City Sports Club Cebu gets a new look

Country clubs are, by definition, an edifice with recreational facilities that have members-only access. The shared structure promotes friendliness and camaraderie, and the exclusivity allows a sense of security that is hard to come by in any other public place.

As an urban resort in the middle of one of Cebu’s most progressive business districts, the City Sport Club Cebu (CSCC) has been a staple in the lifestyle of its members since it opened in 2001.

As with all service-related and people-driven institutions, however, there was a need to keep up with the times and upgrade facilities in order to serve its functions better and remain competitive and attractive .

For the renovation, the CSCC partnered with Ayala Land Inc., which brought in their team of designers to give the club a modern and breezy look. “The design is a collaborative effort between the CSCC directors, club operations, Ayala Land, in-house designers and external design consultants,” says Manny Illana, the senior architect of the Ayala Land Innovation and Design Group. The new design will feature a consistently modern feel, with open spaces that take advantage of natural lighting and ventilation.

There were two main considerations in determining what areas to focus on, what facilities and amenities are mostly used that need updating and rehabilitation and what areas are currently not being used and how to generate activities and interest out of them.

The initial renovations concentrated on the parts of the club that are heavy used, which include the gym, boardroom, pool area, veranda and a brand new restaurant that has already been getting rave reviews.

As physical fitness has become a priority on most people’s lists, the gym’s facelift is one such improvement that the members are sure to appreciate. “This is one of the heavily patronized facilities of the club and we needed to have more space and equipment to serve the members during peak hours,” Micmic Solon, the club general manager explained.

The gym is now brighter and more spacious with new equipment like the Integrity Series cardio machines with iPod compatibility. Medically-trained gym trainers are also at hand to offer complete personal training services, while a dance and aerobic area with taraflex flooring is available for said workouts.

Bistro88 is a completely new area, taking up the space that used to be the old boardroom, proshop and coffee shop. Featuring Asian and Mediterranean cuisine, Bistro88’s relaxed contemporary interiors have been filled with members who have chosen the location as their lunch, dinner and meeting place of choice.

Chef Brian Bersonda and his team developed a menu, which features dishes such as the Hainanese chicken, Asian lime ribs and pizza. The space transforms after dinner, though, when the lights are dimmed and bar service commences, with Asian-inspired signature cocktails.

What remains the same, though, is the CSCC’s welcoming sense of community, which is what being part of a country club is all about. It’s going to be an environment where members can be alone or spend time with family, friends or business colleagues in a place that is welcoming and comfortable. With that achieved, City Sports Club Cebu celebrates the good life and will continue to be a fixture of lifestyle for years to come.