Once In a Lifetime

Okay, some of you might think that I’m exaggerating but that’s exactly how I felt when I finally experienced Mactan Island’s Plantation Bay Resort and Spa last week. The experience was totally once in a lifetime! Ok, I’m getting a little ahead of myself here. Sorry.

So, yeah. A few weeks back, everyone at work, me most especially, got the shock of our lives when we learned that for teambuilding this year, we were going to Plantation Bay. See, I work in a not so big company and the ‘biggest’ venue that we’ve been to as a group was Tambuli. Now, don’t get me wrong, Tambuli is ok. But it’s not, you know, 5-star. Hehe. And last year, due to some financial issues, we had our ‘outing’ on the rooftop of our building. Haha.

So imagine our excitement when we all read the memo announcing that yes, it was true. We were going to spend a day at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa. I know you guys have probably been there – maybe more than once – and you think it’s not a big deal. But for folks like me, THE Plantation Bay is a huge deal.  Haha. So, yep. Let’s skip all that talk and on with the photos!

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Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is just marvelous!

The lounge. This is also where the reception area is situated.

After registration, we went straight to the beach. Their natural beach front wasn’t too impressive but it was nice.

Looks decent.

Beach chairs!

The resort compound is so huge. It’s like one little town where everything is dangerously expensive. Haha. This little street here features a cafe and a kids play room.

Look! Lechon!

They also have a small golf course.

This part is a little more exclusive. It has its own fresh water pool right in the middle.

Tennis/badminton/volleyball courts. Nice.

Since the compound is huge, most guests use bikes. Sounds cool.

Kayaks! I tried kayaking for the first time and I couldn’t feel my shoulders the next day. Haha.

Freshwater spring.

Our complimentary washroom. Nice.

I grabbed the opportunity to check out the room. The room looks really nice.

Freebies!

Don’t touch anything! Haha.

The beds. Nice.

The porch/veranda looks really cool, too. Love the wooden chairs.

Look! TV sets in the hallway. Other hotels don’t even have TV sets. Haha.

This is the fresh-water pool. And right beside it is the restaurant. Proper swimming attire is required here.

The fresh-water pool is perfect for young kids. The deepest part is only at four feet.

Map of the resort. Those saltwater swimming lagoons are so huge.

The swimming lagoons. Wow.

Unbelievable.

Now imagine waking up to this. Gorgeous.

Saltwater pools in your backyard. Not bad at all.

Man-made beach in the lagoon.

Gorgeous. Plenty of spots for photo shoots. Haha.

I bet this part looks really lovely at night.

A volleyball ‘court’ in one of the lagoons.

Uhm, yeah. Yellow leaf. Haha.

This specific lagoon is quiet shallow. Perfect for kids.

Crosswalk to the other saltwater lagoon.

Houses on stilts. But very very nice.

Nice!

Imagine enjoying your afternoon fruit shake on that porch.

The lagoon. Doesn’t that look pretty?

Wow!

It’s like having your very own private beach.

Clear blue water.

You step out and it’s the sea. Nice!

Love the concept. I wonder how they added saltwater into these pools. Amazing work.

Guests enjoying their beer at the back of their hotel room.

Foreign kid diving into the lagoon.

Those hammocks. Enough said.

One happy visitor. Haha.

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It’s one more item off my Cebu Bucket List. Now, if only I can check out Shangri-la, Movenpick, Radisson, and Crimson as well, that would be swell. Haha. But, hey. This is more than enough for now. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to visit Plantation Bay again in the future because the place is just seriously expensive. (I’m ready to include this resort to my Once in a Lifetime list. Haha.) But at least, I can now proudly say that I’ve already been there.

By the way, Day Rate starts at 2000 per head. The package includes one plated lunch, use of freshwater pool and saltwater lagoons, and use of kayak for 15 minutes, bike for 30 minutes, and shower rooms. The place is great especially if you’re with your family and loved ones. But, you know, Vaño beach is just a stone’s throw away. My and family will probably go there next week. Hahaha.

If you plan to stay for a night, please contact the hotel directly. I’m not sure how much you’re gonna have to shell out. But I know it’s gonna be huge. Hehe.

Check out Plantation Bay now.