Which Are The Best Beach Hotels To Book In Cebu The Philippines?

Cebu Island offers world-class diving, waterfalls and wildlife that wows – not to mention powder-white beaches, turquoise-blue waters and colourful reefs. There are also dozens of smaller islands worth visiting in Cebu province, including the wildlife-rich Malapascua and Bantayan. Here’s our pick of the best hotels and thatch-covered hideaways in the area – these places to stay in Cebu will help you make the most of your beach holiday.

1. Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort

Resort

The Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort is an island hideaway set in a quiet cove. Suites come with garden or beach views, and if you choose the royal bungalow at this retreat on Mactan Island, you can step out of your front door onto the sand. There are three lagoon-shaped swimming pools to make a splash in, including one with plume slides. However, if you are looking for more of an escape, swim to the private island offshore, where you’ll find thatched cabana huts under palm trees.

2. Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu

Hotel

The Mövenpick is an elegant 245-room hotel on Mactan Island. The airy double and family suites in these Mediterranean-inspired towers will make you feel right at home, but those who want to celebrate should book the two-storey Ibiza loft room overlooking the ocean. Your airport transfer will be via a Porsche Cayenne, and your three-bedroom suite features a lounge with a whirlpool. Party in your room, or go to the hotel’s famed Ibiza Beach Club, complete with an outdoor DJ booth.

3. Kota Beach Resort

Resort

Start your island-hopping adventure by catching a ferry from Cebu to Bantayan Island. Here, you’ll find the Kota Beach Resort on a natural sandbar surrounded by pristine blue waters. Find double rooms, cottages and suites on or within a short walk of the beach. Parents who are concerned about their kids’ screen time will be delighted to know that the suites don’t have TVs. There is wifi, but your kids will be too busy playing beach volleyball, riding cruiser bikes or stand-up paddleboarding to notice.

5. Badian Island Wellness Resort

Resort, Spa Hotel

Outdoor pool with steps and handrail by many shaded loungers, tall palms and distant hills at Badian Island Wellness Resort

This resort is one of the best places to stay in Cebu for some serious pampering. Badian Island Wellness Resort, on the island of Zaragosa, comes with a tiered waterfall of healing ionised-water-filled thalasso pools clinging to the clifftops. You can go dolphin and whale shark watching and island-hopping. The most wanted accommodation is the thalasso pool villa, complete with a private ionised pool and a marble bathtub under a glass ceiling perfect for stargazing.

6. Blanco Beach Resort

Resort

This hillside resort on Malapascua Island has not just one but two private beaches to discover, and the chic suites blend island vibes with Italian flair. Think bamboo headboards and thatched roofs, wood balconies and dove-grey furnishings. The in-house coffee shop serves shots of espresso coffee and toasted Italian flatbread sandwiches filled with juicy tomatoes, ham and melted cheese.

7. Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort

Resort

The tiny coral island of Sumilon has so much to offer, including a 19th-century historic watchtower and the Philippines’ first marine sanctuary. It’s also home to Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, where the double suites offer ocean views, and the villas have private pools. But those who want to get even closer to nature can book one of the glamping tents – each one has a minibar.

8. Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

Resort, Spa Hotel

Sofa, two cushioned chairs and dining table with six chairs in room with seaview balcony at Shangri-Las Mactan Resort & Spa

Mactan Island has one of the largest spas in Asia – Chi, the Spa at the Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu – and you can even stay in it. The Manumbalik villa features a private steam room, an outdoor tub and a vitality pool and comes with unlimited spa treatments, a dedicated butler and organic bathroom products. It’s just one of the 500-plus rooms and suites found at this family-friendly resort, which lies next to a sweeping white-sand beach dotted with thatched cabanas.

9. Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel

Spa Hotel

Outdoor pool with two handrails next to tall palms and several loungers at Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel

An island hotel with a private palm-fringed beach – what more could you ask for? Well, how about two outdoor pools and a two-bedroom seafront suite with a balcony overlooking the ocean? During the day, enjoy a stroll along this tranquil beach on Mactan Island or go whale shark watching, island-hopping and trekking to waterfalls. Tiny travellers will love the Kiddie Korner, a kids club that comes with a popcorn machine – and if that doesn’t make it one of the best places to stay in Cebu, we don’t know what would.

10. JPark Island Resort and Waterpark

Resort, Hotel, Luxury

Private tiled outdoor pool with two shaded loungers beside it at JPark Island Resort & Waterpark

Holidaymakers big and small will love this beachside retreat on Mactan Island – it features a waterpark. Parents who want to score some points can book the cartoon character-themed Pororo suite, complete with a slide, a trampoline and a ball pit in the living room. But there are 556 rooms to choose from, including some overlooking the white-sand beach, which you’ll want to explore as soon as you’ve dropped your suitcases.

If you’re touring the Philippines, make sure to check out our expertly curated guide to the coolest Airbnbs and holiday apartments near Manila.

Valerie Caulin has contributed additional reporting to this article.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.