The jewel that is Crimson

CEBU, Philippines- There is a treasure in the island of Mactan. Indeed, it is a jewel of a place tucked in Seascapes Resort Town.

A mere 15-minute ride from the Mactan International Airport or a short skip over the Mactan bridge from Cebu City and you will find a rare gem. Once you get there, an awesome sight will greet you. It will take your breath away.

One travel-weary Caucasian tourist entered the lobby and saw the cascading waterfall, the infinity pool blending into the azure waters of the sea, the swaying coconut trees, the lush gardens, all laid out before him in natural splendor. He took off his hat and gasped a word, one that would aptly describe this place — Paradise!

Crimson Resort and Spa, as Executive Chef Stefano Verillo described, it is “what a resort should be. When you step into the resort, you must immediately be able to appreciate its beauty – the garden, the beach, the swimming pool.” When Chef Stefano first entered the resort, he said he felt like being transported to Bali.

The Crimson resort offers worldly elegance but retains the artistry and culture of the Philippines, as evidenced by locally sourced furniture, intricately-carved wooden beams, panels and flooring. A quaint sungka set complete with shells serves as a bench. A blend of wood, stone, metal and shells adorn the lobby to provide the utmost comfort for the guests. Rarely can one see a daybed in a resort lobby, yet Crimson offers four daybeds overlooking the beach, as if to invite the guests not merely to sit but to really lie down and rest.

Settle into luxury

Cocooned in lush greenery, its premium suites and villas ensure privacy and the feeling of being alone with nature.

This sprawling six-hectare resort offers 250 suites. The spacious 36-square meter Deluxe suites are ideal for business travelers, with connecting rooms available for families. A balcony or patio affords refreshing views of the landscaped gardens and walkways.

The plush 44-square meter Garden Suites are perfect for honeymooners. A scenic veranda and a charming bathroom with a picture window overlooking a lush garden make it a romantic retreat. The most unique feature in the suite is the open plan bathroom, with bathtub and separate shower. The beautiful wooden partition over the bathtub can be slid open to reveal the bedroom. Imagine an intimate moment with one soaking in a bubble bath while the other sits on the ledge created by the opened divider, sipping wine. Its creative design allows one to be in the bathroom,  the other in the bedroom, and still afford to have a tete-a-tete.

Each suite also boasts of LCD television with cable, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, coffee and tea-making facilities, minibar, electronic safe, and NDD/IDD phone lines with bathroom extensions.

The 38 hillside villas with private plunge pools and two beachfront villas offer 115 square meters of pure pleasure. Be greeted with a large indoor garden in the entry area. It has a separate dining and living area with a 42” LCD cable television, DVD entertainment area, and iPod station. That the large bathroom has its own 22” LCD television and is overlooking the gardens make for a truly indulgent experience. Top it off with king-sized beds and the guest will truly feel like royalty.

A symphony of flavors

Indulge in the symphony of flavors presented at Saffron. Executive Chef Stefano Verillo will take guests on an international gustatory adventure. Please the palate with the best of East and West, as well as a harmonious fusion of both cuisines. Relish the earthy goodness of local favorites that reminds one of hearth and home like the chicken and pork adobo which internationally-acclaimed Chef Stefano describes as “the best in the world.” The elegant setting overlooking the infinity pool, Saffron Café, like its rare spice of a name, is a smorgasbord for the senses.

Linger over high tea and watch the blazing sun slowly dip into the horizon. Sip champagne amid the soothing strains of jazz music. Charmingly subtle yet pleasantly stimulating, the Tempo Music Lounge captures the perfect ambiance for an intimate rendezvous.

Lounge in plush daybeds overlooking the sea. Groove to the beat of cool rhythms while basking under a canopy of stars and coconut trees. Sample the latest Azure Pool Bar concoctions paired with Asian and Western tapas.

Score Sports Bar is a lively place to have a few beers, a game of 8-ball or watch the latest Pacquiao fight or Azkals’ game. The right mix of friends, bar chow and spirits – that’s the real Score.

Service from the heart

From the bellman at the lobby to the attendant in the restroom, whichever place in the resort, guests are greeted by the staff with a unique gesture - a hand over their heart, a bow and a warm smile, one that’s truly sincere. One can see that they are really happy to serve and not just because they’ve been trained to do so. General Manager Roger Wehrsig calls this “service from the heart”.

Indeed, there is a treasure in this island, a rare jewel. Its name is Crimson.