Cebu is not called the “queen city of the south” for nothing. Its capital is one of the busiest cities in the country, and has emerged as a posh and cosmopolitan destination not only for those who travel for business but also for tourists looking for that getaway or vacation.
However, despite the rapid development of of the entire province, it still has hidden gems in store for travelers. From white sand beaches to historical sites, you will never run out of places to explore.
Want to experience the beauty of nature and indulge in the rich Cebuano culture but don’t want to give up the comforts of the metro, aside from merely doing business in its various hubs? Cebu is the perfect destination for you. Here are our picks for the ten best places to stay when in this paradise of an island.
10 Harolds Hotel
Situated in the uptown area of Cebu City, Harolds Hotel is a business hotel famous with travelers because of the convenience of its location. The hotel is just 30 minutes away from the Mactan International airport and just 10 minutes away from the city’s central business district, main shopping centers and party places. If you’re seeking to experience the city life in Cebu and looking for a place to stay, Harolds Hotel is a good choice.
9 Marco Polo Plaza Cebu
Providing breathtaking views of the tropical island of Cebu, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu is a 5-star hotel worthy of its rating. It is located at the prestigious Nivel Hills which is just a 40-minute drive from the Mactan International Airport. With rooms offering views of the magnificent mountains, the serene sea, and the busy city lights at night, your stay at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu will be anything but unforgettable.
8 Sampaguita Resort
Sampaguita Resort is a small-scale oceanfront dive resort located along the western coast of Cebu. The place may be small, but the experience is highly personalized. You can expect the staff to cater to your needs and adapt to your desires. If you’re in Cebu and want an overall delightful experience above and below the surface of the water, Sampaguita Resort should be your next destination.
7 Blue Orchid Resort
The Blue Orchid Resort, located in the white sandy beaches of Moalboal, is a paradise hidden in the depths of the province of Cebu. Just minutes of walking away from the white beach of “Bas Dako” and the stunning rock formation called “Mag Payong”, the Blue Orchid Resort offers a refreshing experience both for the mind, body and the soul.
6 Radisson Blu Cebu
Located in the heart of Cebu City, Radisson Blu Cebu provides five-star accommodations. It is just a few meters away from the city’s iconic establishments. The hotel is connected via walkway to SM City Cebu Mall, just a 10-minute ride away from the city’s major nightlife district, and only 11 kilometers away from the Mactan Internation Airport. If you’re looking for a home-base for exploring the stunning tourist sites of Cebu City, Radisson Blu Cebu should be on top of your list.
5 Ocean Vida Beach & Dive Resort
Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort is located at the beachfront of Bounty Beach in the island of Malapascua. It offers terrific views of the amazing seascapes and marvelous landscapes surrounding the resort. It likewise offers the exploration of the diverse marine life available through the resort’s diving packages. The combination of the nice ambiance, fresh food and the friendliness of the locals on the island will definitely make you keep coming back to Ocean Vida Beach & Dive Resort over and over again.
4 Plantation Bay Resort & Spa
A resort in a class of its own, Plantation Bay Resort &Spa offers one of the largest privately-owned waterways in the world. It boasts of its 11 hectares of secluded grounds and the elegant colonial-plantation architecture of its establishments. The resort is unlike any other with its classical style. Whether you’re traveling for a family vacation or a romantic getaway, choosing Plantation Bay Resort & Spa for your stay will always be a wise decision.
3 Tepanee Beach Resort
First of all, the view that Tepanee Beach Resort has to offer is simply breathtaking. Located in the island of Malapascua, the beauty of the scenery surrounding the resort will make you completely appreciate the wonders of nature. Tepanee Beach Resort is truly the epitome of serenity and tranquility so if you’re looking to unwind and escape the stresses of the metro, this is the place to be.
2 Abaca Boutique Resort
One of the most exclusive boutique resorts in the country, Abaca Boutique Resort is located in the island of Mactan. It is a tropical refuge that offers the splendor of private luxurious suites and the tranquility of being located in a lush tropical oceanfront retreat. Staying in this resort can be a little pricey but the Abaca Boutique Resort makes sure that you will definitely get your money’s worth.
1 Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa
Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa is not your ordinary resort. It is best described as a memorable experience, a luxurious escape, and even a dream come true. The resort also houses CHI – one of the largest spas in Asia. You can enjoy the relaxing menu of massages and beauty therapies in private spa villas offered by the resort. With the grandeur of its halls, the tranquil massages of its spa and the scenic views of the sea, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa just seems like a touch of heaven here on earth.
