On the Road: A Macau Trip After Quitting – Follow Your Heart

📍 Macau · 👁 1 reads · ❤️ 82 likes

The first big thing I did in 2021 was handing in my resignation after pocketing the year-end bonus. Don’t worry, I’m not the type to quit with nothing lined up – haha! I’d been working non-stop for nearly five years since graduation, without ever taking a proper break. After landing an offer for my next job, I started mulling over what to do with the half-month breather I’d have in between. A close girlfriend suggested a trip to Macau, and I agreed on the spot. We threw ourselves into hunting for hotels and travel tips online, having a grand old time. I’m a bit of a penny-pincher, so my friend deliberately looked for hotels with great value for money and let me pick. To make Macau trips easier for everyone, I’ve put together a handy hotel list: The Venetian Macao, The Parisian Macao, Conrad Macao, Sheraton Grand Macao, and The St. Regis Macao, all under the Sands umbrella. Not only do they offer a wide range of room types, but the rates are incredibly affordable. Join me in saving on accommodation so you can splurge on shopping instead!

Macau is formed by three areas: the Macau Peninsula, Taipa Island, and Coloane Island. We stayed at The Parisian Macao, right on the Cotai Strip – an economically vibrant, conveniently located area surrounded by luxury hotels and commercial hubs. We chose this hotel precisely for its all-in-one dining, entertainment, and shopping experience. And it proved to be the perfect pick! The hotel runs complimentary shuttle buses from both the ferry terminal and the airport, taking the hassle out of lugging heavy suitcases – really convenient and fuss-free.

Stepping into the lobby, my already shaky sense of direction got completely turned around. The hotel is so vast that wandering inside felt like touring a palace; we almost forgot what we were there for. When we checked in, it was exactly 3 p.m. Once our IDs were verified, we could go straight to our room. The staff thoughtfully let us know the late check-out time, and their warm service really hit the spot.

We booked a Lyon Twin Suite, steeped in rich French style. You can opt for a room with or without an Eiffel Tower view – my advice: go for the tower view. That way, you can admire the beautiful nightscape right from your room.

The bedroom and living area are so spacious that four people could comfortably stay here. It felt as though this room was specifically designed for group getaways. The moment we stepped in, my friend and I dropped our luggage and explored every corner, falling more in love with it by the minute.

The room is kitted out with a wealth of amenities and has a smart layout. When my friend spotted the coffee machine in the pantry, her eyes nearly popped out – not even our own apartments have appliances that complete!

Here’s the latest guide to teamLab SuperNature – don’t miss out! First off, this attraction is inside The Venetian Macao, so remember to book tickets in advance on the official website; you might just catch a special promo. The Parisian and The Venetian are interconnected, so after dropping our bags and touching up our makeup, we headed straight for teamLab.

teamLab SuperNature is a three-dimensional interactive space spanning 5,000 square metres, composed of towering 8-metre-high installation clusters. Here, you can interact and merge with everything around you, immersing yourself in each artwork. It’s a photographer’s paradise with an insanely high rate of keepers, and loads of gorgeous girls love taking selfies amid the flower sea. Since getting my new phone, this was the first time I truly appreciated how good it is – every shot turned out a gem.

If you want to slowly tick off every themed room inside the venue, allow about three to four hours. For those short on time, just ask the staff on hand to guide you to the rooms you most want to see – it saves precious time.

Two rooms were utterly spellbinding: Graffiti Nature – Reversible Rotation and Light Sculpture – Plane. In the graffiti zone, drawings get projected onto the walls and come alive; the interactivity and high-tech feel are off the charts.

Photo tips: Point your phone at the mirrored floor for selfies; sitting on the mirrored surface gives a strong artistic, atmospheric vibe.

Eating at Lotus Palace was totally unplanned. We’d meant to head back and rest, but the lure of good food was simply too strong. This restaurant is on level 3 of The Parisian. Once seated, the staff asked whether we fancied hotpot or à la carte. After deciding what to eat, I began taking in the surroundings. The whole space exudes Chinese grandeur, radiating an air of refined elegance.

Now, some dishes that earned unanimous praise from both my friend and me – feel free to order the same menu with confidence. First up, crispy-skin shredded chicken with pomelo: tender, silky chicken hides under a crackling skin, lifted by fresh pomelo and a special sauce. This style of chicken becomes more addictive with every bite.

Crispy five-spice taro and mushroom rolls – a vegetarian dish that tastes like meat; hats off to the chef’s skill.

Honey-glazed fruitwood-smoked fish: crispy on the outside, imbued with smoky and fruity aromas, and the flesh wonderfully succulent.

Caviar three-colour shrimp dumplings and black caviar golden-thread prawn – both exquisite Cantonese dim sum; portions are just right, so no worries about waste!

