Macau certainly lives up to its nickname as ‘the Vegas of China’, but there’s much more to the city than that. Having been a Portuguese colony for over 300 years, the two cultures sit side by side, with Chinese temples looking down on Portuguese paving tiles. On roads with Iberian names, Cantonese is spoken, and food can be Chinese, European or fusion. The old city centre mixes colonial buildings with trendy boutiques, while further south sit the islands: the Macanese architecture of Taipa, the casinos of Cotai, and Coloane’s pretty villages and beaches. Heading to Hong Kong for luxury hotel break, consider adding in a couple of days in Macau which is a short ferry ride away from Hong Kong island. Here are our TLE favourite 5-star and luxury hotels in this unique holiday destination.
Andaz Macau (5 Star)
Conveniently located between Old Taipa and Coloane, adjacent to the Galaxy International Convention Center and Galaxy Arena, Andaz Macau is designed to offer guests easy access to both the city’s cultural attractions and the luxury amenities within Galaxy Macau, the city’s award-winning shopping and entertainment complex. With over 700 rooms inspired by local art, culture, and architecture, the hotel immerses guests in “real Macau” through a blend of traditional and modern elements. Highlight features include the “Macau Steps,” a unique multi-sensory staircase that showcases over 100 videos that beautifully narrate the history of the city, which is complemented by a collection of art and antiques showcasing the city’s rich culture. Guests can also enjoy excellent amenities including wellness facilities, a heated swimming pool and a 24-hour fitness centre. The Andaz Lounge is the social hub whilst a trio of culinary venues serve an array of Chinese, Portuguese, and Western dishes, creative cocktails and a welcoming ambience.
Wynn Palace Macau (5 Star)
If you’re looking for five-star luxury of the highest order, you need go no further than this gem, situated just two kilometres from the airport and eight from the Macau Tower. Guests who have spent enough in the casino can browse the art gallery, make use of the gym, spa and outdoor pool, or travel on the cable car. Twelve restaurants and cafés, a cocktail bar, a dancing fountain and meeting rooms complete the facilities at the Wynn Palace Macau, while spacious bedrooms with full-length windows boast every amenity, and upgrades include suites, butler service and in-room massages.
Morpheus Macau (5 Star)
Experience the future at this newly-opened innovative Morpheus hotel, named after the Greek god of dreams. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architecture as the first free-form high building supported by a skeleton steel sculpture, it challenges the need for the clutter of internal walls. A bridge connects two towers, while high speed lifts whisk guests upwards for panoramas of both the interior and the skyline. The Morpheus Macau lives up to its other title as the City of Dreams with high-class facilities that include an art collection, restaurants with top chefs, and a rooftop sky pool, plus rooms, suites, villas and upgrades offering every amenity.
Mandarin Oriental Macau (5 Star)
This stylishly tapered glass palace looks out over Nam Van Lake and the Outer Harbour, giving wonderful vistas from all bedrooms, the gym and the heated outdoor pool. Its location is also convenient for the Macau Tower and the Ruins of St. Paul’s, at two and four kilometres respectively. Rooms feature free WiFi, coffee machines, and flat-screen televisions that show in-house movies. Another TV waits in the marble bathroom, while suites include private bars. Two restaurants, one Chinese and one international, are supplemented by a cake shop, and a lounge and bar both serving snacks, while the spa at the Mandarin Oriental Macau restores that sense of well-being.
Four Seasons Hotel Macao Cotai Strip (5 Star)
Situated on the buzzing Cotai Strip, the hotel has opted for the Portuguese spelling of Macao, together with an Iberian-style facade that combines with Asian influences for a sumptuous interior. Connected to the Plaza Casino, the building is a short walk from the Cirque du Soleil Macau, an eight-minute drive to the Macau Tower, and five from Caesar’s Golf Club. It’s also close to air and ferry terminals. Five outdoor swimming pools include a lagoon pool, with cabanas housing 42-inch screen TVs, while the spa contains fourteen treatment suites. Four Seasons Macao restaurants offer Chinese and European cuisine, while rooms are luxuriously equipped, with housekeeping including a daily ice delivery.
Ritz-Carlton Macau (5 Star)
This upmarket hotel bypasses rooms and offers suites providing all that guests would expect, such as a living-room with sofa, and Club upgrades giving access to a private lounge and complimentary breakfasts. Food and drink options include a ballroom, French café, afternoon tea and poolside bar – there are two outside pools – and also a spa and fitness centre. Added bonus points are the superb views from its location at the top of Cotai’s Galaxy Macau entertainment complex, a shopping mall, ten-screen 3D Cineplex, and the closeness of the Ritz-Carlton Macau to essential sightseeing.
Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, Macau (5 Star)
Suites in this complex on the Cotai stretch boast picture windows and minibars, as well as all the usual perks. As befits the resort’s name, decor is Venetian-themed, with gondola rides along interior canals adding to the illusion. Thirty dining alternatives, including a food court, cater for all tastes, while other attractions provided on site are shops, a gym, swimming pools, live entertainment and a casino. And if guests should want a change of scene, the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel is within easy reach of all the sights.
W Macau – Studio City
In the 1950s Macau was the backdrop for many movies, a heritage that’s harnessed in the aesthetic of this W hotel, with hints of retro glamour. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedrooms and suites look out onto the city. Hang out in the Living Room with a freshly brewed coffee and a Chinese-Portuguese pastry; get a treatment at the Away spa; workout at Fit; swim in the pool; and soak in the hot tub. Part of Studio City and on the Cotai Strip, W Macau is on the doorstep of a water park and theatre.
