with photo opportunities for the kids
to get up close and personal with
their favourite friends. Even if you’re
not staying at the Sheraton, this is
available to all guests staying on the
strip.
There’s also a DreamWorks
character parade each day at 3pm,
which winds through the massive
complex that makes up the Sheraton,
Conrad and Holiday Inn.
Opposite that collection of
resorts, you’ll find the Italian-inspired
Venetian, with its grand canals and
gondolas weaving through a lavish
shopping centre. Emerging from
the rubble next door is the Parisian.
Standing tall will be a replica of the
Eiffel Tower, predicted to be half the
height of the real thing. This French-
themed hotel complex will also have
an interactive pool/play area, which
promises the works. But you’ll have
to wait: the opening is currently
scheduled for December 2015.
Then there’s the Westin Macau
perched at the very end of the Cotai
Strip on Hac San Beach. With young
children, it’s always been my pick,
where you can step out of the neon
spotlight and into a Mediterranean
hideaway. Yes, it’s definitely a little
frayed around the edges – don’t
expect modern chic – but all that can
be overlooked when your room has
a balcony the size of a large patio.
There’s a golf course, the Westin Kids
Club, an outdoor playground on lovely
green grass, and swimming pools
surrounded by deckchairs – perfect for
kid-spotting.
The famous Portuguese restaurant
Fernandos is just a stroll down the
beach – a beach which may be a little
disappointing if you’re expecting a
white, sandy stretch, but is nonetheless
a tranquil spot.
All about the kids
While the casinos are notably present,
they’re not to be outdone by several
playrooms for the small people. The
Venetian houses the Qube – a kids’
play zone that’s open from 9:30am to
9:30pm. Qube has something for kids
of all ages, including teens, who will
enjoy video games and a pool hall.
Up the road, City of Dreams has Kids’
City, which re-opened last year after
a revamp, with an interactive indoor
playground and entertainment area.
It could also be worth stopping by the
Vquarium while you’re there, where
wee ones might enjoy watching the
giant virtual mermaids swim by.
Just between you, me and the
gatepost, my well-connected sources
tell me the Sheraton, Venetian,
Conrad, Holiday Inn and soon-
to-open St. Regis are developing a
“KidZania”. If you’re unfamiliar with
KidZania, Google it to learn about
these amazing mini adventure lands,
and stay tuned for details.
You can’t leave Macau without
seeing what’s been lauded as one of
the best shows on earth.
The House of
Dancing Water
is simply breathtaking
from start to finish. While I wouldn’t
recommend it for the littlies, kids over
ten will be mesmerised along with
Mum and Dad.
The Macau Science Centre gets
a thumbs up, too. It’s interactive and
great for both parents and children.
The location at Fisherman’s Wharf is
not bad either. And if you’re keen to
inject a bit of history into your Macau
adventure, the A Ma Temple is the
city’s oldest and most revered temple.
Let the kids explore to their heart’s
content.
I’ve also uncovered a secret spot
from my local insider – mum’s the
word, OK? Located at Cheoc Van
Beach in Coloane, tucked away from
the chaos, kids can play freely and
parents can eat at La Gondola, an
open deck restaurant with the kids
a stone’s throw away. Bookings are
essential, as locals like it, too.
Who said you can’t bet on Macau
as a family holiday destination? A
one-hour ferry ride, accommodation
options for all kinds of travellers
and budgets, and lots of kid-friendly
attractions make this the perfect quick
escape.
Summer 2014
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