • Architecture
    • Artist Spotlight
    • Local Knowledge

    Recent Stories

    Featured image: Chinese depiction of a woman from atlantic countries circa 18th century Source: Review of Culture
    Historic Women in Macau: Empowering Communities Across Time
    Culture
    Morpheus City of Dreams Macau Reasons to visit
    10 More Reasons to Visit Macau
    Culture
    st dominic church macau
    Top 10 Things to Do in Macau
    Culture
  • Style

    Categories

    • Fashion
    • Jewelry & Watches
    • Beauty
    • Home

    Recent Stories

    horoverse-shooting-start-from-0-4by3
    Horoverse Co-Founders on Revitalizing Watch Culture: A Deep Dive with Oliver Tong and Wallace Chan
    Jewelry & Watches
    Horoverse X MAEN watch
    Horoverse x MAEN: Limited Edition Neon Cities Timepiece Celebrates Hong Kong and Macau’s Iconic Glow
    Jewelry & Watches
    Wayuu Bag Macau
    Businesses in Macau: Taking Ideas to the Next Level
    Culture
  • Travel

    Categories

    • Macau
    • China
    • Asia
    • Oceania
    • Europe

    Recent Stories

    our bucket list of things to do if you’re visiting Macau on a Budget. The Venetian Macao canals
    Macau on a Budget: A One-Day Itinerary
    Macau
    Isabel Bengzon surfing Siargao Macau Lifestyle
    Siargao Guide: Where to Eat, Sleep, Surf & Party
    Asia
    st dominic church macau
    Top 10 Things to Do in Macau
    Culture
  • Hong Kong

    Categories

    • What's On
    • Dining
    • Things to Do
    • Hotels

    Recent Stories

    Cartier and Women exhibition
    Cartier and Women: The World’s First Major Exhibition on the Role and Influence of Women in Cartier’s History
    Culture
    Grand Hyatt HK_French GourMay Staycation (3)
    French GourMay at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Offers a Bespoke Culinary Trip to France
    Dining
    The Upper House Salisterra Main Dining Room
    Salisterra Showcases Exquisite Mediterranean Cuisine at The Upper House Hong Kong
    Dining
  • City Guide
  • 繁中
Culture
by Leonor Sá Machado

35 Years of Grand Lapa, Macau: Now & Then

Opening Ceremony excelsior 80s

The building that is now the Grand Lapa, Macau has seen a lot of changes in these past three decades, dating back to 1984 when it first opened its doors. Besides being one of the city’s most iconic buildings, it is said to have one of the best pools in Macau. The interior is evidence of the founder’s admiration for Portugal evident in its restaurants, interior decoration, Portuguese symbols and names that make up the place. Its main bar is called Vasco – Bar and Lounge (in a homage to Vasco da Gama), there is a Café Bela Vista (translated to “nice view”) and a clear Portuguese feel in the air.

Made with wood, the huge staircase and the window are both relevant elements, but also the paintings across the whole property; its maritime-themed decor is a clear and happy reference to Portugal’s history, especially the Discoveries’ period. Antiques and art go hand-in-hand at Grand Lapa, Macau, and there are details that have been there since its heydays, in the 80s.

Then_Window of Tomar

Boasting a perfect replica of the Window of Tomar (Janela do Capítulo, in Portuguese) since the very beginning, Grand Lapa Macau bears Portuguese culture in its identity. The original of the said window is one of the most important details of the Convent of Christ, in Tomar city (Portugal).  Its entrance and reception are sumptuous and beautiful, a remembrance of Portuguese culture and Macau’s connection to it.

Grand Lapa, Macau–previously know as Mandarin Oriental Macau–was named Excelsior when it first opened. Water ran really close to the building. Few still recall those Macau days, and photos are the only proof that remains (see image below) of Excelsior as a waterside spot, like many others in the region. An accommodation landmark in Macau, this hotel was built in the 70s and can be found in international magazines regarding lodging in the city, as the below image shows.

Opened under the name Excelsior on April 13, 1984 and subsequently changing denomination to Oriental, then to Mandarin Oriental, it finally became Grand Lapa, Macau in 2009. It was managed by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group until January 2014. On February 2014, Artyzen Hospitality Group took over the management.

