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Cebu is one of the most popular places to visit in the Philippines. Home to the country’s second largest city, as well as beautiful beaches and a rugged mountain interior, Cebu Island also boasts some of the Philippines’ best resorts.
Cebu is part of the Visayas, which is one of the three main island groups in the Philippines. It is also considered the gateway island to some of the country’s best diving and snorkeling adventures, and many of the resorts here offer excursions, from swimming with whale sharks to diving thriving coral reefs.
Cebu City is the main urban center and along with beach resorts, it also attracts travelers in search of history and culture. You’ll also find many 5-star beachfront resorts in Lapu Lapu (also known as Mactan Island).
Whether you are on your honeymoon or a romantic vacation or looking for a resort to take the family, you’ll find something for everyone in Cebu. Here we present our picks for the best resorts on Cebu Island.
1. Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu
Accommodation: Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu
On a gorgeous stretch of white sand lapped by calm turquoise and aquamarine waters, Shangri-La Mactan is one of the best luxury beach resorts on Cebu. The grounds are well-maintained, with acres of lush, landscaped gardens and swaying palm foliage.
There is also snorkeling access in a six-hectare marine sanctuary, with some 160 species of fish and coral within walking distance of the resort.
The rooms and suites are spread across two distinct wings and come in a number of configurations. All boast contemporary decor with Filipino-style accents and have either sea or garden views. Kids stay free, and there is a family room category. Interconnecting rooms are also available.
The resort has two swimming pools on the grounds and an aqua park area with a waterslide for kids. All sorts of water sports can be arranged, including diving. If you like to golf, there is a six-hole park to practice your swing.
And CHI, The Spa is where to head if you are in need of some pampering. There are also a number of dining options on-site including an al fresco steakhouse and grill and a casual beachfront restaurant.
Address: Punta Engano Road, Lapu Lapu 6015 Philippines
2. Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu
Accommodation: Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu
A great all around luxury resort choice, the Movenpick Hotel is right on the beach. The property is done up in Mediterranean-style and attracts a mix of families, couples, and solo travelers. It has a beachside entertainment venue that is popular for late night dancing and also boasts a number of sleek restaurants.
If you are traveling with kids, however, you’ll find plenty to keep your young ones happy. There is a kids’ pool and organized activities, from storytelling to face painting and arts and crafts depending on the day.
Rooms here come in a number of shapes and sizes, but the Ibiza Loft Rooms really stand out. They are massive and feature private hot tubs. Try to book a room on one of the higher floors to avoid late night noise.
Other amenities here include three restaurants, a lovely swimming pool with ocean views, and a spa with a full range of treatments. There is also a steam room, fitness center, and a game room with pool tables and foosball.
Address: Punta Engano Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines, Lapu Lapu 6015 Philippines
3. Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark
Accommodation: Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark
Traveling with the kids and looking for a water park experience? Check out Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark. Six themed pools with three giant waterslides, a lazy river, and even a wave pool make this a favorite place for families.
For younger children, there’s a kids’ pool with a pirate ship, splash park, and mini waterslides. And there is a toddlers’ pool. Other family-focused amenities include mini-golf, go karts, and a game room.
Jpark is a large resort — there are more than 550 rooms and suites in varying configurations. All rooms have private balconies and rainfall showers. There are also villas with private pools or hot tubs. Families should check out the Pocoro Suites. These have big ball pits; mini-slides; TVs with interactive games; and in some of the suites, trampolines!
Besides the water park, you’ll find a number of dining options. Choose from Korean, Chinese, a buffet, and Cuban cuisine. In-room dining is offered as well. Other amenities include a fitness center and a spa with a full range of treatments.
Address: M. L. Quezon National Highway Brgy. Maribago, Lapu Lapu 6015 Philippines
4. Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan
Accommodation: Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan
If you love a beautiful swimming pool, you won’t be disappointed at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan. The resort has a three-tiered infinity pool with fantastic ocean views from its top level. About a 30-minute drive from the airport, the resort caters to couples and families alike.
The property sits on 15 acres and has a small, but nicely laid out, beachfront area with comfy sun loungers and umbrellas. The ambience throughout this luxury resort, which sits on 15 landscaped acres, is Filipino-inspired elegant.
There are 290 rooms and suites. The Ocean Front Private Pool Villa Suites are the most posh. They have large furnished balconies with ocean views and infinity-edge plunge pools. They also boast separate living spaces.
Note that this property is very spread out, and some of the rooms are quite far from the resort’s main facilities. There is a free buggy service, but it is worth booking a room closer to the lobby area.
There are four restaurants on-site. Other amenities include a children’s playroom, a well-equipped gym, and an excellent spa. The spa does treatments in open-air cabana huts and also features a hot tub and whirlpool.
