With a host of sophisticated new luxury hotel, bar, entertainment and nightclub openings scheduled throughout 2015, Macau is reinforcing its reputation as one of Asia's most exciting destinations for the international traveller.
Already a popular stopover for those travelling on business or pleasure to Hong Kong and other Far East cities, a line-up of new attractions and experiences build on Macau's impressive reputation for its world class nightlife, cuisine, hotels, attractions and events such as the Macau Grand Prix.
Whether looking for a restaurant to impress colleagues and clients or to share in good times with friends or a partner, Macau is sure to dazzle first timers and provide inspiration for a return visit with these latest offerings and don't miss attractions:
Shows and Entertainment
- Studio City Macau: Scheduled to open in the middle of the year, Studio City Macau aims to be one of Asia's most impressive cinematically-themed leisure complexes, which will comprise a five-star hotel, extensive dining venues and Asia's highest Ferris wheel Golden Eye, which will stand at an impressive 130 metres tall. Grown-up comic fans will love DC Comics' Batman Dark Flight, the world's first Batman franchise digital virtual reality ride, whilst The House of Magic hosted by acclaimed illusionist Franz Harary will welcome an array of world famous magicians to its stage. A Pacha nightclub, with its Ibiza-style atmosphere is also due to open its doors to club lovers. www.studiocity-macau.com
- The Cotai Ring Club: Sports fans can follow in the footsteps of Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger with a visit to Macau's home of boxing. Located at The Venetian Macao, The Cotai Ring Club hosts a variety of world-class boxing competitions throughout the year, including white-collar boxing, Muay Thai and welterweight categories. Action enthusiasts need to become members to access the list of events but membership is free of charge and it is easy to sign up online at www.venetianmacao.com
- House of Dancing Water: Celebrating its 5th anniversary in September 2015, having entertained over 3 Million theatre goers, there has never been a better time to witness one of the world's most spectacular water based theatre, stunt and acrobatics shows, created by production mastermind Franco Dragone.
- TABOO: Returning to the City of Dreams later on this year with a brand new cast and is TABOO, Dragone's cheeky and sexy cabaret which invites audiences to unleash their desires whilst talented international dancers perform cutting edge choreography and fire tricks up close and in and around the theatre. Both shows take place at www.cityofdreamsmacau.com
Bars and Nightclubs
- Praha Bar: Opened in February 2015, Praha Bar is an elegant place to enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail. Located within the recently-opened Harbourview Hotel, on Macau's Fisherman's Wharf, its comfortable atmosphere invites guests to relax, unwind and switch off from work and kick start an evening in style. Open daily from 8am to 1am. www.harbourviewhotelmacau.com
- The Ritz-Carlton Bar and Lounge: Opening on 27th May is a spacious and sophisticated bar which offers a beautiful setting for breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. As the city skyline lights up, so too will this venue, with DJs, pop-up parties and an interactive bar serving Asian Tapas, classic cocktails and signature gin and tonics. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Macau
- Lion's Bar: Famous for its live music and electric atmosphere is Macau's Lion's Bar. Located inside the lavish MGM Macau, the bar will delight visitors with beats by resident DJ Ted and the catchy melodies by Soul Republic, lead by Scottish singer and guitarist Ryan Carroll – who both perform daily from Tuesday to Sunday. New for this season is 'Double Up at Dusk' (every Thursday – Tuesday, 7pm – 10pm) offering 2-4-1 cocktails and a good dose of catchy pop music. www.mgmmacau.com
- Club Cubic: Located in the City of Dreams, Club Cubic is one of Macau's most iconic clubs to dance the night away. On 13th June, the club is bringing the 'Road to ULTRA' tour to Macau for the very first time – the ultimate dance music experience with Nicky Romero, DVBBS, Porter Robinson and 2manydjs already confirmed (tickets from £44 per person). The club covers an area of 30,000 square feet split over two levels and features five VIP booths and Asia's first Perrier-Jouët champagne bar. Opens daily from 11.30pm to 6am, closed on Sundays. www.cityofdreamsmacau.com
Sports and Adventure
- Skytop Adventure Rapids: Opening on 27th May is Galaxy Macau's Grand Resort Deck Skytop Adventure Rapids, featuring the world's longest sky-top aquatic adventure river ride at 575 metres long. Day visitors can also enjoy the 'Deck's' white sands, swimming pools, beach lagoons, cabanas and the world's largest Skytop Wave pool. www.galaxymacau.com
