With the summer holidays already in full swing, Little Steps is all about travel. And what better place to start than our sister SAR, Macau. We’ve sifted through it all and shortlisted our picks for hotels, restos, and plenty of activities to keep the whole family fired up. The only question is – do we take the ferry or the chopper?
WHERE TO STAY:
WESTIN RESORT MACAU: A long-time family favorite on Coloane and set alonside an 18-hole golf course with views of Hac Sa Beach. Kids ages 3-12 are invited to the check into the Westin Kids Club for programs designed to entertain with crafts, sports, and visits to the nearby beach for treasure hunts.
Westin Resort, Macau, 1918 Estrada de Hac Sa, Coloane, Macau, +853 2887 1111, Website.
GRAND LAPA, MACAU: Managed by Mandarin Oriental Group, this kid-focused property is located in the heart of Macau. Kiddos will love the slides at the pool while mom and dad get pampered in their amazing spa.
Grand Lapa, Macau, 956-1110 Avenida da Amizade, Macau, +853 2856 7888, glmfm-reservations@mohg.com, Website.
POUSADA DE COLOANE: While certainly not the glam or glitz, there is something charming (and affordable!) about the boutique jewell located alongside a quiet beach with plenty of hiking trails surrounding the property for kids to roam.
Pousada De Coloane, +853 2888 2143, pcoloane@macau.ctm.net, Website.
COTAI STRIP: If you are seeking a bit more activity, familes should head to the Cotai Strip. Check into the The Hard Rock Hotel at City of Dreams and let kids go wild at the 1000 square meter Kids’ City. Seeking something bigger? Cruise across the street to either The Venetian or newly opened Galaxy properties. The Venetian has entertainment galore including gondola rides, The Qube kids zone, The Manchester United Experience, mini golf, and even an ice wonderland built by Harbin sculpters. Book one of the hotels at the new Galaxy Macau and let your clan be entertained at the most amazing wave pool, sprawling gardens, and even private poolside family cabanas. If you are looking for a more intimate abode, Four Seasons Macau is your best bet.
Hard Rock Hotel, Cotai, Macau, +853 8868 3338, Website.
Venetian Macau, Cotai, Macau, +852 2882 8888, inquiries@venetian.com.mo, Website.
Galaxy Macau (Galaxy Hotel, Okura Hotel, Banyan Tree Hotel), Cotai, Macau, +853 2888 0888, Website.
Four Seasons Macau, Cotai, Macau, +852 2881 8888, Website.
WHERE TO EAT:
FERNANDO’S RESTAURANT: A trip to Macau is never complete without a grub at Fernando’s. Lucky for mom and dad, there is plenty of outdoor space for the kids to explore while you can enjoy fresh Sangria. Take a cruise on the beach next door (if you are not getting wheeled out) or hit the playgrounds across the street with the kids.
Fernando’s Restaurant, 9 Praia de Hac Sa, Macau, China, +853 882264, Website.
A LORCHA: A classic place for lunch or dinner serving up affordable Portuguese deliciousness with an old-world atmosphere! A great spot to eat after checking out the A-Ma Temple nearby. Reservations recommended.
A Lorcha, 289 Rua Do Almirante Serigo, Macau, +853 2831 3193.
LA GONDOLA: Over twenty years in operation and a favorite Italian spot for local families. The huge outdoor terrace overlooks the quiet Cheoc Van Beach and is next door to a fantastic public swimming pool. This is a great place for a bit of pizza and a swim!
La Gondola, Estrada de Cheoc Van, Coloane, Macau, +853 2888 0156.
DOM GALO: A family friendly (and affordable) resto to enjoy traditional home-style Portuguese food with two locations in Macau. The portions are large so it is a great spot for groups and big families.
Dom Galo, Avenida Sir Anders Ljungstedt R/C, Edificio Vista Magnfica, Macau, +853 2875 1383. Dom Galo Taipa, 47 Rua Cunha, Taipa Village, Macau, +852 2882 7318.
WAVE POOL AT HARD ROCK HOTEL: A favorite for weekend family eating as they offer an excellent outdoor BBQ. Be sure to call and make reservations!
