In our fast-paced modern lives, people are increasingly seeking rejuvenating and enriching wellness holidays and retreats. According to McKinsey’s latest Future of Wellness research, consumers worldwide crave effective, data-backed wellness solutions. This growing demand has positioned Macao as a premier destination for holistic self-care, especially for Asian travellers.
Living well in Macao goes beyond spa treatments – it’s a way of life, from herbal cuisines rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine to activities that encourage mindfulness and connecting with nature. For travellers who like to feel fully recharged after a holiday, here are the best ways to weave wellness into a Macao itinerary.
Snooze for success
More and more people are also experiencing disruptions to their circadian rhythms due to excessive screen time — and a holiday poses the perfect opportunity to remedy this.
At Wynn Macau, The Spa at Encore offers a two-hour Rhythm & Soul treatment that aids in recovering from jet lag with a salt scrub and a full face, head, and body massage. Travellers can also slow down racing minds with a Crystal Sound Therapy meditation class at the Conrad Macao’s Bodhi Spa, where soothing sounds reduce tension and help one enter a relaxed state for rest.
The award-winning The Spa at Encore offers private suites with steam room, sauna, bath, and personalised treatments. Photo Credit: Wynn Macau
Care for your body
After a good night’s rest, travellers can progress to physical rejuvenation through body pampering. Desk-bound workers will benefit from the three-hour Digital Detox programme at Tria Spa, available at both MGM Macau and MGM Cotai. In addition to a massage and facial that’s bound to ease ‘tech neck’ issues, the treatment also includes an inhalation ritual to slow the mind and an eye mask to relieve eye strain from excessive screen use.
The spa at Mandarin Oriental Macau provides a tranquil retreat with stunning views of the sea and the Macao Tower. Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental Macau
On the other hand, those who lead physically active lives can ease aches and pains with Macao’s highly refined range of traditional Chinese treatments. The Banyan Tree Spa Macau offers a 90-minute massage using Tui Na massage techniques, while the The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Macau brings Chinese acupressure techniques to its facials.
Macao’s wellness facilities also offer innovative, cutting-edge wellness treatments like the Cryo Energy Facial at The Spa at THE KARL LAGERFELD, which uses ultra-cold stones to induce vasoconstriction for tighter, firmer skin, as well as the Collagen Renewal treatments at the Morpheus Spa, which use ultrasonic waves to reach the deeper layers of the skin and break down fat and stimulate collagen production.
The Spa at THE KARL LAGERFELD offers a unique, stylish experience with 111SKIN treatments, chic fitness facilities, pools, and complimentary wellness activities for hotel guests. Photo Credit: Grand Lisboa Palace
Indulge in healthy eats
As the saying goes, you are what you eat — and the first step to eating well is eating food made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Fortunately, one is almost certain to find this in Macao, be it in high-end restaurants or casual eateries. Those looking to adopt a plant-based diet will also find it easy here, as the city is home to dozens of excellent vegetarian restaurants such as Sum Yuen Buddhist Vegetarian Restaurant and The Blissful Carrot.
The tradition of Chinese medicinal foods is deeply rooted in Macao, with restaurants like the Michelin 3-star Jade Dragon serving up healing soups designed to balance the body’s qi (energy) according to the seasons and climates. At Herbal Treasures in Studio City, the medicinal element extends to noodles, teas, and even desserts. With a cooking class, travellers can learn a few medicinal recipes to enhance their wellness at home, too.
At Herbal Treasures, indulge in Chinese herbal jellies, seasonal tonic teas, double-boiled soups, and desserts, perfectly balancing deliciousness and nutrition in traditional Chinese cuisine. Photo Credit: Studio City, Macau
Embrace mindful movements
While travel is meant to be relaxing, it often entails planning, packing, and rushing to see and do as much as possible in a destination. In Macao, travellers can slow down and be present in each moment through mindful activities like Tai Chi, practised across Macao at parks or historic areas.
Instead of pure sightseeing, visitors can take an easy sunrise hike to Coloane Village, followed by a Tai Chi session amid the fresh air and greenery. Other nature trails include Guia Hill, which offers panoramic views of Macao alongside landmarks like Guia Fortress and Guia Lighthouse, and Seac Pai Van Park.
Outdoor fitness sessions, like this outdoor yoga class at Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau, are a great way to spend more time outdoors while building physical strength. Photo Credit: Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau
Even while unwinding in Macao’s resorts and hotels, there are many ways to get active. For instance, Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau offers guided yoga, pilates, and martial arts classes to guests. From June 2024, The Londoner Macao will also offer sunrise and sunset yoga flows and meditation sessions at The Londoner Pool deck.
Whether seeking rejuvenation for the mind, body, or spirit, Macao offers an enchanting array of wellness experiences. Discover transformative holidays for your clients at the Macao Tourism website today.
This article is brought to you by Macao Government Tourism Office