Roco Ki

Roco Ki

Translated from Taino language as "honoring the land," the multibillion-dollar development at Roco Ki is a heavenly world set on the charmed Macao Beach. Its 2,700 acres on the east coast enchant with dramatic cliffs, palm trees, mangroves, and jungle. The theatrical backdrop is like nature's equivalent of a laser light show: green vegetation, turquoise sea, fuchsia flowers, blue sky, white sand. The blueprint for the 15-year phased development project maps out plans for posh hotels (seven to nine total), golf courses, a marina, a sports training complex, and various styles of luxury residences, all exuding an easygoing affluence in an environment at peace with nature. The magnificent undertaking strives to achieve the perfect balance between low-density, low-environmental-impact design and high-end comfort. With buildings and villas spread out among lagoons, mangroves and coastline, and weaved around ample conservation areas teeming with wildlife, the development is conceived with respect toward preserving the natural habitat while exceeding the most indulgent dreams of opulent living.

First to go up in phase one are the Westin Roco Ki hotel and branded villas and the championship 18-hole, Nick Faldo-designed course, with its striking 17th-hole on a sculpted cliff, both set to open in September 2008. The developers are working in cooperation with the government to preserve and curate Taino artifacts unearthed during excavation at the Roco Ki site, which will be displayed at a museum slated to open in fall 2009.