Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu

The name "Shangri-la" was given to a legendary paradise in the Himalayan mountains which promised eternal youth, peace and happiness as immortalized in the novel "Lost Horizon" by British author James Hilton. So just by the word itself, every stay promises elegance, tranquility and comfort. It is 8 kilometers away from the domestic and international airport of Mactan. It is conveniently located facing the Hilutungan Channel with ...
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I live just 1.5 kilometers away from Shangri-la, here in our little island paradise called Mactan Island. I've been here a couple of times but that was only for swimming, dining or just looking around. I have stayed here for 3 days (courtesy of a friend!).


My first observation was with their maximum security. The moment we enter the main entrance, there were many security personnel inspecting our car and K-9 dogs sniffing ... more

The name "Shangri-la" was given to a legendary paradise in the Himalayan mountains which promised eternal youth, peace and happiness as immortalized in the novel "Lost Horizon" by British author James Hilton. So just by the word itself, every stay promises elegance, tranquility and comfort. It is 8 kilometers away from the domestic and international airport of Mactan. It is conveniently located facing the Hilutungan Channel with the Magellan Bay at the back.

I live just 1.5 kilometers away from Shangri-la, here in our little island paradise called Mactan Island. I've been here a couple of times but that was only for swimming, dining or just looking around. I have stayed here for 3 days (courtesy of a friend!).

My first observation was with their maximum security. The moment we enter the main entrance, there were many security personnel inspecting our car and K-9 dogs sniffing around. A few meters after, there is another security check. Then after all the security checkpoints, we drove through a pocket forest with a mini zoo before we get into their main lobby. And the K-9 dogs were there waiting to sniff us again! But no worries, these huge, fierce-looking dogs are so tame and friendly, I even gave one a cuddle. Check in process was so convenient since it wasn't peak season, coupled with the warm smiles of the front desk people.

Our room was in the 8th floor seaview. The view was spectacular! The room smells fresh and feels so homey. There were many amenities and features which includes color tv with cable tv reception, CAT 5 internet access, pay per view, IDD telephones with bathroom extensions, fully stocked mini bar and refrigerator, in-room locker, tea and coffee making facilities, hair fryer, bathrobe and slippers, central air conditioning with individual control, voicemail message and wake-up call service, laundry and valet service.

The most popular restaurant is Tides at the garden level. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet. They serve grill, Asian, noodles, Japanese and cold. At night, we went to Cowrie Cove, a chill out bar with in-house disc jockey. It opens from 6pm to 2am and located at the seafront, next to the boat jetty. They have live seafood with sushi counter and oyster bar. The Lobby Lounge at the main lobby also have live band performances. But if you feel lazy, you can order room service from their international menu and it will be bought to your room in a stylish presentation by a handsome and smiling in-room dining attendant. They also have other restaurants (which i haven't been to). For Chinese cuisine, there is Tea of Spring. If you opt for anything italian, you can go to Acqua.

Shangri-la has two swimming pools. The main pool is a multi-level 1,500 square meter surface swimming pool and sundeck areas with separate children's pool while the other is 700 square meter called the Infinity pool at the front of the Ocean wing. Beside the main pool is the Buko Bar and Grill where there are cultural shows on certain days. The shore is a 350 meter beach cove with beach volleyball court. There is a small rock island on the beach called the Paradise Island with a cozy cabana where we relaxed, sipped tropical drinks and have some spa services. They have a marine sanctuary just below this little island where we went swimming while fish feeding. When we stepped into the water, the fishes surrounded us and begged us for food. But the beach attendant gave us a couple of stale bread to feed them.

They also have a Seasport Centre for all water sport rentals. You can rent a sailboat, water ski, wake or knee board, jet ski, windsurf, pulled float ride (banana boat, my favorite!), snorkel set and kayak. They also have 3 plexi-pave tennis courts, a 6 hole pitch and putt golf park, the Galleon club for kids, the Toddler zone for younger kids. For billiard games, table tennis, mahjong, dart games and board games, you can check out Treasure Island. They also have a gym, health club massage and salon.

CHI spa... 'Chi' is the spa brand of Shangri-la Resorts. Shangri-la Mactan is the first resort to have Chi. It has an area of 10,000 square meters and is the largest spa facility in Southeast Asia. I haven't been here though because the services are so expensive. Also worth mentioning is the Ocean Pavilion and The Marquee which are perfect for conventions, conferences and any big events. Oh how I dreamed having my wedding ceremony at the Ocean Pavilion with the sea as the backdrop.

My Shangri-la stay was truly memorable and cherished. I was totally in awe by the fact that despite its grandeur and elegance, they are able to maintain a calm, friendly and personal environment to their guests. The best thing that struck me the most is the 'warm hospitality' of the staff - warm smiles, nothing fake... Truly Filipino.
 

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