10 Things To Do in City of Dreams Macau

While I love going to beaches and appreciating the beauty of nature, I have to admit that I'm quite the city girl, a true urban dweller. So when I first heard that City of Dreams is coming to Manila, I was ecstatic! And you know why? Because City of Dreams Macau has been a memorable urban resort for me. And I can't wait to relive the experience when City of Dreams Manila finally opens! Which is very, very soon, by the way.

But for the mean time...

Let me share with you the 10 Things To Do in City of Dreams Macau besides gaming, 'cause we already know what big boys and big girls do when in this casino resort.

1. See the 360° multimedia show Dragon's Treasure

This show is much more magical in person!

A fine greeting upon stepping foot onto City of Dreams Macau. This is the first thing on our itinerary after getting off the plane, and it was definitely the show we needed to see first. Dragon's Treasure will take visitors into the world of immersive multimedia where the four Dragon Kings explore the mysterious powers of the Dragon Pearl, while introducing you their magical kingdoms. And there are a lot more eyecandies to keep you in awe -- jellyfishes, mermen, fishes big and small, volcanoes, and a lot more.

Dragon's Treasure, also known as The Bubble Show, is an HD visual feast that will not fail to amaze. It takes place at The Bubble, the biggest special effects projection dome in the world specifically built for this show. Whether you look up or from side to side, you'll still get to enjoy this multimedia experience powered by over 29,000 LED lights, on top of its engaging originally composed music.

Dragon's Treasure runs for 18 minutes long and is shown every 30 minutes from 12NN to 8PM. Ticket prices are MOP 50 for adults, MOP 30 for Macau residents, MOP 25 for children 3 to 12 years of age, and MOP 30 for senior citizens.

2. Shop at The Boulevard

Oh-so-beautiful Bvlgari Serpenti watch... Can one of my admirers gift me this?

What's an urban resort without shopping, right? For the latest in haute couture, accessories, premium beauty products, jewelry, exquisite timepieces and more, there's The Shops at The Boulevard.

Although what we mostly did was not actual shopping but window shopping, The Shops at The Boulevard is still a great area to get lost in. There's a pretty long list of shops like Bvlgari, Gucci, Burberry, T Galleria by DFS, Cartier, and IWC among others.

Matching Gucci bags

More bags at Burberry

Enjoying a hand massage by La Mer at T Galleria

For those looking for delicacies to bring home, there's also a Koi Kei Bakery shop where you can get almond flakes, Portuguese cookies, orange-peel cakes, cashew crispy candies and more. I bought some treats for my family and friends and they loved it!

3. Explore SOHO

A fun and vibrant dining and entertainment district, SOHO is not unknown to New York, London, Hong Kong and Shanghai. And now, to City of Dreams Macau too. This hub brings together all the colorful facets of city life, with fun, interactive features, swanky street art and graffiti, trendy restaurants and bars, and even daily live performances.

Groupfie at the interactive wall-cum-photobooth

Just one of the cool graffiti artworks in SOHO Macau

Holographic street dance show... So cool!

An isle of some of the restaurants and bars

This is where one can just get lost and enjoy taking tons of selfies and OOTDs. It's also the trendy place-to-be to see, be seen, and chill out with family and friends. And have I mentioned there are 16 dining establishments all over SOHO? So whether you're adventurous or picky, you can be sure to find the food, or even booze, perfect for you!

4. Get a heavenly massage at the Crown Spa

There are 3 spas in City of Dreams Macau, and I'm sure you'll get your needed pampering time at any of them. However, if you can, I recommend getting one at the world-class Crown Spa which has been named Best Luxury Hotel Spa in Macau in the 2011, 2012 and 2013 World Luxury Spa Awards, and Forbes 5-Star Spa 2014. This is one, if not, the most luxurious spas in Macau. And it's definitely the spa-to-go if you're looking for the ultimate rejuvenating spa experience set in a resort spa environment.

Time for a well-deserved pampering session!

Until today, my experience at Crown Spa is still the pampering session to beat. I've been treated to such an unforgettable spa time that it had set my standards to new heights. The spa specializes in Crown Shell Massage (MOP 1,380) which incorporates Swedish and Lomi-Lomi massage techniques with heated lava shells giving deep relaxation and weightless balance throughout the body. It's also said to nourish the skin and release deep-seated tension.

Read the full blog post on my Crown Spa experience here.

5. Receive the flow of good fortune at the Vquarium

Beautiful virtual mermaid

This is a nice attraction adults and kids will enjoy.

