Story & photos by Bernard L. Supetran
ASK any jaded globetrotter on his favorite islands in the world, and chances are Cebu would be among them. With the merry mix of nature, adventure and culture, and everything in between, this huge archipelagic province is an irresistible pick.
In a recent survey of Travel + Leisure, Cebu emerged as Asia’s 7th Best Island and the world’s second best in 2017 by Conde Nast Traveler, and the list goes on. And to a large extent, the adjacent island of Mactan is largely to be credited for this string of accolades with its powdery beaches, amazing underwater and world-class resorts and hotels.
Lapu-Lapu City, named after the local chieftain who defeated the fabled navigator Ferdinand Magellan, comprises much of the island and is the international gateway to this tropical hideaway with a spanking newly opened airport. Dubbed the historic resort city, it has become a satellite of Cebu City and has been serving as its beach and watersports hub since time immemorial.
Situated just across a narrow channel, Mactan transports guests to a different dimension, away from Cebu’s madding urban crowd. Not only is it the site of the telltale Battle of Mactan, which was the first defense for freedom from a colonial power, the island is also an exotic retreat where one can hop from one luxurious getaway to the next.
An old guard in the industry is Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, which opened in 1989, when it was yet a frontier area. With only 14 cottages, it set the bar for the resort standard and has placed the village of Maribago on the tourism map. Over the decades, the property has grown to 200 well-appointed rooms and will be adding 64 rooms more this year.
Despite the expansion, it has remained a low-density property conducive for both business and leisure because of its panoramic beachfront, watersports activities, delectable cuisine and an acclaimed spa service. This four-star resort is a recipient of the prestigious Asean Green Hotel Standard twice for its environmentally sustainable practices that it has exported across the Bluewater chain. For the young and the young-at-heart, The Happy Beach is a refreshing addition to Maribago’s resort colony. Known for its Instagrammable setup, the compact resort is composed of the Pink Pool, Pink Bali Lounge, Floating Zoo and Animal Cabanas, and an expansive Inflatable Island that will surely relive the happy moments of our childhood.
Aside from being an eye candy, The Happy Beach combines the charm of Singaporean-inspired architecture and the vibe of a contemporary haunt for beach bums. It also takes pride in its good food and beverage, which the resort takes seriously, despite the atmosphere of fun.
There is never a dull and boring moment with the chill-out music, the guests’ youthful vibe, the staff’s happy disposition, and the Water Babies Show and the Fire Dance Show. These and more will make those beyond the youth category that age is indeed just a number.
A global brand that recently made its presence felt is Dusit Thani, a 272-room, three-building hotel that sits on the island’s peninsula. Set to fully operate late this year, the third building is an all-suite wing for VIPs with an exclusive oasis pool.
The five-star property boasts of a grand ballroom, two function rooms, a fitness gym, boutique stores, a pastry bakeshop, aquasports facilities, an open deck garden, three dining outlets and Dusit Thani’s iconic shops—Benjarong Restaurant and Namm Spa.
For the midmarket, the artsy Be Resort has an enviable secluded pocket beach, an inflatable play island, and a panoramic view of Olango Island, a sanctuary for migratory birds, a must-see in Mactan. The newly refurbished resort has charmed Asian and Filipino families with its friendly feel and gastronomic treats at its Salt Restaurant.
The boutique hotel also offers tours within Cebu and nearby Bohol province through its sister resort in Panglao.
But on top of its glistening shores, Mactan is also a preferred hub for scuba diving with its lush marine world, notably at the Shangri-La Marine Sanctuary, which undergoes periodical cleanup, biodiversity check, population control of the crown of thorns and other efforts to nurture underwater life.
For extreme sports aficionados, Mactan is a mecca for triathlons—most notably the Ironman, which it has hosted several times. Come August 11, it will be an adventure playground once more in the Regent Aguila Ironman Philippines 70.3, which will gather the globe’s top triathletes in a grueling swim-bike-run tourney.
The event kicks off with the 1.5-km swim leg at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, which has been a perennial starting point and finish line with the 21-km run. The luxe hotel was named “Hotel of the Year” last year in the prestigious Philippine Sports Tourism Awards for its constant support to the Ironman series since 2012.
“We are honored to have been selected as the country’s best hotel for sports tourism. Being a passionate athlete myself, we are proud that Shangri-La has been home to the Ironman triathlon for eight consecutive years and counting. This recognition only inspires us to continue to create excellent and delightful experiences for all guests, especially for the athletes,” said Rene Egle, the resort general manager, who joined the 2016 edition.
With the confluence of the ocean, sports, luscious food, cultural heritage and a naturally warm populace, Mactan’s magical spell will keep you coming back again and again.
Image credits: Bernard L. Supetran
1 comment
why did you leave out the top 5 resorts in mactan… your reporting is incomplete