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October 2023
A blissful escape at The Reef Mactan - a gem in Cebu.
Cebu, a vibrant island province in the Philippines, is renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. For visitors seeking diverse experiences, the main areas to stay include:
1. Mactan Island (Lapu-Lapu). Situated a mere 20-30 minutes from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, you can indulge in luxury resorts, water sports, and vibrant nightlife.
2. Cebu City. This is the bustling urban center of Cebu and is approximately 45 minutes from the airport. Cebu city offers a mix of cultural landmarks, bustling markets, and delectable local cuisine.
3. Oslob. This is a more serene retreat, located around 3 hours from the Mactan airport. Top things to do here are whale shark watching and exploring scenic waterfalls.
4. Moalboal. This is also a 3-hour drive away from the Mactan airport. Moalboal allures divers of all levels as this area boasts exceptional diving spots and a laid-back beach vibe. If you venture a little more inland, you can find thrilling canyoneering adventures!
5. Bantayan Island. This is accessible by a combination of land and sea travel from the Mactan airport – roughly a 4-hour journey in total. This northern Cebu island is a tranquil escape featuring pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a glimpse into the island's local life and culture.
I recently had the pleasure of staying at The Reef Mactan, a stunning resort nestled on the picturesque Lapu-Lapu Island in Cebu, Philippines. As a brand-new addition to the island's hospitality scene, this resort exceeded all expectations, and I'm thrilled to share my experience.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
From the moment we arrived, it was evident that The Reef was a place of luxury and comfort. The resort's pristine amenities, constructed just last year, were a testament to their commitment to providing a top-notch experience for their guests.
The rooms are a true sanctuary, offering ample space and a sense of relaxation that's much needed in the Philippines' hot and humid climate. The air conditioning worked like magic, instantly refreshing us after a day of adventure.
However, the real showstopper at The Reef must be the infinity pool that overlooks the vast expanse of the ocean. Whether you're catching the morning rays or seeking a shaded spot in the afternoon, the pool area is a haven of serenity and comfort. It never feels crowded, and the views are ✨breathtaking✨.
DAY ONE
After a smooth check-in process, my husband and I decided to explore all that the hotel had to offer.
For an early lunch, we went to The Bakery. They are open from 11am-6pm and serve classics like sandwiches, burgers, and bakery delights. Our favorites were the chicken burger, Rueben sandwich and berry smoothie. Don’t forget to snag one of The Bakery’s chocolate chip cookies. It’s a massive delight that will satisfy your sweet tooth cravings!
After lunch, we relaxed by the infinity pool. The pool's crystal-clear waters stretch endlessly merging with the horizon, creating an illusion of being suspended between sky and water. This idyllic setting fosters a sense of complete relaxation, allowing you to unwind and indulge in the luxury of doing absolutely nothing, embracing the pure joy of a leisurely escape from the world.
In the heat of the afternoon, we decided to check out the beach area. The Reef’s beachfront was under renovation at the time of writing this blog post, but was assured it should be ready in a few weeks’ time. The alternative was to take the resort’s golf cart around to the hotel next door and use their beachfront property. My biggest advice is not to go in the heat of the afternoon since there are no umbrellas and therefore, no shade. The sun was too strong for us and without any protection, we left the beach about 10 minutes after we arrived.
When we soaked up all the sun we could for the day, my husband and I got ready for our 5pm spa appointment. When we got down to The Spa, we were greeted with a refreshing herbal tea and the choice between two relaxing massage oil options. My go-to is always a lemongrass scent! The spa experience was nothing short of exceptional, as my husband's neck and shoulder massage melted away his stress, and my deep tissue massage provided the perfect blend of relief and relaxation, leaving us both feeling renewed and revitalized.
In the evening, we checked out The Lounge for cocktails and pre-dinner snacks. The waiters there were lovely and we would return just for the service! Their recommendations for the gin & tonic cocktail with essential oils and whiskey sour paired with empanadas (though a bit spicy for my liking) and calamari was divine!
When we turned in for the night, our stay in the hotel room was made even more delightful with the inclusion of in-room Netflix, allowing us to unwind with our favorite shows, while the abundance of plush pillows added an extra touch of comfort, ensuring a truly restful and cozy experience.
DAY TWO
We started the next morning by heading down to The Kitchen at 6:30am for breakfast. There was an array of fresh fruit options, delicious baked goods, hot dishes, and my all-time favorite: cheesy ensaymadas! It’s a popular and beloved Filipino pastry that is a sweet and fluffy brioche-like bread topped with butter, sugar, and a generous amount of grated cheese, often using Edam or cheddar cheese. #IYKYK 😉
Being on Lapu-Lapu island, tours to white sand beaches and island hopping were just 20 minutes away. So, we took advantage of the proximity to the docks and booked a breathtaking island-hopping adventure to Gilutungan, Caohagan, and Nalusuan Islands. It offered a mesmerizing blend of pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and exhilarating water activities that left us in awe (again!!) of the natural beauty of the Philippines.
By the time we got dropped off back at the The Reef, it was around 3pm! I much prefer this schedule of activities as it was laid-back, didn’t have to travel far, and gave us time to enjoy the resort’s amenities again. We relaxed at the gorgeous infinity pool until we got ready for an early dinner.
We enjoyed drinks and dinner at The Kitchen. There’s so much on the menu to choose from and the yellow curry that we shared was exceptional! I can’t wait to try The Reef’s new Italian restaurant, Spiaggia, on the 25th floor that offers unique views of both mountain and sea from sunrise to sundown. They’ll serve homemade pasta, hand-tossed pizzas, and homestyle main course offerings cooked with the very best ingredients. For more details and updates, please see their website.
Regrettably, as the sun began to set on our last evening in the Philippines, we didn’t feel ready to leave The Reef after having two relaxing days here. After we checked out, the 30-minute journey to the Mactan-Cebu International airport was made comfortable by the resort’s clean and spacious fleet of private cars available for hire for an airport transfer.
Our stay at The Reef Mactan was nothing short of extraordinary. With its unbeatable location, impeccable amenities, and warm hospitality, it's a dream destination for anyone planning a getaway to Cebu. My husband and I are already planning our return visit to this paradise, and we wholeheartedly recommend The Reef to anyone looking to make Cebu their next holiday destination.
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Thank you, The Reef Mactan, for making our stay truly unforgettable!
Note: This itinerary is flexible, and you can adjust the activities based on your personal preferences and the available time. Make sure to check the opening hours and seasonal variations of attractions before visiting.
Happy traveling,
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