Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa is a 5-star resort owned by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts located on the island of Mactan, Cebu. It was once the Philippines' largest resort, covering 13 hectares and equipped with 530 guest rooms and suites, its own private man-made beach cove, 2 outdoor swimming pools, a 6-hole golf course, and its own marine sanctuary covering 6 hectares that holds over 100 species of fish and corals.
Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu received the "ASEAN Green Hotel Standard" at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2008 held in Bangkok, Thailand, in recognition of its environmentally friendly energy conservation measures. For its 20th anniversary in October 2013, the resort underwent an expansive renovation program over three phases with a new "ocean to shore" concept.
Since it opened in 1993, Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa has won various awards from international institutions such as AsiaMoney, Business Traveller, Conde Nast, HotelClub.com, Smart Travel Asia, Time magazine, Travel Weekly (for "Best Spa") and Zagat World's Top Hotels, Resorts and Spas. Its impact has been said to have "put Cebu on the map when it opened in 1993" and is frequently cited as creating the tourism boom on the island, known as the "Cebooom."
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History
The Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa was opened by Wolf Dieter Flecker on October 18, 1993. When first opened, the resort was significantly smaller than it is today, when "the view of the seas [were] unobstructed." Additions over the years have included the Ocean Wing and fish sanctuary, as well as palm trees and lagoon pools.
In 2007 the resort announced a multimillion-dollar renovation program to coincide with the hosting of the 14th ASEAN summit on its premises. 188 rooms in the Ocean Wing were renovated, while a marquee able to accommodate 1,000 guests was also added.
The same year the resort celebrated its 15th year with an art exhibition of Cebuano painters, with 50% of proceeds of sales of the works going to charity.
A renewal program over three phases from 2012 to 2013 included new room types, existing room makeovers and a new theme, at a cost of P718 million (US$16.5 million).
The resort remains particularly popular with tourists from Korea and Japan, but with an increasing number of domestic guests. It also hosts major international events, including the Miss Universe pre-pageant, the APEC summit, and the ASEAN Leader's Summit.
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Theme
During the resort's refurbishment for its 20th anniversary, a new theme, "ocean to shore," was announced. The resort maintains this concept in part through its own beachfront sanctuary, which was first launched in 2007. Spanning six hectares, the Shangri-La Marine Sanctuary contains 160 species of fish, clams and coral, as well as two sunken ships placed there to form artificial coral. Staff of the hotel maintain the sanctuary alongside steward partners Amores Charities, Inc., Scotty's Action Sports Network and the Government of Lapu-Lapu City.
Design and construction
The resort was designed by Francisco Mañosa and Partners, who had the responsibility of creating the first resort of the chain in the Philippines. The concept "called for a structure nestled in nature," and Mañosa decided to have the facades of the hotel slope to avoid the structure feeling too monumental amongst the coconut palms.
Interior design was developed by Dale Keller & Associates. The in-room teak and mother-of-pearl furniture and decor use Philippine craftsmanship, applied on capiz headboards, timber flooring and decorative fretwork lamps.
Landscaping by Belt Collins International (HK) Limited was developed. The shoreline itself was reconfigured to create a sheltered, man-made beach with a "naturalistic island within wading distance." Palm trees were planted in clusters with curved paths leading from the resort's main building to the beach, via tropical gardens and lawns.
Features
Rooms and suites
The resort has 530 rooms split into two wings, the Main and Ocean Wings. The Deluxe and Deluxe Sea View rooms measure 36 square meters, while suites include Mactan, Panorama and Veranda Suites, blending contemporary Filipino craft furnishings with indigenous abaca, capiz, banana leaf and rattan. The Veranda Suites include a private 30-square-meter corner terrace and were introduced during the first phase of renewal for the 20th anniversary of its opening. Ocean Club floor rooms also include personal concierge service and access to the Ocean Club Lounge.
A total of 354 rooms were refurbished in the resort's main wing during the 3-phase renovation program. New colours of golden sand and fresh turquoise were added to display the new concept of "ocean to shore," with coral and seashell decor. 8 Deluxe Family rooms for small groups were also added, of 45-61 square meters in size and containing two queen size beds.
The resort has two suites titled the Shangri-La Suite that are located in the Main Wing. Measuring 136 square meters, they come with a private balcony overlooking the Mactan Sea, a living room, dining area, pantry, and a personal butler. The premier suite is the Presidential Suite in the Ocean Wing, measuring 216 square meters.
Restaurants
The resort holds four speciality restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, as well as bars, "Breeze," "Buko Bar," "Waves Bar," and Lobby Lounge.
- Cowrie Cove - Modern Day Signature Seafood
- Tea of Spring - Chinese
- Acqua - Italian
- Tides - International
CHI, The Spa
CHI Spa Village opened in June 2005, with six private villas of 135 square meters, pavilions for treatments, and garden suites. The Spa Village extends over 10,000 square meters, containing herbal steam rooms and a spa pool. Services include a "water garden" and over 30 therapies developed on a philosophy of Chinese yin and yang. Treatments include a traditional Philippine Hilot, using warm coconut oil and banana leaves.
Awards
The property is a mainstay of recommendation lists by major media like Conde Nast Traveler, Expedia, Asia Money and TIME magazine, winning awards each year. It was voted "The Favorite Resort Hotel in Asia" for three consecutive years from 2004 by TIME magazine's readers.
- Best Resorts for Families in Asia (Rank 3), Travel + Leisure, 2013
- Readers Choice Awards - Top 15 Resorts in Asia (Rank 13), Conde Nast Traveler, 2013
- Travelers' Choice Winner (x3) - Top Hotel / Luxury / Best Service, Trip Advisor, 2013
- Top 10 Overseas Hotel, Travel + Leisure (China), 2012
- Expedia Insiders' Select Hotel, Expedia.com, 2011
- Top 25 Leisure Hotels & Resorts, Smart Travel Asia.com best in Travel, 2011
- Best Asia Hotel in the Philippines, Travel + Leisure "T+L 500" (USA), 2010
- Asia's Leading Beach Resort, World Travel Awards, 2009
- Asean Green Hotel Award, 2008
- Philippines' Leading Resort, World Travel Awards, 2006
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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