They say that hotel concierges hold the keys to the city, and that’s certainly true at the Londoner Grand. This Mayfair-inspired resort will open for reservations in January 2025 as part of The Londoner Macao and will boast one of the most impressive concierge desks in town.
Naturally, concierges at the Londoner Grand will be able to snag you a table at the city’s hottest restaurant, secure concert tickets or smooth your travel arrangements. But they’ll do much more when the opportunity arises. Take the “Culture Concierges” for example. This elite cohort – whose members have earned the property’s Diamond Level Tudor Rose knowledge award, the property’s highest concierge status, after completing arduous hours of studying, training and exams – know The Londoner Macao inside and out.
Armed with insights, they offer guests exclusive “The Londoner Macao Tours” sharing fascinating stories behind iconic attractions, such as Shakespeare’s Hall and an original 1966 London double-decker bus, while pointing out the best photo opportunities along the way.
Their expertise goes beyond the resort grounds, too. The Culture Concierge also offers complimentary “Old Taipa Tours” exclusively for hotel guests keen to learn more about the city.
The tours take off once a day, accommodating up to four guests per group, keeping things flexible and stress-free. Between sharing anecdotes and insights, the Culture Concierge – who doubles as a skilled photographer – will be snapping away to capture your memories in Macao.
“I’ve always had a deep love for my hometown, so it’s really exciting to get to share one of my favourite corners of the city with visitors from all over the world,” says Andre Chanapluem Machado de Mendonca, a Diamond Level concierge at Londoner Grand who recently showed us around Taipa. “I love watching guests fall in love with the history, culture, and unique details that make this place truly special.”
Want a little preview of the Taipa itinerary? Keep reading for a sneak peek.
1. Taipa Houses-Museum
Hop into a Londoner Grand Taxi with your Culture Concierge and zip past The Londoner Macao Big Ben on your way to the charming Taipa Houses-Museum. Overlooking the Taipa wetlands, these seafoam green villas, built in 1921, once housed wealthy Portuguese and Macanese families and now serve as museums.
Today, each carefully maintained villa centres on elements of Macao’s past, showcasing everything from Macanese heritage to contemporary art. Don’t miss the Macanese Living Museum, which resurrects everyday scenes from long ago, or the Creative Casa, where you’ll discover a treasure trove of local art and books. Sands China has been working with the government to revitalise the area by incorporating festive installations, sketching, and family-friendly fun, so keep an eye out for new experiences while you’re there.
2. Our Lady of Carmel Church
A short walk from the museum takes you to Our Lady of Carmel Church (Freguesia de Nossa Senhora do Carmo). Dating to 1885, this beauty is a great example of neoclassical architecture, from the simple yet elegant buttery-yellow façade to the arched windows and a modest bell tower. While touring the tranquil interiors is discouraged unless visiting for worship, the landscaped gardens offer gorgeous views of the Cotai skyline.
“Freguesia de Nossa Senhora do Carmo not only witnesses Macao’s evolution but also reflects the blend of Eastern and Western cultures,” shares Machado de Mendonca. “Each building and tradition here is imbued with historical stories that belong to residents as a collective memory. Standing beside these ancient walls, I can almost hear the whispers of history and feel the excitement of a past era.”
3. I Leng Temple
Something of a hidden gem, this small temple is sandwiched between buildings along Rua Direita Carlos Eugénio. It was built in 1900 to honour the God of Medicine and showcases classic Chinese temple architecture with its upturned eaves, inner courtyard and an antique sliding gate with wooden bars – a rare sight today. Renovated in 2002, it remains an active place of worship and a symbol of the neighbourhood’s enduring heritage.
4. Former Iec Long Firecracker Factory
Next up, your guide will lead you to the Former Iec Long Firecracker Factory, just a few minutes north on foot. Once a bustling hub of pyrotechnic production, this 25,000-square-metre site is now a heritage site, offering a glimpse into Macao’s rich firecracker-making history.
“Iec Long is not just a production site – it’s a cornerstone of Macao’s cultural identity,” says Machado de Mendonca. “It was a hub of celebration, reflecting the spirit and resilience of local people. The artisans here were known for their craftsmanship, and I can still feel the passion and tradition when I visit.”
Today, the ruins are recognised as the largest and most intact firecracker industrial heritage site in Southern China. Visitors can explore a 400-metre walkway, enter old workshops or pause in the exhibition hall to learn about the factory’s economic role and the dangers workers faced.
In collaboration with the government, Sands China hopes to keep the stories alive and reignite interest in traditional craftsmanship by transforming the site into a “cultural creative park” where ecology, art, culture, fashion and technology combine to create new experiences, such as interactive digital displays to illuminate this chapter of the city’s story.
5. Rua do Cunha
The tour’s last stop is Rua do Cunha – Taipa’s famous food street. Along this buzzing pedestrian lane, you’ll discover shop after shop selling all kinds of traditional Macao bites, from pastéis de bacalhau and hand-cut fries at O Santos to famous treats like almond biscuits, peanut candies, pork chop buns and homemade durian ice cream. There’s even an outpost of Lord Stow’s Bakery, where you can pick up a box of fresh-from-the-oven egg tarts to see what all the fuss is about.
The tour ends there, but the experience isn’t quite over yet. Whether you continue exploring Taipa Village on your own or head back to the hotel to unwind, Londoner Grand’s team will be working behind the scenes to surprise you with many more memories during your stay.
