Special Blend

Macau offers an intriguing mix of Portuguese and Chinese heritage. For those in search of diversity, or simply a relaxing city break, there’s nowhere else quite like it in Asia.

Anyone seeking to spice up their Asian holiday experience should take a good long look at Macau. The former Portuguese enclave just off the South China coast is a rich, rewarding destination and with its laid-back atmosphere and startling blend of contrasting architecture, cultures and cuisines, the city is worth much more than a brief stopover.

Macau’s unique Sino-European culture is a legacy of centuries of administration by Portugal. The Portuguese handed the territory back to China in 1999 but the European influence lingers in its churches and squares, forts and decorative cobbled paving, coupled with a European atmosphere that lends Macau an elegant charm. Macau is often linked with Hong Kong (about one hour by ferry across the South China Sea) but while both are equally fascinating the two cities are quite different in character. If this is your first time to Asia, Macau will let you peel back the cultural layers at your own pace.

As well as the ferry link from Hong Kong there are direct flights to Bangkok, Beijing and dozens of other cities, and a two or three-night stay in Macau fits easily into most Asian itineraries.

Since the handover to China, Macau’s indoor and outdoor attractions have flourished. Major investment has seen an influx of new hotels and a raft of entertainment options have earned Macau the moniker ‘Vegas of the East’. But luxury resorts and glamorous casinos are only one element of Macau’s appeal.

Macau Peninsula

Despite its compact size (just 29 sq km), Macau boasts a slew of must-see sights. Not least is its Historic Centre, which achieved UNESCO world heritage status in 2005. Ming Dynasty temples, 18th century churches, Portuguese fortresses, Chinese shophouses and even a lighthouse are connected by a network of pedestrian streets and squares. It’s not just the buildings themselves that are so appealing; it’s their dramatic juxtaposition – a sloping, curlicued Chinese tiled roof nudged up against a church façade or battlement. The excellent Museum of Macau, built into a fortress, has displays and interactive exhibits that help bring the city’s heritage to life.

In between sightseeing, there’s plenty of shopping to be done. Head for the historic Senado Square and the Red Market where jewellery, art and porcelain, tea and traditional Chinese medicines, cashmere and silk clothing, as well as superb antiques and furniture can be found. For high-end fashion and designer brands, the shopping malls at the 20-storey waterfront Wynn Hotel and Casino, the European-themed Venetian and brand new Four Seasons hotels come highly recommended.

The Islands

Peninsular Macau (the part that’s attached to the Chinese mainland) is unforgettable, but no visit would be complete without crossing the state-of-the- art bridges to the islands of Taipa and Coloane. The latter, with its green hills and valleys, traditional fishing villages and sandy beaches – Cheoc Van on the south coast and Hac Sa on the east – is a revelation. Coloane is the perfect antidote to an action-packed Asian itinerary. But for the odd Chinese temple or shophouse, it’s easy to imagine yourself in Greece or southern Spain.

More active visitors can play a round of golf at one of Macau’s two golf courses, play tennis or go canoeing or windsurfing. Or else they can explore Coloane’s network of hiking trails. Taipa Island’s two highest hills are crowned by nature trails from which walkers are rewarded with views across the South China Sea to mainland China.

All that exploring is sure to stimulate the appetite. Luckily, when it comes to tasty restaurants Macau is handsomely supplied. All the world’s great cuisines are represented here, but the unique local Macanese dishes, blending Portuguese and Chinese ingredients with the spices of Africa, South America and India, are not to be missed. Some of the best restaurants are to be found on the islands, on Rua do Cunha and Rua Fernando Mendes on Taipa, and on Hac Sa Beach and in Coloane Village.

Among the top dishes to sample are African chicken, tacho (a hearty stew of Chinese vegetables and meats), galinha Portuguesa (oven-baked chicken) and linguado (sole) Macau. Traditional Portuguese favourites include sardines, gambas (prawns in garlic), bacalhau (salted cod) and chouriço sausage, all washed down with excellent Portuguese red and white wines. For those with a sweet tooth, pastel de nata, a sweet egg tart, is the must-have Macanese dessert.

Thrills and Spills

With its unique cuisine and heritage and laid-back ambience, you could be forgiven for thinking that Macau is short on thrills. But in recent years the city has ramped up the glamour with a raft of luxury resorts complete with shopping malls, state-of-the-art spas and entertainment on tap. At the swish Venetian Macau, modelled on the ‘original’ in Las Vegas, guests can even ride on a gondola.

Stylish Fisherman’s Wharf, a family friendly entertainment hub, offers a host of shopping and dining options. Performance artists entertain at the huge Roman Amphitheatre and this is also a popular concert venue. The Macau Tower, the world’s tenth tallest free-standing tower, has a white-knuckle SkyJump, a Skywalk, and, for the truly fearless, a 125mph bungee jump!

Macau’s newest attraction is the world-famous Cirque du Soleil at the Venetian on the Cotai Strip (an area of reclaimed land between Coloane and Taipa islands). Opened at the end of August last year in a state-of-the-art 1,800-seat theatre, the spectacular ZAIA was the irque’s first permanent production in Asia.

And, of course, there are the dozens of casinos, worth a visit if only to soak up the glam factor. But why not chance your arm on the blackjack or roulette tables – you never know your luck!

When in Macau...

JOIN THE PARTY: key dates include Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb), the Dragon Boat Festival (May/Jun) and the Grand Prix (Nov).
WALK THIS WAY: to sleepy Coloane, where you can take a beachfront stroll and re-fuel at a cafe on Eduardo Marques Square.
EXPLORE: Macau’s Historic Centre, where a clutch of graceful, historic buildings were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2005.
PAMPER YOURSELF: at the Mandarin Oriental’s spa, set in tropical gardens, drift off with a signature Oriental Harmony massage at the swish new Four Seasons hotel, or visit the deluxe Six Senses Spa at the swanky MGM Grand Macau.
TUCK-IN: to African piri-piri chicken at Solmar, one of Macau’s oldest restaurants, washed down with a crisp Portuguese white, or visit A Lorcha for its popular codfish dish.