Crimson Resort and Spa - Fantastic Buffet and Exciting Beach Living

If food is a major consideration in booking a resort visit for that special celebration, then Saffron Cafe's buffet spread is the place to be. There's just so much options spread across several tables. I'll let the photos speak for this. Beach activities, on the other hand, is an exciting array of leisure and sports activities so you can actually hop in from the beach to the cascading swimming pools - and back.

Snorkeling could be had in a nearby floating board. There's paragliding for one or a duo, if you require someone beside you. There are jet skis, kayaks and parasails. You can order snack or food beside the pool. There's a beachside bar as well.

The staff are very courteous, warm and accommodating. Aum Spa is open if you want a pampering or a massage, and I have to note that this spa has been declared as one of the world's best. If you're into relaxation and spas, this is the perfect place.

KOREALAND

I was able to take a nap at one of the huge futons facing the beach while several Koreans and Chinese tourists frolicked with  Zumba at the swimming pool. More Koreans are seen at the beach and I keep thinking how the Koreans won't feel so lonely in the Philippines owing to the large number of Koreans especially in Cebu, Iloilo, Bohol and Bacolod. They even have schools in Davao.

During this Cebu trip, while queuing for taxi in SM, I noticed a dozen Koreans ahead of me and another dozen of unrelated Koreans behind me. They must love the Philippines so much because they swarm our lands; it is nothing short of spectacular. What can I say, I like Koreans too. They're mild mannered and relatively well behaved. What a classy lot! Meanwhile, the rest of the foreigners are Chinese high rollers, and here's hoping they don't get any ideas that any island near Cebu is part of the fantastically imaginative Nine-Dash Line as well. Who knows, in a years time, they'd suddenly find magical historical documents that extends the Nine-Dash Line to the other side of the Pacific.

If you have more queries, please do not inquire here. Check out their website: http://www.crimsonhotel.com/mactan/ or email them : info.mactan@crimsonhotel.com.

This is the Eye in the Sky!

He's quite burned, isn't he?

Saffron Cafe

This is a landmark for your left turn from Soong Road on your way to Crimson Resort and Spa. Otherwise, it's easy to get lost. Many taxi drivers are not very familiar with Crimson.

Crimson Resort and Spa - 5-Star Luxury in Mactan Island (Cebu)

Make no mistake about it. Crimson Resort and Spa is a 5-star luxury resort so if you're in a budget, steer clear! Located in an area newly named Seascapes Resort Town via Soong Road in Mactan Island, the leisure center is a Filinvest development geared for the big spenders.

It has 250 residential suites and 40 private bungalowsl The resort is framed by 3-level cascading swimming pools that head towards the sea. Unlike other resorts in Mactan, you cannot reserve days in advance. You have to call their front desk on the day of your visit to ask if there are available slots for "Day Use". This system prioritizes their members and residents, much like Pico de Loro.

Taxi rides from Cebu City can be sketchy because many taxi drivers do not know where it exactly is, owing to its wayward location and relative exclusivity. Though told that it's through Soong Road, one has to be watchful of the left turn somewhere because there are no large sign boards that lead you to it.

The area is actually near Angasil Port, but even this information doesn't help. What I've taken note is, once you're plying Soong Road, look for a billboard marked "Cobra - Tunay na Lakas: Crispy Heydell Marasa", once you see that, turn left to the nearby road, drive through a village until you find smaller signs marked "Crimson". If you're really lost, call their office and ask for directions - (63-32)-239-3900. That's the same number to call on the day of your proposed visit. For the 1-hour journey from Cebu City, prepare to pay between P250 and P300 on metered taxi.

A Day Use entrance of PhP2,000 per person includes lunch buffet, use of beach, swimming pool and a locker room for each guest. Though this may sound relatively cheaper than Moevenpick, wait till you get the total bill that includes several taxes and service charges and you will experience a fleeting bout of atrial fibrillation.

The beach front has cots and cabanas. Left side of the pool are wide futons (that could accommodate 2-3 persons per seat), one of the features of the Crimson boardwalk we liked best. There are other activities and gadgets available for a fee, of course.

DIZZYING BUFFET SPREAD

Our favorite: the buffet spread at Saffron Cafe is to die for! It's open from 6 AM to 10:30 PM for the in-house guests. There's just so much choices from salads to the main course, from desserts to other special entrees. The exquisite buffet at Crimson is something to be experienced. If you've stayed in their sister company, Quest Hotel along Archbishop Reyes in Ayala, Cebu, then you know exactly what type of luxurious operation we're talking about. It's no surprise then that Crimson has won awards from Conde Nast and the World Luxury Spa Awards for their Aum Spa, voted Top 8 Hotel Spa in the World in 2013. It also has a certificate of excellence from Tripadvisor. Other restaurants in the resort includes Tempo Lounge, Azure Pool Bar and Score Sports Bar. We shall feature the buffet spread and the beach on our next post.

If you have more queries, please do not inquire here. Check out their website: http://www.crimsonhotel.com/mactan/ or email them : info.mactan@crimsonhotel.com.

This is the Eye in the Sky!

Entrance to the resort.

One of their several shuttle buses.

Hobie Cat

Locker room requires a deposit refundable when you return the key.