The summer is about to get a whole lot hotter and it seems there is no escape from the blasting sun. Even if your vacation seems far off, luckily Macau is full of resorts and experiences to help you unwind and pretend you’re on vacation. Best yet, you don’t even have to check into most hotels to take advantage of their generous and tempting offers, with dining, pool, and gym facilities often open to outside guests for a small fee. So fill in the health declaration, get your sunscreen, bathers, and sunnies ready–it’s time to dive in! Here are the best Macau pool deals this summer.
Family Fun
A pool day is one of the best ways to spend a weekend with your loved ones. A splash of fun, sun, and yummy food always make for an ideal family day by the water.
GRAND RESORT DECK AT GALAXY MACAU
Whenever Galaxy does something, they always do it big and grandiose, like their name. Take their Grand Resort Deck for example, which is a whole aquatic wonderworld where even a full day will seem not enough. Arrive early to get a spot at their white sandy beach and let the waves caress you in the huge wave pool. Or if you’re looking for a burst of adrenaline try a ride on their 9-meter tall waterslides. If you feel like being active, get lazy on the world’s longest Skytop Aquatic Adventure River Ride. There is also the verdant Skytop Gardens, a tranquil, and chill oasis on the Grand Resort Deck.
Take a lunch break in one of the poolside restaurants, which offer plenty of attractive dining options. Or you can leave your kids in the safe, shallow, and monitored children aquatic zone while you get yourself a nice cocktail from a Surf Bar.
Opening hours: 10:30am–6:30pm (subject to change of seasonal operations). Open from July
Price: MOP $468 per day (one adult and one kid aged six years or below)
Family day pass – MOP $888 (two adults and two kids)
Limited offer for Macau residents and non-resident workers – MOP $298 (one adult and one kid aged six years or below)
Senior or another child pass – MOP $250 (60-year-old and above or 12-year-old and below). The access includes complimentary use of a locker and 12-hours free parking
Galaxy Macau Estrada da Baía da Nossa Senhora da Esperança, s/n, Cotai, Macau, www.galaxymacau.com
AQUA WORLD and the pool AT THE PARISIAN MACAO
How cool would it be to take your kids for some water adventure fun with slides and water guns in the shadow of an Eiffel Tower? We bet you wouldn’t even have imagined this was possible in Macau. The Parisian Macao also gives the little ones a chance to get wet aboard a pirate ship anchored amongst classic French landmarks. Meanwhile, you can order a drink and lounge on a sunbed admiring the views–or join your children, because who said adults can’t be pirates too?
Opening hours: 10:00am–6:00pm
Price: Aqua World – MOP $160 per person
Family package (buy three get one free) – MOP $480 per day
Hotel Pool – MOP $200 for adults, MOP $100 for children
The Parisian Macao Estrada do Istmo, Lote 3, Macau, +853 8111 2300, www.parisianmacao.com
GRAND LAPA, MACAU
This pool will make you feel like you’re in a Hollywood movie thanks to its fabulous design with sculptures and a waterfall. However, this is far from the only perk at Grand Lapa, Macau. Opened for kids, loving couples, or tanning addicts, this is the place our minds go to when thinking of relaxing vibes and times. Also, they have great restaurants nearby such as Thai Naam, and serve drinks and food by the pool.
Opening hours: 6:30am–10:00pm
Price: The Resort Day Pass (no food included) – MOP $300 (one adult and one kid)
Grand Lapa, Macau Avenida de Amizade, Macau, +853 2856 7888, www.grandlapa.com
GRAND COLOANE RESORT
This is the only hotel pool where you can meditate to the sound of real waves in Macau. It’s located on the beautiful Hác-Sa Beach, surrounded by sea and the gorgeous Coloane hills. Grand Coloane Resort is a perfect getaway from the busy city–you will feel like you’re on a real retreat.
Sometimes family time can be slow and chill too–it does always mean games and entertainment. Grand Coloane is the place to be for this.
