10 Reasons Macau Should Be Your Next Destination in Asia

Macau was Europe’s last colony in Asia. The southern Chinese city was a Portuguese outpost for more than 400 years. The territory was leased to Portugal in 1557 and was eventually handed back to China on December 20 1999. Those 400 years of Portuguese rule certainly left their mark; from architecture to food and even language, the unique assimilation of Chinese and Portuguese cultures in Macau has made it one of a kind.

With a per capita GDP of US$91,000, Macau is the fourth richest territory in the world and the richest city in Asia. Most of these riches come from its huge gambling industry. In the past five years, its casinos have generated US $70 billion in taxes, making it the largest gambling centre in the world. Macau is so rich it even pays its residents. The Macau Government gives all of its permanent residents an annual dividend (about US$1,200) and non-permanent residents receive about US$670 each year. This amount has remained unchanged since 2014.

According to the CIA World Fact Book 2017, Macau citizens enjoy the 4th-longest life expectancy in the world with an average age of 84.60. As the world’s most successful gambling city, it’s not a lifestyle that you would necessarily associate with long life or relaxation. However, a lot of the profits the government makes from the casinos gets pumped into free healthcare and welfare programmes. Others believe that the Macau diet and exercise have a significant effect too.

Living the five-star luxury lifestyle generally costs less in Macau than neighbouring Hong Kong. On Weekdays, especially, room rates can be a real steal and you can get more room for your buck. Several five-star hotels offer reasonable rates, often with extra privileges thrown in, including Mandarin Oriental Macau, JW Marriott and the Venetian Macao. Better still, when an ordinary hotel suite just won’t do, consider staying at one of the mansions at Sofitel Macau. If you’re going to stay, you might as well stay in style!