Enter the hush of the hotel lobby and discover one way to escape the crowds or roam cobblestone streets and savour the sights and sounds of this distinctive territory.
Meander past pastel-coloured buildings as the church bells peal in the background and you’d be forgiven for believing you’re exploring a town in southern Portugal. Turning from an alleyway and you’ll be greeted by shops selling traditional medicines, the air punctuated by the snapping sound of mah-jong tiles, a reminder of its Oriental roots.
You’ll find much to occupy your time – modern and traditional, whether you’re visiting for business, pleasure or a combination of both. To help you decide how to spend your time, we’ve provided a number of recommended places to visit.
Sands Casino – 5 Minutes by foot Macau is almost as famous for gambling as Las Vegas and at the heart of it all lies the Sands Casino. Located within metres of the hotel, the casino and entertainment complex is one of the most famous on the island. If gaming doesn’t whet your appetite, the Vegas-style buffet will.
Macau Fisherman's Wharf - 5 Minutes by foot Fisherman’s Wharf is centrally located at the Outer Harbour and covers an area of over 93,000 square metres. It houses themed entertainment and retail facilities, business and exhibition amenities, a hotel, a marina as well as a variety of restaurants and bars.
Nam Van Lake Cybernautic Fountain – 10 Minutes by taxi/0.8 Miles or 1.3 Km This is a man-made lake where guests can marvel at the 86 water spouts – with some up to 80 metres high – illuminated by 288 colourful spotlights. There is a special laser show each day and an additional music show at other times.
Taipa Houses – 20 Minutes by taxi/4.2 Miles or 6.8 Km These five blocks of immaculately preserved jade green villas are Portuguese in style and illustrate the history and cultural heritage of Taipa Island. Exhibitions depict the changing fortunes of the early Portuguese colonialists and the houses also feature Portuguese and Chinese furnishings.
Macau Tower – 10 Minutes by taxi/1.6 Miles or 2.5 Km The tower soars 338 metres above the city skyline and includes a cinema, exhibition hall, children’s playground, shops and restaurants. At 216 metres, it features the Skywalk – a breathtaking observation deck and at 233 metres you can test your nerves by doing a ‘skydiving’ SkyJump
Things to See
A-Ma Temple – 15 Minutes by taxi/2.5 Miles or 4 Km Built 500 years ago, the legend says that a poor girl seeking passage to Canton was refused by wealthy merchants but accepted by a lowly fisherman instead. During the passage, a storm is said to have wrecked the wealthy men’s boats, while the poor fisherman remained unscathed.
Wine Museum – 10 Minutes by foot Wine aficionados will find place to discover over 1,115 brands of one of the world’s oldest alcoholic drinks. This is an exhibition dedicated to the art of wine-making. It brings together a variety of materials to produce an inspiring and entertaining attraction.
Ruins of St. Paul's – 15 Minutes by taxi/1.55 Miles or 2.5 Km A symbol of Macau – is all that’s left standing after a fire in 1853. Sam Ba Sing Tzik, as locally known, was built between 1612 and 1637 and was twice destroyed by fire during construction. Only the front wall and staircase are left.
Macau Museum - 15 Minutes by taxi/1.55 Miles or 2.5 Km The extensive range of permanent displays and the temporary exhibitions were created to bring to life the history, traditions and diverse cultures of Macau. Designed to educate visitors and deliver an insight into the early Oriental civilisations that traded with the Europeans.
Leal Senado Square – 10 Minutes by taxi/1.2 Miles or 2 Km Named after the municipal building with its enclosed garden sanctuary, this is an impressive public space created from a swirling tile pattern and a beautiful fountain. Built in 1784, it’s one of the most outstanding illustrations of Portuguese craftsmanship in Macau.
Where to Shop
Mandarin Oriental Shopping Arcade - At the hotel For those guests who are looking for a superb shopping experience but don’t wish to go far, there is a shopping centre within the hotel. Situated on the lobby floor, the arcade is packed with shops stocking almost every international brand, including Cartier, Emporio Armani, Burberry, Ermenegildo Zegna, Louis Vitton, Hugo Boss, Salvatore Ferragamo, Dunhill, Hermes, Omega and Dior.
New Yaohan – 7 Minutes by foot/0.37 Miles or 0.6 Km Described as one of the most popular places to shop in Macau, New Yaohan is the place to go for electronic devices and cameras, as well as the latest fashions, cosmetics and jewellery. The retail haven is also home to a supermarket, a toy shop and children’s centre as well as restaurants, cake shop and a food court.
Macau Fisherman's Wharf - 5 Minutes by foot/0.06 Miles or 0.1 Km Besides a variety of themed entertainment, Fisherman’s Wharf offers a world of shopping. So whether you’re looking for international brands or local arts and
crafts, you’re sure to find something that pleases you here.
Leal Senado Square – 10 Minutes by taxi/1.2 Miles or 2 Km In the narrow roads and alleyways leading off the square, in particular Avenida Almeida Ribeiro, you will find an array of inexpensively priced goods. After shopping, there are numerous restaurants available, selling a range of Japanese, Chinese and Portuguese cuisine
Where to Dine
Mezzaluna – At the Hotel If you’re looking for somewhere special to eat, a short walk from your room or suite, try this elegant restaurant on the hotel’s second floor. Serving authentic Italian cuisine, the restaurant is inspired by a renovated Tuscan villa and cooks up some truly delectable delights at lunchtimes and in the evening.
NAAM – At the hotel If your taste is for something spicy and fragrant, you can dine at NAAM - an intimate Thai restaurant overlooking the hotel pool and tropical gardens. Dishes originate from all regions of Thailand and use only the freshest and finest ingredients.
Restaurante Litoral – 10 Minutes by taxi/2.5Miles or 4 Km If you’re looking to sample genuine Macanese cuisine then this charming restaurant is the ideal venue to seek out while visiting Macau. The food is a blend of Chinese and Portuguese cuisine infused with influences from Southeast Asia and other Portuguese-speaking countries.
O Restaurante Espaco Lisboa – 20 Minutes by taxi/6.1 Miles or 9.8 Km This is a small eatery that is situated in a lovely restored two-storey Chinese house in Coloane Village. You find typically Portuguese food and it’s worth trying to secure a seat on the tiny balcony which overlooks the ancient tiled roofs in this area.
A Lorcha – 10 Minutes by taxi/2.5 Miles or 4 Km Located close to the A-Ma Temple, A Lorcha serves a menu of Macanese fare in its cosy interior with an arched and low ceiling. It takes its name from a type of Portuguese boat. The portions of food are generous and the atmosphere is causal and relaxed.
O Manel – 15 Minutes by taxi/3.1 Miles or 5 Km While visiting the outlying island of Taipa, guests can sample appetising Portuguese dishes at this small restaurant. It has a reputation, not just for being an unpretentious dining experience, but also for being the best place in Macau to taste a local speciality: Bacalhau – Portuguese salted fish.
