A celebration in paradise

I think that the Philippines is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Within our islands are enough treasures and destinations to last a lifetime. That is why I always make it a point to try to travel around the Philippines as much as possible and look for every opportunity to go to different islands and locales whenever possible.

For my birthday this year I decided to spend it in sunny and spectacular Cebu. Since it’s been over a decade since I was there last I knew there would be so many wonderful new things to see and experience and there’s no better way than to do it with friends and family. So along with my parents and cousins and friends, I planned a four-day Cebu adventure, jam-packed with as many fun activities as possible.

The first decision I had to make was where to stay. Since Cebu has its bustling metropolitan city as well being surrounded by 167 neighboring smaller islands, which include Mactan, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango and the Camotes Islands, there are literally hundreds of choices. However, after one look at the beautiful photographs several of my good friends took during their stay at the gorgeous Shangri-La Mactan resort, I knew immediately that’s where I wanted to stay.

So our whole group booked rooms at the beautiful island resort and excitedly planned our weekend. At Shangri-La Mactan there are so many choices of exciting and fun things to do that you don’t even have to leave. With over seven different dining destinations as well as activities for all ages you can, quite literally, spend your entire stay right on the resort.

We arrived early Friday morning and were picked up at the airport by the Shangri-La Shuttle and brought to the hotel. Our rooms were located in their new Ocean Wing and when we checked in, I already knew it was going to be a challenge just to leave the room. It was gorgeous and had such a stunning view of the ocean. I always feel at peace whenever I see the ocean and from the moment I arrived at the resort I already felt all of my worries and stress melt away.

The first afternoon, my friends and I opted to have lunch at the delicious Italian restaurant Acqua. We shared delicious breads, pizzas, and pastas and toasted with fresh fruit shakes while enjoying the view. After relaxing for a bit, Nino, my cousin Barni and I headed out to the beach for sunset and fun beach activities. Barni hopped on a windsurfing board and hit the ocean while Nino and I rented a kayak and kayaked all around the shoreline. Afterwards we enjoyed pineapple shakes and watched the sun go down.

The next day, after a delicious breakfast buffet, it was all about swimming and having fun. We lounged around by the gorgeous pool and ordered choc-nut mocha smoothies while taking turns reading, swimming and getting some sun. Nino and my brother Eddie along with our friends Mike, Tyler, and John played a little water basketball. Afterward, we had lunch at The Tides international cuisine restaurant and stuffed ourselves silly at their diverse buffet. To cap off the meal, they brought me a delicious chocolate fudge cake and sang Happy Birthday.

Sunset saw us at Cowrie Cove and Chillout Bar for some happy hour refreshments and snacks. The view of the sunset is beautiful and hanging out with friends over drinks was exactly how I wanted to end the day. After a few cocktails we went to get a soothing manicure at the beauty salon and got all dolled up for dinner at delicious Anzani Restaurant in Cebu City and a night on the town.

The next day we were all happy to be back at the poolside enjoying the sun and blue waters. I got an extra treat from my friends whose birthday gift was any treatment I wanted at the famous Chi Spa at the resort, one of the largest spa treatment villas in Asia. I felt like such a princess. From the moment I arrived at the spa I was pampered and relaxed and rejuvenated. I opted for their signature Philippine hilot massage and enjoyed my treatment in my own private villa that smelled perfectly of sweet mangoes (which I thought was really appropriate for Cebu). The treatment was 60 minutes of pure bliss. I now know why everyone recommends Chi Spa. It was like a little slice of heaven. If you find yourself in Shangri-La Mactan your experience is not complete without a treatment at Chi Spa.

On our last day I took a walk around the resort to enjoy the sunny weather and see what else was available to guests. There was the fun Adventure Zone for children with slides and swings and ladders. Beside that was the E-Zone, a complete entertainment hub with a TimeZone arcade, Xbox 360, a sports bar, a snack bar and karaoke rooms. They had a whole plethora of water sports available as well as a fully functional health club and a six-hole pitch and putt.

Needless to say, I was sad to be leaving. There was just wasn’t enough time to enjoy all the fun things to do at the resort. But, hey, that just gives me another reason to go back! Before checking out and heading to the airport we all had a good-bye lunch at the Tea of Spring Chinese restaurant where the food was delicious (I still think about their Kung Pao Chicken) and fast. Then it was off to the airport via their hotel shuttle.

Looking back, it was the best birthday celebration and such a fun mini-break for my family and friends. Can’t wait until the next adventure!

For those looking for a fun-filled Cebu adventure getaway, the Shangri-La Mactan resort has something for everyone! Check out their website at http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/cebu/mactanresort or call (6332) 231-0288 or (6332) 231-1688 for reservations.