A Dose of Vitamin Sea

CEBU, Philippines - Everyone may find out reasons why they should plan a weekend at the beach, even for just a day.    

The sound of gentle waves crashing along the shore; rays of sunshine beaming through the azure sky; a white sand beach spanning the long stretch of the Mactan horizon. It would be a picture-perfect day!

A weekend well spent means a full week of contentment. At the beach, one can recharge the tired soul, calm one’s nerves and socialise with one’s cliques or meet new friends. There really is nothing the beach or a dose of Vitamin Sea cannot cure. Neither is there any setting quite as relaxing, beautiful or pleasant that offers the simple joy of experiencing the wonders of nature and unplugging from the tech-heavy and work-driven realities.

The stress is dispelled when one schedules a visit to Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu. The Mediterranean-inspired beachfront hotel offers a number of options that make for a meaningful weekend by the sea.

The weekend Day Use package is ideal for anyone looking for a quick break. Short but sweet, this offer gives guests the opportunity to enjoy the hotel’s pristine white sandy beach and swimming pool from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The package includes either a buffet lunch at The Sails restaurant or dinner at Ibiza Beach Club, featuring the Balearic-inspired, signature 15-course grill. This dining privilege will depend on the period of the visit, whether in the morning or afternoon. Additional benefits include one scoop of Mövenpick ice cream at the Lobby Lounge, a 15-percent discount on massage and treatments at Spa del Mar and 15-percent discount on all water sports activities.

Guests may also upgrade their stay to a Blissful Day Break, which offers the same privileges as with the Day Use offer, plus the added benefit of a 30-minute body massage at Spa del Mar.

Meanwhile, the Romantic Dinner Package is ideal for couples. Couples may book a cosy evening rendezvous at the beach garden and select a private dining space, exclusive to them for four hours. The butler-serviced dinner comes with a bottle of Manny O. Celebrus Brut sparkling wine and a gourmet menu, as well as a lovely setup to complete the romantic ambiance and setting of the couple’s choice.

Guests may get close and intimate at the Cabana as they unwind and get sultry in the Jacuzzi. Another venue option is the terrace of Spa del Mar, a tranquil space overlooking the sea. Those who prefer an outdoor spectacle can book the Garden Gazebo, a picturesque setting against the background of moonlight, stars, sand and sea, and the sound of the waves and the cool breeze.

Ice cream is a sweet reverie and booster for a day in the tropics – and Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is, to date, the only establishment in the Philippines that carries the line of Mövenpick’s world-renowned collection of ice cream creations. A number of guests, both local and foreigners, attest to the ice cream’s superb quality and perfection, from the rich and creamy consistency, to the texture and flavor that bursts with every mouthful. The premium ice cream selection is served in all four dining outlets – The Forum, Lobby Lounge, The Sails and Ibiza Beach Club.

Weekends are for pure indulgence, and a hearty feast is offered at the Ibiza Beach Club, which is known for serving a variety of unlimited grilled meats and seafood choices – the restaurant’s Balearic-inspired, signature 15-course grill. The servings are generous and vast – Filet Mignon, Angus Rib-Eye Steak, Baby Back Ribs, Ostrich Meat, New Zealand Lamb, buttery Rock Lobsters or Salmon, Tiger Prawns, Cuttlefish, Chicken, Crispy Pork Belly and Beef Short Ribs, to name a few. The menu is so indulgent, it’s sure to last an entire evening of hearty dining.

Those that plan to stay for the entire weekend, the hotel also offers a great variety of special deals for all types of accommodation. Bookings through the website, www.movenpick.com, instantly earn an extra US$ 20 F&B credit, applicable on all dining orders at the hotel’s restaurant outlets. Flash deals and Book-and-Buy promotions are also offered at the hotel’s social media pages.

Reservations and inquiries may be phoned in at +63 32 492 7777 or emailed to emailed [email protected]. (FREEMAN)