Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa, Philippines

For the first 16 years of my life, Cebu, Philippines, to me, was the equivalent of family and vacation. 

Every summer, semestral break, and christmas, we would take an overnight ferry from my hometown, Cagayan de Oro, to get there. I never liked those ferries.. the beds, the pillows, the smell.. but waking up knowing we have docked in Cebu, and seeing my uncles happy to pick us up at the port, always made up for it.

We were often there to visit our grandparents, and play with our cousins. But then I went to college in Manila, and moved to Singapore. Family vacations changed. And I started flying to Cebu only for weddings and funerals.

15 years have passed. 

For promises I had to keep, I visited Cebu and stayed at Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa with my colleagues in May 2014.

And realised what I have been missing..

This very beautiful beach cove..

On that big rock, a flight of stairs leads to spa beds and lounge chairs..

There's a lot of fish just by the beach.. so snorkelling is really great!

The swimming pools and hotel grounds..

I was always at the balcony, and forgot to take pictures of the rooms.. but they're good :)

Isn't that amazing? 

The sunset was actually on the other side of the sky, and it reflected on those clouds.

Twilight..

Loved Ones.. At the Buko Bar..

Too happy dancing at the Waves Bar every night..

I forgot to take a picture of the place itself.. which was really nice.. by the beach.. sea breeze..

Sunrise..

I just used my iPhone, and this picture seriously does not do any justice to the beauty of that morning..

Breeze Bar..

Sand almost as fine as sugar..

My favourite spot..

Comfortable beach beds.. 

Loved them even more at night.. to snooze and listen to the sound of the waves.. without getting sunburnt :p

The bridge to the Ocean Pavilion..

My dream wedding venue..

At this moment, they were setting up the Ocean Pavilion for a wedding ceremony..

The Altar..

I love it so much!!!

Since my own wedding did not happen here.. 

I would have to book this for my future children.. haha! :)

The jetty..

And me.. loving every part of this part of Cebu.. so much!!

How can I not?! :)

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Just a side note: When you are staying in Mactan..

Rent a car with a driver, make reservations, and go to Lantaw Native Restaurant in Busay. 

There are different Lantaw Restaurants, so make sure you are going to the one in Busay. 

It's at least an hour away from Mactan, but this view of the whole Cebu City is totally worth it!

They serve Filipino food that's really good! 

And whatever happens.. order the Tuna Belly! :)

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References:

Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa - www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort/

Deluxe Room, Sea View, with Breakfast - May 2014 - SGD 360 per night

Lantaw Native Restaurant, Busay - +63 32 511 0379