Exploring Macau! Quick Notes on a Happy Family Trip in Macau

📍 Macau · 👁 1 reads · ❤️ 68 likes

I've always wanted to take my mom on a spur-of-the-moment trip. With my annual leave still unused and my mom having just retired, we booked a hotel and went straight to Macau! While enjoying happy times is important, going shopping in Macau was the main thing. Fortunately, my mom walks fast at the mention of shopping, so shopping and sightseeing could go hand in hand. The long-awaited trip was finally underway!

I came to Macau last time with my bestie and stayed at the Conrad Hotel under Sands Macao, which felt great. This time I chose The Venetian Macao. By the way, booking online was very cost-effective: booking two days in advance gave a 20% discount, and staying two nights came with a 30% discount – super value!

When we arrived at the hotel, the Western-style buildings under the blue sky and white clouds gave a feeling of time travel. Accustomed to the towering skyscrapers of the mainland, stepping here to experience Western culture, the blend of East and West—world culture is truly inclusive and diverse.

I must share some photos of the hotel scenery; these are works I'm really proud of. The blue sky and white clouds blend seamlessly with The Venetian Macao, as if the world has paused.

I used to see such architecture in TV dramas as a child and dreamed of seeing it with my own eyes someday. Now, it's a dream come true. The flowing lines showcase Western characteristics at a glance.

Upon arrival, the doorman immediately rushed over to open the car door for us. No need to worry about luggage, as the concierge delivered it to our room—such a nice touch!

Walking into the lobby, we were completely awestruck. The hall exudes a magnificent golden splendor, with Western lines, high ceilings, and a luxurious European ambiance that makes you feel like a prince and princess might appear at any moment.

I kind of regret not studying history and aesthetics seriously in school; otherwise, I could describe all this with exquisite words.

Take a look at this high-end décor: the dome, arched doorways, and the statue in the center form a harmonious whole, creating a captivating golden sensation that leaves a deep impression.

I booked a Deluxe Royal Suite with a super king-size bed, spacious enough for four people. Completely different from the lobby design, the room follows a European minimalist style, with subdued and elegant colors mainly in white and brown, making one feel very comfortable.

There are many small lamps in the room—a design that feels very thoughtful. The light is soft and within easy reach, convenient and practical.

I absolutely love the sunken living room design, which is spacious and luxurious. The sofa is super soft, and the room also has a coffee table and chairs, making it exceptionally cozy—just like being at home!

A special mention for the bathroom at The Venetian Macao: a luxurious marble bathroom with a huge bathtub, and the thoughtful grab bars at the edge mean no worries about slipping when getting in or out. After a relaxing soak at night, you're full of energy again the next day!

After a short rest in the room, I couldn't wait to drag my mom off to the shopping malls! Around The Venetian Macao, there are four major shopping centers: The Grand Canal Shoppes, Shoppes at Parisian, Sands Shopping Plaza, and Four Seasons Luxury Shops. I personally prefer The Grand Canal Shoppes—besides having nearly 400 brand stores, there are stunning views to enjoy, making it a shopping mecca!

From the hotel lobby, take the escalator to the third floor and you'll find The Grand Canal Shoppes, which is internally connected to the other three shopping centers, all very close and super convenient to explore!

Above The Grand Canal Shoppes is an artificial sky ceiling that uses computer-controlled lighting to create the effect of dawn, dusk, clouds, and sky. Circling the entire canal, as you walk along the water, different scenery and shops come into view. Every candid snapshot is a beautiful sight.

Before coming, I was really looking forward to riding a gondola boat, as gondolas are a signature feature of The Grand Canal Shoppes. Sitting on a gondola, listening to the boatman's songs along the canal, wandering in Western culture, I felt a sense of release and pure joy during this short trip.

After a quick round, we had already made quite a haul. With so many shops, it's impossible to introduce them all. To give you some ideas, I'll briefly mention a few of my personal favorites—just for reference!

Encountering this store here was a pleasant surprise; the discount sign at the door attracted many people. With a sale on, there was no hesitation—charge ahead!

The store is huge with a great selection of clothes and shoes, and the shoes are all about a hundred yuan cheaper than on the mainland.

Pretty shoes, here I come!

Stumbled upon a lingerie brand store I absolutely adore. I never thought they'd have a sale, but a 30% discount? What a steal!

The Adidas store was packed with tourists. Although there are many Adidas stores on the mainland, you rarely find a 40% off sale. I rushed in without hesitation, weaving through the crowd, and finally found what I liked!

Look at these discounts—no need to hesitate, right? Go!

Getting ready to pick out a pair of comfy, breathable sports shoes for my dad. With a 40% off deal, not buying feels like missing out!

Check this out—such reasonably priced shoes, definitely worth a five-star review!

A cosmetics store you absolutely must know about: it has all kinds of brands, and prices are much cheaper than on the mainland. Lancôme, Estée Lauder, and the like are generally two to three hundred yuan cheaper than on the mainland—super cost-effective!

The 30% off sign is very eye-catching—OMG, buy it!

A Japanese women's fashion brand that ranks number one among popular teenage girls; I personally love it. The store has a huge selection of women's clothing, some even at 50% off. The sales assistants are very enthusiastic and will recommend clothes based on your figure. Sweet-style girl emerging!

It’s affordable with a wide variety of dishes: Cantonese, Southeast Asian, Japanese cuisine, and plenty of seafood, all quite fresh.

The ambience is really nice inside. Despite many visitors, the seating is well arranged, so it doesn't feel crowded.

There are all kinds of small cakes, my favorites! They aren't overly sweet when you bite into them; the taste is on the lighter side, leaving a pleasant aftertaste. Even though I was on a diet, I couldn't resist and gobbled down four of them—so sinful!

The roast duck is truly superb—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, rich without being greasy. It's really comparable to authentic Beijing roast duck!

A round of seafood for you~

If you like Italian cuisine, you must not miss Portofino. Traditional Italian dishes like Carpaccio, pasta, and Risotto are all excellently prepared, letting you enjoy authentic Italian flavors without leaving the country.

The entrance vibe of the restaurant is very Italian—romantic and mysterious.

The inside environment is nice, with an exotic feel.

The bison long-bone meat was a side dish both my mom and I really loved. The beef was firm and chewy, and the chef perfectly showcased the natural flavors. Cherry tomatoes and lemon on the side for presentation added a refreshing touch and visual appeal—a win-win!

The pizza was baked just right—golden crust, perfectly firm yet soft, with the right thickness. Combined with the rich, creamy cheese, it was a subtle East-meets-West blend.

Seafood pasta: the noodles were al dente, the shrimp tender, and with a mouthful of that rich sauce, the three elements fused together in a burst of flavor.

Accompanied by my favorite cappuccino—perfect!

That's all for today's sharing. I bet you're excited about the food and scenery at The Venetian Macao too. Actually, Sands Macao has more than just The Venetian and Conrad Macao Cotai Central—places like The Parisian Macao, Sheraton Grand Macao, and The St. Regis Macao are all fantastic, with great online reviews. Five-star recommendations!

Travel Diary Directory

1. Check-in at The Venetian Macao, Start the Party Mode!

2. The Grand Canal Shoppes

3. FILA

4. Intimissimi

5. Adidas

6. DFS

7. SNIDEL

8. Parisian Buffet Restaurant

9. Portofino

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