The Ultimate Guide to Macau as A Festive Getaway
Macau remains one of Asia’s most compelling paradoxes, a city where the timeless grandeur of ancient temples stands in harmony with the vibrant energy of colonial squares. As a designated UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and home to a historic centre inscribed on the World Heritage List, Macau offers a rich tapestry of experiences that extends far beyond its glittering skyline.
Macau Discovery
To truly understand Macau, one must leave the gilded cage of Macau’s ultra-luxury resorts. The itinerary for the culturally curious takes guests south to the serene coastal village of Coloane.
Here, time slows down. The air smells of salt and baking tart shells. The Chapel of St. Francis Xavier is a pastel-yellow Baroque gem set against a mosaic-tiled square. It is a quiet, sun-drenched spot perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
While you’re here, do not miss the opportunity to try the famous Lord Stow’s Bakery’s egg tarts. It is a must when you’re visiting Coloane.
From the quiet south, move to the bustling city centre on the peninsula. Senado Square, with its wave-patterned pavement, leads the way to St. Dominic’s Square and its church, the yellow façade glowing in the afternoon sun.
Finally, walk among the crowds to ascend to the Ruins of St. Paul’s. The granite façade, standing defiant against the sky, is the city’s most enduring icon. Walking through these UNESCO-listed streets during the Lunar New Year is an electric experience; red lanterns sway above colonial arches, and the atmosphere is filled with the joy of the season.
Stay: Chinoiserie Chic at the West Tower
In Cotai, Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau stands as the modern inheritor of this cross-cultural legacy. While the resort complex is a sprawling architectural feat, Grand Lisboa Palace Macau is the true protagonist of this narrative, positioning itself as a modern tribute to Macau’s maritime glory.
The hotel’s lobby, at both the West and East entrances, has been meticulously transformed to herald the arrival of the new year with a vibrant atmosphere of the season’s festivities, highlighted by its Lunar New Year installations. A towering peach blossom tree takes centre stage, its branches laden with lucky red packets that flutter in the ambient breeze, symbolising growth and prosperity.
A Junior Suite Sanctuary
The accommodation of choice for the discerning traveller is the Junior Suite. As the door opens, the first impression is the sophisticated palette of teal, turquoise, and azure that washes over the room, evoking the waters surrounding the peninsula.
The living area is anchored by plush seating that invites long hours of conversation or quiet contemplation. On the walls, bespoke art pieces depict a dual narrative: the skyline of old Macau juxtaposed with its modern evolution, offering a visual reminder of the city’s complex identity. The furniture itself is a conversation starter, featuring wood and porcelain textures that reinterpret traditional heritage patterns with a sleek, aerodynamic finish.
Shop: Shopping with Rewards and High-Street Fashion
If the stay is about tranquillity, the retail experience is about the thrill of the hunt. Still, for the Lunar New Year, it transforms into an arena of playful competition and sharp style.
From now to March 8th, guests spending MOP300 or above at selected restaurants, retail shops, spas and entertainment venues across SJM Resorts can enter the Grab and Win (Human Claw Machine) or Year of the Horse Grand Lucky Draw for a chance to win prizes from Sam the Rooster festive gifts, dining experiences, to one night accommodation at Grand Lisboa Palace or MOP16,888 Gold & Jewellery Voucher!
For the fashion-forward traveller, multi-brand concept store SSAW is a must-visit. Meanwhile, the rebellious heritage of British punk finds its home at Vivienne Westwood, where iconic orb-emblazoned accessories and timeless tartans offer an opportunity to acquire a piece of fashion history. For those with an active lifestyle, the resort offers excellent options like Le Coq Sportif, known for blending performance with retro-cool aesthetics, all while enjoying the festive rewards that make every purchase feel like a win.
Dine: A Feast of Fortune at The Grand Buffet
As evening falls, the focus shifts to gastronomy. In the Year of the Horse, the dining table becomes a stage, and the meal a ritual. The venue for this festive performance is The Grand Buffet, located on the third level.
Forget the tired clichés of standard buffets. The Grand Buffet is reimagined as an “Asian Marketplace,” a vibrant, sensory-driven space where culinary artisans perform live-cooking stations. The design exudes the hustle and warmth of a lively market but with the polish of a five-star establishment. It features a dedicated outdoor barbecue pit, the first of its kind in Macau, with extensive live fish tanks, ensuring the freshest ingredients reach the plate.
The Festive Highlight
The restaurant serves as the perfect setting for the “Year of the Horse” CNY Festive Feast, running from February 17th to the 23rd, 2026. The menu is a roll call of auspicious delicacies, each dish laden with symbolic meaning for the New Year.
The live stations offer a spectacle of excess. For seafood lovers, the Giant Grouper in Shark Fin Soup simmers, filling the air with a savoury, oceanic aroma. This is comfort food elevated to imperial standards. Another standout is the Braised Whole Abalone, a dish that practically whispers promises of wealth and abundance. These selections represent just a glimpse of the lavish spread prepared to usher in the new year.
Play: Whimsical Photos & Scenic Trails
For new-gen travellers, we understand that fun and play are essential parts of a trip.
Samtastic Park
Within the resort, the vibe is decidedly whimsical. Located at Level 1, Samtastic Park is a pop-up wonderland centred around the mascot “Sam the Rooster”. It is a riot of colour and charm, where guests who have spent MOP 300 can redeem tokens to use the exclusive photo booth. Stepping inside, guests can snap a series of “wondrous festive moments” framed by custom “Samtastic” designs—a digital souvenir that is instantly shareable.
Jardim Secreto
For a more serene visual experience, visit the Jardim Secreto (Secret Garden) on Level 3. This European-styled manicured garden, nestled between the resort’s towers, has been transformed for the season.
For the festive season, the garden is surrounded by Sam the Rooster with festive elements. These installations added a fun and festive atmosphere to this otherwise quiet secret garden. Come at night, and you would love the explosion of colours and lights, creating the most photogenic angle in the resort, a place where the grandeur of the architecture meets the softness of nature.
Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau captures this new spirit perfectly. It is not just a place to stay; it is a modern palace that offers a complete lifestyle experience, from the thrill of festive shopping to the joy of a communal feast.
For Malaysian travellers seeking a quick yet transformative getaway, this is the ultimate destination to welcome the Year of the Horse. It offers the grandeur of ultra-luxury stop with the warmth of Asian hospitality, all just a short flight away. This is the holiday you deserve—memorable, restorative, and undeniably stylish.
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