City Breaks

Macau Beyond casinos

From the most spectacular water-based shows to Portuguese-Macanese fusion food, this erstwhile Portuguese colony is looking beyond casino tourism, and doing a spanking-good job of it

Venky Vembu

WHAT TO SEE & DO

The House of Dancing Water
One of the most spectacular water-based shows the world over, this award-winning US$250 million production, running for five-plus years now, inspires awe and wonder. Performed by an international cast of some 80 performance artists, the storyline fuses elements of Chinese and global culture, which works as a metaphor for Macau.
Tickets from HK$580 www.thehouseofdancingwater.com/en

Macau Tower
Looking down on creation from the Observation Deck (height 223 metres) is thrilling enough, but for the real deal, try the SkyWalk (a stroll along the perimeter of the tower HK$788), or the SkyJump (a tethered, controlled descent HK$2,088) or go for the big one the Guinness World Record for the world&rsquos highest commercial bungy jump
Price HK$3,088 www.macautower.com.mo

WHERE TO STAY

JW Marriott Hotel Macau
One of Macau&rsquos newest five-star properties (and Asia&rsquos largest JW Marriott), this 1,015-room hotel, in the second phase of the Galaxy Macau resort, brings the Marriott International brand to the city of high rollers. Located on the iconic Cotai Macao, the hotel offers its guests spectacular views, heightened luxury, and swell dining and entertainment options.
Rooms from HK$2,888 a night www.marriott.com

Sofitel at Ponte 16
Centrally located, within five minutes&rsquo walking distance of the Ruins of St Paul&rsquos, this Accor group hotel provides understated luxury that doesn&rsquot overwhelm. My spacious room here had a stunning view of the Pearl River. There&rsquos a touch of French class to everything that the hotel offers.
From HK$948 a night www.sofitel.com

WHERE TO EAT

Ant&oacutenio
Even in a city where Portuguese-cuisine restaurants abound, Ant&oacutenio, in the heart of Taipa village, stands out for the authenticity of its fare, and the conviviality of its atmosphere. Chef Ant&oacutenio Coelho, a portly, gregarious man, personally oversees both the kitchen and the front-end, and showcases flamboyant preparations right in the dining area. All this to the uplifting strains of live Fado music.
Meal for two upwards of HK$800 www.antoniomacau.com

Restaurante Litoral
This Portuguese-Macanese fusion food restaurant serves delectable fare. Try the Portuguese green vegetable soup, prawn salad with fruit cocktail, African chicken, charcoal fish, and wind down with a home-made Macanese dessert. Their house wines are great too.
Meal for two upwards of HK$600 www.restaurante-litoral.com

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