Insider Guide: Best of Macau

Having long ago left Vegas in its gambling wake, Macau is reaching for the sky. It just might get there.

Asia’s Vegas? Not anymore.

These days, it’s more accurate to call Vegas America’s Macau.

After all, it’s been five years -- 2007, if you’re into counting numbers -- since the former sleepy fishing port of Macau surpassed Las Vegas as the world leader in gambling revenue.

Still, the former Portuguese colony doesn’t have the glam image of other gambling capitals.

To compensate for its somewhat dowdy reputation, Macau has responded in recent years by building ever-bigger, ever-shinier hotels and casinos.

But the best of Macau isn’t all about risk and renovation. 

Like Vegas, Macau has added slick, family-friendly shows to its arsenal of attractions. Favorites include Cirque du Soleil’s “ZAIA,” the dancing-acrobatics-special-effects monster “House of Dancing Water” and concerts by the likes of Beyoncé.

  

Hotels

Luxury

With personal pools, you can literally swim in luxury at the Banyan Tree's villas.Banyan Tree Macau

You can get the luxury spa experience without leaving your room at the Banyan Tree Macau.  

The Spa Suite, Pool Villa and Sanctuary Pool Villa series of rooms at this best of Macau hotel is equipped to pamper. From suites with personal relaxation pools located right beside the bed, to 950-square-meter villas with private swimming pools. 

The Banyan Tree opened in 2011 as part of the Galaxy hotel and casino megacomplex. The massive development includes a manmade beach with meter-high simulated waves.  

See more attractions at the Galaxy.

Best of all, it’s conveniently located in Taipa, a few minutes’ walk from the scenic old town. 

Better than the real thing? Fake perfect skies at The Venetian Macau.The Venetian Macao 

This theme park of a casino is one of the largest in the world and a hub for all international artists who visit Asia.  

The famous canals of Venice are recreated indoors and attractions such as Cirque du Soleil’s “ZAIA,” a mini-golf course and top-notch dining are on offer.  

The Venetian emphasizes recreation and entertainment, but there’s no shortage of gambling options.

The casino offers 139 different games of chance, ranging from baccarat and blackjack to pai gow tiles, fan tan, Spanish 21, Caribbean stud and casino war. The high-limit salon has 20 tables for players whose bankrolls are as impressive as their nerve.

Almost too cute to eat: animal-shaped dim sum at The Eight.The Eight 

Macau’s most sumptuous Cantonese establishment, The Eight offers a revved-up take on Canto classics that may strike traditionalists as a tad whimsical.

That’s why we love it.   

Whether it’s dim sum made to look like cute hedgehogs, or the chubby goldfish design employed throughout The Eight, we can’t stop grinning at this best of Macau Cantonese restaurant. 

Chicken and abalone noodles are served with deep-fried noodles curled into balls; Chinese ham is topped with mashed potatoes; the most popular dessert is a wine-soaked fruit pastry made to look like a pear.