only two days of vacation? The answer is Grand Lisboa Palace Macau

if you’re looking for the most bang for your buck on a short vacation, Macau is the place to be. With a short flight time and affordable prices, it’s the perfect weekend reward trip. At the center of this two-night, one-day itinerary was the five-star Forbes Travel Guide-rated Grand Lisboa Palace Macau, which was more than just a place to stay – it was the perfect destination in its own right.

day 1: A Macau night of art and gastronomy

check-in: First impressions like entering an art gallery

upon entering the hotel’s lobby, the chinoiserie-inspired décor, which blends East and West, and the artwork scattered throughout, made me feel like I was in an art gallery. Stepping into my 80-square-meter junior suite, I was greeted with a view of the Jardin Secreto, a beautiful garden, through the bay window, and realized that I was in for a luxurious stay.

gastronomy, sightseeing, and art

our first stop after checking in was the hotel’s in-house restaurant , Shalu. a modern take on traditional yum cha culture, the moist shrimp dim sum and milk tea recommended by the tea sommelier was the perfect first meal. Afterward, we explored Senado Square and the ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral, falling in love with Macau’s exotic days and tranquil nights. back at the hotel, the “Picasso: Beauty and Drama” exhibit, featuring more than 140 works, added artistic depth to the trip.

end of the day: Mesa Bar

we ended our first night in Macau at the hotel’s Mesa Bar,where the unique birdcage-inspired décor and signature cocktails blended Portuguese and Chinese cultures to create an experience that felt like drinking the story of Macau, not just a drink.

day 2: A journey of relaxation and gastronomy

morning: Breakfast in the Secret Garden

on our second morning, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with the hotel’s signature Jardin Secreto garden as a backdrop. with fresh dim sum, fruit and hot tea, it was a satisfying start to the day. Many guests have already commented that the breakfast buffet at Grand Lisboa Palace Macauis one of the best in terms of both variety and taste.

the final leg of the journey: macau Tower and hot pot

after breakfast, we headed up to Macau Tower for a panoramic view of the city’s mix of old town and modern skyline. Our final meal of the trip was at Taiwanese hot pot restaurantWulao Guo. The soft toppings and spicy broth, known as “ice cream tofu,” were the perfect ending to our short trip.

although it was only two days and two nights, my trip with Grand Lisboa Palace Macauwas a dense experience that combined art, gastronomy, and relaxation. it was the perfect destination to make sure that my next trip to Macau will be just as memorable, and I can’t wait to return.