The Best Hotels to Book in Mactan, the Philippines
The island of Mactan in the Philippines is the place to go to enjoy private beaches, world-class scuba diving, an exciting culinary scene and spas with accomplished massage therapists. It’s not unknown for a traveller to step off the plane in Mactan with the intention of heading north to Malapascua or east to Bohol, but instead end up captivated by the natural riches just minutes from the airport. Here’s our guide to the best hotels on Mactan island.
1. Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort
Resort, Luxury
Thailand comes to Mactan at this elegant five-star resort on the Punta Engaño Peninsula, an 10-minute ride from the Lapu-Lapu Monument. Feast on prawn pad Thai made by Thai chef Thanaphon Jeenphuad at Benjarong restaurant, let experienced therapists work out muscle knots in the spa or just kick back with a coffee and complimentary slippers in your room. However, the biggest draw is the massive infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
2. Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan
Resort, Spa Hotel, Luxury
It doesn’t get much more luxurious than this. Edging an exclusive white-sand beach in the Mactan district, this resort destination has four pools – including an infinity pool with views over the reef – and wellness options galore. Drop the kids off at the enormous Crimzone play area, work out at the high-end gym and sink into a hibiscus-filled tub at Aum Spa. Cebu is a place for good food, too, so round off the day at restaurant Enye, with Filipino-Spanish fusion tapas by chef Chele Gonzalez.
3. Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa
Resort, Spa Hotel
You could fill several days strolling the bougainvillea-laden gardens and enormous private beach of this magnificent resort. Walk past koi-filled ponds to Chi Spa, where therapists tailor a menu of tropical fruit scrubs and massages to your personal element. Main-wing rooms come with a balcony and Philippine-made dark wood furnishings – splurge on an Ocean Wing room to get a private pool. Round off days of snorkelling with a seafood platter at Cowrie Cove restaurant.
5. Appleton Hotel
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
With 55 rooms, this boutique is just 10 minutes from Mactan Island Golf Club and the airport – ideally placed to get the jump on the notorious airport-bound traffic, especially when you can utilise the free airport shuttle service. Many of the slick, clean-lined rooms come with air conditioning, an ice machine, electric kettle and toaster. A basic breakfast is available in the on-site restaurant, and there are plenty of independent restaurants and fast-food chains nearby.
6. JPark Island Resort & Waterpark
Resort, Hotel, Luxury
Right in front of Kontiki Marina in Maribago – arguably the best shore dive site in Mactan – you’ll find this massive 568-room luxury resort with a private beach. Kids will love the water park, with its swirling technicolour flumes, and six pools with themes ranging from the Amazon River to Captain Hook. They’ll also find go karts, minigolf and giant chess sets. Meanwhile, adults will appreciate the range of watersports on offer, as well as the 10 dining options including sashimi at Nonki and Caribbean cocktails at Havana by the Sea.
7. Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown
Hotel
Bang in the middle of Mactan district and a short drive from the Lapu-Lapu Monument, this modern hotel is ideal for business travel. Stay sharp between meetings with a workout at the gym or in the outdoor pool. Unwind with light bites and beer at the poolside, or Asian fusion food at the Savoy Cafe – think fried dumplings with Chorizo de Cebu chilli oil. Room amenities are simple – tea and coffee facilities and toiletries – but the design is high-end.
8. Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
Resort, Spa Hotel
Escape the crowds at this secluded resort in Marigondon, where white villas ring a lagoon so large you can kayak and paddleboard on it. Couples should plump for the ground-floor Water’s Edge Room with a four-poster bed, which opens straight onto the lagoon – families can get a similar experience with a Lagoon Side Room. Sample Filipino pancit (noodles) and New-York-style cheesecake at Kilimanjaro Kafe on the lagoon, or try fresh seafood at the beachside Fiji Restaurant. And of course, for a great spa in Cebu, you won’t be disappointed here.
9. Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino
Resort, Airport Hotel, Casino Hotel
You can practically roll off the runway and into check-in at this four-star resort right in front of the airport entrance. Rooms are geared towards a relaxing evening with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a complete minibar. Tuck into the lavish all-day buffet at Uno followed by cocktails and live music in the Lobby Lounge. The Pagcor casino features both slot machines and traditional table games.
10. Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu
Hotel
Lording over a slice of private beach in Mactan district, this five-star resort boasts an impressive array of amenities. Life at the Mövenpick revolves around lounging by the pool, being pleasantly pummeled at the spa, and chilling with a cocktail and live music at the Ibiza Beach Club. The Sails serves a famously lavish breakfast spread, and the Forum serves light snacks and tropical drinks. There’s also a watersports centre on site.
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