Macau has accentuated its position as the Asian nerve-centre for glamour gambling, with mega-resort hotel developments mimicking their flagship temples in Las Vegas. All of the big brands have rolled into town, with their bright lights and brash attractions.
Think the Venetian, MGM Grand, Sands and Wynns. In fact, Wynns has
replicated the world-famous Bellagio dancing fountain, synchronised to soundtracks and sparkling lights. It's a must-see. Another glitzy photo stop is the homegrown Grand Lisboa Hotel and Casino. The original establishment dates back decades, and has been complimented with its cutting-edge skyscraper extension, which is an engineering masterpiece.
The building design has been stylised as a glittering Lotus reaching for the heavens, and it sets the skyline on fire at night. As an antidote to Macau's multi-sensory headrush, there's a lot to be said for staying at a hotel that doesn't house a casino. The Mandarin Oriental is an oasis of understated splendour, crowning the waterfront, with unblemished views across the city and the Pearl River.
The gracious staff go out of their way to accentuate your Macau experience. The hotel's rooms and suites are generously sized cocoons of comfort, featuring ceiling-to-floor windows and cutting-edge amenities. Stop by the Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop for some tasty morsels and the hotel's strikingly designed Vida Rica Restaurant and Bar, which takes in-house cuisine and glamorous surrounds to a new level. www.mandarinoriental.com/macau