Opening hours: 7:00am–11:30pm
Price: Adult, MOP $300 (includes dining credit)
Grand Coloane Resort 1918 Estrada de Hac Sa, Coloane, +853 8899 1127, www.grandcoloane.com
URBAN ESCAPE
Mandarin Oriental, Macau
Are you a Mandarin Oriental fan? You definitely will be after visiting their 25-meter lap pool. Usually accessible for hotel guests only, this season, everybody can dive into its turquoise waters with their Pool Days by MO pool pass! Overlooking the South China Sea, Taipa Island, and Nam Van Lake, this pool deck is a lush location where you can enjoy the sunlight in the comfort of the stylish loungers. Refreshments and delectable food served by the poolside will help you pass the day in 100% relaxation mode.
Opening hours: 7:00am–8:00pm
Price: Pool Days by MO – Monday–Thursday, MOP $800+10% service charge; Friday–Sunday, MOP $1,000 (maximum four people per pass, price is fully redeemable as food and beverage credit); valid until July 31, 2020
Weekday Pool pass – MOP $1,400 (inclusive of MOP $1,000 dining credit), MOP $1,800 (inclusive of MOP $1,000 dining credit and one bottle of Veuve Cliquot Champagne); starting August 1, 2020 and maximum four people per pass
Weekend Pool pass – MOP $1,800 (inclusive of MOP $1,000 dining credit), MOP $2,200 (inclusive of MOP $1,000 dining credit and one bottle of Veuve Cliquot Champagne); starting August 1, 2020 and maximum four people per pass
Mandarin Oriental, Macau 945 Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, NAPE, +853 8805 8888, www.mandarinoriental.com
MGM MACAU
MGM Macau’s pool, at Vista, is truly one of Macau’s most stunning ones. With a view like few, this clear blue infinity pool frames a stunning side of the city, which makes you feel disconnected from the lights and noise for a day. With hotel restaurants a few minutes away, you can order food, cocktails, and other beverages to enjoy on a sunbed by the poolside. Clear your mind, put your swimsuit on, and have a blast!
Opening hours: 8:00am–7:00pm
Price: Adult, MOP $400; Children, MOP $200
MGM Macau Vista, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, NAPE, www.mgm.mo/en
Photo credit: MGM Macau
MGM Cotai
This summer, MGM Cotai pool opened its doors for non-guests who are longing for a day-off in a tranquil and stylish environment. For the ultimate relaxation, get yourself a tropical cocktail and ask for a poolside spa treatment.
Opening hours: 8:00am–7:00pm
Price: Adult, MOP $400; Children, MOP $200
MGM Cotai Macau Ave. Da Nave Desportiva, Cotai, Macau +853 8806 2318, www.mgm.mo
THE COUNTDOWN HOTEL AT CITY OF DREAMS
Take advantage of The Countdown Hotel’s pool day pass that gives you access not only to the guitar-shaped pool but to their well-equipped gym as well. So you could start the day with an intense workout or a volleyball game on their sandy site, then dive into the cool pool water and indulge yourself with a tasty lunch at the poolside Wave bar right after. As a bonus, the location offers great views of Macau’s architectural star, Morpheus.
Opening hours: 8:00am–8:00pm
Price: Adult, MOP $220; Junior (kids of 1.4m and under), MOP $120; Kids under 90cm, free. Until July 31, 2020, enjoy 25% off if using Mpay for payment.
The Countdown Hotel City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau, +853 8868 6688, www.cityofdreamsmacau.com
Squad Staycation
While it’s often tricky to gather all your buddies together in one particular place at a particular time, this sometimes becomes a bit easier if there is a pool in the picture. Trust us, everybody will manage to find an empty window in their busy schedules–or at least the ones that matter will–for a splashing good time!
Photo credit: The St. Regis Macao, Cotai Strip
THE ST. REGIS MACAO, COTAI STRIP
Lavish with an astonishing view of Cotai buildings, sunbeds for power naps, and a pool with the right temperature. Isn’t that a perfect combination to enjoy with friends and family? Have a great and relaxing day without loud music or crowds, and focus on having fun.
This summer, they offer champagne and other drinks, along with some delicious treats like grilled satay, wagyu burger, and charcuteries, served until 6:00pm. You wouldn’t even need to get up from your sunbed as meals are served by the poolside. For ultimate privacy and a shelter from the midday sun, reserve their package with a cabana for four that includes a MOP $1,000 F&B credit, as well as a bottle of champagne!
