In & Around Cebu

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Take me to the Beach!

Just within Mactan Island where the Mactan Cebu International Airport is located are some of the top-notch beach resorts that bring in thousands of visitors each year. They are ideal not just for those who want to enjoy a weekend with the sea, sun and sand but also for those who just have a few hours to spare. These top 5 beach resorts in Mactan are just a few minutes away from the airport:

Shangrila Mactan Resort and Spa

One of the top choices is this posh 13-hectare 5-star with 537 bright and airy modern Filipino-style rooms each with a balcony facing the sprawling tropical garden or the sea. It has its own private beach cove, two swimming pools, putting greens and its own 6-hectare marine sanctuary. Scotty’s Dive Center is in charge of underwater adventures and watersports including jetski, windsurfing or parasailing. Grownups can try out the various natural treatments at Chi Spa Village with private villas, treatment pavilions and a water garden with hydro tubs and steam rooms. It is not called the ideal family resort for nothing as kids will have a lot of fun at the 3-level Adventure Zone, E-zone with arcade games and a Toddler Zone.

JPark Island Resort and Waterpark

Another family-friendly luxury 5-star resort in Mactan Island, JPark has 557 plush rooms with Mediterranean architecture. Its most prominent feature is the waterpark with 5 themed swimming pools including an artificial wave pool, 120-meter open body slide, 157-meter tube slide and a space bowl spiraling slide for that amazing adrenaline rush. Kids have their own water wonderland area and a toddler pool. The resort has also become a popular dining spot mainly for its buffet meals with 4 food stations to choose from – Japanese, Western, Oriental and dessert. Those who don’t want to spend a minute out of the pool can get their fill at the Aquas Pool Bar and Aquas Island Bar.

Movenpick Beach Resort

Movenpick Beach Resort, a luxury hotel near Shangrila Mactan, used to belong to the Hilton Chain but is now owned by a Swiss Company and given a major rehaul to give it the contemporary fresh look. The Ibiza Beach Club, their beachfront resto and bar is one great place to chill with a glass of wine while watching the sunset.

Plantation Bay Resort & Spa

This posh resort is entirely unique as every single-floor villa has an access to the man-made lagoon right outside its backdoor. While the beach may not be amazing, the seawater lagoon smack in the middle of the resort surrounded by the villas is certainly one great place for swimming. You can try out its numerous watersports, dine in any of its 4 restaurants or get a relaxing massage at the spa. One great place to spoil yourself, Plantation Bay is the best choice if you want some privacy.

Crimson Beach Resort

Crimson Beach Resort and Spa is a new addition to the Mactan resort scene but expect to find world-class accommodations and amenities in this 6-hectare sprawling oasis. It has beach front that are furnished in a modern Filipino style. Aside the clean beach that is perfect for swimming and various watersports activities, there is also a multi-level infinity pool, indoor badminton courts, children’s playground and a fitness center.