I went to Macau and didn’t leave THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU for 48 hours

Our Macau trip kicked off with an easy ride straight to the hotel and the moment we stepped inside, it was all about the drama – soaring ceilings, glossy marble floors and chandeliers that somehow felt both grand and understated. Karl Lagerfeld’s signature style was everywhere, with a sharp black-and-white theme softened by deep red and gold touches that gave the place some warmth.

When it came to our room, the first thing we noticed was the giant bed – the kind you’d want to sink into and never leave. Then we checked out the view and were wowed by how stunning Jardim Secreto looked from up here. The room had everything we needed without feeling too flashy – just comfortable and well-put together.

The bathroom was spacious enough to move around in, featuring both a shower and a bathtub. And the little things, like ultra-soft robes, made it even better.

Dinner at Mesa by José Avillez was exactly what we needed after a long day. The place had that classic Karl Lagerfeld flair – bold black, white and gold everywhere – but still felt relaxed enough to just enjoy the moment.

Run by Michelin-starred Chef José Avillez, this restaurant brings traditional Portuguese flavours with a modern twist. We kicked things off with tuna tartare cone, a crispy cone filled with fresh tuna tartare and a tangy sauce. Then came seafood rice and caviar – a rich, comforting seafood rice dish topped with black caviar. 

The drinks were just as enjoyable. Cocktails were crafted with care and the Portuguese wine selection was a great match for the dishes. The service was easygoing. The staff were attentive without being too much. By the end, we were full, happy and already joking about how we needed to come back for round two.

We were up early and headed straight to The Grand Buffet for breakfast. Grabbing a table out on the veranda with a view of Jardim Secreto was the right move. It was calm, breezy and just what we needed to ease into the day.

The buffet had a bit of everything including classic European dishes, Asian comfort food and Portuguese specialities. We loaded up our plates with fresh pastries, cheeses and some heartier dishes (because why not?). The food was great, but honestly, just sitting there with a good meal, a light morning breeze and that peaceful garden view made it even better. Definitely not a bad way to start the day.

After breakfast, we took a walk through Jardim Secreto. With its calm, green surroundings, it was a little escape from the city buzz. 

But the real highlight is The Spa at THE KARL LAGERFELD. The moment we walked in, it felt like stepping into a whole different world – dark tones, gold accents and that sleek, chic vibe you’d expect from anything with Karl Lagerfeld’s name on it. We went for treatments using 111SKIN products and afterwards our skin had never felt better. 

After that, we just kicked back in The Book Lounge in the lobby. With over 4,000 books on art, fashion and design, it felt more like stepping into someone’s private collection than a typical hotel space. It was quiet, inviting and just the right spot to unwind with a coffee or maybe even a glass of champagne. Stretching out the relaxation for as long as possible.

In the evening, we had dinner at Zuicho. As I stepped in, a sense of calm settled over us. The 350-year-old cypress counter stood out, adding warmth to the minimalist decor, while the soft lighting created an intimate atmosphere. 

Chef Yoshinori Kinomoto's Omakase was impressive. The tuna sashimi melted in my mouth, the A5 Black Wagyu Beef Sirloin Sukiyaki Hotpot was tender. Then, we tried takikomi rice with seasonal seafood. It has a rich umami taste, with the seafood adding a delicate sweetness and freshness. You could tell every ingredient, flown in fresh from Japan, had been chosen with great care.

They paired each dish with premium sake and traditional tea ceremonies, with handcrafted cups adding a thoughtful touch. The service was exceptional, with staff anticipating our needs, allowing us to fully enjoy the experience.

Before heading out, we made a quick stop at two shopping malls — cdf Macau Grand Lisboa Palace Shop and NY8 New Yaohan. cdf Macau Grand Lisboa Palace Shop had this sleek, modern vibe with rows of high-end brands that were nice to browse. NY8 New Yaohan, though, had more energy — trendy fashion and lifestyle stores that felt more my style. I couldn’t help but linger a little longer there.

Our time at THE KARL LAGERFELD was nothing short of extraordinary. From the luxury of the rooms and the impeccable service to the world-class dining experiences, it was a stay that captured the essence of fashion, art and luxury.