Address: Seascapes Resort Town, Lapu Lapu 6015 Philippines
5. Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort
Accommodation: Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort
Featuring Thai and Filipino design and hospitality elements, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort is a luxury property at the northern tip of the Punta Engaño Peninsula.
The stylish resort has 272 rooms and suites that are all well appointed. The design is contemporary, and the beds get high marks for comfort.
Rooms and suites come in a number of configurations, and many have excellent sea views from furnished balconies. There are also interconnecting rooms for families. Kids under 12 sharing a room with an adult stay for free and receive a 50 percent discount on buffet meals.
There are multiple dining options on-site. Benjarong is next to the hotel’s sky garden (where to go for sunset views and beverages) and offers a Thai gastronomic experience. The View restaurant in the lobby area overlooks the hotel’s impressive infinity pool, and the Magellan Sea beyond. It serves light fare in an open-air environment. There is also a hearty international buffet restaurant.
Other amenities include a kids’ club and swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa. There is also beach access.
Address: Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort Punta Engano Road, Lapu Lapu 6015 Philippines
6. Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
Accommodation: Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
At the far end of Mactan Island, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa sits on 27 acres of sprawling, manicured grounds. It has a small beachfront area, and much of the resort was designed to resemble the natural environs, with freshwater pools and saltwater lagoons for swimming surrounded by sand. The resort is about 30 minutes from the airport and offers free transfers.
There are around 250 rooms and suites in a variety of configurations. Some feel dated, but others are quite nice, including an overwater Riverboat Suite. Built on stilts over the lagoon, it has two bedrooms and an al fresco living room and can sleep up to eight people.
Besides the beach and numerous pools, there is plenty to keep you busy on the grounds. For kids, there are indoor and outdoor play areas including a sandbox-style playground. There’s also a putting green, archery area, and climbing wall, which are free for guests to use.
The five on-site restaurants offer plenty of dining diversity, and the food gets good reviews.
Address: Marigondon, Lapu Lapu 6015 Philippines
7. Badian Island Wellness Resort
Accommodation: Badian Island Wellness Resort
In operation for more than 30 years now, Badian Island Wellness Resort is another top high-end property. It focuses on holistic holidays in an open-air, natural setting. Built by a German philanthropist and his Filipino business partner in an effort to provide employment for locals on the island, today it offers a luxe retreat in beautiful environs.
There are four styles of rooms ranging from a junior to a family suite (yes the resort is kid friendly) to a pool villa with its own Thalasso pool set on stilts overlooking the sea. The pool has a built-in waterfall and a swim jet system for the most soothing experience. There is also a marble bathtub under a glass roof for a romantic stargazing session after dark.
From white sandy beaches to turquoise sea, there is plenty to do around here, including diving and snorkeling excursions. It also offers Thalasso (ionized seawater) outdoor swimming pools said to having healing and revitalizing properties. The restaurants here also focus on organic, healthy menus.
And then there is the spa. Treatments are in al fresco pavilions with mountain and bay views. The all-natural treatments range from a signature four-hand massage performed by two therapists working in tandem to a warm seaweed bath.
Address: Badian 6031 Philippines
8. Radisson Blu Cebu
Accommodation: Radisson Blue Cebu
If you need to stay in Cebu City, the Radisson Blu is a top luxury resort choice. Connected to the SM City Mall, it offers easy access to multiple dining and shopping establishments. It is also just a 10-minute walk from Cebu’s ferry terminal, where you can catch a boat to other Visayan islands.
The 400 rooms and suites are spacious and comfortable, with memory foam mattresses. The most expensive rooms have access to the Business Class Lounge on the 20th floor, which serves breakfast and snacks throughout the day. The room decor is elegant but can feel a bit dark, with a gray, brown, and beige color scheme. All rooms have sofa beds and can sleep up to three adults or two adults and two kids under 12.
The restaurant offers all-day dining and does a buffet with creative international food stations. There is also a tea lounge that does a traditional afternoon tea and specialty tea service throughout the day.
Other amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a spa with a full range of treatments, and a well-equipped gym.
Address: Serging Osmena Boulevard Corner Juan Luna Avenue, Cebu City 6000 Philippines
9. Kandaya Resort
Accommodation: Kandaya Resort
On a white-sand beach that is more than three hours from Cebu City, Kandaya Resort has a remote vacation vibe that works well for couples or families. The luxe resort in historic Daanbantayan offers a lot of different activities for guests to book.
Choose from horseback riding, jet skiing, or a cruise on an outrigger boat with a hammock and bean bags. There are also opportunities for diving and a day trip to Kandaya’s private beach on a neighboring island. If you just want to relax, pay a visit to the spa.
The boutique property has just 52 rooms, suites, and villas, so the place never feels too crowded. These come in a number of configurations, ranging from the most affordable deluxe rooms to a large family villa that can sleep up to six people. Expect style and comfort regardless of the class you book.
Address: Agujo, Daanbantayan 6013 Philippines