Most of the attractions in City of Dreams Macau requires tickets. However, if you're looking for something free, then there's the Vquarium which is also said to bring good luck to viewers. Located just outside the casino, this is a great free show to watch if you want to marvel at another virtual spectacle City of Dreams Macau has to offer. Or if you're on your way to play at the casino, this is a good way to receive additional flow of good fortune from the dancing mermaids.

6. Have a meal at COD Macau restaurants

Isn't this dumpling from Beijing Kitchen just beautiful?

Oh-so-yummy Beijing-style duck skin also from Beijing Kitchen

Read my full review on Beijing Kitchen here.

There are a LOT of restaurants in City of Dreams Macau -- from the 16 dining establishments at SOHO, and restaurants at The Shops at The Boulevard, to the specialty restaurants housed in the 3 hotels. Whether you crave for Chinese, Pan-Asian or Western cuisine, there's something for you in City of Dreams Macau. Even those looking for a bar or a cafe to hang out will not be disappointed.

A seafood feast at Mezza9!

Mezza9's dessert platter... 'Cause one dessert isn't enough.

Read my full review on Mezza9 here.

Two of the restaurants we got to try was Beijing Kitchen and Mezza9 both inside the Grand Hyatt Hotel. The former specializes in Northern Chinese cuisine, while the latter is more of a people-pleaser serving different kinds of international fares. But although they serve different kinds of food, I had a really good time at both restaurants. Just check out their very enticing plates! I can assure you, they tasted as good as they looked!

7. Experience TABOO at Club Cubic

Another of the must-see shows when in City of Dreams Macau is TABOO, a playful cabaret experience created by Franco Dragone that features spectacular performances and provocative acts that challenge the senses. This very exciting show is set at Club Cubic, Macau's most prestigious nightclub.

Club Cubic's main area

Blue and Pink Private Rooms at Club Cubic

White and Black Private Rooms at Club Cubic Macau

Club Cubic in itself is something worth checking out. It features a spectacular performing stage, a laser lit dance pool, 30,000 sq. ft. across two levels of live entertainment space, a Gothic-style bar and Asia’s first Perrier-Jouët champagne bar. On the upper level, it also houses 5 VIP rooms of different styles and themes to fit your mood, some of which are also equipped with a balcony that grants an unencumbered view of the sizzling action down below.

Venetian mask, lacey whip and Perrier-Jouët to set the mood.

Trivia: TABOO lead singer Trenyce is top 5 on American Idol Season 2.

One of my most favorite acts of the night. This couple is just marvelous!

Some of the performances might be a little shocking for the PG-13 at heart. But I assure you, every act is done tastefully and will make you say "Wow!" every time. Sure, there's nudity. There's plenty of sensuality. And there are even acts that hint at bondage. However, despite my conservative upbringing, nothing in TABOO was cringe-worthy. From the singing, the dancing, the acrobatic performances, the fire eating, and everything in between, I have nothing but praises to the beautiful, talented and amazing cast of TABOO. I seriously clapped as hard as I could after every act!

When in City of Dreams Macau, you should definitely check out TABOO! Ticket prices start at HKD 580 and go up to HKD 1,180 depending on the day and seating.

Click here for more info and to buy tickets.

8. Have your well-deserved staycation

City of Dreams Macau is home to 3 amazing hotels -- Crown Towers, Grand Hyatt, and Hard Rock, so what better way to spend time here than to have a staycation?

My home for 2 nights in Hard Rock Hotel Macau

For our 2-night stay in Macau, we were booked in the Hard Rock Hotel that's not only swanky, but also oozing with endless rock and roll vibe. I didn't get to fully explore the hotel as we had a lot of ground to cover, but I still enjoyed my room so much. Just look at that soft, plush king-sized bed... All that and more just to myself!

Read the full blog post on my Hard Rock Hotel Macau experience here.

I don't think I'll ever get to stay in one, but if you're able, Grand Hyatt Macau and Crown Towers have really high-roller suites you might want to consider checking in to. We were only brought there to tour. So yeah... Unless I magically win in the sweepstakes, a tour will be the closest thing I could do in these beautiful suites.

Living and dining area in Grand Hyatt's Presidential Suite

The beautiful master's bedroom and drool-worthy bath

Grand Hyatt Macau's Presidential Suite is a delicious 220 sqm. corner suite with a private bedroom wing, a beautiful marble master bath, as well as living, sitting and dining rooms, a study lounge, kitchenette and even a fitness equipment. Now, isn't this a hotel room you'd want to stay in? I know, I'd love to! #hanggangpangarapnalang

Living and dining area in Crown Towers' Crystal Suite

An elegant master's bedroom and that super swanky jacuzzi bath

Crown Towers' Crystal Suite is another lavish room that feels more like an apartment with 250 sqm. floor size. There are 2 bedrooms, each equipped with its own bath, a living and dining area, and even a full-sized kitchen. Now this is the suite to get should you want to bond with family or friends yet still enjoy the privacy and luxury of your own room.

