Cebu Adventure Part Six
I am flown to Cebu on Cebu Pacific Airlines. On my fourth full day on the tropical island, I move to the Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu, where a hip new experience awaits.
It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, where I spend two nights, to the Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu, where I spend three nights.
The two resorts might be nextdoor neighbours, but they are as different as night and day.
With a history of 20 years, the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa has an undeniable patina. Loyal hotel guests have been returning to the property year after year.
The paint on the Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu, however, has only just begun to dry. The hip new property has a dstinct personality that sets it apart from the other resorts on the island.
Following a quick tour of the stylish property, I am escorted to my room. I’ve been upgraded to a one bedroom suite. I’ve got small balconies off both my living room, with a spectacular view of the sea, and my bedroom, with a view of the condominiums next door.
Executive Lounge
I head for the Executive Lounge, where I meet Knuth Kiefer, General Manager, Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu.
As it turns out, the Mövenpick opened in the mid 2000s as a Hilton. Mövenpick Hotels took over management of the hotel in 2011, closing it for five months for a complete makeover.
” Everything was pink with blue mosaic,” Knuth says.
“We wanted to build something unique in the market. We did not want to compete with the same facilities. We wanted to create something new.”
And did they ever!
Accommodation
The hotel has 245 rooms and suites. All of them have private balconies. Internet access is complimentary.
Bathrooms have separate bathtubs and showers.
Deluxe rooms measure 33 square metres and one king or two twin beds. Deluxe ocean view rooms have lovely ocean views. Executive rooms have access to the Executive Lounge with complimentary breakfast and happy hour.
Premium ocean front rooms measure 45 square metres. They have a king bed and a convenient work area.
Executive suites measure 48 square metres. They have king beds and ocean views. They also have access to the Executive Lounge. King suites have a separate living room with sofa.
Suite ocean views – one bedroom measure 65 square metres. They have king beds and a separate living room.
Suite ocean view – two bedrooms measure 99 square metres. They have king and twin beds and can accommodate up to four adults and two children.
The Presidential site measures 125 square metres. Situated on the top floor, it has a living and dining areas and a Jacuzzi. Butler service is included.
Food and Beverage
The hotel has four food and beverage outlets, each one with its own distinct personality.
The Lobby Lounge – an informal venue serving light snacks, basked goods, hote and cold drinks
There is a daily chocolate hour from 3.00 to 4.00 pm.
The Sails – an all-day dining restaurant serving international dishes with both a buffet and an a la carte menu.
This is where most hotel guests have breakfast. There is a live cooking station. Themed dinners are served every night.
Ibiza Beach Club – stretching into the sea, this stylish venue serves Balearic inspired cuisine. Grilled meats and seafood are featured. There is nightly entertainment and a DJ.
The Forum – a sophisticated venue serving light snacks and signature cocktails. There are both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Facilities
The hotel has a private beach and a free-form swimming pool. Various water sports are offered.
Other facilities include a full-service spa, a kid’s club, and a fitness centre, which has steam rooms.
Meeting facilities can handle events of up to 800 attendees.
Location, Location, Location
The hotel is located on Mactan Island, which is where most of Cebu’s top resorts are located. It is 7 kilometres from Mactan Cebu International Airport, which has both domestic and international flights.
The hotel is 22 kilometres from downtown Cebu, where most of the shopping malls, casinos, historic sites, and golf courses are located.
Where
Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu – Punta Engano, Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines. Telephone: +63 32 492 7777. Hotel Website: Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu
To Be Continued