Nicknamed the “Las Vegas of Asia”, Macau has become known as the gaming mecca of the continent. Casinos may be a popular attraction, but there’s much more to this Chinese-Portuguese hybrid city than meets the eye, including world-class hotels offering extravagant options for dining, entertainment and R&R. Just a ferry ride away from Hong Kong, we jump on board to explore next-level luxury in the heart of all the glitz and glam.
Stay: Morpheus
Amongst the plentiful hotels lining the Cotai strip, Morpheus will be the one to catch your eye. Designed by the late Dame Zaha Hadid, the hotel’s architecture is nothing short of a work of art, from interior to exterior. Step inside and be enthralled by the breathtaking engineering of the framework and the unmissable high-speed panoramic elevators on either side of the foyer. Be sure to find some time to explore the property’s art collection, including pieces by internationally renowned artist KAWS, Jean-Michel Othoniel and Thilo Heinzmann. Be sure to pack a swimsuit so you don’t miss out on the Sky Pool, located on the 40th floor rooftop and overlooking the city below, which unfurls like a shimmering carpet of lights beneath your feet.
Morpheus, Estrada do Istmo Cotai; +853 8868 8888
Eat: The 8 Restaurant
There’s no shortage of fine dining in Macau, but to get a taste of Asian flavours inspired by the SAR, nothing compares to The 8 at Grand Lisboa. With three Michelin stars, this Chinese restaurant is the place to go for traditional dim sum with a modern twist. The menu boasts over 150 dishes to choose from, but we’ve narrowed down the must-order items that are guaranteed to impress: crispy barbecued pork buns with preserved vegetables, suckling pig filled with fried rice, steamed dumplings with abalone and pork, and puff pastry with river shrimp.
The 8 Restaurant, Grand Lisboa Hotel, Avenida de Lisboa; +853 8803 7788
Drink: SW Steakhouse
It may seem a bit odd to be directed to a steakhouse for a tipple, but the experience at SW is unique enough to warrant a visit. Grab a seat by the bar and enjoy your poison of choice — we recommend their perfectly crafted classic cocktails or one of the many brown spirits in their extensive range. That’s not all, because your drink is served with a show. Every 30 minutes the lights dim, and there’s a stage performance for your entertainment while you sip.
SW Steakhouse, Wynn Palace Cotai, Avenida Da Nave Desportiva; +853 8889 3663
Do: Explore Old Taipa Village
Macau has a rich heritage moulded from a blend of influences from both East and West, old and new, and there’s no better place to see this unique fusion than in Old Taipa Village. Wander down the bustling streets of the cultural district to find colonial Portuguese-style buildings in beautiful pastels, local street art (for Instgrammable backdrops), and hawker stands bursting with Macanese delights including legendary pork chop buns, egg tarts and almond cookies that will appease your appetite as you roam around the neighbourhood.
Relax: Iridium Spa
Ever wonder how Hollywood stars prep their skin for a flawless red carpet appearance? Now, LA’s favourite treatment can finally be enjoyed on this side of the world. The Intraceuticals Oxygen Treatment is non-invasive, but it can offer you the results only surgical treatments can. The 80-minute treatment lifts, tones, and hydrates, transforming you instantly. If Kim Kardashian, Susan Sarandon, Michelle Williams and even Channing Tatum all swear by it, it’s good enough for us. Luxuriate in the comfort of Iridum Spa’s ultra-relaxing private treatment rooms and catch up on some sleep while getting pretty and pampered.
Iridium Spa, St. Regis Macao, Estrada Do Istmo, S/N Cotai; +853 8113 4949
See: Elēkrōn
The newest hype in town is an incredibly electrifying stunt show which promises to wow its audience from start to finish. The arena itself is a work of art, designed by the entertainment architects at Stufish who have worked with A-listers like Madonna, Beyoncé, Elton John and Lady Gaga. On stage, you’ll see jaw-dropping, heart-stopping stunts all powered by electricity. Think daredevil feats on sports cars, quads, trikes and biplanes, along with fireworks following the storyline of overcoming forces of nature in the year 2088.
Tickets available for pre-sale now for shows starting from 14 December 2018.
Elēkrōn, Studio City Macau, Estrada do Istmo; +853 8868 6767
Top Travel Tip:
Macanese Patacas (MOP) is the local currency used in Macau, however, since the exchange rate is almost 1:1 to Hong Kong Dollars, both are accepted everywhere. Request for the change in HKD so you won’t need to exchange any cash you’ve received before you leave Macau.
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