A Beachfront Escape at Shangri-La Mactan
Cebu offers a wonderful combination of coastal scenery, marine experiences, cultural heritage and outdoor adventure. Rather than one continuous beach destination, its coastline features a variety of smaller beaches, sheltered coves and offshore islands. On Mactan Island, where we stayed, many of the finest beachfront experiences are found within established resorts. This was certainly the case at Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa, where a beautiful 350-metre stretch of white sand provides a private and comfortable setting beside the sea.
The resort’s beach is a particularly appealing feature, with calm water and access to the Shangri-La Marine Sanctuary just offshore. For anyone who enjoys spending time in the water, there is plenty to explore. Snorkelling and scuba diving provide opportunities to discover marine life, while kayaking, sailing, parasailing, jet skiing and other water sports offer more active ways to enjoy the coastline. Island-hopping excursions to nearby marine areas and smaller islands are also popular.
There is plenty to discover beyond Mactan as well. A visit to Cebu City offers an opportunity to explore important historical landmarks, including Magellan’s Cross, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and Fort San Pedro. Further afield, the famous sardine run at Moalboal attracts snorkellers and divers, while Kawasan Falls is known for its striking turquoise pools and guided canyoneering experiences. Those who enjoy hiking can make their way to Osmeña Peak for impressive views across Cebu’s distinctive rolling hills. These experiences are spread across the island, so allowing sufficient time for travel between them makes a considerable difference.
We chose Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa, a five-star luxury beachfront property that stands among the Philippines’ leading luxury marine resorts. Set within 13 hectares of tropical gardens, the resort combines an attractive oceanfront setting with an impressive range of facilities. Its swimming pools are a major feature, offering plenty of space to relax. During our stay, the choice of six restaurants and bars also meant there was no shortage of dining options, from relaxed refreshments to more memorable evening meals.
What we particularly appreciated was the opportunity to enjoy a complete resort experience without feeling the need to leave the property every day. Whether spending time beside the pool, relaxing on the beach, exploring the marine sanctuary or enjoying one of the resort’s dining venues, there was enough variety to make our stay feel leisurely rather than structured.
For travellers looking for a combination of quality accommodation, beach time, marine activities and convenient access to Cebu’s wider attractions, Shangri-La Mactan is a compelling choice. It offers a comfortable resort setting while providing a convenient starting point for discovering more of the island.