Except for the chance to taste Zubuchon, my recent trip to Cebu was inconsequential. Strolling through the Ayala Center made me feel like I was just in Manila.Everything changed, however, when we went to the island town of Mactan which can be reached in 40 minutes from the city proper. There’s something a city slicker like me would kill for and that’s spending a day at the beach and enjoying postcard-perfect sights like these…
We were billeted at the Crimson Beach Resort & Spa, the newest in the thriving island. The first thing that impressed me about this resort was the architecture which deftly combines Balinese and modern Filipiniana motifs. The lobby was small but had carefully-selected, eyecatching pieces like this four-way sungka ( a native Filipino game)
We occupied a deluxe garden view room which had an approximate size of 44 square meters.I loved the hotel’s unique, elegant use of furniture and I said to myself this is how my country house would look like if I had the chance to someday:) Crimson certainly made good use of Cebu’s reputation as the hub of furniture artisans and craftsmen.
Aside from the big 42-inch LCD TV in the bedroom, there was also a small TV in the bathroom (see mirror) – good for whiling the time away while you’re dipping in the tub. I thought it’s a nice touch 🙂
The six hectare resort is composed of 250 bungalow-style suites and villas. The more upscale room categories consists of the casitas and the private pool villas where you can choose between beach front and ocean front. They are all sized at 115 square meters. The lobby and dining areas were separated from the rest of the rooms but there’s no problem since you can always walk or call for a golf cart. Honestly, I prefer smaller resorts like Crimson since they’re easier to navigate through and it affords one greater privacy.
The buffet at the main restaurant Saffron had the usual seafood and international specialties. I liked it that the selection didn’t “overwhelm” unlike the ones in Manila (I am beginning to shy away from these buffets!) Only during breakfast did I get an idea of the resort’s huge Korean clientele.No wonder, one of the stations even had Korean food like kimchi (no complaints since I love their cuisine!) The bakery had good stuff as well and upon the recommendation of F & B director Janine Taylor, I bought the in-house banana loaf as pasalubong – huge, yummy and only P280:)
View of the resort grounds from the upper level.There are two pools with a majestic view of the sea –
I very much liked the vibe at the beachside Azure Bar.It was like being in Boracay or some other party place.
And of course, if I have to recommend something, try the signature massage (P1200) at the resort’s sprawling Aum Spa. It was so relaxing! I guess there’s a difference between a two hundred peso massage you can get in some cheapo joint and spas like Aum. With the former, you can sometimes have broken bones. Under the care of the well-trained masseuse at Aum, I felt good even weeks after the massage:)
So yes, this is the life! Too bad all vacations have to end. And now it’s back to the daily grind. We certainly had a good time at Crimson!
Crimson Beach Resort and Spa
Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City
Cebu, Philippines
Tel. No: 63-32 401 9999
Fax No: 63-32 401 9998
Email: info.mactan@crimsonhotel.com
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