Northstar

www.travelweekly-asia.com | 15 HOTELS If David Beckham ever gets homesick when travelling to Macau as ambassador for the Sands China properties, that's all about to change. With the rebranding of the Holiday Inn Macao and Sands Cotai Central Macao to The Londoner, the celebrity footballer, businessman and, yes, born-and-bred East Londoner will have a familiar home in the Vegas of the East. Beckham, and the property's future guests, can expect a total revamp of the façade of Sand's St Regis, Sheraton and Conrad hotels to one influenced by Westminster Palace and Houses of Parliament. Big Ben will naturally be the vertical wow-factor and inside, brand ambassador Beckham will be involved in the design of some of the 600 luxury suites. According to Bob Goldstein, Las Vegas Sands President and Chief Operating Officer, the development and theming is all part of founder Sheldon Adelson's vision, which started in 2002 when Cotai was still land and water. "We're proud of what we've done here so far and The Londoner Macao represents a wonderful new addition to the landscape of this transformational city," said Goldstein. Sands will be sinking US$2.2billion into the project with new restaurants (one to be helmed by Gordon Ramsay), new retail, a new 6,000-seat arena, MICE activities, entertainment including 3D experiences and refurbed rooms and suites, to open in phases starting 2020. "In a city where everyone is competing to give the best experience to the customer, iconic buildings do have an advantage," said Dr Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China. "[Travellers to Macau] will feel they can visit Europe in one day and under one roof". Beckham was present at the press conference as Sands China ambassador, and cameo designer. "[Interior design] is a real passion of mine so to now step into this world is exciting. About my vision of London – red buses, red phone booths, letter boxes, black taxis – that's what we're going to bring to The Londoner". "As themes go, The Londoner Macao may be the most fun of them all," said Wong, regarding how the property will place next to The Venetian Macao and The Parisian Macao." Goldstein added, "The Londoner Macao will have an appeal that will be whimsical, fun and in the spirit of London, the icons of London will be evident throughout the building, the retail will feel like you're in London streets with an arcade feeling, the entertainment, the 6,000-seat theatre will bring acts from all over the world". About his first commercial foray into design, Beckham said, "There will definitely be some reference to my football career, to the game I have loved for so many years". The Londoner joins The Parisian and The Venetian making up a trifecta of European icons in the territory. By Catharine Nicol Themed Properties Are The Answer In Macau L to R: Mr David Beckham, Mr Rob Goldstein and Dr. Wilfred Wong

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