Tulabut: Not only for casinos

MACAU - Who said that this gorgeous place is only for gambling?

If you did, just like me, you have got to rethink and visit this Special Administrative Region of People's Republic of China.

What made me say that on just the first day of our stay here? Well, for one, I was billeted at this fantastic Four Seasons Hotel at COTAI Strip which does not have a casino. No slot machines, no gaming tables. Nothing like that. Nothing but the perfect tranquility and serenity for those who seek peace and quiet while on either business or pleasure.

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Right from the very minute our group arrived at Four Seasons two nights ago from the airport here, I knew it was going to be calm and refreshing. While the hotel has outstanding occupancy rate, the lobby - with its grandiosity reflected on two huge staircases, chandeliers and China ware - was without the loud chats, rush, runs and elbows that you would normally be in five-star hotel waiting areas.

And how I love the dinner set-up made exclusively for us. Right after checking in, we were ushered in to the Splash Restaurant of the hotel by Joao Novikoff Sales, PR executive of Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO).

It was an Al Fresco light dinner by not one but five swimming pools all around us. Again, contrary to what one would have in an environment like that, Four Seasons Hotel exudes its characteristic of having only but the relaxing mood, away from the noise. The candle light, together with the Filipina waitresses and local food servers made the food more terrific and delicious.

At Splash, we were joined by Julius Santos, the hotel's Director of Marketing. This busy hotel executive and photography buff who lived in Negros did not only find time to be with Philippine media and executives from Cebu Pacific. He was more than kind to offer us free wi-fi connections in our individual de luxe rooms and at the business center.

Marrying the flavours of the world, Splash serves up a selection of seasonal starters, salads, grilled fish and meats. A refreshing option for unwinding and rejuvenating, Splash offers an enticing range of culinary textures, tastes and colours, and an expansive cocktail and wine list, in a comfortable resort-like setting.

I tell you, the hotel does not only have superb amenities but also very accommodating staff. For one, are group was met by no less than the general manager Royal Rowe and public relations officer Andrina Leong.

So what else have you got to do while in Macau? Plentiful.

At the Four Season's alone, one's day could get busy with checking the Fitness Centre which is open 24/7. Yes, round the clock with the latest in cardiovascular equipment, weight-training machines and free weights. To enhance your workout experience, machines feature individual LCD televisions and headphones for your enjoyment.

And for those who love to pamper themselves, they can try the Spa at the fourth floor. A wide range of soothing treatments may be enjoyed in 14 private spa suites overlooking the Hotel's five pools. In between sessions, the separate lounges provide a peaceful enclave for relaxing. All the spa's offerings have been carefully designed to restore, enrich and heal the body and the soul.

Separate men's and women's spa areas each offer a sauna, an experience shower, an ice fountain and a vitality pool in which guests can enjoy a full-body massage created by water and air jets. The treatment rooms, including five double rooms, each feature steam, a shower and a private bathroom.

The Spa offers a wide range of treatments including massages, facials, hand and foot treatments, pregnancy treatments and body treatments, including body scrubs and wraps.

Four Seasons Hotel is a perfect place to start and cap the day. For those who still want to try their luck, this hotel is a walking distance to the ultimate casino experience at the COTAI strip. The hotel is connected to the popular Venetian Macao and the Plaza Casino.

So what else have you got to do while in Macau? Plentiful again.

I have just written about our hotel experience. In my next column, we will talk about the rest of the fun - outdoors, culture, food, people.

Macau is such a great destination for the family.

Cebu Pacific offers the lowest year-round fare which starts at P1,999. Yes, for the price of probably 10 big burger meals, one can begin to save and book a flight to this former Portuguese colony.

It is the most convenient flight for those coming from Central and Northern Luzon provinces, with its M-W-F and Sunday flights that leaves DMIA in Clark at 7 p.m., then make a return flight at 9:40 p.m.

And mind you, the flight going here are not only on time. We got here 20 minutes ahead of our ETA. What makes the flight more convenient are the friendly ground and cabin crew, with all their smiles and assistance. Not to be left out, of course, is this very interesting and charming PR executive from JG Summit - Cebu Pacific's holding company - Viveca Singson, corporate communications manager. We were also joined by the airline's long-time PR consultant and hardworking Charles Lim and airline staff Mitch De Guzman, MGTO lady executive Charina Puno who all helped arrange this thrill and experience for media.

From DMIA, Cebu Pacific also flies to Cebu, Bankok, Hongkong, Singapore. You can check the schedules at www.cebupacificair.com or call (02) 702-0888