From a postage stamp-sized smoker’s balcony to a roof top complete with furnishing and BBQ, outdoor space in residential apartments vary greatly in Macau.
For many, having some kind of outdoor space at home is essential. We receive numerous requests from soon-to-arrive expatriates that a balcony or terrace is ‘a must’. 
“Please only show us apartments with balconies”, some say, “we like to be able to sit and eat outside” and others … “We will bring our dog with us so must have a terrace”.
The joys of having some outdoor space at home are restricted to only certain buildings in Macau. Strange that so-called luxury residences such as the Manhattan and most of the Nova Taipas and One Central Residences come without a balcony – or actually they do, but they are for putting out the washing machine, the gas boiler and such.
With so many clamouring for an outdoor space it’s heartening to see that at least the monstrously huge Windsor Arch complex about to be unleashed on us does provide balconies for all their apartments.
Perhaps some of the best balconies to be had are in Ocean Gardens, where some of the larger apartments up on the hill behind the clubhouse have no less than FOUR; front, back, one off the master bedroom and another off the kitchen. What luxury!
There are several benefits to having an outside space, the biggest being the ability to maximize living space. In this concrete jungle that Macau is fast-becoming a balcony can be a retreat for those who want to enjoy a secluded spot for lounging, dining and entertaining. If big enough it’s a good place to grow plants that wont be destroyed by ground-level bugs. A balcony can provide a safe spot for both its human and pet residents to enjoy some fresh air.
So Developers, lets hear it for more buildings with balconies please!
