A Wonderful Winter Holiday at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau

The year is coming to an end, so once again we’re finding ourselves in a race against time in the hope of starting the new year with a clean slate. But with the deadlines looming closer and the workload somehow growing heavier, who could find the time to plan that winter holiday you swore you and your significant other would go on, exactly a year ago? Tick-tock, says the clock. Before you get all down in the dumps, hear us out: What if we told you that there is a one-stop destination that you could visit for the ultimate getaway? You read that right. We took that leap just a week ago—packed our bags and headed to the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau.

Let us take you through the trip’s highlights, and who knows, you might find yourself booking the same trip at the end of this guide. After all, there’s no time like the present!

First things first: the Grand Lisboa Palace Macau is an architectural marvel in every sense of the word. The Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel boasts an interior that is largely informed by the Macanese heritage yet influenced by Western aesthetics. Nowhere is that juxtaposition more apparent than in the guest rooms. In the room that we stayed in, chinoiserie-inspired decor and artworks by local artists create an intriguing cross-cultural dialogue, a sign of East-meets-West done right.

Passed out from all the creature comforts it had to offer, we woke up the next day fully recharged. We then decided to try out the hotel’s in-room breakfast, which makes an invigorating medley to start the day. They were promptly laid out on the table by the floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking Jardim Secreto. It was the perfect setup for our ‘office of the day’ shot. Needless to say, the vibes were immaculate.

Speaking of which, Jardim Secreto is another highlight of this fine establishment. This European-style garden offers a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll along its lush lawns, where you’ll be captivated by the vibrant display of greenery. From the charming grass maze to the elegant pavilions and the mighty colonnade, it offers the perfect spot for you to rekindle the romance with your loved ones. To create a more magical atmosphere, check out the garden at day’s end when the Christmas decoration, along with a special Snoopy installation, set the night aglow.

On the off chance that more incentive is needed, know that there’s nothing retail therapy can’t fix. So head to either NY8 New Yaohan or cdf Macau Grand Lisboa Palace Shop for an impressive range of brands and enticing winter promotions. These shopping destinations offer you a chance to earn rewards up to MOP4,000 dining, shopping vouchers, and entertainment admission tickets when you spend MOP3,000 or more at designated retail shops. The winter offer promo will last until 31 December 2024, so there’s plenty of time to indulge and enjoy.

If all these Snoopy talks have your ears all pricked up, you’re going to be thrilled to know this exciting news: the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau is hosting Snoopy Winter Holidays. Happening from now until 16 February 2025, the event features multiple joyful installations scattered throughout the resort. Highlights include a giant ice-skating Snoopy centrepiece and Snoopy’s signature red house, surrounded by Christmas decorations, perfect for capturing festive holiday photos. You can also visit the limited-time PEANUTS souvenir store to find your favourite gifts and limited-edition collectibles.

Then, treat yourself to a Snoopy-themed dining experience at the GLP Lobby Lounge, where you can indulge in a menu of PEANUTS-themed specialities, including burgers, sandwiches, and spaghetti, along with festive limited-time pastries and special drinks.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, SJM presents: Macau Art City · NAKED OCEAN exhibition is the perfect choice. Running from now until 16 March 2025, this captivating exhibition is produced in partnership with Japanese creative company NAKED,  INC. The exhibition will take the audience on an odyssey into the vast marine world. Imagine a stunning virtual reality seascape where sea creatures and coral reefs come to life through the interplay of light and shadow. Dynamic oceanic projections, interactive displays, and remarkable visual installations create the perfect setting for couples to enjoy an unparalleled underwater exploration together.

A trip here wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Palace Garden. Designed to capture the splendour of an imperial garden, the restaurant’s design ingenuity is particularly demonstrated by the 35-metre-long chrysanthemum mural and an installation of custom-made, double-sided embroidery fans. When it comes to the food, the combination of fine ingredients and the head chef’s culinary techniques gives rise to authentic Cantonese cuisine. Its signature dishes such as Peony King Tiger Prawn and Premium Partridge Bisque are particularly noteworthy, offering a harmonious blend of flavours and textures that leave a lasting impression.

Then there is the stylish, Karl Lagerfeld-designed Mesa by José Avillez. We dropped by the majestic restobar for some fine dining plates and were thoroughly taken by the symphony of Portuguese and Macanese flavours. Dishes like Piri Piri Chicken and Suckling Pig Sandwich were expertly orchestrated to lull the taste buds into absolute contentment. Those who fancy a nightcap may retreat to the swanky cocktail bar for its signature concoctions. We ended the night on a high with one of the crowd-favourites, Casa De Abelha, which features delicate chamomile, imparting a golden hue to the liquor and perfectly accentuating the sweet Portuguese honey.

If you’re looking to stretch your legs and explore Macau, as you should, you would be happy to know that plenty of the city’s recognisable sites are easily accessible by just taking a free shuttle bus service from the resort. The Ruins of St. Paul’s, formerly known as St. Paul’s College, was severely damaged by a fire in 1835, leaving only its iconic façade standing today. This designated UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for history buffs and those who want to get the best shots for their social media feed.

Another popular attraction in Macau that you should consider checking out is Senado Square. Enclosed by charming, western-style buildings, the piazza comes alive during the holidays with a stunning installation at its centre. Here, a towering Christmas tree is decked with ornaments and symbolic motifs like the chimneys, sleighs of presents, and Santa Claus. While you’re in the area, do not miss the opportunity to stroll along Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, a bustling avenue lined with rows of shops, restaurants, and cafés. As night falls, the street transforms into a vibrant spectacle, illuminated by glowing neon signs—a sight you won’t want to miss.

Start planning the winter getaway you deserve and make your way to the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau. Find more information here.