Xing TianWhen people think of Macau, they often picture a vibrant city with buzzing nightlife. With Macau being smaller than Singapore, the city is often seen as just a destination for quick day trips, usually from Hong Kong. But beyond the busy streets and flashing lights, Macau has a hidden side—one that’s perfect for a romantic escape.
Also read: 12 Hours in Macao: Places to Visit to Make the Most of Your Trip!
I recently spent three days and two nights at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau with my partner, and it completely redefined what I thought Macau had to offer. From indulgent dining experiences to lavish spa treatments, it was the perfect retreat—allowing us to relax, recharge, and spend quality time together. Macau is a fascinating blend of East and West, where European elegance meets rich Asian heritage. Surrounded by breathtaking architecture, every moment felt like a dream escape—exotic yet comfortingly close to home.
Here’s a glimpse into what we did during our 3-day 2-night stay in Macau—what to do, where to eat, and the best experiences to make the most of your trip!
Our Stay at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau
Macau is home to an abundance of luxury resorts, each offering a wealth of activities and dining options to elevate your stay. That’s why my trip felt more like a luxurious staycation than a typical getaway. With both my partner and I swamped with work leading up to the trip, we wanted a seamless experience—somewhere we could fully unwind without the hassle of planning a packed itinerary. Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau was the perfect choice, offering everything we needed in one stunning location.
The resort features three distinct hotels within the same compound: Grand Lisboa Palace Macau, THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU, and Palazzo Versace Macau. With so much to see and do within the resort itself, we could fully relax without the pressure of planning activities around Macau.
For those looking to explore beyond the resort, Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau also offers a convenient and comprehensive shuttle bus system that covers transport to many of Macau’s top attractions. With the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure seamlessly arranged for us, we were free to enjoy the trip without the usual hassle of planning transportation and activities.
Day 1: Checking in to our hotel and Dinner at Mesa by José Avillez
We arrived in Macau around 6 PM and headed straight to Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau to check in. The resort offers a shuttle bus service directly from the airport, making the journey extremely smooth and hassle-free!
The resort’s architecture was so stunning that it felt like an attraction in itself. The hotel lobby pays homage to Macau’s cultural heritage, with intricate art pieces created by local artists in Macau, including vases and paintings displayed around the lobby.
Stepping into the resort felt like entering a palace—grand archways, towering white columns, and soaring high ceilings created a grand and imposing atmosphere.
Our room for the trip
The Junior Suite was clean, spacious, and overlooked the beautiful Jardim Secreto, giving us a peaceful garden view. One of the coolest features was the touch-screen control panel that managed everything—from the curtains to the lights—with just a tap.
However, my favourite part of the room was the dual sinks in the bathroom. I had all the room I needed for my makeup and skincare items, and I’m sure my partner also secretly appreciated the extra counter space he had to himself. Plus, we could get ready at the same time in the morning, without taking turns at the sink. A small but convenient detail, it made getting ready in the morning together extremely enjoyable!
Day 1 Dinner: Mesa by José Avillez
Located on the 3rd floor of the resort, this restaurant embraces a “casual fine-dining” concept, offering modern Portuguese cuisine infused with Macanese and Chinese influences.
Image credit: Grand Lisboa Palace Macau
The interior of the restaurant had a chic black and gold theme. With their signature motif being the Chinese magpie, the theme is carried throughout the space, from the birdcage-inspired light fixtures and bar area to the most captivating feature—the LED ceiling animation, where magpies gracefully flutter across a virtual sky, creating a mesmerizing dining ambiance.
We indulged in a variety of beautifully plated dishes, but our favorites had to be the Tuna Tartare Cone which was incredibly rich and creamy, and the Seafood Rice and Caviar, generously loaded with lobster and carabineiro pieces. For dessert, we opted for a unique dessert you’ve probably never had before – “One of the Three Little Pigs”! With pork skin popcorn and ham on top of the ice cream sandwich, the taste was certainly savoury and intriguing. However, we were bigger fans of the exquisitely plated mini desserts, featuring peanut cream, hazelnut chocolate, and a delicate yuzu marshmallow.
As it was our first meal of the trip, it was the perfect date night to start our luxury staycation. As we aren’t usually the type of people to head out for fancy meals regularly, it was a fun experience to dress up together and enjoy the beautifully crafted dishes.
Day 2: Exploring resort facilities and Macau
On the second day, we woke up feeling refreshed and ready to kick off our luxurious staycation in Macau! Excited to explore, we planned to check out the resort’s dining options and the connected shopping mall, and we even headed out for some sightseeing around Macau.
