Plantation Bay: A world all its own

It is easy to lose oneself in Plantation Bay. On our way there, our mind had been set on checking into a hotel with killer amenities. By the time we explored Plantation Bay, we had completely forgotten about everything else. No further convincing was needed: Plantation Bay is more than a hotel and a resort. It is a world all its own.

Located in Marigondon, Mactan Island in Cebu, Plantation Bay is 11 hectares of non-stop excitement. That is, admittedly, saying it mildly. Once we got oriented to its features and available activities, choosing where to start the fun was the challenge. Fact is, soon as we plopped into our suite, we had the enviable task of deciding on staying in to enjoy the luxurious room or going out to do some sports and leisure activities. 

Sometimes, we enjoy a place without any grocery list of things to do and let our whims do the deciding for ourselves. Plantation Bay is that kind of place. With activities for land- and water-, indoor- and outdoor-lovers, the possibilities are endless.

Ask Plantation Bay CEO Manny Gonzalez and he will help you figure it all out and get started: “It really depends what you’re here for. If you’re a couple, I would suggest exploring the nooks and crannies of Plantation Bay. There are places where they can enjoy time together.”

Ah yes, nooks and crannies. The resort is famous for its private lagoons and internal beaches. The massive pool has areas that couples could find shelter in and… well, let’s say the rest is their choice, really. The place, built in the style of a Caribbean plantation village, has secluded gazebos, hushed corners, lagoon islands, rooftops, elevated pools, and screening foliage that provide privacy, spectacular views, and even more spectacular private moments for coosome twosomes.

Gonzalez promises that things are getting better. He says, “Right now, we are in the process of remodeling our rooms to adopt what we call a ‘high romance’ look. The rooms will be more romantic-looking, brighter, more cheerful, and more elegant. As you can see, there is always something new here. A good hotel, after all, is never finished.”

That doesn’t mean that they have counted out the singletons that come in groups looking for adventure and relaxation of the highest order. Even couples who may want to take a break from being too private together would jump at the chance to grab some fun in the sun.

Consider: skiing, parasailing, Hobie cats, kayaks and paddle boats, island-hopping, scuba diving, wall climbing, archery, fishing and fish feeding, firing and putting ranges, tennis, gym training, billiards, air hockey, Wii, PS2, karaoke, and, yes, swimming and wading to your heart’s content. Did we say that eating is also counted as an activity?

Plantation Bay has four restaurants for the foodie in everyone: Fiji, Kilimanjaro Kafé, Palermo, and Savannah Grill. Fiji serves seafood, Japanese, Korean, and other Asian cuisines while the 24-hour Kilimanjaro Kafé offers international fare. We had a most splendid Italian dinner at Palermo and enjoyed spectacular steaks and burgers at Savannah Grill.

The indulgence does not end at the restaurants, naturally. In our case, we found ourselves getting a relaxing massage at Mogambo Springs, the spa at Plantation Bay. Coming for our appointment in the evening, we were greeted by an amazing otherworldly sight of its 10th-century Japanese village theme. As soon as we got accustomed to our surroundings, we spotted a hot whirlpool, saltwater spring, cold pool, massage falls, water spouts, and Zen-inspired Spa Indulgence rooms. We didn’t know relaxation until we got here.

A new feather was recently added to the Plantation Bay cap. Condé Nast Traveler, for its 21st Annual Readers’ Choice Awards 2008, listed Plantation Bay as one of the top Asian resorts. Plantation Bay was ranked 16th out of 25 in the Top Asian Resorts category and emerged as the only Philippine resort in the chart. Plantation Bay also ended up as the highest-rated hotel of any kind, city or resort, in the Philippines.

Of this latest achievement, Gonzalez remarks, “How do I feel about the rating? It’s great, and we are very pleased about that. At the same time, we stopped ourselves and thought, ‘How did we wind up in this list?’ It is good to take these things with a lot of circumspection. We are definitely proud of it.” 

At the end of the day, he says what really counts is how they serve their guests. He sums it all up: “Every day, we tell ourselves that what counts the most is not what someone has rated us, but how we feel about the job we did for our guests. We want guests to feel a good experience here, and remember their stay. We try hard to ensure that people have an outstanding stay.” And so it is.

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Plantation Bay is located in Marigondon, Mactan Island, Cebu and can be reached at (+6332) 340-5900. Contact its Manila Office at Room 906, National Life building, 6762 Ayala Avenue, Makati City at 844-5024 to 25, or log on to www.plantationbay.com.