I've already described our accommodations in Shangri-la Mactan, and what we did in Cebu, so now I'll share my thoughts on Shangri-la's facilities and amenities.
Our day started with buffet breakfast at Tides, located at the garden level of the resort. I was unable to take pictures of the restaurant and the buffet area because of two reasons: one, there were just too many people crowding the area; and two, we were so hungry... so photos weren't a priority :)
This is the view from where we seated at Tides, it's the first of two swimming pools inside the resort (btw, all pictures on this blog are reduced in size due to blog template restrictions. but you may double click on them to see the full size):
Tip # 1 for future visitors: Take your buffet breakfast at Acqua, the other restaurant option. It's farther from the main lobby (almost near the beach area), but there are a lot less people there for breakfast. The food offerings are just the same, so if you want to avoid the crowd, the extra walk is worth it.
The food is pretty much what you would expect from a five-star hotel buffet. There are separate stations for rice and viands (the bacon is wonderful!), noodles and congee, sushi and kani salad, breads, pancakes and waffles (try the waffle topped with bananas, chocolate sauce and cream...so sinful!), fruits and desserts. You can actually have breakfast a little later (say, around 9:30) and eat until the restaurant closes for lunch. You won't get hungry until late afternoon, so there's no need to eat lunch anymore.
This is the view from where we seated at Tides, it's the first of two swimming pools inside the resort (btw, all pictures on this blog are reduced in size due to blog template restrictions. but you may double click on them to see the full size):
Tip # 1 for future visitors: Take your buffet breakfast at Acqua, the other restaurant option. It's farther from the main lobby (almost near the beach area), but there are a lot less people there for breakfast. The food offerings are just the same, so if you want to avoid the crowd, the extra walk is worth it.
The food is pretty much what you would expect from a five-star hotel buffet. There are separate stations for rice and viands (the bacon is wonderful!), noodles and congee, sushi and kani salad, breads, pancakes and waffles (try the waffle topped with bananas, chocolate sauce and cream...so sinful!), fruits and desserts. You can actually have breakfast a little later (say, around 9:30) and eat until the restaurant closes for lunch. You won't get hungry until late afternoon, so there's no need to eat lunch anymore.
After brunch, it's pool time!
We parked ourselves besides the other pool near the beach, i.e. the infinity pool. Again, since it's a longer walk from the main area, there are a lot less people (read: kids and babies) here. We just wanted to lay around in the sun and take a dip occasionally, so this pool was perfect:
A couple of hours later, we trooped down to the beach area. Truthfully, this beach is nothing to write home about. I may be wrong, but I think it's man-made?
Man-made or not, that didn't deter the resort guests from enjoying the beach. This was the most crowded of all the swimming options.
Tip # 2: When booking a standard room, request the one with the ocean view. The price difference is not that significant, but you get an amazing view, and you'll be close to the infinity pool and the beach.
After a few hours under the sun, we walked around the resort to check out the other amenities. Here are a few more photos:
This is Cowrie Cove, which becomes a bar at night:
The entrance to the Chi Spa (This is as far as we could go, haha):
As you can see, I'm such a poor and lazy photographer. I always forget to retrieve my camera when I see a nice place!
My photography fail aside, I don't think I need to show more pictures to convince anyone that Shangri-la Mactan truly lives up to its five-star billing. Unfortunately, the five-star amenities and service also come with a five-star price. The good news is that Shangri-la regularly offers reduced rates (also for their Boracay resort), so all you have to do is wait for a good deal like we did.
To wrap-up my Cebu trip, here are my ratings:
Shangri-la Mactan (accommodations, amenities and buffet breakfast) - A
The Spa at Cebu - A for massage services, B for mani/pedi service
Tajimaya Yakniku - A minus (great food, a little improvement needed on interiors)
La Tegola - B plus (love the pasta, pizza needs to be more consistent)
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