9. Get a taste of Michelin Star restaurants

I might've already shared how City of Dreams Macau is home to a good number of restaurants. However, let me stress further that City of Dreams is also a dining destination in Macau as it houses 2 restaurants, each with a Michelin Star under its belt.

Iberico Barbecue Pork, Steamed Signature Live Tiger Prawn Dumpling,
and Baked Turnip Puff with Yunnan Ham at Jade Dragon

Beautiful Stir-Fried Prawns with Lobster Bisque at Jade Dragon

Included in the Michelin Guide to Hong Kong & Macau, and ranked 6th in Top 20 Best Restaurants of 2014 in Hong Kong Tatler Best Restaurants guide, Jade Dragon is the restaurant-to-be at for exquisite and meticulously-prepared fine-dining Cantonese fare.

From the appetizers, to the mains dishes, down to the desserts, I have to say that every element during our visit was perfect. And I also have to mention their excellent tea selection. Seriously, if you love Cantonese food and are willing to shell out some $$$ for really, really good food, then you won't regret a meal indulged at Jade Dragon!

Read my full review on Jade Dragon here.

Octopus ham with tomatoes and sea urchin amuse bouche at The Tasting Room

Beautiful Chocolate banana mille-fuille and macaron at The Tasting Room

Another must-visit restaurant is The Tasting Room By Galliot. This contemporary French fine dining destination is the first in City of Dreams Macau to receive a Michelin Star. It's also a Forbes Travel Guide and Hong Kong Tatler-recognized restaurant.

While not every dish I was served wowed me, I can definitely say The Tasting Room has very creative and innovative must-order items that will blow any foodie away! Look for their Golden Egg with Tasmanian Winter Truffle, Contemporary Onion Soup, and Chocolate Banana Mille-Fuille, and you're sure to have a good time.

Read my full review on The Tasting Room here.

10. Watch the magical House of Dancing Water

We already got to watch other shows in City of Dreams Macau, but a visit to this casino resort will never be complete without watching The House of Dancing Water which is, in my opinion, the best show I've ever seen! EVER!

A production by Franco Dragone Entertainment Group, The House of Dancing Water is a breathtaking show staged in the purpose-built Dancing Water Theater which features approximately 2,000 seats and an amazing stage that transforms -- from a solid ground to a stage pool that holds a record-breaking 3.7 million gallons of water, and back.

One of the first few acts that had me at the edge of my seat.

Love how emotional and dynamic this scene was!

Motorbike stunts... Who would have thought?

The prettiest chandelier i've ever seen! #humanchandelier #dancingwater #CityofDreamsManila #CityofDreamsMacau @cityofdreamsmanila

A video posted by Sumi Go | The Purple Doll ♡ (@sumirehana013) on Jul 7, 2014 at 4:06am PDT

There's a mix of everything in The House of Dancing Water. Dancing, martial arts, exhilarating stunts, motorcycles -- every act will make sure you keep your eyes peeled, as when you thought you've already seen the best part, they wow you with yet another great act! And even if I got to watch it already, it's something worth watching again. An epic love story and spectacular journey through time, showcasing dazzling costumes, special effects and record breaking acts never seen before in a theater. Truly, The House of Dancing Water is a one-of-a-kind show one shouldn't miss!

Ticket prices for The House of Dancing Water start from HKD 406 for children and range from HKD 580 to HKD 1,580 for adults depending on the day and seating.

Click here for more info and to buy tickets.

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I was very fortunate to have experienced such an amazing time at City of Dreams Macau, and I can't wait to finally relive the experience Philippines style when City of Dreams Manila opens. Although not all these will be brought to Manila, I'm sure there will be surprises that await guests and visitors.

City of Dreams Manila, like COD Macau, will also house 3 luxurious hotels -- Crown Towers, Hyatt and Nobu Hotel. There's also great news for foodies like myself! Nobu, The Tasting Room and The Café will be opening doors to treat us to gastronomic delights. That's all I know so far, but I'm sure, in time, City of Dreams Manila will also be home to lavish spas and hopefully, world-class entertainment.


In case you want to stay updated on news about City of Dreams Manila, check out their Facebook Page. And for a sneak peek, here's City of Dreams Manila's official website, as well as Crown Towers', Hyatt City of Dreams Manila's, and Nobu Hotel Manila's.

For more information on City of Dreams Macau, visit their official website.