Old Exterior grand lapa

Excelsior on Penha Hill

However, there is more to this story than meets the eye: Excelsior hotel’s (later Bela Vista hotel) first location was actually the house now used by the Portuguese Consul as a residence in Macau. In the late 1980s, Excelsior Hotels took out a 25-year lease on the hotel from the local government and refurbished it.

After becoming Bela Vista, the hotel started being managed by Mandarin Oriental Group from 1992 until its closure. In 1999, it closed as a hotel and was sold to Portugal who converted it into the Portuguese Consul’s home when Macau was handed back to China in December 1999.

Relocating and becoming something new

The now Grand Lapa, Macau had several refurbishments along the way. The hotel was partially purchased by Stanley Ho in 2009 upon renaming. Presently, it comprises of 416 rooms including 388 rooms, 26 suites with a balcony and two presidential suites. Ho is known for having a special place in his heart for Portugal and the country’s culture. Known as Macau’s “casino king”, Ho’s major properties are almost all somehow connected to Portugal: Lisboa Hotel, Grand Lisboa Hotel and Grand Lisboa Palace are a few examples in the region, but he also owns Lisbon and Estoril casinos, in Portugal, among several other properties across the world.

Taking inspiration from the hotel’s historic legacy, the design of each guest room embraces the artistic and cultural fusion of East and West. With a relaxing blend of timeless tones and rich comfortable furnishings, these rooms provide wonderful views stretching over the resort, with glimpses of the South China Sea. We had a chat with the hotel’s General Manager, Rutger Verschuren where he talked about its design and architecture, the embracing of Portuguese and Chinese cultures combined into an intercultural and classy sense of place: “The hotel welcomes guests in an ambience that embraces Macau’s Portuguese-Chinese cultural identity and spirit”.

The hotel’s founder collaborated with Eric Cumine & Associates, Hong Kong for architecture and Hong Kong Land Interior Design Department led by JJ Hamish Cowperthwaite & Lad Paac for interior design. In the early days, the hotel was located at the seaside, where Café Terra Sol provided a lovely all day dining venue at the waterside, while Dynasty served exquisite Chinese cuisine, Caravela lounge afternoon teas and Guia Bar evening drinks. Later on, the Embassy Bar opened, which was known for a wilder evening scene, till management closed the bar and created a more sophisticated Vasco – Bar and Lounge on the 2nd floor.

Hotel Lobby_Then

Portuguese All the Way

“A lot has changed over the years, and we now have now a fantastic colonial restaurant Café Bela Vista as well as the Cantonese restaurant Kam Lai Heen on the second floor, and Naam, the renowned Thai restaurant overlooking the tropical resort. The resort was built on reclaimed land around the year 2000, and designed and landscaped by Belt Collins International (Hong Kong) Limited”, added Verschuren.

He also explained that the typical Portuguese design awes many hotel guests and locals alike. Interesting to know is perhaps that the start and finish of the world famous Grand Prix was at the hotel entrance, and that there was always a large audience watching the races from there, till a racing car’s wheel rolled by, and the spectators were moved to the large terrace on the 5th floor for a better view of the races.

In the 80s, “Macau was still considered a part of Portugal, and it was the vision of the founders to create a hotel that reflected this, and that served only the best available”. Today, they have one restaurant and one bar that still ties into Portuguese culture. Serving as a reminder of the city’s “colonial past”, Café Bela Vista and Vasco – Bar and Lounge are full of symbols into the memory of the Portuguese.

You might find it interesting to know the names and ingredients of the unique cocktail menu at Vasco – Bar and Lounge are also inspired and related to seafarers voyages from Portugal to the East, passing Africa, India, SE-Asia and onwards, linking Europe and Asia by an ocean route. “Today, his memory and spirit live on in Vasco”, Verschuren explained.

If the name Grand Lapa, Macau is still puzzling for you, its general manager clarifies: it really is inspired on the Lisbon’s district with the same name! “From high atop one of Lisbon’s many hills, Lapa commands panoramic views of the Tagus River, and is home to the palatial mansions of many of Portugal’s socialites and celebrities”. Grand Lapa aims to “embrace the lifestyle of aristocrats who live there”, according to Verschuren.

Audrey Hepburn & Friends

In its heyday during Portuguese governing, the now Grand Lapa, Macau hosted several known celebrities, including Audrey Hepburn, Sean Penn, Madonna, boxing legend Muhammad Ali and some famous musician guests such as violinist Vanessa Mae and pianist Li Yun Di, but also Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna. What a ride, right?