Day 2: Breakfast at The Grand Buffet
Image credit: Grand Lisboa Palace Macau
For some reason, my partner was the most excited over The Grand Buffet and it did not disappoint! Open from 7 AM to 10:30 AM, the dining hall was already bustling and full of hungry hotel guests when we arrived at 8.30 AM. There was a large variety of both Asian and European dishes, from dim sum and congee to English pastries and cold cut meats.
We were overwhelmed with choices as we were walking around, which I suppose is exactly what you would want from a buffet. The Grand Buffet offered both indoor and outdoor seating, with a gorgeous view of Jardim Secreto. Safe to say, we had a satisfying breakfast to start our day!
Day 2 morning: A stroll around Jardim Secreto
Afterwards, we headed for a stroll around the resort. Out of all the things the resort has to offer, my personal favourite was the Jardim Secreto. This stunning European-style garden featured manicured landscapes, scenic archways, and charming pathways, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon stroll. Since we visited Macau in late February, the weather was just right—cool and comfortable, ideal for exploring outdoors without breaking a sweat or needing heavy layers.
I loved wandering through the gardens with my partner, taking in the tranquil atmosphere and relaxing at the many picturesque seating areas. It was a lovely place to spend quality time together as we admired the scenery.
Needless to say, there were also many instagrammable spots to capture precious memories with your partner. For those dreaming of a destination wedding, Jardim Secreto also serves as a wedding venue, offering a breathtaking backdrop for a romantic and unforgettable celebration.
Day 2: Lunch at La Scala del Palazzo
For lunch on our second day, we headed over to Palazzo Versace Macau for afternoon tea at La Scala del Palazzo. The interior looked like a tea room for royalty, with elegant furnishings and a teal colour palette. Every detail, from the Versace dinnerware to the intricate decor, added to the lavish aesthetic.
It’s an extremely instagrammable spot, with lots of photo opportunities as you sit and enjoy the exquisite lunch. After enjoying lunch, we ordered their signature hazelnut coffee garnished with 18K gold flakes that was almost too pretty to consume. It’s a nice way to spend a relaxing afternoon with your partner and take lots of aesthetic photographs for your trip!
Day 2 afternoon: Sightseeing in Macau
In the afternoon, we headed out of the resort to explore Macau’s local sights and attractions. Thanks to the shuttle bus to and from Grand Lisboa Palace Resort, we didn’t have to worry much about transport and could get to all these major attractions easily.
Here are some of the places we visited:
- Taipa Houses
We headed to the Taipa Houses in Macau, where we were offered a glimpse into the city’s colonial past. These beautifully preserved pastel-green heritage houses, once home to Portuguese officials, now serve as museums showcasing Macau’s unique fusion of Portuguese and Chinese culture. History buffs will love exploring the exhibits filled with vintage furniture, artifacts, and photographs that tell the story of Macau’s rich past. Around the area, you’ll also find quaint souvenir shops selling handcrafted trinkets, Portuguese-inspired ceramics, and local delicacies.
What I enjoyed the most was the scenic walkway outside the Taipa Houses. Overlooking the serene lake, it’s the ideal spot to sit, unwind, and take in the view.
- Taipa Village
Taipa Village was easily my favorite attraction of the trip! Though just as crowded as other tourist spots, it was the most fun to explore. It had a perfect blend of hipster cafés, quirky boutiques, and local delicacies at every turn.
Wandering through its narrow, winding streets felt like navigating a charming maze, where each corner revealed pastel-colored walls, vibrant murals, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. It’ll be an exciting and fun date idea with your partner, where you can get lost together in a new place filled with unique sights, delicious food, and endless photo opportunities.
While we were there, we tried the popular Lord Stow’s Bakery egg tarts, which claims to be the original Portuguese egg tart in Macau. When we reached, there was already a long line for the egg tarts and in typical Singaporean nature, we queued up for it too! The line moved pretty fast as the store seemed used to the bustling crowds. The egg tarts certainly lived up to the hype, being warm, buttery and creamy.
- Ruins of St Paul’s
Next, we visited the Ruins of St. Paul’s, arguably Macau’s most iconic landmark. Originally constructed in the 16th century, the church was ravaged by multiple fires, ultimately leaving behind only the majestic stone façade that stands today. Despite the bustling crowds, the site’s grandeur and historical significance remain undeniable.
Behind the ruins, a small museum houses sacred art and religious relics, offering visitors a deeper look into its storied past. While it may be a classic tourist spot, I’d say it’s still worth visiting at least once—photographs simply don’t do it justice. Seeing it in person, the sheer scale and intricate details of the structure are truly impressive.
