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Planning Your Trip

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Called the “Las Vegas of Asia,” Macau has become well-known throughout the world as a hot destination for fun and revelry. But in addition to all that, it has a rich and intriguing history informed by its significant Portuguese influence. Here’s what to pack.

Exterior
Exterior
What to Pack
The Ritz-Carlton, Macau

With a climate very similar to Hong Kong’s, Macau can get extremely hot and humid. Protect yourself with ample sunscreen and sunglasses. Also, be ready for the occasional rain shower with a small umbrella and a few waterproof items of clothing. 

Day Trips

Whether you want to visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, hike the mountains, go on a shopping spree or sprawl out on the beach, there’s something in Macau for everyone.

  • Pack swimsuits, cover-ups and sunscreen to spend an afternoon lounging on the sand at Hac Sa Beach. The more adventurous can partake in the variety of watersports offered there.

  • Bring a good camera to capture the stunning panoramic views from the top of Macau Tower and the glittering skyline at night.

  • For shuttling between Macau’s many notable landmarks, opt for comfortable sneakers, lightweight and breathable layers, and a small cross-body bag (to keep close to you in crowded areas) to fit your essentials.
Evening Chic

If you plan on partaking in Macau’s nightlife or dining in one of its many Michelin-starred restaurants, you’ll be expected to dress the part. While James Bond-level glamour isn’t required, pack a few elegant separates.

  • Some casinos adhere to strict dress codes. That means no shorts, sleeveless tops or flip-flops.

  • For sophisticated dinners, men should wear a jacket and tie. Ladies, bring a couple of cocktail dresses, a nice pair of heels and colorful accessories.

  • To make sure you don’t lose your purse while playing the Baccarat tables or dancing in a club, consider bringing a compact clutch with a strap.
Cultural Considerations

Macau, much like Hong Kong, is more westernized than other parts of Asia. However, even among the busy cosmopolitan city streets, you’ll come across ancient monuments and historical relics.

  • Be mindful when entering cathedrals and temples and bring a sweater or scarf to cover bare shoulders.

  • Pack a foldable carry-on to bring home the souvenirs you won’t be able to resist buying.

  • Consider picking up a book on Macau to learn about its unique colonial history and get a better sense of the places you’ll visit during your trip.
Lai Heen
Lai Heen
What to Reserve
The Ritz-Carlton, Macau

Because Macau was a Portuguese territory for over 400 years before it was given back to China in 1999, all around the city you’ll see a beautiful juxtaposition of Chinese and Portuguese history — and wonder how they can blend together so seamlessly. From must-see treasures to the most enticing restaurants, below are some suggestions to add to your itinerary.

Macau is only 11.7 square miles in size but packed with an extraordinary 19 Michelin-starred restaurants. The Ritz-Carlton, Macau’s Lai Heen, on the 51st floor of the hotel, was just awarded its first, and offers stunning views of the landscape below. For a mouthwatering selection of dim sum, go to the Eight, the city’s first and only three-Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant. Credit the man who brought fine dining to Macau (Joel Robuchon) at the other three-Michelin-starred establishment, Robuchon du Dome. For traditional Macanese food, which blends Chinese and Portuguese techniques, head to Riquexo. And don’t leave without trying a few of Macau’s famous Portuguese egg tarts. The best ones are at Lord Stow’s Bakery.

Known as the gambling capital of the world with the largest gaming revenue (yes, more than Vegas), Macau is a haven for night owls. If you’re feeling lucky, step onto the floors of one of the city’s many casinos and try your hand at Baccarat — the most popular game here. Then for a nightcap (or two), settle into a plush sofa at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau’s sky-high Bar & Lounge, where a gin and tonic trolley will come to your table and make you a custom concoction.

Take a break from the never-ending diversions of the Cotai Strip at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau, which recently won a design award for its pretty space inspired by both Chinese and Portuguese architecture. Relieve stress with the Jade Reviver, which uses the gem and a powerful combination of essential oils to revitalize and brighten your skin. Rebalance your body with traditional Chinese reflexology with the Reflex Meridien Massage, then plot your next steps while soaking in one of the vitality pools.

The most iconic site of Macau are the 17th-century ruins of St. Paul’s, once a Portuguese church dedicated to the Apostle Paul. It’s among the list of over a dozen monuments that make up the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Others include the charming Senado Square, lined with pastel neoclassical buildings and mosaic-tiled floors, and A-Ma temple, built in 1488 to honor the sea goddess Mazu. Art lovers will find an impressive collection of Chinese painting, calligraphy and ceramics at the Macau Museum of Art.

Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Itineraries
The Ritz-Carlton, Macau

A former Portuguese colony, Macau is a city of fascinating cultural wealth that blends unique Portuguese and Chinese elements in everything from its cuisine to its architecture. Situated across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong, the Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China melds Eastern and Western influences for a wholly unique experience. Sample Portuguese cuisine in the mosaic-tiled Senado Square, explore a 15th-century temple and 17th-century fortress, and spend a luxurious day at the spa before a Michelin-starred meal and a night at the lounge.

With so much to see in the Special Administrative Region south of mainland China, focus on Hong Kong Island to make the most of a one-day visit.

Morning

Breakfast in Hong Kong. Take the high-speed ferry to arrive in Hong Kong in a little less than an hour. After you disembark, make your way to Teakha. Open at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, this quiet café specializes in homemade granola, delicious pastries and scones. Try the matcha cheesecake with a cup of freshly brewed tea from the extensive menu.

Victoria Peak. Continue on to the Peak Tram funicular, in operation since 1888, and ride to the top to take in 360-degree city and harbor views from Hong Kong Island’s highest mountain.

Midday

Peaceful Park. After descending the mountain, visit Hong Kong Park for a stroll in the lush green space, landscaped with flowers, cactuses, fountains and waterfalls. Take time to walk through the tea museum and past the Tai Chi garden to center yourself before heading back out into the bustling city.

Central Shopping. Stop by Landmark, a vast mall not far from the park, to browse from the range of luxury jewelry, clothing and specialty shops.

Afternoon

Temple Visit. Said to be the oldest temple in the city, Man Mo Temple, filled with idols and worshippers burning incense, is dedicated to the Taoist gods of literature and war.

Chinese Arts. The University Museum and Art Gallery is Hong Kong’s oldest continuously operating museum. Find ceramics and bronzes that date as far back as 7,000 to 2,100 BCE from the Neolithic period, as well as Chinese ink paintings, jade carvings and the largest collection of Nestorian crosses (from the Yuan dynasty) in the world. Stop by the Tea Gallery, the museum’s cozy little café, which promotes Chinese tea culture, for a refreshing beverage.

Evening

Fine Dining by the Ferry. Before returning to Macau, sit down to dinner at Lung King Heen, the world’s first Chinese restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars. Take in glittering views of the Hong Kong Harbor and city skyline while dining on dim sum, Peking duck, wok-fried seafood and other regional specialties.

About 65 miles inland from Macau, Guangzhou is a bustling metropolis with a rich history nestled alongside the Pearl River. Spend a day exploring this modern city steeped in culture.

Morning

A Walk in the Park. Once in Guangzhou, make your way to Yuexiu Park, where you can meander through the largest park in the city, which is home to Yuexiu Mountain. Don’t miss the many cultural sites, such as the Five-Ram Sculpture, Zhenhai Tower and the Square Cannon Site, all situated within the park.

Midday

Stroll Through History. Explore the Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family, which was used in centuries past as place for sacrifices and study. Today it serves as the Guangdong Museum of Folk Arts and Crafts and displays classic forms of Chinese architecture.

… And Heritage. The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is considered a landmark building in Guangzhou, and is the biggest hall that’s been built to honor Sun Yat-sen, the father of the Chinese democratic revolution. Don’t miss the unique century-old Banyan trees outside.

Afternoon

To the Top. For an expansive view of the entire region, take the cable car to the top of White Cloud Mountain (Baiyun Shan), which earned its name thanks to the wreath of white clouds that circles the peak after rainfall.

Evening

Decadent Dinner. Upon your return to Macau, ascend to the 51st floor to dine at Lai Heen, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau’s elegant Chinese restaurant. Opt for the Char-Grilled Barbecue Pork and Steamed Crab Claw with Egg White in Lobster Bisque.

Just a quick ferry ride from Macau, Shenzhen is known for its theme parks, entertainment complexes and shopping malls. But a visit to the southeastern Chinese city can also include modern art, lush gardens and a design-centric library.

Morning

See the World. From the ferry terminal, head straight to one of Shenzhen’s famous theme parks. Windows of them World showcases a globe-spanning 130 replicas — from Paris’ Eiffel Tower and India’s Taj Mahal to the Great Pyramids of Egypt — on 118 acres of sprawling park.