- Macau Grand Prix (19th to 22nd November 2015): Celebrating its 62nd birthday this year, the Macau Grand Prix is one of the biggest events of the Macau calendar and a hidden gem favourite for in the know motor sports fans. This world-class event, hosted by Macau since 1953, represents the climax of the Formula 3 calendar. Famous past winners include Ayrton Senna and David Coulthard. During the official days of the Grand Prix, the city buzzes with excitement as both cars and motorcycles compete on one of the most challenging street circuits in the world. www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo
- Macau Tower: One of the tower's latest adrenaline experiences, the Night Bungy, is back in operation on a summer timetable. From 7.30pm every evening, thrill seekers will be able to experience the world's highest commercial bungy jump at 233 metres high and enjoy Macau's skyline at dusk. Speeds of up to 200km/h during the 5 second freefall will give daredevils a good story to share with their colleagues. Prices from £270. www.macautower.com.mo
- Golf: Located on the green island of Coloane, the 18-hole Macau Golf & Country Club is considered by many as one of Asia's most beautiful golf courses. Groups of friends and colleagues can make the most of their day by enjoying the rest of the club's facilities, including a newly refurbished swimming pool; tennis courts; and a sea view terrace overlooking Hác-Sá Beach and the area's green hills. Open daily from 6am to 8pm. www.mgccmacau.com
Dining Out
- The Broadway at Galaxy Macau: On 27th May 2015, the destination will welcome the arrival of its first hawker-style street market which will embrace the hustle and bustle of traditional Macau street markets. It will feature over 40 local Macau and popular Asian food outlets and even Michelin-star rated restaurants. Live entertainment will keep diners entertained as they stroll through this foodie's paradise. www.galaxymacau.com
- 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA: This new Italian restaurant, from internationally renowned three Michelin star-rated chef Umberto Bombana, is one of the many new eateries to open its doors at the end of May 2015 as part of the expansion of Galaxy Macau. Hailed “The King of White Truffles”, Umberto will delight dinners with his unique culinary creations inspired by his beloved Italy. A perfect place to treat a loved one or to celebrate a special occasion. www.galaxymacau.com
- The Eight and Robuchon au Dôme: Retaining their three Michelin stars in the last edition of The MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau, these two lavish eateries are considered amongst the best restaurants in Asia. While The Eight serves exquisite Cantonese and Huaiyang cuisine and over fifty different types of dim sum, Robuchon au Dôme is famous for its contemporary French dishes and its immaculate setting offering 360° views across Macau. Both restaurants are located within the Grand Lisboa Hotel. www.grandlisboa.com
- SOHO: This May will see SOHO at City of Dreams celebrating all things French with a culinary and entertainment extravaganza. Commemorating Le French May, one of Asia's largest cultural events, this vibrant dining and entertainment district will host a wide number of can-can and tap dance shows throughout the month, together with performances from French artists including gipsy-jazz style musicians Gadjo Station and acrobats Circa Tsuica. Furthermore, a selection of mouth watering food and wines from France will be also available for visitors to taste. Additional promotions at SOHO at City of Dreams include 'SOHO Friday' (buy-1-get-1-free from 7pm to 9pm) and 'Saturday Beer Fever' (discount on beers). www.cityofdreamsmacau.com
Shopping
- The Promenade at Galaxy Macau: For the ultimate shopping experience, visitors should head to the complex's The Promenade which will open on 27th May and feature 200 new shops, including luxury flagship clothes stores, designer boutiques and high street brand favourites.For authentic gifts to take home to friends and family, The Broadway Macau introduces 20 new retail outlets to its line up including shops selling sweet treats, wine and spirits and Asian souvenirs.
- The Boulevard at Studio City: From the middle of the year, The Boulevard will bring the world's best retail experiences to life in the heart of Macau. In a movie-studio style environment shoppers will be transported through upscale arcades selling all the latest fashion labels with vibrant lifelike streetscapes to add to the experience. http://www.melco-crown.com/eng/tsc.php