Plus, the streets leading up to the ruins are lined with shops and boutiques, ranging from big-name brands to stores selling local Macau delicacies and delicious desserts. It’s a lively area perfect for exploring!
- Senado Square
A short walk from the Ruins of St. Paul’s, Senado Square is another must-visit historical landmark in Macau. As part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Macau, this vibrant square reflects the city’s Portuguese colonial past, with its wave-patterned mosaic pavement and pastel-colored European-style buildings.
It’s a bustling hub filled with shops, cafes, and street vendors, making it a great place to soak in the atmosphere while indulging in some shopping and local snacks. The square is often crowded, so expect plenty of people in the background of your photos. While it wasn’t my favorite stop on the trip, there were plenty of other heritage sites nearby like St. Dominic’s Church that offer interesting sights to view and enjoy Macau’s unique cultural fusion.
Day 2: Dinner at Casa Don Alfonso
Casa Don Alfonso is located near the Macau city centre, at Grand Lisboa Macau. This is the central branch of the Grand Lisboa hotel chain, separate from the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort. It’s a 10 minute walk away from famous Macau attractions like Senado Square, and we headed there for dinner after an afternoon of sightseeing in Macau. With a family style concept, this restaurant was cosy and inviting.
Specializing in authentic Italian cuisine, the highlight was their Neapolitan pizza that was fired on the spot in their in-house pizza oven. The pizza dough is proofed up to 24 hours beforehand, allowing the firing process to only take about a few minutes before the pizza emerges perfectly crisp and delicious!
Day 3: Rest and Relaxation
After a jam-packed second day, we wanted to take it slow for our last day in Macau. After checking out, we left our luggage at the hotel’s convenient storage service and set off for a few more activities before our afternoon flight home.
Day 3 morning: Shopping and retail at the shopping mall
Within the resort, there are also retail options directly connected via the first floor, making shopping extremely convenient. We explored the resort’s shopping mall, which houses two main department stores: NY8 New Yaohan and cdf Macau Grand Lisboa Palace Shop.
Located on the second floor, NY8 New Yaohan offers a diverse selection of lifestyle goods ranging from toys, clothing, souvenirs, and even a supermarket. One of the highlights for us was the toy section, where my partner and I had a great time window shopping—especially with their extensive Jellycat collection and other adorable collectibles.
On the other hand, cdf Macau Grand Lisboa Palace Shop caters to luxury shoppers, featuring high-end brands with an impressive selection of designer goods, it offers a truly luxurious shopping experience, perfect for those looking to indulge in premium fashion and beauty products.
Day 3: Lunch at Chalou
A popular spot among both locals and tourists, Chalou had diners queuing up 15 minutes before opening—a clear sign of its popularity. This restaurant beautifully blends nostalgic charm with modern innovation, putting a creative spin on the well-loved dim sum cuisine famous in the region. Their menu features classic Cantonese dishes with a twist, such as Egg tart with Imperial Bird’s Nest, Spring Roll deep fried with Shrimp and Truffle, and Wagyu Beef Bun pan fried with Black Pepper, a fusion of tradition and luxury.
For those craving a more authentic dim sum experience, the restaurant also offers a nostalgic touch with a dim sum trolley that rolls through the dining area, allowing guests to pick and choose dishes just like in traditional Cantonese tea houses. Alongside our meal, we enjoyed their signature Lychee and Rose Petal Milk Tea, served with an edible rose flower floating on top—a delicate and fragrant finishing touch to an already memorable dining experience!
Also read: Explore Macao’s Food Scene: Top 12 Must-Eat Dishes in This UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy
The Spa at Grand Lisboa Palace
We treated ourselves to a spa experience at The Spa at Grand Lisboa Palace. The session incorporated sound therapy, which is believed to enhance relaxation, improve sleep, and boost blood circulation. Since I had never tried it before, it was a unique and intriguing experience—definitely something new to explore!
There were also sauna and steam rooms available in the gender separated communal showers for guests to further unwind and enjoy a holistic spa experience. The spa also provided items like hair dryers, hair products, and beauty essentials like moisturizers for guests, to leave feeling completely rejuvenated.
Our getaway to Macau offered the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and indulgence, and was a much needed getaway for both of us. From our lavish stay at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau to exploring Macau’s rich history and vibrant streets, this trip proved that Macau offers so much more than a day trip experience—it’s a convenient and nearby location that couples can enjoy new experiences together. If you’re looking for a short, indulgent getaway with your partner, Macau just might be the perfect destination!
Special thanks to Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau for inviting me on such a memorable trip and stay in Macau!
