9.00
For an arrival in true VIP style, fly into Hong Kong and arrive at the city’s TurboJet terminal, passport in hand, ahead of your rapid traverse of Dadong Bay. It’s time to test your sea legs for 55 minutes, but take comfort in the fact you’re travelling in the Premier Jetfoil’s VIP Cabin. The cosy four-seater space will set you back HK $2,151 (US $277), but that’s sufficient time to enjoy a cold beverage with the view.
10.00
You’ve reached terra firma on China’s lesser-known, semi-autonomous region, but it may take a minute to gather your bearings. Judging from the harbour area, Macau is somewhat of a composite. While you rub shoulders with waves of mainlanders, your initial surrounds mimic a British seaside resort, but you’ll soon notice a swathe of hotel-emblazoned coaches ready to whisk you to your five-star accommodation. Hop into your waiting chariot for the short journey to the Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central.
10.30
It’s not until you begin descending the Cotai Strip that you feel the semblance of Las Vegas. The wide avenue is packed with looming grand hotels, though there is more of a sense of calm in this incarnation — and seemingly far fewer exhibitionists. Check-in and see your luggage up to your Executive Suite, where you have a chance to freshen up for a big day ahead. Make use of the complimentary pressing service ahead of your evening jaunts and tap into the free Wi-Fi to quickly touch base with home, then off you go for some hard-earned retail therapy.
12.00
First up is the The Shoppes (www.sandscotaicentral.com) within the Sands Cotai Central complex, which is home to a superabundance of luxury shopping boutiques as well as 55 dining venues. If you skip over to T Galleria Macau (www.dfs.com), the labyrinthine shopping area is replete with the foremost watchmakers, such as Rolex, Blancpain, Vacheron, Cartier and Bulgari.
13.00
Arms undoubtedly laden with shopping bags, you’ll surely need some sustenance. By 1pm, brunch at Belcanção (Four Seasons Hotel Macao Cotai Strip; +853 2881 8888; www.fourseasons.com) will be in full swing, where the open kitchen reveals chefs grappling with fresh regional ingredients to satiate the appetites of fervent shoppers as they feast upon the decadent international buffet, or order à la carte. If you’ve arrived on a weekend, the Signature Weekend Brunch includes dim sum specialities from the hotel’s two Michelin-starred Zi Yat Heen.
14.30
With a belly full of sumptuous morsels, you may decide to keep the weight of your feet with a serene gondola ride through The Venetian (Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca; +853 2882 8888; www.venetianmacao.com) Take in the sights and sounds of faux Venice as you cruise past more boutiques, cafés and duck under footbridges. You’ve got until 10pm to squeeze in your cruise, which costs just MOP 128 (US $16) and souvenir photographs are provided to ensure the memorable experience becomes timeless.
15.30
After perusing a few more designer garments, go treat yourself with an exceptional spa experience. The Venetian’s fifth-level Taivexmalo Spa is an integrated wellness centre, where you can experience treatments in one of the seven VIP suites. It’s a busy day, so opt for the Chinese Wellness Massage, which involves applying essential oils to your body’s pressure points to stimulate blood flow and relieve stress. If meditation is more up your alley, book into one of the four hydrotherapy suites and let your mind wander in a seemingly weightless environment.
17.00
Make sure to de-oil yourself before venturing out for a dose of cultural indulgence. Even a mere 24 hours in Macau would be remiss without taking in the delightful A-Ma Temple, which tradition says gives Macau its name. When Portuguese sailors arrived at the south-west tip of the peninsula and saw the temple, erected in 1488, the locals called the area “A-Ma-Gau” (bay of the goddess A-Ma). Lose yourself for a moment among the rising wafts of incense, but try to stay Zen as waves of other tourists filter through the temple’s six main sections.
18.00
Hail a cab and make a quick stop at the Ruins of St. Paul’s, a 16th-century site that includes what’s left of St. Paul’s College and the Cathedral of St. Paul. Both A-Ma Temple and this lofty façade were listed as part of the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stunning site is an opportune moment to take some snaps before you stroll down the huge steps into the old town. Navigate tight alleys full of food and leather goods, alongside Western sports brands and high-tech gadgets, before emerging into the spacious Largo do Senado (Senado Square), hemmed in by pastel-coloured Neoclassical buildings, making the historic centre seem like a magical trip to the Med.
18.30
Return across the causeway for dinner at Beijing Kitchen, part of the Grand Hyatt Macau, (+853 8868 1930; www.macau.grand.hyatt.com) which is connected to the City of Dreams Macau resort. The traditional decor makes for a dramatic setting for a Northern Chinese dining experience. A total of four kitchens dish up delicacies such as Peking duck from wood-fired ovens, as well as an array of flavoursome noodle dishes.
20.00
Wrap up your night back across the street at the Venetian with drinks at the Bellini Lounge, where you can kick back with some cocktails and live music in one of the region’s grandest hotels. Pick a table near the stage and make sure there’s an ice bucket for your chosen beverage — then cool off ahead of another day in retail heaven.
Stay
Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central
+853 2880 2000