Wave Pool Bar and Grill, 3/F, Hard Rock Hotel, City of Dreams, Cotai, Macau, +853 8868 6640, Website.
LORD STOW’S BAKERY: Visit the original bakery where the famous Portuguese-style egg tart was born. DELICIOUS!
Lord Stow’s Bakery, 1 Rua da Tassara, Coloane Town Square, +853 2888 2534.
ROBUCHON GALERA: Date Lunch! If you do escape from your kid clan, plan a Michelin date lunch. Top value for amazing food!
Robuchon Galera, 3/F, Lisboa Tower, Lisboa Hotel, 2-4 Avenida de Lisboa, +853 2837 7666, Website.
WHERE TO BE ENTERTAINED:
ENTERTAINMENT: Kids will be mesmerized by the fantastic shows Macau is putting on! The big two to check out are The House of Dancing Water directed by Franco Dragone in a theater containing 3.7 million gallons of H20 and Zaia by Cirque Du Soleil at the Venetian Macau. For mini bursts of “ohs and ahs,” check out the ten minute Dragon’s Treasure show at City of Dreams.
House of Dancing Water, City of Dreams, Cotai, +853 8868 6688, Website. Click here for tickets.
Zaia, Venetian, Macau, +853 2882 8818, Website. Click here for tickets.
Dragon’s Treasure, City of Dreams, Macau, +853 8868 6688, Website. Click here for ticketing details.
WHERE TO GET CULTURE:
A-MA TEMPLE: Let the kids explore Macau’s oldest temple!
A-Ma Temple, Largo da Barra, Macau.
GUIA FORTRESS: This fortress sits on the highest point in Macau and was built in 1638 to defend the border with China. For a bit of extra fun, take the Guia Cable Car from outside the entrance of the Flora Garden, off Avenida de Sidónio Pais.
Guia Fortress, Macau. The Guia Cable Car runs from 8am – 6pm everyday (except Mondays).
RUINS OF THE CHURCH OF ST. PAUL: The ultimate icon of Macau and certainly one to snap family photos in front of as well! Check out the Museum of Macau next door if your kids are uber patient.
Ruins of the Church of St. Paul, Macau. Go in the morning to avoid the afternoon tourist rush!
MARITIME MUSEUM: Learn about the rich history of Macau at this ship-structured museum. The location of the museum is also believed to be the site where the first group of Portuguese landed
Maritime Museum, Largo Do Pagode da Barra, Macau, +853 2859 5481, Website.
WHERE TO HAVE EXTRA FUN:
MACAU TOWER:
For serious adventure seekers, head straight to Macau Tower where older kids can head up 233 meters to the top for a Mast Climb, Sky Jump, or Skywalk. Yowsa!
Macau Tower, Largo da Toree de Macau, Level 61, Macau, +853 8988 8656, ajhackett@macautower.com.mo.
MACAU GIANT PANDA PAVILION:
Take the kiddies to see the giant pandas in the park. Don’t forget to get tickets in advance to avoid a panda breakdown!
Panda Pavillion, Seac Pai Van Park, Coloane, +853 2833 7676, Website. Closed on Mondays.
MACAU SCIENCE CENTER:
A perfect rainy day alternative for family fun. The Center is very interactive with loads of hands-on adventure. Be sure to check out the planetarium.
Macau Science Center, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, +853 2888 0822, Website. Closed on Thursdays.
GO-CARTING:
Who does not love zooming around a race track? You must be 16 years of age to rent a go-kart. Enjoy the ride!
Go-Karts, Coloane Island, Macau, +853 2888 1862, Website.
GRASS SLIDING:
Kids love the 20-meter long grass slide at Taipa Grande Nature Park in Macau.
Taipa Grande Nature Park, Taipa, Macau, Click here to begin the fun
HIKING:
Enjoy a hike alongside Coloane Reservoir. Check out Hac Sa Reservoir Circuit or Altinho de Ka Ho for more family oriented hiking.
Hiking in Macau, Website.
HAC SA BEACH:
A great spot to enjoy a bit of sea breeze. You will find a playground on the beach and if you get hungry, Fernando’s is right around the corner.
Hac Sa Beach, Coloane, Macau.
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