ATCROSSROADS A CULTURAL Fortresses and churches stand in contrast to glittering in . By Allison Hata

t’s like the Las Vegas of Asia,” people often say EUROPEAN INFLUENCES when describing Macau. The special adminis- Once a fisherman’s trading port, Macau was under trative region of has earned its reputa- the rule of Portugal for hundreds of years until tion as a gaming hub, and the casinos rising 1999, when it was returned to China. The contrast Iup on the Strip and peninsula are adding fuel that remains—between Eastern and Western cul- to the fire. ture, both past and present—provides the most Gambling here is nothing new though. Over compelling reason for visiting the tiny peninsula the decades, blackjack has mingled with baccarat and neighboring islands. The Macau of today is a in back alley games. It’s the fairly new high roller fascinating melting pot: Familiar Las Vegas land- culture that elicits those Vegas comparisons—but marks house far more serious gamblers than our this culture also stands in stark juxtaposition to the West Coast archetypes, while European influences villages that surround the bright lights and luxury. take an Asian twist. MILOSK50/SHUTTERSTOCK COURTESY OF SHERATON MACAO HOTEL, COTAI CENTRAL

Macau’s Cotai Strip

Ruins of St. Paul’s in the historic district

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“Happiness Street” in the historic district offers a glimpse of Macau’s Chinese influences. CESC ASSAWIN/SHUTTERSTOCK WHERE TO STAY There are several major accommodation options on the islands and peninsula, but the Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central is cen- trally located with easy access to the airport, shopping, restaurants and special amenities. Part of the Sands Cotai Central complex, it’s connected to more than 650 duty-free shops and specialty restaurants. Cook your own hot pot feast at Xin, or sample Italian classics like pasta and pizza at Bene; there are options for Senado Square The Shoppes at Venetian, a near replica of the shops in Vegas every palate. For traveling families, it’s the best choice: A Take the culinary scene, for example. The and crowds converge in front of St. Dominic’s, a the scent of fresh-cooked food wafting through tables are corralled into a central area by high junior hotelier program keeps children enter- Portuguese egg tart is arguably Macau’s most TRAVEL ESSENTIALS late 16th-century church designed in a Portuguese narrow pathways. partitions that block off all distractions from the tained with sessions on how to make the per- prominent dessert; sweet custard with a lightly colonial style. hotel; servers offer coffee, tea and water rather fect mocktail and fold towel animals, while bruleed top is set in a flaky pastry shell, and sold GETTING THERE: No visa From there, you’ll find landmarks in either VIVA LAS VEGAS than cocktails so players can keep a clear head parents can partake in the fun with a daily everywhere from restaurants and hotels to street is required to visit. EVA direction that further emphasize Macau’s diver- History echoes throughout all these streets on focused on the game. DreamWorks parade through the Shoppes at corners (Lord Stow’s in is among the has flights from LAX; after sity. A-Ma temple, constructed in the 15th the peninsula, so it’s interesting to look up and A few elements do allow Americans to feel as Cotai Central and Shrekfast buffet held every most highly rated). But for every egg tart, there’s one layover in Taipei, fly century to commemorate the fishermen’s sea see massive modern buildings bearing names if they’re visiting our counterpart: big- morning. (sheratonmacao.com) also a pork chop bun, a southern Chinese street into Macau International goddess Mazu, is on the tip of the peninsula clos- familiar to American travelers. name hotels and designer boutiques dotting the snack featuring fried meat sandwiched between a Airport (just five minutes est to and Coloane (the islands that bor- introduced its hotel and Cotai Strip. The hotels are the height of luxury, baguette, as well as traditional wet markets where from the Cotai Strip). der the Cotai Strip). On the opposite side of the on the peninsula in 2006, followed shortly there- with every imaginable amenity designed to keep locals can buy fresh meat and produce. It’s a com- square are the Ruins of St. Paul’s, which was orig- after by MGM Macau in 2007. Around that guests entertained and happy. The Sheraton bination of flavors and techniques that fall under CURRENCY: The Hong inally the Church of Mater Dei in the early 1600s. same time, the Cotai Strip was taking shape on Macao Hotel, for example, has a VIP lounge for the umbrella of Macanese cuisine. Kong dollar is taken almost The baroque-style landmark includes a facade the island side of the region. The Venetian was club members on the fourth floor with com- In the region’s charming historic villages, you everywhere. In the hotels adorned with sculptural elements like European among the first to open in August 2007, paving plimentary daily breakfast, hors d’oeuvres and can also find a curious mix of old and new. Senado and major shops, most ships and Chinese dragons. Meanwhile, the the way for the Sands Cotai Central complex that afternoon cocktails; a spa and salon on the third Square, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site world credit cards are old “Happiness Street” (Rua da Felicidade)— includes a Sheraton, Conrad and Holiday Inn. floor; and three pool areas to keep cool in the encompassing the historic center of Macau, loosely accepted, but bring cash Macau’s version of Amsterdam’s red light district, The fascinating cultural clash here lies largely humid weather. More hotels are slated to open takes its name from the Portuguese word for “sen- if you plan to purchase where prostitution and gambling once ran ram- in the gambling. While we’re accustomed to the later this year through 2016, including The St. ate.” European brands, like L’Occitane, are situ- anything at the markets or pant—has a thoroughly enjoyable Chinese vibe, rowdy, drunken crowds in Vegas, Macau’s casi- Regis Macao and the Sands’ Parisian (housed in