Opening hours: 10:00am–6:00pm
Price: Pool access – Adult, MOP $250; Children (three–12 years old), MOP $125; Complimentary for children under three years old
Cabana for four (with a bottle of champagne and MOP $1,000 F&B credit) – MOP $1,688 per cabana
The St. Regis Macao, Cotai Strip 8/F, Estrada Do Istmo, S/N, Cotai, +853 2882 8898, www.sandscotaicentral.com/hotels/st-regis-macao
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MACAO, COTAI STRIP
Whether celebrating something extra special or simply seizing the chance to spend a sunny day with a group of mates, Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip will undoubtedly make it memorable. Be prepared to experience excellent service in outstanding surroundings. Chill in a pool with a glass of melon sangria, sway to the tunes of your choice in a private cabana, or take selfies in the waterfall pool. You can count on the helpful and competent staff to discreetly make delicious snacks and drinks magically appear on your table. Book a cabana for six in advance so you won’t miss out. Feel like staying on after the aquatic relaxation? Stop by Splash, their poolside restaurant, for dinner, and a couple of after-sunset cocktails.
Opening hours: 12:00pm–7:00pm
Price: The Cabana Package – MOP $1,000 +10% on weekdays, for up to six guests. This includes equal credit for food and beverage purchases, as well as access to the private pool experience
For reservations, call +853 8112 8343 or email [email protected]
Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip Estrada da Baía de N. Senhora da Esperança, Taipa, +853 8112 8343, www.fourseasons.com
SHERATON GRAND MACAO, COTAI STRIP
Sheraton Grand Macao, Cotai Strip is the place to be if you are looking for a classy, decadent evening by the pool with friends, family, or perhaps your better half. An evening swim in the pool then dinner at the poolside cafe admiring the view of Macau’s own Eiffel Tower–can it get more romantic than that? Head there and experience the ultimate pool dive with an international view! In the daytime, you can book a private cabana and request for a waiter to serve you some cocktails and signature dishes.
Opening hours: 9:00am–7:00pm
Price: Day pass – MOP $150
Cabana package – MOP $968 (with MOP $400 F&B credit)
Sheraton Grand Macao, Cotai Strip Estrada do Istmo. s/n, Cotai, www.sheratongrandmacao.com
BANYAN TREE MACAU
(See featured image above)
Banyan Tree’s alluring package includes luxurious full-service cabana for four to six people, MOP $1,000 food and beverage credit, a bottle of fine champagne (or six bottles of beer, or soft drinks), and access to Banyan Tree outdoor pool, and all the facilities of Galaxy Macau’s Grand Resort Deck. Starting the day off with a glass of sparkling wine is a wonderful sign that your day will go nice and smooth! The exceptional service that Banyan Tree Macau is famous for will guarantee that it will be absolutely trouble-free, too.
Opening hours: 11:00am–6:00pm
Price: MOP $1,500+10% for a cabana of six people (with a maximum of additional two persons (adult or child). An additional charge of MOP $200 per adult (13 years old or above), MOP $100 per child (4 to 12 years old). The price includes MOP $1,000 F&B credit for spending at the cabana
For reservations, call +853 8883 6060 or email [email protected]
Banyan Tree Macau Galaxy Macau, Estrada da Baia de Nossa da Esperança, Cotai, +853 8883 6688, www.banyantree.com
Photo credit: The Macau Roosevelt
The Macau Roosevelt
Sweat in the gym and chill at the pool on the same day! The Macau Roosevelt day pass package includes both access to their fitness center and the pool. Besides, it is the only pool in Macau that doesn’t charge an extra fee for a cabana. You just need to book it or be the first one to occupy it! While you are letting that sunshine in, order yourself a cocktail, and sip it by the poolside for the ultimate sybarite pleasure.
Opening hours: 8:00am–10:00pm
Price: Adult, MOP $165; Kids MOP $110. The price includes the access
The Macau Roosevelt Hotel 3/F, Avenida Dos Jogos da Ásia Oriental, Taipa, +853 8291 3015, www.themacauroosevelt.com
Feast & Splash
Swimming is a great form of cardio and we’re sure after an afternoon of splashing in the pool, your tummy might start to rumble. So how handy is it that many Macau hotels have awesome packages where guests can enjoy both the pool and a fine meal?
