Plantation Bay Resort And Spa

Expansive, manicured grounds attempt to emulate the ocean environment, including numerous salt and freshwater lagoons and pools framed by beach-like sandy spots. The impressive low-rise entrance and lack of street signage helps the resort blend into its surroundings. The grand, largely open-air lobby has industrial-style turquoise beams on high, dark-wood ceilings, and wicker-style sofas.

From the small but pretty sheltered ocean cove, dotted with umbrellas and sunbeds, a wooden jetty leads to the huge lagoon pool framed by a sandy manmade shore with palm trees. There’s more greenery overlooking another attractive freshwater pool, with an island at its center, and a connected whirlpool-style pool. The longer Palermo pool has rooms on both sides, and a viewing platform at one end; the whole area looks stunning when lit up at night. In the shade of hanging tree branches, the curved Savannah pool has a central volcano-shaped spring, and wooden pavilions at the edges. A beautiful peninsular area runs across the pools at a number of levels, with stepping stones crossing the water. Raised walkways over ponds and other natural tunnel-like paths are especially pleasant at night. Watch for staff members dressed as mermaids in the waterpark area. 

However, some of the resort’s interiors are dark and tacky in parts. Among the resort’s more bizarre spots, the hexagonal Alien Abduction Bar is designed to look like the inside of a spaceship -- there's blue LED-strip lighting on the dance floor, and red lighting overhead, plus white plastic tubs along a curved bar, and pool views from windows above cream leather sofas that line the walls. Many of the hotel's guests are families on vacation, though couples and groups stay here as well. 

The Plantation Bay & Resort is set in a quiet residential area at the far end of Mactan Island. There's little in its immediate vicinity -- the city center is about a 15-minute drive away. Downtown Cebu is about an hour's drive. Mactan-Cebu International Airport is about a 25-minute drive away. The resort provides free transfers to and from the airport.

There are a mix of room types and amenities at this resort. Accommodations include Lagoon Side Rooms, which have attractive exteriors and face directly onto the lagoon pool. Well-sized furnished balconies include a pair of old-fashioned deckchairs, though ground-floor balconies open right onto the sand and lack privacy. The unattractive white plastic frames around the windows and doors hint at poor design, which continues inside with dated, faded yellow wallpaper, and two large dark-wood beds that share a lone bedside table. The desk, TV stands with raised flat-screen TVs, and side tables are all done in dark wood. Coffee- and tea-making facilities include branded mugs, and mini-fridges come with free drinking water. The white-wood wardrobe contains a safe, and slippers are available for an extra fee. 

Brighter Water’s Edge Rooms have attractive dark-wood four-poster beds and tasteful stone flooring. The Mogambo Spring Rooms feature exposed stone walls, dark granite-style flooring, and large mattresses on low wooden plinth frames. Vaulted, beamed ceilings add a sense of space. The Riverboat Suite is a two-bedroom cottage with an open-air living room. It's built on stilts over the water and shaded by acacia trees. The suite sleeps eight people. 

Bathrooms are luxurious, with over-the-top marble walls, floors, and counters. Large mirrors sit over the built-in vanity sink counters, and bathtubs are avocado-shaped, while walk-in showers have only fixed showerheads. 

Features at Plantation Bay are excellent and diverse. The restaurants get consistently good reviews from guests, particularly Fiji, Palermo, and the buffet service at Kilimanjaro, though food and drinks are a bit pricey. Nighttime entertainment at the restaurants includes fire shows and cultural performances. Breakfast, served at different price points can include a la carte in American, continental, Filipino-style, or buffet with a good selection of Filipino dishes. The meals are not included in standard room rates. 

The indoor children’s center is brightly decorated and well equipped, while the outdoor sandbox-style playground has a swing, slide, and playhouse. The outdoor tennis court is large, and there's a putting green and a small archery area. The climbing wall is equipped with harnesses and other safety equipment. These facilities are free of charge, as is bicycle rental. Other activities include kayaking and paddle boarding on the resort’s pools, as well as Jet-Skiing. 

The numerous salt and freshwater pools are popular, and open all day and night. The dark gym is staffed and includes a wide range of cardio machines and free weights. The attractive spa offers extensive treatments. A horse-and-cart service provides transport around the resort, adding to the plantation feel, though at times it can be slow to arrive.

Be aware that the resort’s management takes an upfront approach to its interaction with guests -- note the long lists of procedures (titled Frank Discussion) on its website, and the strict no-tipping policy. Wi-Fi is free throughout.