35 years have passed and the building remains one of Macau’s most memorable and iconic accommodations throughout the city’s history. For more information, check their website.

Grand Lapa Macau 956-1110 Avenida da Amizade, Macau

Then_Lobby grand lapa

Tags

  • bela vista
  • building
  • Grand lapa macau
  • macau
  • mandarin oriental
  • Stanley ho

Related Posts

girl in macau transport
Local Knowledge

Getting Around in Macau

Morpheus City of Dreams Macau Reasons to visit
Culture

10 More Reasons to Visit Macau

st dominic church macau
Culture

Top 10 Things to Do in Macau

10-things-to-do-in-coloane-chapel-francis-xavier
Culture

Off the Beaten Path: 10 Things to Do in Coloane

Trending Posts

Dining, Local Eats

Where to Find the Best Portuguese Egg Tarts in Macau

Local Knowledge, Macau, Sightseeing, Travel

Getting Around in Macau

pork chop bun in macau
Dining, Local Eats

Where to Find the Juiciest Pork Chop Bun in Macau

macau zhuhai border Gongbei gate
China, Travel

Macau–Zhuhai: The Ultimate Border Crossing Guide

  • Editor's Picks

    woman holding phone and coffee Local Knowledge

    Macau Apps: The Best Apps You’ll Need in Macau

    When in Macau, consider these 5 must-have applications that will make your life or stay easier.

    girl in macau transport Local Knowledge

    Getting Around in Macau

    Macau is a small but immensely interesting place with plenty of things to see and do. With many modes of transport, getting around has never been simpler.

    ladies night macau Bars

    Where My Ladies At: The Best Ladies’ Night Offers in Macau

    From free-flow champagne to free Prosecco bottles, check our list of the best ladies’ night offers in Macau.

    Salvador Dali Alice in Wonderland Macau Lifestyle hidden artwork Macau Arts

    Art Masterpieces in Macau You Did Not Know Existed

    Some pieces of art are in the most prominent spots, but there are some artwork that remain hidden in Macau. Here’s where you can find them!

    Cuppa Coffee Macau Dining

    Good Morning Macau: Best Cafes for Breakfast

    As breakfast is the most important meal of the day, here’re our favorite cafes in Macau to head to for a hearty breakfast!

    Wayuu Bag Macau Culture

    Businesses in Macau: Taking Ideas to the Next Level

    Macau is a small city, but it sure has a lot of new businesses popping up. We rounded up a list of cool businesses to check out and support!

    start line photo Lifestyle

    Top Running Routes in Macau

    Make the effort to get up 30 minutes earlier from tomorrow onwards and check out any of these stunning running routes in Macau.

    The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge Gin Collection Bars

    Best Places for Happy Hour in Macau

    After a long day at work, you need a relaxing place to unwind. We have the best places in Macau for happy hour deals on drinks and snacks!

    Zics Macau Brand Source Facebook page Fashion

    Macau Fashion Brands: Celebrate Local Design

    Discover some Macau fashion brands that are making waves due to the fabulous designers behind each of their fresh and genius creations.

    Flora Garden playground Family

    The Best Playgrounds for Kids in Macau

    Macau is full of parks and leisure areas that feature some amazing play areas. Here’s a list of the best playgrounds in Macau for the tykes!

    Maria do Leste Bloody Mary from St Regis Macao Updated Photo 2020 Bars

    Shaken or Stirred: Macau’s Best Cocktails

    The world of mixology often proves to be as diverse and surprising as the one of gastronomy. Exercising talent and immense creativity, Macau’s bartenders keep creating signature cocktails that impress us with both flavors and presentation. If you are tired and bored with mojitos and negronis and need tips on what else to try, check out our guide to Macau’s best cocktails. 

    sound-of-century-vintage-sound-machines-museum Arts

    Macau’s Quirkiest Museums

    When art and history collections are inspected, it’s time to learn things that even locals might not know. Read on to plan a visit to Macau’s quirkiest museums.

    Pataca currency Local Knowledge

    The Pataca Story: The Peculiar History of Macau’s Currency

    The Pataca is special as not many countries the size of Macau would have their currency. Read on to find out about the origins of the Pataca.

