14 Hectares of Paradise ~ Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

I had an opportunity to go to Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu for 2 nights and 3 days. I don't think I can afford the luxury of Shangri-La Mactan if not for the Company where I work. Hee, really thanks! Though it was an official trip [which others will not like], I still had a great time because I was in the company of good people. Likewise, we were able to enjoy some of the resorts facilities.

The Infinity Pool

Shangri-La Mactan as many would know is just one the many chain of Shangri-La Resorts and Spa. It is one of Philippine's premier five-star resort. Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa is a lush garden retreat ideal for vacationers and families, with kid's play areas, a wide range of restaurants, and CHI, one of the largest and most luxurious spas in the region. [and expensive ^^]

Situated on tropical Mactan Island in the Philippines, the resort is a short distance from the airport and ideally located for both leisure and business travelers.

The 14 hectares of lush tropical greenery resort is equipped with private beach cove, 2 swimming pools one of which is called Infinity Pool and the other one is a multi-level pool, health clubs, gyms, sauna, steam bath and massage room.

Photo courtesy of www.shangri-la.com

Recreational activities include para sailing, sailboats, kayaking, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, speedboat fun rides, water and jet skiing, golf, tennis and many more.
There are facilities for toddlers, kids, teens and adults too.

There are many restaurants and Lounges to choose from. There's Tides a buffet of international dishes. Tea of Spring which offer Chinese cuisine. Cowrie Cove where one can experience a different level of wining and dining by the sea. Acqua [yes, that's the spelling] that offers Italian cuisine in the plush modern interiors that also offers a panoramic view of the Ocean Wing pool and the clear blue ocean. There is also the Buko Bar and Grill where one can quench that thirst with fresh coconut juice served straight from its shell, sip exotic cocktails and watch cultural shows at night. And there is also the Lobby Lounge which is overlooking the lush tropical garden, the resort's multi-level pool and the horizon beyond. It also offers live entertainment nightly. There are so many things that can be done while staying in Shangri-la Mactan. You can also go to the major shopping areas and shop for souvenirs by taking the free shuttle bus. During our stay, I had the comfort of staying in Superior Bay View with my lady boss who also happens to be my photographer on the last day of our trip. The room overlooks lush gardens with a view of Mactan Bay. The décor comprises an inviting blend of traditional and contemporary Philippine styles. The room offers a private balcony with a coffee table and seating for two.

View from room 8092

On the last day of our stay, I went to Chi Spa just to look and take photos. Honestly even if I can afford the rates which is 3 to 4 times more compared to 1^st class spas in Manila, I don't think I can have a massage in Chi Spa ^^ I think it really caters to foreign guests. Btw, out of curiosity I asked if all the treatment rooms are occupied, and to my surprised all were occupied. I was told that reservations must be made in advance for them to accommodate me. ^^ Anyway, you may check here to know the rate at Chi Spa.

The resort was fully booked last week and I think about 80% of the guests were foreigners [there were Caucasians which I don't know the nationality, lots of Koreans, many Japanese [on vacation because of Ubon], Chinese and Singaporeans as well].

Shangri-La Mactan is paradise. I love the serene world that it offered me. I love the prevalent mood in which feelings were sheathed in thoughts.

What makes also the stay worthwhile is the service quality of the staff of Shangri-La Mactan. It is one of the best. They have superior service and the staff show genuine warm hospitality. For the short time that we stayed in the resort, with all the demands and changes from our group the staff were all very accommodating. I received many positive feedbacks about the overall experience our group had during our 3-day stay in Mactan. It's really amazing how they've managed to create a culture of service across the organization. It is highly commendable.

During our stay we were able to squeeze in a half day tour but unfortunately we weren't able to see all that was included in our itinerary.

First stop is Liberty Shrine which is located in Punta Engano, Mactan Island, a good walking distance from the Resort, this monument stands to honour the spot where on April 27, 1519 the first Filipino hero, Lapu-Lapu, and his warriors killed Magellan in battle and drove his troops back to the sea.



Then to LapuLapu Monument where the battle between Mactan Island Chieftain Lapulapu and the foreign aggressor Ferdinand Magellan occured in April 27, 1521 . It depicts the hero holding a bolo (large sword) in one hand and a pestle on the other. Said weapons were believed to have been used during his combat with Magellan. This monument stands as a reminder of Filipino bravery.

We then proceeded to Alegre Guitars factory. Mactan, Cebu is known for making the finest guitars in the Philippines. Cebu has a guitar-making industry. Most (if not all) guitars are hand-crafted and sell well below the price of more well known guitars. This is taken at the Alegre Guitar factory in Abuno on Mactan Island.

We were told that the more complicated the brace
of the guitar is the better sounding it is

From Mactan we went to the Cebu City which is about 45 minutes to an hour trip and went straight to Majestic Restaurant to have our lunch. The restaurant offers Chinese buffet with over 50 viands for a price of P350net!

After our sumptuous lunch we went to the higher part of the city where the astonishing architecture of the Taoist Temple can be found.








This work of art is located in the wealthy residential community of Beverly Hills about 6 km north of downtown Cebu. This temple is said to be preserving the teachings of Lao-Tse, the 600 B.C. Chinese philosopher. A soaring, multi-tiered, multi-hued attraction accessible by three separate winding routes. Attractions here consist of a huge colorful dragon, a replica of the Great Wall of China, spacious balconies offering scenic views, souvenir shops, mini library with instructional materials, and dozens of escalating steps.

Our last stop before heading back is Magellan's Cross. Planted in April 21, 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan; spot where the first Christian Filipinos, Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana and about 400 followers, were baptized by Fr. Pedro Valderema. In 1525 to 1740, the Agustinian priests built an open shrine for the cross but the natives began to take chips from the cross believing it had miraculous power so a kiosk-like structure was built to protect the cross from total destruction. To protect it further, a hallow cross of tinadalo wood was made to encase the original cross which still stands today.

Devotees line up to light a candle and make a petition outside
of the Basilica de Sto Nino in Cebu City.

After Basilica de Sto Nino, we then went back to Shangri-La. The tour was too short, there could have been more places to go to but we really do not have much time. When we got back, i immediately changed into my swimwear and headed to the beach and pool ^^

Ahhhh, life is so good!