Macau, known as the ”Monte Carlo of the East”, is the "Gambling Capital of the World”.
The majority of the luxury hotel-casinos are located in Cotai or Cotai Strip — reclaimed land between the islands of Coloane and Taipa.
But, my visit many years ago to this once-Portuguese colony — where in the 1850s gambling was legalised by the government — was not to gamble! I just wanted a short break somewhere nearby and the chance to visit the Ruins of St Paul.
A great hotel deal made the trip much sweeter as did the delicious food at reasonable prices at casino restaurants. The weather in November was perfect — like being in air-conditioning outdoors — which made walking everywhere a breeze!
Portuguese influence is particularly noticeable in Menado Square, the Taipa Houses and the older parts of Macau.