Crimson Resort and Spa, Mactan

Contemporary, Filipino-inspired design and attention to decorative detail is the hallmark of the Crimson Resort and Spa -- this is seen especially in its selection of local crafts that adorn various parts of the property. The beachfront area is small but well planned, with chic, white adjustable parasols and loungers, with more sunbeds on a low cliff overlooking the water. While it is possible to swim away from the resort -- and coral and plenty of fish can be found right offshore --  there's no direct access beyond the small beach, owing to the presence of neighboring properties. Sprawling landscaped grounds have pebble-lined footpaths between trees and grassy areas and elevated open-air, vaulted wooden walkways that make for pleasant walks. The main entrance is understated in a low-rise pavilion style, while rooms have thatched, cabana-style fronts. The airy, high-ceilinged lobby has gleaming tiled flooring and woven seats, ceramic side tables, and palm-leaf ceiling fans giving the space a spacious but cozy vibe.

The modern, elegant design of the Saffron restaurant combines plenty of tanned wood with rattan-backed chairs, along with darker wood-panel flooring. With its high ceilings and lots of natural light, the attractive space, offering alfresco seating under a covered area with pool views, feels airy. The equally attractive Azure Beach Club is open-air throughout, and has pleasant stone flooring, with modern tan-wood-and-white tables and chairs, and tall, pebble-fringed trees. This space also has a separate, outdoor deck almost directly on the beach. The kitchen is open-air, too, and palms surround the attractive outdoor bar. There are additional, larger twin tub seats on a grassy space by the low-cliff edge, looking out over the water, with yet another sea-view bar. Inside, the sophisticated Tempo restaurant occupies a bright space, with tanned-wood flooring, muted tones, and long, white tablecloths over a mix of dark- and tan-wood tables and chairs. High, wood-beamed ceilings and large ceiling fans add to the sense of spaciousness. The Score sports bar has  tall, wicker-backed stools, sports paraphernalia, and a flat-screen TV, but decor is a bit hodgepodge.

The Crimson Resort and Spa sits on a small beachfront location. Set on Mactan Island, it's connected to mainland Cebu by a bridge, but Cebu is almost an hour's drive away, while the airport is a 20- to 30-minute drive. Lapu Lapu city is about a 20-minute drive from the resort.

The 290 rooms at the Crimson Resort and Spa include Deluxe Garden Rooms, which have balconies with small seating areas, elegant tan-wood-framed windows and dark-wood doors that lead to spacious bedrooms. Large beds on chunky frames are backed by floor-to-ceiling wooden headboards, bracketed by modern nightstands. Pillowed chaise lounges provide another restful spot. In addition to air-conditioning, large ceiling fans helps keep things cool, as does the gorgeous thick wood-panel flooring. Flat-screen TVs sit on chunky desks paired with branch-backed chairs. Coffee- and tea-making facilities sit on granite-effect dated countertops -- marring the otherwise stylish decor -- and minibars are hidden inside fabric-paneled cupboards. Bathrooms are spacious and modern, with large floor tiling and attractive blinds covering wide windows with garden views from the bathtubs (in some rooms the windows, with retractable wooden shutters, lead through to the bedrooms). The large, modern, glass walk-in shower stalls have both rainfall and regular showerheads, while attractive modern sinks and separate vanity spaces have their own mirrors.

Impressive Ocean Front Private Pool Villa Suites have plush elevated four-poster beds, plus large separate living spaces with rattan-style sofas, dining tables and chairs, and elegant, locally inspired light fittings and wall decorations. These rooms also have flat-screen TVs, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and minibars. Bathrooms have dual sinks and come with additional flat-screen TVs. These villas also come with large balconies with sea views, and infinity-edge plunge pools.

On the downside, guests have complained about bathroom leaks, and problems with the lighting, air-conditioning, and hot water systems. Some have complained about room cleanliness. Some rooms are a hearty walk to the main facilities, and it might be worth it to request rooms closest to the lobby.

Breakfast, and particularly the upgraded spread available to villa guests, offers variety, but it comes extra. Meals at Saffron and drinks and snacks at the Azure Beach Club get good reviews from guests, although restaurants are on the pricey side.

The main spa complex is impressive inside and out, with high-vaulted ceilings and large stone pillars; the open-air spa reception has a pleasant mosaic backsplash and dramatic white seating with splayed tree-branch backs. Indoor treatment rooms have dark wood-panel flooring and white walls, while a pleasant outdoor hot tub sits in a secluded, fenced-off area of the spa, with ultra-modern wooden-and-metallic sunbeds paired with elegant red parasols. Nearby, a larger spa pool -- including a shallow section complete with submerged sunbeds -- has adjacent table seating too, and is faced by attractive, open-air cabana-style massage huts under thatched roofs; these pleasant spaces have unobstructed sea views, and the massages themselves get strong feedback. A separate gym contains a wide selection of modern equipment. The resort offers free yoga, beach games and children’s activities, and delivers a daily weather forecast and details of available activities to guests’ balconies each morning; the Score sports bar also has chessboards and billiards tables. The children’s playroom is bright and well-equipped with toys, a flat-screen TV, and an outdoor play space. Other activities available include kayaking, speed-boat tours, wakeboarding, Jet-Skiing, diving, parasailing, snorkeling, and banana boat rides -- but these activities come with extra fees, and can get pricey.

The space around the three-level infinity pool and its open-air seaside bars is romantically lit in the evening. Be aware that pools can get crowded in the busy season. The view from the pool’s uppermost level -- through palm trees and to the sea -- is stunning. Even from the lower levels the pool, with both walk-in steps and fountains, looks right out over the ocean, with thatched cabana huts, sunbeds, and elegant parasols at its sides. Note that there are isolated reports of murky pool water, suggesting that maintenance could be an issue outside peak season.

Meeting facilities are available and can accommodate up to 300 people. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort, but the signal is slow and unreliable, and cellular reception is difficult to receive in some rooms. A buggy service provides transport around the resort, but it can be slow to arrive.