ated across from Asian cosmetic shops like Sa Sa, in the the historic district. with open shops adorned in red and gold, and CENTRAL MACAO HOTEL, COTAI OF SHERATON SIDEBAR PHOTO COURTESY nos are refined and quiet. Slot machines and a replica of the Eiffel Tower). Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central

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If the 7,000-mile journey to Macau isn’t in the cards for you this year, you can visit our Nevada neighbor to enjoy a gambling vacation. Zip over to the desert oasis to explore a few of the latest happenings around town. SLS Lux room

❱➤ HOTELS: Three hotels made their debuts on the Vegas Strip last year, and each are worth a

OMNIA/FACEBOOK visit. SLS Las Vegas transformed the old Sahara space into a three- tower hotel and casino with more than 1,600 rooms, plus shops and restaurants. (slslasvegas.com) The Hotel at Mandalay Bay was redesigned and branded in WHERE TO PLAY September 2014 as Delano, a Macau Tower, on the peninsula side, is the best contemporary all-suite property place to see the city from above. Strap on a har- ❱➤ NIGHTCLUBS: Omnia in Caesar’s Palace with a brand-new beach club ness to do an outdoor Skywalk and sky drumming set the bar high with an opening night in March that opened this summer season. session on a 61st floor overhang. The adventurous featuring Calvin Harris. The A-list DJ returns for a (delanolasvegas.com) can choose to jump down via bungee or take the July 24 set, joining an all-star list of entertainment Finally, the boutique Cromwell roughly two-hour climb (approximately 328 feet) to planned for the club’s first summer season. has only 188 rooms but offers the very top of the spire (a little more than 1,100 (omnianightclub.com) attentive, personalized service that feet above ground). (macautower.com.mo) you can’t find elsewhere on the Strip. (thecromwell.com) Much like Vegas, the Cotai Strip is also an immensely walkable area. The Shoppes at Cotai Central, part of the Sands complex, have bridge ❱➤ DINING: Fans of Michael Mina’s Stonehill Tavern at the St. access to the Shoppes at Venetian. The Venetian Regis in Dana Point will enjoy his latest venture in Sin City. Bardot Macao is a near replica of the one on the Las Vegas Brasserie in Aria Resort & Casino opened in January for dinner and Strip, though nearly twice the size, and houses sev- weekend brunch, offering classic French cuisine. (aria.com) eral brands you’ll recognize: Calvin Klein, Tommy Bahama and Victoria’s Secret. The Four Seasons shops, also attached, have even more duty-free ❱➤ RECREATION: This May, the MGM designer boutiques like Chanel, Valentino and Resorts Festival Grounds held its inaugural Marc Jacobs. There are more than 650 stores that event, Rock in Rio. Located on the north stay open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday end of the Strip near Circus Circus, the and midnight on Friday and Saturday. concert venue spans approximately 33 ROCK IN RIO/FACEBOOK The similarities end there, however. Everything acres and is scheduled to host major events from the gaming culture to the temperature— including the Academy of Country Music where Nevada is a dry desert, Macau is warm Awards in spring 2016. (mgmresorts.com) and tropical—encourages first-time visitors to The Grand Bazaar Shops is another 2015 discard any preconceptions of the region as a addition to the Strip; opened in March, the Vegas clone. It’s the epitome of a cultural con- outdoor retail and entertainment venue vergence, and that’s the beauty of the city: Nearly is in front of Bally’s at Flamingo Road. An every traveler can find something of interest, be it estimated 125 stores and restaurants make luxury shopping, historic ruins, Chinese markets up the space, with shops remaining open or European architecture. LBM Metallica at Rock in Rio 2015 until 12:30 a.m. (grandbazaarshops.com)

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