This is your ultimate two-day itinerary to a brilliant experience in Macau this summer; from where to stay and eat, to what to do and experience when you’re there.
Where does one even begin when planning for a holiday? From deciding on the destination to booking your flights and curating your ideal trip, some might find the entire process rather daunting. Fret not — because we’ve got that head-scratching dilemma sorted for you. This summer, why not immerse yourself in a fusion of East and West?
Take a four-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur and find yourself in the ever-enchanting Macau. Macau has long been a melting pot of cultures — a combination of influences that make it such a welcoming place to visit today. Whether it’s historical UNESCO heritage sites, one-of-a-kind architecture or an elevated gastronomy scene, you will find them in Macau.
If you’re ready to get your travel engines going, here’s your ultimate two-day itinerary to enjoying Macau to the fullest — your holistic experience starts now!
1 | Check into the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau
Kickstart your adventure in Macau by choosing an exceptional accommodation to stay at. After all, this is where you will find yourself resting, dining and indulging in between plans. The Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau is an integrated resort spread out throughout three hotel towers. So yes, it’s definitely massive — with lots to offer, from the best restaurants to excellent facilities. Chinoiserie-inspired interiors take centre stage here at the hotel.
Choose from the available room types ranging from the Deluxe Room (60sqm) to the Velvet Suite (300sqm). No matter where you decide, expect an opulent and comfortable experience. Staying at Grand Lisboa Palace Macau also gives you access to a plethora of top-of-the-class facilities including the European-styled Jardim Secreto. At the oasis, take the opportunity to relax, revel in the greenery and more.
The resort is also home to a myriad of heavenly restaurants and bars such as Mesa by José Avillez, Don Alfonso 1890, Palace Garden, Zuicho, La Scala del Palazzo and more.
2 | Explore one of Macau’s most popular attractions, Ruins of St. Paul
Refreshed and ready to continue your great summer escape in Macau? Start with a visit to the Ruins of St. Paul! Built between the years 1637 to 1640, the 17th-century site is a true sight to behold. Created in the Baroque architectural style, the Ruins of St. Paul has long been among Macau’s most popular places to check out.
Getting there from Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau takes approximately 20 minutes by car. Bask in the beautiful scenery as you cross the Amizade Bridge from Cotai to the main Macau area. Here’s a fun fact: the Ruins of St. Paul is part of the Historic Centre of Macao alongside A-Ma Temple and Senado Square among others.
3 | Head over to Macau Tower for gorgeous views
At 338 metres high, the Macau Tower definitely stands out. If you’re looking for an aerial view of Macau, here’s where you should go. At the Observation Deck, enjoy a breathtaking 360º scenic view of the astonishing city. With your loved ones, try to spot each of Macau’s most prominent attractions such as Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro and the Grand Lisboa Macau. If you’re feeling super adventurous, let your daring freak self fly by going on a Skywalk or a bungee jump. And with that spirit of exhilaration, add another tick to your list of “Things To Do”.
4 | Enjoy tea time at La Scala del Palazzo
From Macau Tower, it’s time to head back to Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau for a sublime afternoon session. Here’s a tip: you can take the complimentary shuttle bus between Macau Tower and Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau. This captivating venue — taking inspiration from the “Atelier” haute couture collection by the iconic Gianni Versace — is one of immense sophistication. La Scala del Palazzo‘s afternoon tea takes classic Italian pastries and presents them with modern twists.
Available from 2:30PM to 6:00PM everyday, look forward to a memorable afternoon tea set while being part of such a stunning setting. The menu here changes seasonally so there’s always something new to expect. Pair your special moment with loved ones alongside beverage options like tea, coffee or kombucha.
5 | Shop at cdf Macau Grand Lisboa Palace Shop
After a tantalising afternoon tea session, it’s time for a little retail at therapy. Located within the resort is cdf Macau Grand Lisboa Palace Shop. The huge shopping space on the first floor of Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau is everything an avid shopper desires; from its modern design to its wide selection of more than 100 international brands.
Whether you’re searching for watches, jewellery, beauty gadgets or wine, you will find them here. This luxurious flagship store comprises brands such as Jaeger-LeCoultre, Montblanc, Chopard, Coach, Clarins, Hennessy, Penfolds and more.
6 | Continue your shopping adventure at NY8 New Yaohan
Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau comprises everything you need; be it F&B spots or shopping destinations. This is truly what makes it a resort unlike any other. If you’re caught by the shopping bug and want to keep browsing, you should head over to NY8 New Yaohan — located on the hotel’s second floor. NY8 New Yaohan is divided into four distinctive areas, namely a supermarket, a specific area for children, a spot exclusively for gastronomy as well as a lifestyle-centric place with home décor, digital electronics and clothes.
7 | Savour a riveting dinner at Mesa by José Avillez
As you arrive towards the end of a productive day, it’s time for dinner! On the third floor of THE KARL LAGERFELD, you will find Mesa by José Avillez — helmed by Michelin-starred Chef José Avillez, of course. Amongst an eccentric interior filled with tones of gold, white and black, this is your ultimate invitation to a memorable fine dining meal. Following its farm-to-table philosophy, the menu at Mesa by José Avillez is a contemporary amalgamation of Portuguese-Macanese flavours and sustainability.
The impressive menu at Mesa by José Avillez comprises everything from “Crispy codfish balls, Scarlet prawn, Boston lobster and prawn stew, rice to “Piri-Piri” chicken with potato and avocado. End your day and meal in Macau on a sweet note with desserts like “Portuguese egg tart millefeuille” and “Kumquat signature ball” or sip on specially crafted cocktails such as the “The Edge of the World or Casa de Abelha”.
And there you go — your ultimate full day itinerary to a great summer escape in Macau. Whether you’re travelling alone, with your family or best friends, expect nothing but pure enjoyment as you experience all that the city and the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau have to offer. During your visit, look forward to luxury, opulence and all things delightful. Now, this has got us longing for our next trip to Macau.
Learn more about Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau HERE.
(All photos provided by Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau/SJM Resorts)
Tags
Written by
Ronn Tan
Senior Writer, Fashion & Dining
After graduating with a Masters in Fashion Journalism from Instituto Marangoni London, Ronn took on a role as Lifestyle Writer. Now on a more project-centric position with Lifestyle Asia, he actively writes about drinks, fashion, and everything cool. When he's not typing on the laptop or managing a shoot, you will find him visiting the newest restaurants or sipping on a Negroni.