Midday

Wall of Books. Part museum, part library, the Artron Art Center features the world’s largest art book wall. Browse the staggering collection of rare art, design and photography books, and pop into the small art gallery on the top floor.

Dim Sum Lunch. The elegant and inviting Xingli restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen serves a popular dim sum lunch. Sample from the 100-plus varieties or opt for one of the spicy Sichuan dishes.

Afternoon

Modern Art. After a filling dim sum lunch, take a short drive to the Guanshanyue Art Gallery. Named for the famed Chinese ink painter Guan Shanyue, the sleek building houses a sizable collection of the artist’s work as well as modern pieces by other artists in a variety of media.

Green Space. The museum is on the southeastern perimeter of Lianhuashan Park. After taking in the collection, head into the 370-acre park, filled with lakes and landscaped, leafy green space. Climb to the top of the hill to see the bronze statue of city founder Deng Xiaoping, soak in the views of the city skyline and watch for locals flying kites in the open fields.

Evening

Hot Pot. On your way back to the ferry terminal, make a stop at HaiDiLao. The authentic Chinese hot pot restaurant has fresh, house-made noodles and a tempting variety of seafood, meats, vegetables and broth, all delivered with legendary customer service.

Morning

Historic Center. Take a quick car ride to Senado Square in Macau’s historic town center, on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Stroll over the black and white waves of the tiled square, surrounded by examples of Portuguese architecture and home to St. Domingo’s Church, a central fountain and a variety of boutiques.

Midday

Stroll the Square. Start off on a stroll from Senado Square to the Ruins of St. Paul’s, the iconic facade of a 17th-century Jesuit church. Visit one of the many small shops on the way for an egg tart, a local Portuguese specialty, and once there, explore the church’s ornate, carved façade, adjacent excavated crypt, and subterranean Museum of Sacred Art, with its religious relics and oil paintings.

Macau History. Learn about the region’s diverse history and culture from the Portuguese settlers up to modern time at the Macau Museum, featuring rotating exhibitions housed in a stately 17th-century fortress.

Afternoon

Guia Fortress. Walk a little less than a mile to Guia Fortress to take in panoramic views of Macau and the Pearl River estuary. The 17th-century military fort, as well as a chapel and lighthouse, is on the highest point of the island. Climb to the top on foot or opt to take the cable car for a more relaxing trek.

A-Ma Temple. On the way to dinner, stop by the oldest temple in Macau. Built in 1488 and dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess, A-Ma Temple is the serene antithesis of the glitzy casinos on the Cotai Strip.

Evening

Portuguese Dinner. For an authentic and delicious Portuguese meal, book a table at António restaurant. The eponymous chef specializes in refined Portuguese cuisine, including pastéis de bacalhau, or salted cod fritters, and the Portuguese-style tenderloin steak with a fried egg. Ask for a table on the romantic rooftop in warm weather.

Morning

Relaxing Start. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau, on the top floors of Galaxy Macau, offers treatments like the Jade Reviver. Plan to stay after your treatment to enjoy the steam rooms and vitality pools.

Midday

Poolside Paradise. The Ritz-Carlton, Macau spans the top floor of Galaxy Macau, an opulent resort on the Cotai Strip. Relax on the Grand Resort Deck, which is home to the world’s largest Skytop wave pool as well as lush gardens, white-sand beaches, waterslides and the Pool Bar. Sip a fruit smoothie or a signature cocktail while you soak in some sun.

Afternoon

Tea Time. Served from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. in The Ritz-Carlton, Macau’s Bar & Lounge, afternoon tea service is an elegant oasis in the bustling resort. Pair the seasonally rotating selection of sweet and savory bites with an invigorating pot of tea.

Luxury Shops. Stroll through the Promenade shops inside Galaxy Macau, browsing from among 200 luxury shops, brands spanning the globe.

Evening

Sky-High Fine Dining. After a relaxing day in Macau, book a table at Lai Heen, the Michelin-starred restaurant serving a sophisticated spin on traditional Chinese cuisine. Dine on Peking duck or dim sum in the elegant dining room perched on the resort’s 51st floor.

Evening Entertainment. Opt to see a 3-D movie or a live musical performance and, to really get into the spirit of Macau, finish the evening at the baccarat tables.