#20ThingsILoveAboutMacao

Wow! I do recall seeing some beautiful fountains there but, a visit to The House of Dancing Water seems much beyond magical. Did you know that it’s the world’s largest water show & is housed in its own 2,000-seat, custom-built theatre? A 90 minute show of mind-blowing action, featuring some of world’s greatest gymnasts, circus artists, dancers, divers & motorcyclists. Already feels like I'm in awe.

A great representation of East meets West, Taipa village is home to Portuguese & Mediterranean influences alongside Chinese architectural features. Here you will find museums and colonial churches juxtaposed against Chinese temples in what is a welcome alternative to the casino area.

These days Macao has become something of a pilgrimage for pastry lovers. Based on the Portuguese pastel de nata, that I had in Porto the first first time, they now sell around 13,000 of these tarts per day at Lord Stow’s Bakery located on Macao’s scenic Coloane Island. With their flaky pastry crusts, delicious egg custard centres & crispy crème brulee tops, they taste twice as nice when piping hot. A must eat food in Maca0! I'm all ready to dive back in.

5. Feed the adrenaline junkie in you

There’s one BIG reason why adrenaline junkies often flock to Macao & that’s because it’s home to the Guinness World Record holder for the Highest Commercial Bungy Jump in the world. Situated at the top of the striking Maca0 Tower, jumpers leap from a platform 233m (764 ft) above the ground and experience the ultimate free fall experience. This is the ultimate in daredevil thrill-seeking. Macao Tower also offers alternatives like Skywalk and SkyJump activities, that are slightly less terrifying!

I remember our stay at Venetian Macao was just beyond magical- the ceiling, grandeur, utmost luxury & it all felt like paradise. It was my first gondola ride with a personal musician at my beck was a total delight for romantic souls in the city. The next was when I experienced it Venetian Vegas & then Venice itself. But, the memory I vividly carry with me is the moment we hopped on to my gondola in Venetian Macao. If the gambles don't attract you to the casino then definitely a romantic experience of this magnitude surely can. This is the most romantic & an absolutely magical experience you can have in Macao- followed by shopping ofcourse!

I can never really say no to beach days & Maca0’s largest natural beach, Hac Sa has black sand is beyond picturesque. Due to various minerals washed ashore from seabed, it is one of the most unique beaches in the world . I can already imagine picture-perfect photos with its stark contrast of black sand against the azure sky & turquoise water.

9. Feast on the street

For lunch, there is no better place to head than the dedicated food street located inside the Galaxy Broadway Resort. A traditional Macao hawker style street market & featuring over 40 food stalls, you can sample a whole host of local specialities & Asian favourites. It’s a great place to come for a stroll while you browse the different menus & catch the aromas wafting through the air. The cuisine is mostly Chinese, but they also offer Singaporean, Thai, Japanese and Korean food as well as Portuguese.

I am always up for a refreshing glass of sangria every now & then, but have I ever thought of bathing in it? At the Grand Lapa Spa in Maca0, this unusual bathing method is believed to have therapeutic qualities- a signature Macanaese Sangria Ritual. An indulgent treatment, including a body scrub, sangria bath and massage. Vinotherapy is particularly moisturising for the skin. In addition to the bath, a glass of sangria is also offered for your pleasure. I am so ready to sit back & relax! Who knew Vinotherapy was a reality!

The number eight is said to be auspicious & brings luck in Chinese culture, so much so that the Studio City resort in Macao even has its own figure of eight Ferris wheel – the first of its kind in the world. Admire the views from 130 meters up in the air as you travel around the figure of eight shaped wheel in one of its 17 spacious Steampunk-themed cabins. Wondering about those unbeatable views? So am I!

14. Taste the Macao style eastern extravagance

In an over-the-top mansion, the Sofitel Macao at Ponte 16, situated on Macao’s picturesque waterfront has four mansions designed as a fantasy world with its own unique theme. The standout is the ‘MJ Mansion’, which is a dream for every Michael Jacksonfan. The Banyan Tree Macao suites come with a relaxation pool inside the room. Undoubtedly, Macao has become THE place in Asia to indulge in a bit of five-star pampering.

For the shoppers looking for a budget shopping experience, Cinema Alegria Night Market is the place to head towards in Macao. Also called the Lin Kai Market, this place is famous for cheap fabrics & readymade clothes & street shops serving delicious local delicacies. So, you get to enjoy both shopping and food at this interesting market of Macao. Top 3 things to buy in Maca0- antique furniture, wine & jewellery. P.S. I still have the two dresses I bought from Macao- they have been my all-time favorites for a decade now :p

Churches, cathedrals, & temples have always been a significant part of cultural heritage practically everywhere in the world. Extravagant architecture, deep rooted beliefs & rich culture to bow down to- the spiritual journey in Maca0 is more than peaceful.

Undoubtedly, the stars of the show are the Macao's two giant pandas, named Kai Kai & Xin Xin. In 2016, giant panda Xin Xin gave birth to a set of adorable twins named Dabao & Xiaobao. Do you see where I am headed to now? Macao's best kept secret: there are two red pandas too! My best kept secret: I call my mom 'Panda', she looks like a super adorable one! :')