Lazing around at Plantation Bay

We want our guests here at Plantation Bay to feel that they are not staying in a paying hotel, but that they are visiting a friend," Manny Gonzalez, the charming president and CEO of Plantation Bay Resort and Spa at Cebu’s Mactan Island emphasized this point when we recently made a glorious four-day vacation at the exquisite resort. Even as a guest, I felt that the staff was like a big family united in one goal – to make guests feel as comfortable as possible.

After our smooth Cebu Pacific flight, we were welcomed at the resort’s cozy airport lounge by Pops del Rosario, Plantation Bay’s accommodating public relations manager. We headed to the resort and at its grand lobby, with its high ceilings, airy ambiance and big wicker sofas, we met the dapper general manager Efren Belarmino and amiable executive chef Ed Chavez who assured us that our stay will be unforgettable.

And unforgettable it truly was! Just the view of the whole seven-hectare resort sent our jaws dropping, urging us to take off our clothes and jump right into the beautiful lagoons! Lush greeneries dancing to the ocean breeze, open lagoons in varying shades of blue, fine white sands, contented guests lazing around in hammocks, and the luxurious private villas were so breathtaking – I wouldn’t mind staying here forever!

Relaxing by the vast saltwater swimming lagoons and freshwater swimming pool made me forget the time. Colorful kayaks and pedal-boats are a hit with kids, as well as the elevated pool at Mogambo Falls which pumps fresh seawater and its two giant slides. Skiing, scuba diving, parasailing, hobie cats, cruises on Plantation Bay’s private motorboats, working out at the gym and other sports also await adventurers. To experience total pampering, we headed to Mogambo Springs spa to get lavish treatments and soak in the stress-relieving hot and cold water pools.

The most varied cuisines were all available at Kilimanjaro Kafe, Galapagos Bar and Fiji Restaurant which all had something special prepared for us. We also visited Palermo, the fine dining restaurant where gracious Manny treated us to a filling dinner of Italian specialties and an entertaining hour of movie trivia.

More than reveling in the sumptuous feast and excellent amenities, I enjoyed the hospitality of the Plantation Bay staff most of all. Here, a "no tipping policy" is strictly enforced to focus on enriching the guests’ experience and raise the morale of employees. "We believe in our staff and expose them to world-class standards. We trust that we’re doing the right thing in helping people develop," Manny explains. During my stay here, Manny and the whole Plantation Bay family very effectively achieved their goal of making me feel at home. From what I have experienced, I will surely visit my friends here again.

See you at Plantation Bay soon!