Macau – Part 2 - Orlando / Florida Guide
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When Morpheus opened on the famed Cotai Strip, it changed the skyline forever. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, the avant-garde monolith looks like it belongs light years in the future due to its sinuous facade encased in a mesh-like steel exoskeleton. The rooms are just as impressive, particularly the rooftop Sky Villas. Among the nine villas, there are just three ultra-luxe Pool Villas, each offering private pools as well as incredible views of the Macau cityscape through floor-to-ceiling windows. Designed by globally renowned interior designer Peter Remedios, the atmosphere recalls the vibe of a luxury yacht with plush upholstery, a private spa room, fitness facilities, Bugatti kitchen accessories and 1, 000-thread-count Frette linens. In addition, villa guests enjoy 24-hour personal butler service and Mercedes-Benz Maybach transfers. Only book this after you have won the lottery or very big at the tables.
There is no shortage of entertainment options in Macau, but one rules them all. The House of Dancing Water is a feat of engineering and creativity, built on a shape-shifting stage that emerges from a 3. 7m-gallon pool of water. Conceptualised by Belgian mastermind Franco Dragone, the 90-minute performance captures a spellbinding love story through music, acrobatics, state-of-the-art digital effects, diving, dancing and even a daring motorcycle stunt show. Thanks to the 270-degree seating design, everyone has a great view of the stage, but be warned: The front row does get wet.
Senado Square
You can’t go to Macau without experiencing Senado Square. Part of the Unesco-listed historic city centre, the 16th-century public square features iconic wave-patterned tiles that seem to undulate underfoot. All around are pastel-painted colonial-era buildings, including St Dominic’s Church, the Holy House of Mercy and Leal Senado, which is the seat of the former colonial government. While the square has become a major landmark, it remains one of the most important cultural centres in the territory and is the site of many festivals throughout the year.
Ruins of St Paul’s
From Senado Square, follow the signs through the streets and alleyways until the intricately carved stone facade of the Ruins of St Paul’s comes into view. This is all that’s left of a 17th-century Jesuit church that was destroyed by a devastating fire in the 1800s. Before it burned down, the grand church was said to be among the largest in Asia. Behind the facade, a steel staircase enables you to climb to the top, where you’ll find an informative exhibition that details the building’s architectural style and tragic history. Meanwhile, Macau Museum, one of the region’s most important history museums, is right next door.
Another top landmark for history lovers is Taipa Houses Museum, which is just a 10-minute walk from the main village. On the waterfront of this outdoor complex, knobby banyan trees shade a row of five radiant turquoise houses. Inside the refurbished houses, you can explore historic exhibits, Portuguese costumes and household antiques to get a feel for the lifestyles of wealthy Portuguese merchants and government employees in the early 1900s. Head west along Avenida da Praia, and you’ll come across a few neighbouring landmarks, including the glorious Carmel Garden and the buttery yellow Our Lady of Carmel Church.
This is just a quick overview but I hope it might inspire you to want to find out more about this fantastic location.
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