Party Lifestyle

38 good reasons

Written by The Stallion

This article first appeared in the Mar/Apr 2014 issue of World Gaming magazine.

The Stallion decided to stimulate the senses one evening instead of indulging in his usual crazy late night antics. A quality scotch, a 38th-floor view of Macau by night and the sweet tunes of Qoey and Mandy at 38 Lounge at Altira in Taipa were the perfect ingredients in his quest.

Late one night not long before the calendar ticked over into 2014, The Stallion found himself at one of his favorite live music haunts – Lion’s Bar at MGM. He was quietly enjoying a cold beer and wondering what mischief he might get up to when he saw a stunning little lass wearing short shorts. She had the cutest fringe and a smile more engaging than any had seen in a long time. The Stallion trotted over and struck up a conversation, only to find out she was a singer who worked at 38 Lounge at Altira. Qoey was Chinese Malay and had been belting out ballads all over Macau for the last five years. She was there with her friend and singing partner Mandy and together they formed the resident singing duo at 38.

“Come on down, we start at 9:45 every night except Tuesday,” Qoey said.

Qoey and Mandy* didn’t think I would show up, but little did they know The Stallion had been looking for an excuse to check out 38 Lounge for some time now – and this was as good a reason as any! So, after a nice dinner with my old mate The Panda, I made my excuses and slipped into a taxi.

*Mandy is no longer performing at the 38 Lounge but Qoey is still going strong as part of a new three-piece known as the Trio Girls Group. They are promoted by Tee Entertainment Services (TES) based in Macau.

*Mandy is no longer performing at the 38 Lounge but Qoey is still going strong as part of a new three-piece known as the Trio Girls Group. They are promoted by Tee Entertainment Services (TES) based in Macau.

I was welcomed to Altira by a host of very friendly porters who ushered me to the lift and straight up to the 38th floor. I had heard that 38 Lounge (obviously named for its position on the 38th floor) was famous for two things – one, for being quite expensive and two, for being one of the nicest places in Macau to sit back and watch the world go by. The night time view is simply incredible as you look across the water and over the three bridges to the Macau peninsular and its glowing skyline.

I was shown around the bar and the wonderful outside area which was unfortunately still baking in the heat. I grabbed a seat and was given an iPad menu from which to select my beverage of choice. They have a great selection of spirits at 38 Lounge and after considering my options I finally decided upon The Macallan 12-year-old scotch on the rocks at MOP$120. This is in no way cheap but it isn’t outrageous either. Let’s face it, this isn’t the type of bar you come to intending to drink glass after glass. At the end of the day, if you want million dollar views and wonderful service, it’s not going to come cheap.

The scotch arrived with one big perfectly round ball of ice in a large tumbler. This was a nice touch and as I kicked back I saw my two stunning girls from Malaysia cloaked in beautiful blue dresses arrive on stage and start singing their lovely array of music.

The order of the day was love songs and some classic hits in both Chinese and English. The music definitely fit the mood and setting and judging by the reactions of the crowd they were well pleased.

If you want to take that special person out for a few drinks or simply to gaze aimlessly out at the night sky then 38 Lounge has plenty of appeal. It’s not party central but then again it isn’t trying to be. Instead, this is a place to splurge on some great drinks, sit back and absorb the wonderfully elegant atmosphere.