Macao

Multicultural Macao might be small but in tourism terms it's hitting big. The territory drew 32.6 million visitors in 2017 – and they didn't all come for the casinos, says Ben Lerwill

Day 1: Culture and history

Morning: Start in the heart of the city by exploring Macao’s busy, UNESCO-listed Historic Centre. Centuries of Portuguese rule – twinned with an ongoing Chinese influence – have left it with some unique and fascinating attractions. Among these are the photogenic Ruins of St Paul, which date back to the 17th century, and the A-Ma Temple, built in 1488 and dedicated to a Chinese sea goddess. Take a break at Senado Square, with its fountain and wavy cobbled design – it’s great for people-watching. Afternoon: Calm things down by heading south to the sleepy island of Coloane. The place to spend time is Coloane Village, a laid-back waterside settlement of bakeries and flowerbeds. Then visit the nearby Macao Giant Panda Pavilion. And for those clients in search of something more active, there’s a golf course close by – The Macau Golf & Country Club which has previously hosted stars such as Ernie Els, Lee Westwood and Padraig Harrington.

Evening: Head to Miramar, a traditional Portuguese restaurant in Coloane. Beachside, it serves up seafood dishes like clams, fish stew and stuffed crab. Then head back into the city to round off the night at Sky 21, a rooftop bar with widescreen views

of the evening skyline.

Day 2: Fun, food and nightlife

Morning: Clear any hangover from the night before by venturing up the Macau Tower to try the world’s highest commercial bungy jump. Steel yourself – it’s a cool 233 metres above ground. Then make your way to Studio City Macau for entertainment of a different kind: among other attractions there’s a figure-of-eight

Ferris Wheel, a 4D Batman Dark Flight ride and a familyfriendly Warner Bros Fun Zone. Afternoon: The food scene here is seriously strong. The latest Michelin guide to the region named 18 starred establishments in Macao, including five with two stars and one – The Eight – with the maximum three. Opt to eat at Wing Lei, which offers exceptional lunchtime dim sum, or Tim’s Kitchen, which specialises in Cantonese cuisine. They both have one star designations, so book well ahead.

Evening: It seems churlish to come to Macao and not even sample its famous gambling halls. There are countless options but two of the best are at the classy Wynn Palace and the super-sized Venetian Macao, complete with its own waterways plyed with stripe-wearing gondoliers. Or head to the new MGM Cotai to take in The Spectacle, a vast atrium designed as a 'multidimensional sensory experience', using LED screens and digital art.

“Centuries of Portuguese

rule – twinned with an ongoing Chinese influence – have left Macao with some unique and fascinating

attractions”