Macau: Day 1

May 7, 2012

Confession: I had visited Hong Kong twice and had yet to make the short journey over to Macau.  Thus, when I was invited to visit Macau with Macau Tourism just 2 weeks after returning from my 2nd trip to Hong Kong there was not a moment of hesitation before agreeing — I was finally going to step foot onto the island where Western and Eastern worlds infamously collided.  Am I crazy to take such a long trip back to back or am I simply addicted to traveling?  You choose.

New York City, United States of America

My trip began with a pleasant surprise, as I was the first person in the entire world to check into the inaugural Cathay Pacific flight, which was debuting its new “Premium Economy” seating.  Sadly, there were no balloons or music, but I was excited nonetheless and headed straight to the British Airlines lounge to celebrate with some champagne.

New York City, United States of America

Thankfully, jetlag does not effect me until I return from a trip, because as soon as we landed in Hong Kong, we hit the ground running.  From the Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) we took a 45 minute ferry-ride over to Macau, which is where we went through customs.  Then we went straight to our first hotel of the trip, the glamorous Mandarin Oriental, Macau.

Macau

Macau

After a tour of the property, we were led to the hotel’s restaurant for some much needed refueling after traveling for over a day.  I knew the food was going to be sensational just by my surroundings alone.  The Mandarin Oriental chain is known globally for its overwhelming beauty and Vida Rica certainly was a perfect example of why they have this reputation.  Chef Dirk and his team have created a menu to reflect both the Portuguese and Chinese influences in the region and the end result is a fusion menu with a twist.

Macau

Macau

Macau

Macau

Over a dim sum lunch I befriended the other journalists that were traveling with me.  Besides the fact that I get to travel to extraordinary places on press trips, like Macau, the best part for me are the other travelers.  I feel so lucky to be able to explore the world with some of the most talented and creative writers and photographers that exist.

Macau

Macau

Macau

Macau

Macau

After lunch, I had an important date that I had been looking forward to since I had been sent my itinerary: I had a Mandarin Oriental 2 hour signature spa massage.

Macau

Macau

Spa treatments at the Mandarin Oriental are like no other.  Due to the fact that I am a Chinese Medicine Doctor, the therapies offered in their spas resonate with me deeply, as they are completely based upon the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Before each treatment, your therapist will have you fill out a questionnaire that assesses your current state of well-being.  Depending on your answers, they will then further customize your treatment to ensure that you get the best treatment possible.  And trust me, I got the very best treatment possible.

 

While I left the spa without a trace of feeling as though I had just flown all the way across the world, I was unable to fully enjoy my relaxed state of being, since I had a special evening ahead of me that required as much energy as possible.  Dinner was at a traditional Portuguese restaurant named O Manuel, followed by drinks at the Lion’s Bar at the MGM Grand.  My first night in Macau, however, simply had to be celebrated in the utmost of style, which meant front row access to the Taio Cruz concert at Club Cubic in the Hard Rock Hotel.

 

Macau

 

In the words of Mr. Cruz, my first impression of Macau was dynamite!

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Andi Perullo de Ledesma

I am Andi Perullo de Ledesma, a Chinese Medicine Doctor and Travel Photojournalist in Charlotte, NC. I am also wife to Lucas and mother to Joaquín. Follow us as we explore life and the world one beautiful adventure at a time.

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129 thoughts on “Macau: Day 1”

  2. Driza B.

    Very nice post Andi 🙂 I really wish to meet you in the near future, if given a chance to travel to the US or if you visit my beautiful country the Philippines but in anyway possible I would be very glad to meet you 🙂 You have seen such wonders not any ordinary person can and you have shared the most beautiful experience, such a lucky lady. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      I would love to meet you as well!!!! I promise *when* (not if) I come to the Philippines that we will spend some time together. Thank you so much for your gorgeous comment, you really touched my heart!

      Reply ↓
  10. Laura

    Wow! you have a beautiful life…and I’m moving to Hong Kong in January for only a few months. Please tell me, How do you cope with the long flights? and do you love it there?

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Awww thank you so much!!! You’re going to have the BEST time in HK. This was my 3rd trip and I had the best time. Long flights are tough, but with a combination of my MacBook, latest Vogue & NYTimes, voice canceling headphones, an eye mask, and an ambien, I’m able to survive just fine. XO

      Reply ↓
  11. Emily in Chile

    I didn’t know you’d gone to a Taio Cruz concert – I’m so jealous! I shamelessly love his songs. And I think you may be about to make me want to go to China for the first time ever. I don’t know why, but it’s never really interested me, and I’m getting the impression you’re going to change that.

    Reply ↓
  16. Alex

    So strange, I only ever experience jetlag when coming home as well! I think it’s probably the excitement of arriving that overwhelms any exhaustion I might feel.

    Reply ↓
  20. Terra

    I am looking forward to reading about this trip!!! The skyline alone has me interested:-) Such a lovely first day in Macau! Hugs, Terra

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      You are more lucky to have visited Hong Kong 20X!!!!!!! Okay, you need to make a deal with yourself, next time you’re in HK you HAVE to go over to Macau even if it’s for a half a day. Totally worth the trip over!

      Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      I know, it’s terrible. I’m so sorry. My trips were incredibly busy. I think I’m STILL getting over the jetlag and exhaustion from everything I did. I miss you so much! 🙁

      Reply ↓
  32. Gourmet Chick

    I was actually not that impressed by Macau when I went there recently – it seemed to be just lots of casinos and fancy hotels – mind you staying at the Mandarin Oriental may have made the experience seem much different I imagine – looks divine!

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Sorry to hear that you were not impressed with Macau! Did you see the historical part of it? Did you sample the cuisine? I would have been bored quickly with Macau if it was just a bunch of casinos, but I was completely fascinated with the mix of European and Asian cultures. Haha I’m sure the MO definitely made my experience even better. 🙂

      Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Yes, best trip ever!!! 🙂 I had never had a 2 hour massage before, the longest I had was a 90 minute, so this was such a treat and now I’m spoiled for life. If I ever get a 1 hour I will feel like I’m being cheated haha.

      Reply ↓

  39. Pingback: Andi's Pick: Mandarin Oriental, Macau | My Beautiful Adventures

  41. Andrea

    Omg – what are those white flowers called? I have two plants of them in our house but I didn’t buy them so I have no idea what they are. They’re blooming all over the place and they look incredible!

    I’m excited to finally see your wedding ring too – gorgeous!!!

    Reply ↓

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