With travel back on the agenda, Macau is primed to welcome guests from Hong Kong again. Here are some updates from our Monte Carlo-esque neighbour on what’s new and noteworthy in Macau, from hotel news to things to do!
Macau hotels: what’s new
The Londoner Macao
Bringing a bit of British charm to the heart of the Cotai Strip is The Londoner Macao. The recently opened resort boasts a spectacular façade modelled on the Palace of Westminster and Houses of Parliament – including a 96-metre clock tower! Once night falls, watch the light spectacular, which depicts iconic black cabs, double-decker buses and royal carriages, all to a selection of British music. The celebration of all things British continues in the resort’s restaurants – one is called Churchill’s Table – and in the shops, which include select suits by David Beckham. Speaking of Becks, he appears as a holograph and shows you all his favourite London spots. There’s plenty for kids, too, including a red double-decker bus experience and an adventure with Londi the corgi and Bobby the bulldog.
Estrada do Istmo, Cotai
2882 2878 | londonermacao.com
Lisboeta Macau
The Lisboeta Macau is all about celebrating Macau’s iconic landmarks and memories. It offers three different themed stays across a total of 820 rooms: Lisboeta has an interior that updates 1960s style, with design highlights such as traditional folding doors; Line Friends Presents Casa De Amigo features colourful Portuguese architecture and fun character themes; and Maison L’Occitane offers contemporary French charm. There are dining options galore, plenty of boutiques and markets for shopaholics, and an entertainment space that includes zip-lining (see below!), a cinema, electric karting and more.
Rua da Patinagem, Cotai
8882 6888 | lisboetamacau.com
Raffles at Galaxy Macau
One of many hotel offerings in the Galaxy Macau integrated resort, Raffles draws inspiration from the past while keeping a foot firmly in the modern day. This is the only all-suites Raffles in the world, with 450 suites that allow you to step out into a private heated pool and garden, or enjoy the views from double-story windows and a loft-style interior. Raffles butlers are on hand to help with anything you need. Away from your room, you can unwind at the Raffles Long Bar and try a new twist on a Singapore Sling. For breakfast or light snacks, the Glass House offers an outdoor garden escape and for indoor dining there’s a specialty Japanese restaurant. Add on a luxury spa experience for the ultimate relaxing getaway!
Galaxy Macau Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Cotai
2888 0888 | galaxymacau.com/hotels/raffles-galaxy-macau
Things to do in Macau: what’s new
Studio City Water Park
The whole family will enjoy a day here, with slides, kiddie rides and pools to lounge and relax by. Thrill-seekers can make their way up the 20m tower and shoot down the High Point Twister for a zero-gravity drop and a high-speed bowl. Or try the near-vertical plummet of the Tornado, with its dark twists and turns. Two slides are even decked out with LED lights to create a kaleidoscope-like ride experience. If you prefer something slower, float down the rainforest-themed Riverscape, or enjoy the Little Lagoon, a safe space with shallow pools, gentle slides and a golden bucket that drenches anyone nearby! If you’ve worked up an appetite, the Cabana on site provides snacks, drinks and barbecue food.
Estrada do Istmo, Cotai
8865 6767 | studiocity-macau.com/en/ entertainment/waterpark
ZipCity
Offering thrilling views of Macau, this new attraction takes family fun to another height altogether. This isn’t just any zip-lining experience; it’s a music and light show that accompanies your adrenaline-fuelled flight above the city landmarks. Take off from 60 metres high and fly over the famed Cotai area! There are two different types of flights: a daytime one, where you can enjoy a 388m ride, zip-lining with family or friends on up to five different cables; and an after-sunset ride, with thousands of LED lights illuminating the scene, in sync to an adrenaline-pumping soundtrack. ZipCity is located in the Lisboeta Hotel (minimum age, seven years).
Lisboeta, Cotai
zipcity.com/home
Other Travel Highlights and things to do in Macau
Not everything is brand spanking new in Macau! Here are five classic travel experiences to enjoy while you’re there.
- Take a look at A-Ma Temple, the oldest temple in Macau; it dates back to 1488 and was built to honour the Chinese sea-goddess Mazu.
- Head to the top of Macau Tower (338m) for some amazing views – and, for those with an adventurous streak, a bungee jumping opportunity!
- Visit the Ruins of St Paul’s, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the façade of a 17th-century church.
- Learn about the Macanese community and its lifestyle, dialect and influences from China and the West at the Taipa Houses-Museum.
- Take a stroll around Guia Fortress, which was constructed in the 1600s and is home to a chapel, a military fort and the Guia Lighthouse.
Want more things to do in Macau or travel ideas from Hong Kong? Head to our Travel section.
This article first appeared in the Spring 2023 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
