Sip a tropical drink and enjoy the poolside cabanas.[Photo provided to Shanghai Star]

Poolside cabanas

The Banyan Tree hotels are famous for their world-class spas but the property at the Galaxy Macau resort also offers a great poolside retreat. For those who cannot survive the summer heat without air conditioning, their poolside cabanas serve as the perfect way to keep cool as you can practically dive out of the hut and into the water.

This summer the hotel is offering a special package for four for HK$1,500 (1,200 yuan) that includes use of a cabana and the pool as well as welcome drinks and snacks from 11 am to 6 pm. Another perk to put a smile on your face as you sip mojitos in the sun is free WIFI access.

Avenida Marginal Flor de Lotus, Cotai 澳門路氹城蓮花海濱大馬路悅榕莊

Tel: 853-8883-6888

Boogie in the pool

Families with children may prefer to head to the Grand Resort Deck of the Galaxy Macau resort. At 4,000 square meters it has the world’s largest sky top pool, which can generate waves as high as 1.5 meters. Every morning and afternoon there is an hour’s worth of “boogie time” when a professional coach helps beginners learn how to surf. But for novices like me, just staying balanced on the board proved to be a huge challenge.

The white sand beach is not the quietest in Macao due to all the manically excited children, but it’s good enough for a short respite. Two costumed actors on stilts parade around providing photo opportunities for a souvenir snapshot.

Older people may opt to seek refuge in the tropical gardens nearby. There is a Japanese garden, a butterfly garden and a rococo garden, as well as a lawn area, making this the ideal place to relax and enjoy the verdant surroundings. It’s especially nice to take a stroll here at sunset.

Galaxy Macau, Cotai 澳門路氹城澳門銀河綜合渡假城內

Tel: 853-2882-1211 Opening hours: 8 am to 10 pm daily.