Eleanor Lam at Alain Ducasse at Morpheus (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)

Eleanor Lam talks success, selfies and sumptuous meals at Morpheus, City of Dreams, Macau

There's one building in Macau that dominates the skyline, and that's the brand new Morpheus at City of Dreams, which opened in June 2018. The hotel is named after the God of Dreams in Greek mythology, with Morpheus also meaning “the maker of shapes”, imagery which certainly comes to mind when taking in its grand design.

A property like no other, the stunning hotel was designed by late architect Dame Zaha Hadid. An architectural masterpiece, it is described by her team as the “world’s first free-form high rise exoskeleton,” as the 40-storey building has no internal support as the external curved lattice design holds up the entire structure.

Inside, you’ll find ultra-luxury and innovation in the form of 772 futuristic guest rooms and suites, all designed by Hong Kong-based Remedios Studio. We invite food lover and fashionista Eleanor Lam to talk about her passions as we explore and stay the night at this already iconic hotel.

What are some of your greatest achievements to date?

I would say graduating from Pepperdine was a big highlight for me, along with being a debutante at the internationally renowned Le Bal des Débutantes in 2015. Professionally, I’m excited to be working in the family business as assistant vice president at Media Asia. I’m proud to follow in the family footsteps, but also to have my own voice as a regional influencer with my love of fashion, food and travel.

See also: 10 Things You Need To Know About Morpheus Macau

 

Tatler Asia
Eleanor Lam at Yí on the 21st-floor Sky Bridge
Above Eleanor Lam at Yí on the 21st-floor Sky Bridge (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)

How do you define “success”?

I think success is a relative term as people have different definitions. For me, it’s about finding a personal goal or an achievement in something that makes you happy, setting that goal, and then working hard towards achieving it.

What is the greatest award you have ever won?

I was never super studious, so I didn’t win academic accolades and awards. Growing up I had a love for fashion and beauty, but you couldn’t win anything to do with that during my time at school. The greatest thing I could ever win is the respect of my parents, and I hope to achieve that one day.

I want my parents to not only respect me but also to be proud. Being successful on your terms is a great achievement.

“The greatest thing I could ever win is the respect of my parents.”

What were you most looking forward to during your stay at Morpheus?

As a big foodie, I was looking forward to trying out the various restaurants at Morpheus, especially Alain Ducasse at Morpheus, Yí, and the Pierre Hermé Lounge—they were even better than I imagined. I was also eager to see the dynamic design of the hotel and how it stands apart from others in Macau, as it really is unique.

See also: Video: Barney Cheng Talks Us Through The Uniforms At Morpheus, Macau

Tatler Asia
Eleanor Lam at the Morpheus Spa (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)
Above Eleanor Lam at the Morpheus Spa (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)

You’ve spent this summer travelling all over Europe—what are some of the highlights of your trip?

I got to see many friends, all of whom moved away after leaving college so it was a great reunion. I was very happy to be able to spend some time with my best friend whilst I was in Serbia. As he grew up in Eastern Europe I got to see a lot of things that a regular tourist would never know existed. We did a road trip, so I got to experience the down and dirty, exploring new places every day—we really packed in a lot of mini adventures!

The architecture in Europe is so diverse, with modern designs in some areas and ancient castles in others. I’m reminded in some aspects of my stay here at Morpheus, with its striking and grand design that holds such attention to detail. It seems as though Morpheus is a castle of the future. As with my European adventure, you can really maximise your time at Morpheus as everything is under one roof.

Tatler Asia
Eleanor Lam at Yí on the 21st-floor Sky Bridge (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)
Above Eleanor Lam at Yí on the 21st-floor Sky Bridge (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)

As a globetrotter, what are some stand out features of Morpheus that make it unique to other hotels?

I love the clean, consistent theme of art and architecture merging into one. It’s a very modern building with such a striking design that really stands out. There is a lot of glass and natural sunlight which I like as well. From restaurants to the spa, casinos and shopping, you can relax in your own cocoon or indulge here as everything is so well connected.

Dining is also a vital part of any hotel experience and the options at Morpheus are world class. From contemporary haute cuisine at Alain Ducasse at Morpheus to French pastries at the Pierre Hermé Lounge, there is something for every taste. 

“Success is about finding a personal goal or an achievement in something that makes you happy, setting that goal, and then working hard towards achieving it.”

As a social media influencer, where are the best places to take that perfect Instagram photo at Morpheus?

There are so many great photo spots everywhere you go in this hotel! Look out for some funky walls and unusual seating. The Morpheus lobby is ideal, as it has so much natural light pouring in and—together with the spectacular architecture—it makes for an incredible backdrop.

See also: Art Of The City: 7 Must-See Artworks At City Of Dreams, Macau

What are some “must-have” features for a luxury hotel?

Natural lighting is a must. It is so important not to feel disconnected from our natural surroundings. Thankfully Morpheus has many windows to bring the outside in whilst offering incredible views of the city.

The spa facilities also have to combine luxury pampering in a perfectly tranquil setting, and Morpheus created the ideal balance. I indulged in a facial treatment and it was heavenly.

It’s no secret that you love good food—what are your thoughts on the fine dining options at Morpheus?

Food is such an integral element to any great hotel. I loved Voyages by Alain Ducasse, which I’d describe as a casual contemporary fusion with an Asian flair and twist.

I also enjoyed sipping on champagne while relaxing in his other restaurant, Alain Ducasse at Morpheus. The striking design of the space and lighting created the perfect ambience for the menu, which is based on his signature contemporary French dishes.

Tatler Asia
Eleanor Lam at Alain Ducasse at Morpheus (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)
Above Eleanor Lam at Alain Ducasse at Morpheus (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)

What’s something that your Instagram followers and fans don’t know about you?

I’m a huge TV junkie and love to relax with Netflix. As you may have guessed, my guilty pleasure is cooking shows. People know that I’m a huge foodie, but they might not know just how interested I am in how dishes are put together. I love Iron Chef, Top Chef, Master Chef—I’ve seen them all.

Your parents have achieved incredible things in their lifetime. What is the best piece of advice they have given you?

Like every parent, mine want to instil good values in me. They’ve helped me to realise that not everything is a given; you need to work hard to be able to support yourself because they won’t be here forever.

My mom taught me that the one thing that no one can ever take away from you is your knowledge and experience. Wealth, family and friends will come and go, but your knowledge of what you have experienced will stay with you always.

Morpheus at City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau, +853 8868 8888, cityofdreamsmacau.com


Credits
Photography: Moses Ng | Styling: Spencer Leung | Hair And Makeup: Nicole Lau at Wendy's Workshop | Shot At: Morpheus, City Of Dreams, Macau

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