Mango pomelo sago – a dessert lover’s dream. Thick and luscious, with mango flesh and sago pearls inside; utterly delicious!

Many travellers pack their days to the brim, which is fulfilling but can be truly tiring. To boost the joy of travel, my friend and I planned to roam Macau at a wanderer’s pace. Don’t aim to cover the entire city in a day; instead, savour this character-filled city slowly.

The hotel itself is so enormous you could easily spend a whole day inside without feeling bored. But come evening, don’t forget to step out and watch the ever-changing neon lights along the Cotai Strip. Just a little stroll near The Parisian, watching the Eiffel Tower light show – half the day’s fatigue simply melts away!

The Parisian and The Venetian are so close to each other that you get to feast your eyes on two distinct styles of European architecture at once. The Venetian, wrapped by a huge artificial lake, resembles a castle floating on the sea, stirring up a sense of adventure.

As per our travel plan, the last two days were dedicated entirely to shopping, so come on – let’s conquer Macau’s shopping malls together! As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm, and with The Parisian Shopping Centre right inside the hotel, indulging in retail therapy couldn’t be easier. The mall channels the style of French streets, dripping with romance – no wonder my friend insisted on makeup before heading out. With such brilliant street-style backdrops, how could you possibly miss out?

With a new job starting soon, I needed to pick up a few fresh outfits as office armour. As a modern-day urban lady, I do care quite a bit about daily workwear. We roamed through several clothing stores, arms growing fuller by the minute. When we spotted MSGM, we still couldn’t resist stepping in. Noticing our hands were full of shopping bags, the staff thoughtfully offered to hold everything at the service counter, freeing us up to shop with ease.

The store had already begun selling its new spring/summer collection. The sales assistant kept helping us put together looks, and trying on clothes can really become addictive.

The women’s pieces are rich in detail, while the men’s summer selection leans towards minimalism. But I guess most men prefer clothes that are mature and simple, no brainpower needed for styling.

Beyond new clothes, I’m also particularly fond of jewellery. The earrings from apm are excellent quality; I received a pair from a friend on my birthday, and they’re among my absolute favourites.

Bracelets, necklaces, earrings – all so beautiful, sparkling under the boutique lights. The service was warm and attentive; the staff patiently helped us try on pieces and recommended several rings that matched my taste completely. The moment I spot something good, my first thought is my girl squad. I snapped a few photos and posted them in our group chat, and it instantly blew up with everyone asking me to buy things on their behalf.

That star ear cuff is seriously so trendy. I’d been reluctant to splash out on it back on the mainland, but with the favourable exchange rate in Macau it was considerably cheaper, so I snapped it up without hesitation! I went for rose gold; it also comes in silver and black, but I prefer the gold for a more eye-catching effect.

Ever since I saw the night view of The Venetian, I’d been itching to explore The Grand Canal Shoppes. Besides the lure of all the designer boutiques, the scenery here is stunning – it’s a rare waterfront shopping centre.

The DFA duty-free shop is located on the ground floor of The Grand Canal Shoppes. With a rich product lineup and deeply discounted promotions, it’s a must-visit for every tourist shopping in Macau. My friend had been here on a previous buying spree, and back then it was much busier than now; the queue outside was super long, and you’d have to wait over half an hour just to go on a spree!

I’m not sure what everyone likes, so I’ll share the photos I took so you can see how comprehensive the product range is. Lots of much-coveted lipsticks from top brands are in stock here, and during swatching, the beauty consultants also recommend shades that suit your skin tone.

I highly recommend the Anessa sunscreen – the price here is way cheaper than what I’ve paid before, and all products are authentic.

Nowadays, a visit to Macau comes with a bonus free sightseeing spot: The Londoner Macao. The Crystal Palace truly lives up to its name. Since the lobby alone is this stunning, I’m even more curious what the suites look like. We didn’t get to stay at The Londoner this time, but my friend and I have already made a date to return during the May Day holidays. We’ve got to experience those noble British-style suites that David Beckham had a hand in designing!

While roaming The Londoner Shopping Centre, we stumbled upon RADO Swiss Watches on the ground floor. With time to spare, we popped in to check for any promotions, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Any watch purchase gets you a chance at a lucky draw.

Rado watches are beloved by workplace high-flyers – my former boss had one, and it was a total eye-catcher on the wrist. The couple’s watches for men and women come in a nice variety too, making a tasteful gift for a birthday or anniversary.

After returning from Macau, I brought back presents for many friends. The beautiful memories from this trip will be the fuel that powers my new chapter. To chase a better life, every one of us has to push a little harder – go for it, ladies!

Travelogue Index

1. Lyon Twin Suite

2. Unlocking teamLab SuperNature

3. Must-eat restaurant: Lotus Palace

4. Romantic evening views

5. Conquering The Parisian Shopping Centre

6. DFA at The Grand Canal Shoppes

7. The Londoner Macao

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