Karlo Pacana
Plantation Bay Resort and Spa Review
Want to find the perfect place to rejuvenate from all of life’s stresses? Read on. We’re off to experience first-hand Plantation Bay Resort in Mactan Cebu. Just a 20-minute ride from the airport, this resort looks and feels like you are in a private estate inspired by colonial architecture surrounded by stunning views of its water regions.
Paddleboard Yoga
This is an account of our first taste or should I call an “appetizer” to this well-loved resort. Here are 4 reasons why you should avail of Plantation Bay’s Day Tripper Adventure:
1. Breathtaking landscape and picture-perfect lagoons for the curious wanderer
It is a very different resort with inland salt water lagoons free from the creatures lurking under the sea. Laughs. But if you’re looking for the natural one, then there’s a small patch of beach privately owned by the resort.
Capturing the moment
We instantly fell in love with Plantation Bay the moment we set foot in their lobby. The resort was so beautifully maintained that you would think it just sprung up last week, despite its classic structural design.
Great concept and design
Worry not if you decide to take a stroll since the trees provide natural blinds from the sun’s scorching rays. This is very important to preserve our gluta-maintained skin. Laughs. Our random photo shoots while walking around are testament to my previous statement.
Man-made waterslide
The water areas are incredible and very safe for kids like us, most are only 4 feet deep. We’re competitive swimmers and I’m almost 6 feet tall by the way. Laughs.
Taking a stroll
The several water slides, benches, caves, terraces, nooks and crannies are enough to quench your inquisitiveness, that same feeling and aura of being in Bali or the Maldives. Despite being in the middle of a vast park, the whole resort literally still has WIFI access. Social media addicts, let’s celebrate!
Random photoshoots
The resort is also a very tranquil and romantic destination, perfect for lovers and honeymooners. They even have rooms wherein you can reach the water in less than 2 seconds! How great is that?
Even at peak months, it doesn’t feel very crowded, since the management efficiently monitors their capacity. So make sure to come here while it’s off-season to feel as if you own the place.
2. Fun indoor and outdoor activities for the energetic soul
So many things to do here, so little time! Be it swimming, water slides, biking, kalesa ride, wall climbing, archery, you name it, they have it. You could spend the entire week inside the resort and you wouldn’t even feel the need to go out, if you have the budget to spare of course.
Biking around the resort
Kalesa ride on weekends
We first tried the game room. Yey! Though the air hockey is available in malls, it was still inviting so we played a game or two. The foosball was also fun but my sister sucked at it. Laughs!
Game room
The table tennis activity was very sentimental to me. It was the first sport my dad taught me. A flashback to the years wherein I played for the first time as a 6 year old with barely my eyes just above the table until the moment I won for three consecutive years during university intramurals. Good times.
Brings back childhood memories
We then tried the tandem bikes, also very nostalgic! It was very difficult to maneuver especially when you’re seated at the back. You need balance and coordination to do it.
Archery at Savannah Park
Next thing we tried was archery. I channeled the inner Katniss Everdeen in me. Oh snap, I mean, the inner Legolas. Phew! Four arrows, with the last one an inch closer to the bull’s eye is not a bad performance for an amateur.
Kayaking
Second to last, we explored the saltwater lagoons onboard a kayak. It was great to get up close and personal with the honeymoon suites. We did our best to perfect our paddling form same as that of the Philippine Dragonboat Team. Watch out for nearby swimmers though!
Fresh and Sea Water Pools
After a fun day, we then took a dip and relaxed at the Savannah freshwater pool decorated with waterfalls and a man-made geyser and just floated the day away.
3. World-class hospitality awaits for the individual that needs pampering
All the members of the Plantation Bay team go the extra mile from the goodness of their hearts. They were very friendly, willing to help and went out of their way to make sure our needs were met.
The King of Sinulog with Miss Hannah
As we were doing our photo walk, we came across some of the staff and we really felt the genuineness of their smiles.
Despite the no tipping policy, all the staff members continue to uphold their service quality. What I love about this policy is that all their guests are treated equally. This was very evident when we were in queue for archery next to Koreans. After their turn, they were advised to go find another activity to try since we were waiting next in line. There were also previous guests who related their experience regarding this matter. They tried leaving the bill’s change on the table as a tip wherein the waitress-in-charge literally chased them just to return the money back explaining their strict resort policy.
Check-in area
With regards to our transactions at the lobby, the check-in time took quite a while but the check-out time was really quick.
Free electric vehicle transport
Moreover, the management’s attention to details and ability to see things from a guest perspective is outstanding, continually improving the services they offer day by day by constantly listening to their guests online or offline.
4. Themed lunch preparations for the picky eater
Since we went there on a Sunday, we had the buffet lunch (Php750) with the Philippine Street Food as theme at the Kilimanjaro Kafe. What I love about the cafe was that it was situated by the saltwater lagoons.
Kilimanjaro Kafe
It was also in this cafe where we were welcomed by Miss Hannah Lood, their public relations manager, our host for this visit. Selfie!
Philippine Streetfood themed lunch buffet
Back to the food, their buffet spread consisted of eight dishes namely pork barbecue, lechon manok, grilled bangus, Bicol express, fried prawns, grilled squid and sautéed monggo bean sprouts. They also have pochero for soup and the world-famous balut (steamed 18-day fertilized duck embryos) as appetizer, a salad bar, a halo-halo stand and a number of Filipino desserts.
Exotic food for tourists
I needed to have a second serving of Bicol express since it was really good especially paired with a cold bottle of Corona (Php310). Burp! Excuse me.
Relaxing under the shade
Overall, our first-hand experience was truly commendable and we would surely come back for an extended staycation. Cheers to the entire Plantation Bay team for a job well done!
Daytripper Adventure Package
Php 2,000 nett per person on weekdays
Php 2,500 nett per person on weekends and holidays
Special price of only Php 1,800 nett per person for groups of 20 or more (reservations essential).
50% off for children 0 to 12 years old.
Inclusions:
* Lunch and choice of drink (Buffet on weekends and holidays)
* Lagoons and swimming pools
* Wall climbing at selected hours
* 30-minute use of bicycles
* 15-minute use of non-motorized aqua sports facilities (nips floater or kayak)
* Foosball, air hockey and table tennis
* Shower and changing facilities
Plantation Bay has strict rules on noise, attire, and personal comportment. Guests must obey legitimate instructions of all resort staff. Refusal to comply may lead to prosecution, or eviction without refund.
Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Mactan Cebu
Plantation Bay Resort and Spa (Book via Agoda)
Address: Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu
Phone:(032) 340 5900
