Fantasia

To categorise macau lodgings as hotels is unfair: they’re mega metropolises and extravagant playgrounds filled with superheroes, fire-breathing dragons, sky-high ferris wheels and crystal fountains. Welcome to the land of fantasy.

Mandarin Oriental, Macau

One of the few hotels that spreads across the waterfront, Mandarin Oriental, Macau is fitted with 186 spacious rooms – all with floor-to-ceiling windows looking over the serene lake and bay. Away from bustling Taipa and central Macau districts, the reclusive property is a quiet getaway that connects to a 25-metre lap pool, shops at One Central as well as the prestigious Oriental Spa. The former houses eight treatment rooms, a heated scrub table, Thai massage beds, steam room, experience showers, relaxation lounge, nail spa and a fitness centre.

Those after a feast are also in for a treat. Vida Rica offers gourmet Asian cuisine while its eponymous bar serves cocktails, coffee and light bites. Visit Mandarinoriental Website

Crown Towers

Designed by Bates Smart, Crown Towers has a dramatic lobby with a seven-meter high ceiling and iconic screens in soft gold and aquatic blue. Each of its 290 guest rooms is fitted with a full-size sofa, walkin wardrobe, 42-inch flat-screen television as well as stunning views of Cotai. Guests with an appetite are in luck. Crown Towers is home to two-Michelin-starred restaurant Jade Dragon helmed by Chef Tam Kwok Fung, as well as The Tasting Room, also two-Michelin-starred, which serves French fare. Vist Cityofdreamsmacau Website

Altira Macau

Imagined by world-renowned designer Peter Remédios, sophistication, comfort and elegance should be expected at Altira Macau. The 38-storey complex features 216 lavishly appointed guest rooms, including 24 deluxe suites and four villas, all with spectacular panoramic views of the Macau Peninsula. Located in the heart of Taipa, the five-star property has a fitness centre with floor-to-ceiling windows at the swimming pool, an outdoor terrace and underwater music. Its seven dining venues serve international delights from Shanghai, the Canton Province, Italy and Japan.

For a night in, head to the top floor for live music at the ultra-stylish 38 Lounge. With unobstructed views of the peninsula, it’s a place for unplugged performances and a wide selection of champagnes, whiskies, cognacs and cigars. Visit Altiramacau Website

JW Marriott Hotel Macau

JW Marriott opened last summer in Galaxy Macau. The brand’s largest property in Asia is an ideal choice for guests travelling with children. Aside from access to the property’s Grand Resort Deck featuring Skytop Adventure Rapids – the world’s longest river ride at 575 metres – alongside tropical gardens, wave pool, white sand beach, geysers and waterslides, the hotel also houses a dedicated kid’s pool and the largest Kids’ Club, where educational interactive activities can distract them while the adults get pampered at ESPA or work out at JW Fitness. Vist Marriott Website

The Ritz-CarLton, Macau

Launched in summer 2015 along with JW Marriott Hotel Macau is The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, where guests check into one of 236 guests suites that average 96sqm featuring breathtaking views of Cotai Macao.

As a part of an integrated resort in Galaxy Macau, the hotel also has access to the Grand Resort Deck waterpark, casinos and shopping promenades. But what’s really noteworthy are its culinary options. Lai Heen serves Cantonese delights on the 51st floor; The Ritz-Carlton Café offers fresh seafood and pastries that pay homage to French brasseries; and the Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge has everything from a la carte breakfast and afternoon tea to evening tapas and cocktails. Visit Ritzcarlton Website

Studio City Macau

Following Hard Rock Hotel, here’s another Hollywood-themed hotel where it’s all about glitz and glamour. Opened in 2015, its 1,600 rooms in Celebrity Tower offer a playful cinematic touch, while the all-suite Star Tower is the more lavish, spacious option.

Aside from the rooms, its facilities provide the ultimate staycation. Riverscape is a water adventure through bridges, waterfalls, caves and gateways ending in a kids’ pool with three slides. Families will also delight in the Batman Dark Flight, Golden Reel, House of Magic and Warner Bros. Fun Zone. For something low-key, guests can also escape to Zensa Spa for a relaxing afternoon. Visit Studiocity-macau Website

Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel

As the largest Sheraton in the world with 4,001 rooms and suites, and the only property in Macau featuring family suites, Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel is nestled in Sands Cotai Central. Guests will never have a dull moment with its plethora of casinos, entertainment, shopping, restaurants and spas. Spread across two towers, Sky and Earth, each room features the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed, designed to improve circulation for a good night’s sleep.

Also great for families are the DreamWorks-themed suites showcasing characters from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar. Kids will love the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bunk beds, DreamWorks character bathrobes and amenities, child-sized furniture and breakfast with their favourite characters. Visit Sheratongrandmacao Website

The Venetian Macao

The Venetian Macao, a mega-property where guests can stroll under a mock Italian sky and cruise the San Luca, Marco Polo or Grand Canals of Shoppes at The Venetian on a gondola may be the next best thing to a trip to Italy. For a quiet day in, chill out at the four outdoor Venetian Pools, V Gym and Taivexmalo Day Hospital & Spa.

For younger guests, Grado ‘mini’ golf includes drinks for accompanying adults, in addition to the 9,000sqft Kids at Venetian equipped with climbing facilities, slides and zigzag net climbers. Visit Venetianmacao Website

Grand Hyatt Macau

Located in the City of Dreams, the 79-room hotel pays tribute to water with a staggering 22-metre high lobby. Its sweeping backdrop of travertine is complemented with black marble floors, hexagonal columns and a striking sculpture by Chinese artist Danny Lee.

Also noteworthy are its culinary options. Beijing Kitchen specialises in northern Chinese fare, from hand-pulled noodles to traditional Peking duck; while mezza9 Macau offers international cuisine and theatrical displays. Finally, Lobby Lounge provides an intimate place where guests can enjoy healthy snacks, light bites and homemade chocolate. Visit Macau Website

Hotel Lisboa, Macau

Though a landmark since 1970, Hotel Lisboa definitely remains a local favourite. With Superior and Deluxe Rooms or Royal Suites available, the hotel also features the Lisboa Spa by Clarins and Lisboa Salon for guests after some pampering. Visit the award-winning Robuchon a Galera and other F&B outlets like the Michelin-starred Guincho a Galera and Tim’s Kitchen, Portas do Sol, Noite a Dia Café, and Gallery Lounge. Visit Hotelisboa Website