Eye in the Sky: Moevenpick Resort and Spa's Ethereal Atmosphere in Mactan Island, Cebu

Ethereal. That's what comes to mind when you enter the lobby of Moevenpick Resort and Spa Cebu. located along Punta Engano Road in the island of Mactan. It used to be Hilton until its renovations in 2012. The main hotel has 244 rooms spread across 22 floors. It has 4 restaurants, including "The Sails" which hosts the buffet meals of day visitors, and is open from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM daily. The beautiful Ibiza Bar, decked in white, serves tapas and Mediterranean cuisine. Beside the swimming pool is "The Forum" if you want a more laidback atmosphere than "The Sails".

After paying your entrance of PhP2,100 (officially called "Day Use"), you will be handed a wrist brace (to identify you as a day visitor) and a meal coupon for your lunch buffet. I was referred to the locker room (photo below) where I was assigned a closet (with a key) so I could deposit my bag. Entrance includes a scoop of ice cream that you can claim anytime. I claimed mine way after lunch.

The lobby is decked in mostly white so that the few colors (blue, green, gray) found in the lounge chairs become emphasized. The set pieces seem like designs by famed Cebuano industrial designer Kenneth Cobunpue who designs his pieces using rattan, buri, bamboo and abaca. I am not sure though if the chairs here are his. Some other chairs look like clams with spokes radiating from the base of the seat. While they look uncomfortable, they actually follow the contour of the back and the buttocks, I loved sitting on them.

Just before stepping outside, there's a billiards table to your left that's mostly abandoned in the day. After all, it doesn't make sense to stay indoors when the sun, the sand and the waters of the ocean and the pool beckon to your leisurely spirit. The swimming pool has an area for children, with floating seats littering around like play house sets. The beach promenade, going all the way to Ibiza Beach Club, has an interesting wooden boardwalk. Please check out our next post for the beach and Ibiza Beach Club.

UNDERWHELMING BUFFET

I gladly recommend this place for its impeccable service, the top-notch hospitality of the staff and their world-class facilities. The set pieces particularly at the beach is something to crow about. Unfortunately, it's the buffet that feels a little too limited. In fact, main course has 5 main pans that already includes rice, soup, broccoli in oyster sauce, a truly delicious fish fillet with garlic sauce and beef salpicao. Five! It had 2 pasta dishes - chinese chicken salad and beef and pasta, 11 plates of dessert, oolong teaCompare this to Crimson Resort's mind-boggling buffet spread, or even the cheaper Maribago Bluewater's, you'd be left a bit disappointed. Don't get me wrong. Food tastes great, and there are a dozen salads and condiments and a dozen more dessert on another table, but 5 for the main dishes (including rice, vegetables and soup) is a small number. Buffet is termed buffet for a reason. Otherwise, let's go for a la carte.

Aside from the beach, Moevenpick is known for their night parties centered around Ibiza Beach Club. A DJ plays dance music most nights. They're also known for their spa. If you're dining at any of their restaurants, there's no entrance fee required although this limits you to your gastronomic encounter at Moevenpick.

Moevenpick Resort is located about 5 minutes from the Lapu Lapu Monument, so that's your landmark in Mactan Island. The airport is 8 minutes away, and Cebu City is 45 minutes away by taxi. Call (63-32) 492-7777 for more information. Please do not inquire for more information here. Call the aforementioned number or visit their website - http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/en/asia/philippines/cebu/resort-cebu/overview/.

This is the Eye in the Sky!