    Vintage Around Exterior Front View Macau Lifestyle Culture

    Where to Shop Vintage in Macau

    If you’re a fashionista obssessed with all things vintage, this selection of the best vintage shops in Macau is for you. Happy shopping!

    Negroni bar patua mgm cotai macau lifestyle Bars

    Where to Have an Unforgettable Negroni in Macau

    Check our list of the best bars in Macau that serve the Italian bitter-sweet cocktail, Negroni, from classic recipes to original twists!

    Coloane hiking trail Culture

    Guide to Coloane’s Hiking Trails

    Coloane is home to most of the hiking trails in town. We walked them all and came up with the most comprehensive Coloane hiking trails guide.

    sponge-cake-macau-lifestyle-chinese-pastries Dining

    A Tour of Traditional Chinese Pastries in Macau

    Every tourist coming to Macau can make a fast conclusion that cookies and pastries here are held in high regard. Where do you start, and what do you eat? To get acquainted with a curious word of local sweets, check our guide to the Chinese pastries in Macau.

    63c4f00b-ca84-4eda-8f54-1fc5b633bee6_l Architecture

    Macau’s Tap Seac Square by Carlos Marreiros

    Have you ever wondered about Tap Seac Square, its history, and what used to be there? Find out more about its history and right here!

    Camões Bust in Grotto Culture

    The Camões Phenomena: All the Way From Portugal to Macau

    Portuguese poet Camões is well-known in Macau. But do you know why? We tell you some interesting facts about the author’s life!

    beijing memory li xiao feng mandarin oriental macau art Arts

    Art at Mandarin Oriental, Macau: Porcelain Dresses & Contemporary Glass Installations

    Read on to see how Mandarin Oriental, Macau, highlights its style and identity with art and design masterpieces by different artists.  

    Nam Ping Exterior Frontdoor Macau Lifestyle Dining

    Nam Ping: A Local Foodie Haven Nestled in Old Macau

    Set in Rua de Cinco de Outubro, Nam Ping is nestled in the city center, opened for more than 30 years, serving simple, mouthwatering dishes.

    Rooftop Macau Upstairs Terrace Dining

    Best Rooftops in Macau to Relax At

    Chilling on a rooftop with a cold drink is the best way to spend a day. Here’s a list of some of the hippest trending rooftops in Macau!

    Chou Kei Dining

    Local Eats: Where to Have Instant Noodles With Egg & Luncheon Meat in Macau

    Instant noodles taste much better topped with a fried egg and luncheon meat! Here are the best places in Macau to have this delicacy.

    banyan tree macau_Spa_Royal Treatment Room Lifestyle

    Macau’s Best Spas

    Macau is a wold-class destination and this extends to its spas as well. Check out our list of spas in Macau offering the best in relaxation.

    ferry hong kong macau Culture

    10 Useful Macau Ferry Tips

    Although you can take the bridge now, the one-hour ferry ride is a unique and easy way to get from Macau to Hong Kong. Here are 10 essential tips to make your Macau to Hong Kong ferry trip trouble-free.

    hac-sa-reservoir-park Macau

    Best Things to Do around Hac Sa Beach

    Hac Sa Beach on Coloane Island is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. It’s the perfect place for a day outside the city!

    Lord-Stows-Garden-Cafe-Coloane Cafes

    Best Places to Eat in Coloane

    Coloane is where locals and tourists come to enjoy chill vibes and home-style dining. Here are the best places to eat in Coloane for your next foodie trip!

    Tap Seac Swimming Pool Wide View from Below Sunny Day Macau Lifestyle Family

    Best Public Pools in Macau

    Cool off or get your cardio in at the best public pools in Macau!

    Cheong Kei Noodles Owner with Blurred Noodles in Hand Macau Lifestyle Dining

    Cheong Kei Noodle Factory: A Local Family Business with Healthy Ambitions

    We learned the history of Cheong Kei Noodle Factory, the inspiration behind their products, and their vision for Cheong Kei’s future.

    AJ Hackett Macau Skywalk giveaway Macau Lifestyle Local Knowledge

    Everything You Need to Do in Macau at Least Once

    Take a dive into this article and find out what to do to spend your precious time in Macau and maximize it to enjoy the city at its fullest!

  • About
  • The Team
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us

COPYRIGHT © 2025 • MACAU LIFESTYLE

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Receive Macau Events Agenda, the Hottest Giveaway Offers and the Latest Article Updates!