SOFITEL MACAU AT PONTE 16
Isn’t it amazing that for just MOP $300 you can access both the pool and the gym? Sofitel Fitness day-pass at Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16 offers a perfect plan for your weekend. Work on your fitness goals at the well-equipped gym. When all exercises are done, reward yourself with a healthy meal by the poolside, at Mistral restaurant. If you head there on Saturday or Sunday, check out the alfresco buffet package that features Boston lobster, New Zealand beef, and, of course, the pool access. After, allow yourself to do nothing but sunbathing, gazing into the horizon, or photographing the panoramic views on Pearl River, occasionally taking a plunge in the pool. Oh, the sweet art de vivre!
Opening hours: Pool & gym, 6:00am–10:00pm; Weekend Seafood Lunch Buffet, 12:00pm–3:0opm, Saturday–Sunday.
Price: Day pass – MOP $300; 10 passes, MOP $2,500
Weekend Seafood Lunch Buffet – Adult, MOP $358 (+MOP $68 for a free flow of wine, beer, sparkling wine); Children, MOP $208. 20% Off with Consumption Subsidy Scheme E-voucher
Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16 Rua do Visconde Paço de Arcos, Macau, +853 8861 7801, www.sofitelmacau.com
Grand Hyatt Macau
If you want to treat your family to a fun afternoon in the sun, bring them to the pool at Grand Hyatt Macau! For only MOP $288 you can enjoy a lunch set and four hours of pool deck access. Palm trees, hot tub, and five-star hotel service is a winning formula for an unforgettable day off with your loved ones. At the end of the day, if your home feels too far away, you can always check in one of the suites for a little staycation. Especially now when the Grand Hyatt Macau is offering an attractive deal.
Opening hours: 10:00am–6:00pm
Price: Adult, MOP $288 (can pay with Macau Consumption Voucher). One adult can accompany no more than two children below 12 years old. A pass for one child below 12 years old is free; the charge for the second child between six and 12 years old is MOP $188 (kid’s meal included); the charge for the second child below six years old is free (no meal included). Four hours of pool access included in the price, MOP $100 for every extra hour. Available until June 30
Cabana deal – Pay additional MOP $600 (includes MOP $500 credit for F&B) for a private cabana (up to six people)
Grand Hyatt Macau City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, +853 8868 1908, www.hyatt.com/en
Photo credit: Studio City Macau
STUDIO CITY MACAU
If you need a moment to relax head to the peaceful sandy beach near the main outdoor pool of Studio City Macau. A spacious pool surrounded by sunbeds and cabanas, it is a tranquil space to seize the day. Until the end of July, take advantage of their Dip and Dine packages that include a package for two, four, and a private cabana package.
Do note that the RiverScape water park is currently closed for renovation.
Opening hours: Outdoor pool, 9:00am–6:30pm; F&B service, 11:00am–6:00pm
Price: Pool pass – Adult, MOP $230; Kids (12 years old or below), MOP $130; Pass for two adults, MOP $300; Family pass, (one adult and one kid) MOP &250
Dip and Dine package – Package for two: MOP $398 (two pool passes with a snack set for two); package for four: MOP $698 (four pool passes with a snack set for four); private cabana package: MOP $1,588 (eight pool passes with cabana and a snack set for eight)
25% off if paying using Mpay
Studio City Macau Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, +853 8865-6868, www.studiocity-macau.com
Photo credit: Regency Art Hotel
Regency Art Hotel
Hooray to summer weekend barbeque by the poolside. One of the coziest and greenest pools in the city invites families to spend their day off by the water enjoying smoky BBQ delights and splashing in the pool. Enjoy the selection of meat, salad, and seafood and take a break from the hustle of bustle of the city at this tranquil oasis.
Opening hours: BBQ at the poolside, 11:30am–3:00pm
Price: Adult, MOP $200; Kids, MOP $100. Each parent can bring one child under six years old for free. Price for the second child under six is MOP $80
Regency Art Hotel 2 Estrada Almirante Marques Esparteiro, Taipa, +853 2883 1234, www.regencyarthotel.com.mo
This article was originally written by Ksenia Kuzmina in July 2018 and updated by Leonor Sá Machado in June 2019 and by Ksenia Kuzmina in June 2020.
