Macau

Macau

We are all becoming accustomed to the statistics that keep coming out of Macau- the tiny former Portuguese enclave in the South-East of China that has become the biggest gambling center on the planet.

Macau, China, is just over the Pearl River delta from Hong Kong, itself an old colonial trading post, and this territory is now the rich man of Asia according to the latest statistics on GDP. It has overtaken Asian tigers Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan among others and even puts the super rich oil state of Brunei into the shade.

GDP per head in Macau went up a whopping 27 percent to $36,000 a head last year.

This is mostly down to gambling revenues, which went up a staggering 47% and now top $10.34 billion. Most forecasters agree that this growth will continue to grow with by 23 percent in 2008 and 20 percent for the next 2 years.

The gambling revenues in Macau have now overtaken those of Las Vegas.

Now, that´s the statistics over and done with. I’ve just got back from a trip to Macau, and suffice to say, that if you enjoy a flutter at the tables you have to go. We stayed at The Venetian at The Cotai Strip which looks similar to its cousin in Las Vegas, only it´s bigger. One thing you´ll notice, is that ringing of the bells at the Sic Bo tables when you are on the casino floor. This ancient dice game is a favorite with the locals.

The great thing about Macau is its proximity to Hong Kong, which is just a short jet foil trip away across the Pearl River delta. So you can mix up the holiday with some sightseeing and a spot of shopping. Taken together as a package, Hong Kong and Macau are hard to beat.

But our top tip for a casino holiday to Macau? Spend a few nights at the casinos, but when you have had enough of the hustle and bustle, move over to Westin Resort Macau is located by Hac Sa Beach, overlooking the South China Sea. The Westin is on the southeastern tip of Coloane Island, about 15 minutes from the Cotai strip, but in feel, you couldn’t be farther away.

This is a taste of the old Macau from the times before the Vegas giants moved in. It´s an incredibly serene place. 10 minutes walk away along the beach at the other side of the bay is Fernandos: a family run restaurant that has been serving fresh fish and deep fried garlic prawns for generations.

And if you get itchy for the adrenaline buzz of the casinos? Grab a cab and in 15 minutes you are there.