Review: Best Western Sandbar Resort Day Tour Experience
Looking for a weekend getaway? Read on. The King of Sinulog is off to the the beautiful island of Mactan Cebu to avail of the day tour package of Best Western Sandbar Resort (hotel info). Just 12.2 KM or 15 minutes away from the international airport, the resort is ideal for travelers looking for a quick yet value for money destination at the same time fit for functions and seminars.
Facilities and Amenities
The resort has the Waves Restaurant serving Filipino and International dishes, two outdoor swimming pools (Kiddie and Adult Pool), function rooms (Alegria Grand Ballroom, Alegria 1 to 3), aqua sports (jetski, kayak, island hopping, tour to isla romantica), foreign currency exchange, free wifi, souvenir shop, game room and karaoke room.
Our Best Western Sandbar Resort Day Tour Experience
Arriving at the resort, we went directly to the front desk to confirm our reservation and were given the necessary information regarding the day tour package, which includes what we can and cannot do. Since we went on a Sunday, the rate was at PHP 850 per person. That includes a waived entrance fee to the resort, lunch buffet (without drinks), use of swimming pool from 8:00AM to 5:00PM, use of public shower and changing rooms.
We were impressed with the vast area of the resort, the sea breeze kissing our cheeks and the beautiful view of the lagoon and the coconut trees. We immediately went to the pool. Since we were not in the mood to swim, we just relaxed and decided to try their free WIFI which had a two-bar connection just enough for quick browsing.
We asked for their poolside menu and decided to order the Club Wrap at PHP 185 for breakfast comprised of tortilla, chicken, bacon, mayonnaise, cucumber, tomato, lettuce, mango and side salad. From these ingredients alone, you’ll know that it was mouth-watering.
For our drinks, we tried the Burberry Peach at PHP 150, a mixture of vodka, peach schnapps, serrano chili pepper, lime juice and sprite. Yes, the signature cocktail was spicy, a unique experience indeed.
We got bored so we decided to roam around the resort. You can’t help but admire the strategically placed lounging chairs and romantic love chairs by the lagoon and the white sandbar. We took pictures of other guests enjoying the kayaks.
It’s not included in the day tour package so there’s an additional charge if you decide to avail of it. We just decided to take a random photo shoot for fun while in the resort.
We found out that the resort just recently hired a new executive chef from the Middle East by the way to run the restaurant, a Filipino by the name of Chef Dexter Saludar whom I had the opportunity to meet and talk to in person. Since it was almost noon, we decided to go inside Waves Restaurant for our lunch buffet.
The lunch spread consisted of these delectable offerings: Primavera, Rosemary Chicken, Pork Green Curry, Roasted Mackerel, Grilled Vegetable in Season, Yakisoba and Cream of Mushroom Soup.
Other sections include the salad bar (mixed green salad with thousand island dressing, grilled squid salad with parmesan cheese and crab salad with honey balsamic dressing), dessert station (leche flan, mango bravo, raspberry panna cotta and assorted mini-cakes), pasta station (fresine, penne and linguine with toppings such as bacon, ham, cheese, mushrooms, onion and garlic), grilling station (pork, fish and chorizo), fries and chips, and bread station.
Our favorites include the roasted mackerel, the carbonara with unlimited toppings, the leche flan and the deep-fried chips.
Yum! Chef Dexter also gave us complimentary Pink Lemonade drinks to gulp everything down. By the way, walk-in guests could also avail of their lunch buffet on weekends at PHP 350 per person.
Since our stomachs were full and it was blazing hot because of the afternoon sun, we decided to cool ourselves off at their karaoke room. At PHP 250 per hour, you can sing your hearts out inside a soundproof air-conditioned private room.
After our concert, we decided to do an ocular inspection with the available accommodations escorted by Chef Dexter himself. The resort offers 63 guest rooms, 56 deluxe rooms, 3 suite rooms and 2 sets of connecting rooms. Oh how I wished we stayed at their suite room as it was indeed glorious. Well, maybe next time when they are not fully-booked.
Overall, the King of Sinulog had a quick but fun time at Best Western Sandbar Resort. If you’re looking for an instant getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city life, then look no further and book a stay at Best Western Sandbar Resort. Later!
Getting There
From SM City Cebu V-Hire Terminal, you can ride a van for hire for Cordova with a base fare of PHP 35 per person. The route ends at a 7-Eleven in Cordova and from there you can ride a motorcycle, tricycle or pedicab to the resort at PHP 20 per person. From the airport, you can hail a taxi or request for a private transfer from the resort. As for us, we went to the resort via private transportation.
Best Western Sandbar Resort (Book via Agoda)
Address: Wahing Street, Barangay Alegria, Cordova, Mactan Island Cebu
Trunkline: 517 – 9998
Email: info@sandbarcebu.com
Website: www.bestwesternceburesort.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cebusandbarresort
