There’s nothing quite like paradise. Fortunately, this so-called paradise is just 12-minutes away from Mactan Cebu International Airport.
Cebu has always been a desired destination to visit in the Philippines. The tropical island has so much to offer whether you’re there for a relaxing beach getaway, a snorkeling & scuba diving experience in the coral reefs or an island adventure.
One of Cebu’s top hotels,Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is a five-star Mediterranean-inspired beachfront resort in Mactan set in a beautiful coastline with white sand beach and breathtaking coral reefs. This resort is where the famous Ibiza Beach Club is, where you can enjoy that vital nightlife activity in the comforts of the hotel grounds.
Here’s a short blog of our staycation…
Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu
Punta Engano, Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines
Phone: +63 32 492 7777, (032) 492 7777
E-mail: hotel.cebu@movenpick.com
Website: www.movenpick.com
Facebook: movenpickcebu
Instagram: @movenpickcebu
Mövenpick is just 6 kilometers (or 12 minutes) away from the airport, which is a big plus if you want to avoid the notorious Cebu City traffic.
Upon entering the resort premises, you’ll be greeted by an all-white courtyard inspired by Greek architecture. The high ceilings, white walls, turquoise accents and posh interiors make up the signature look of Mövenpick. Don’t you love the Mediterranean-inspired beach vibe?
The hotel is known for its friendly and welcoming staff. It’s hard not to feel at home here.
We arrived around 3 pm and had the chance to take advantage of the free chocolates and sweet treats served to hotel guests every afternoon at the lobby. (Chocolate Hour, 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm.)
THE AMENITIES
The hotel is famous for its giant pools with chairs for lounging under the shades of coconut trees while enjoying the beach view.
There are lifeguards on duty whenever the pools are open for use. (Conveniently, they have pool towels you can borrow.)
You’ll find the beach a few steps from the poolside.
Though the beach front isn’t as wide, guests would surely appreciate the privacy. (If you’re not checked-in at Movenpick, you won’t have access to its beachfront.)
Moreover, the hotel has a very relaxing ambiance. There are a lot of loungers fronting the clear waters. You can chill there, probably read a book or sip a cold drink.
You can also indulge in a beach view Cabana so you could enjoy some privacy and exclusivity with friends and loved ones.
(Rental starts at P3,000 with butler.)
The Games Room, located at the end of the lobby, opens at 10:00 am and closes at 10:00 pm and offers billiards and table tennis.
Kiddie corner.
If you’re in for an adventure, you can check out the watersports center, which offers a wide variety of activities like scuba diving, dive certification/classes, parasailing, jet ski, helmet diving, glass bottom boat, banana boat and flying fish.
I highly recommend you book an island tour and go exploring the other nearby islands. This can be arranged through their Lifestyle Concierge.
You can also pamper yourself at the spa just a few steps from the beach.
THE ROOMS
Each of the hotel’s 245 rooms and suites offers contemporary space that opens to a private balcony with a mesmerizing view of the island.
We checked in at a deluxe room. I highly recommend getting an ocean front room if you enjoy ocean views.
Our rooms are very spacious (33 sqm) with pleasing modern interiors and comfy king size beds.
(Gorgeous view of the resort property from our private balcony.)
Designed to meet every traveler’s essential needs, the rooms are equipped with multiple sockets, LED TV, minibar, tea & coffee facility and complimentary wifi access.
The bathrooms are covered with blue and white tiles, each with their own bathtub and all-glass shower.
I was surprised that you get complimentary fancy Chopard set of toiletries with every room booking.
Welcome treats and fresh tropical fruits.
BREAKFAST ( SAILS)
The breakfast buffet was one of the things I looked forward to during our stay at Mövenpick. Sails is an all-day dining restaurant where complimentary hotel breakfast is served. There’s an international menu in consideration of their Korean, Japanese, American and European guests; the buffet though mainly promotes local dishes.
Breakfast Buffet is open from 6:30 am – 10:30 am.
The fish is quite light and crispy and goes well with their local vinegar dip.
Kid’s corner filled with a mix of sugary and healthy breakfast options.
The best place to hang out during the afternoon is at Ibiza Beach Club, where you can enjoy good company and a matching sunset view. The best part is you don’t even have to leave the resort to enjoy this kind of island vibe.
Make sure to take advantage of their happy hour deals.
Come night time, they offer the popular Balearic-inspired, signature 15-course grill that includes a variety of grilled meat and seafood. Adding excitement to the evening is their very own Ibiza Beach Club Show team, providing nightly themed performances.
Guests should be early or reserve in advance to get a good spot for the must-watch shows at the IBC that start at exactly 8 pm. You can wine and dine under the stars while watching fiery live performances of Latin, Brazilian, Broadway, movie musical, pop and retro-themed dance numbers.
The Balearic-inspired signature 15-course grill begins with a choice of Caesar Salad or your own creation from the Salad Bar. Then you can have as much as you can of each dish, which is cooked and served whenever you want. (P3445.01 inclusive of wine. P2779.98 exclusive of drinks.)
Seafood
• Jumbo Prawns
• Calamari
• Catch of the Day [fish]
For starters in the salad section, I recommend the Pau de Quejo bread that’s freshly baked and addicting.
The Filet Mignon was moist and tender with a hint of saltiness, thanks to the bacon wrapped around it.
The prawns were a little overcooked but still good.
One of my favorites was the calamari that tasted fresh and full of flavor.
I also loved the nicely grilled lamb chops from New Zealand served with mint to lessen the weird gamey aftertaste.
Make sure to end on a sweet note with the specialty dessert—Queen Pineapple roasted with cinnamon and sugar, with a side of fresh yogurt and honey.
If you still have room for one more dessert, the Mövenpick Ice Cream (P350 per scoop), flown in from Switzerland exclusively for Ibiza Beach Club, is a good idea.
Don’t forget to take a photo with the crew at the end of the show.
Overall, we loved our stay at Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu. Should you ever find yourself looking for a quick retreat from the hustle and bustle of Cebu City, Mövenpick Hotel & Resorts is one of the top choices for a perfect isolated retreat.
Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu
Punta Engano, Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines
Phone: +63 32 492 7777, (032) 492 7777
E-mail: hotel.cebu@movenpick.com
Website: www.movenpick.com
Facebook: movenpickcebu
Instagram: @movenpickcebu
Live an Awesome Life,
ABI of Team Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: We were media guests of Movenpick. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions and insights.