With two outdoor swimming pools, a private beach cove and 6-hectare marine sanctuary, the Shangri-La Mactan is an iconic paradise on earth and was the perfect end to an eventful several weeks in Cebu.
WELCOME TO THE OCEAN WING
From the moment we stepped onto the grounds of the Shangri-La Mactan, we were wrapped in the warm embrace of true Filipino hospitality—the kind we’d been missing throughout our trip. With genuine smiles and effortless charm, everyone from the security team to the lobby staff made us feel instantly at home.
Arriving a little early for check-in turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We settled into the spacious open-air lobby, a tranquil space where the soft sea breeze drifts through and the sound of water gently echoes from nearby fountains. A refreshing glass of calamansi juice in hand, we soaked in the sweeping views of the pool and lush tropical gardens—a moment of calm that set the tone for the rest of our stay. For those with restless feet, guests are also free to explore the 13 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the resort.
At the heart of the lobby lies the Lobby Lounge, a relaxed restaurant offering a selection of soups, sandwiches, and light bites—think crispy spring rolls, golden fried chicken, and indulgent cakes perfect for an afternoon treat.
As Shangri-La Circle members, we earned dining points for every night of our stay, which could be redeemed at any of the hotel’s restaurants. You collect points with every meal, so if you’re planning a visit, I’d definitely recommend signing up for the membership in advance—it’s a great way to enjoy extra perks, discounts, and tasty rewards throughout your stay.
The Shangri-La Mactan is split into two distinct wings—the Main Wing and the Ocean Wing—each offering a different take on the resort experience. With 530 rooms and suites in total, the Main Wing accounts for 354 of those and tends to be the livelier, more family-oriented side of the property.
After a few nights of chaotic city noise, crowing roosters, and bustling gardens at the Dusit Thani, we were craving a little serenity and sea breeze—so the Ocean Wing it was. Designed to offer a more peaceful and private retreat, the Ocean Wing caters to those seeking a little extra space and calm. Rooms and suites here come with private balconies that look out over the glistening Mactan Channel—an ocean view that’s hard to beat.
While the Ocean Wing rooms do show a touch more age in their décor compared to the more recently refreshed Main Wing, it didn’t bother us. In fact, the classic styling added to the relaxed, tropical vibe. That said, if a sleek and modern aesthetic is important to you, it’s worth exploring options in the Main Wing.
One of the key perks of staying in the Ocean Wing is the personalised service. Guests enjoy a dedicated check-in area, exclusive Front of House, Housekeeping, and Concierge teams, plus access to the Ocean Club Lounge—a true haven of comfort. The lounge serves an elevated daily breakfast, along with complimentary snacks, soft drinks, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and canapés during set times. It’s a welcome escape from the busier parts of the resort and a great place to unwind with a drink and a view.
The price difference between a Deluxe Sea View Room in the Main Wing and an Ocean Club Room in the Ocean Wing is around £51 per night. For us, the added tranquility, personalised touches, and generous food and drink offerings made it more than worth the extra cost.
THE FOOD
After surviving most of our trip on allergen-safe staples like pizza, pasta, and the occasional Jollibee run, I’m thrilled to say that the Shangri-La Mactan was a complete chef’s kiss when it came to dining. This resort isn’t just a place to sleep and swim—it’s a full-on foodie paradise.
With seven on-site restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every craving. There’s the elegant Lobby Lounge for casual bites and drinks, Tea of Spring for authentic Asian dishes, Acqua for Italian with tropical flair, and Cowrie Cove Seafood Bar & Grill, a romantic oceanfront spot serving up premium seafood and steaks. For something more laid-back, head to Buko Bar by the pool or Breeze, located right on the beach—both perfect for light bites and refreshing drinks between swims. And then there’s Tides, the resort’s all-day buffet restaurant offering a generous mix of international cuisine, from sushi to stir-fry to pastries and pancakes.
Breakfast is served at Tides, Acqua, and the Ocean Wing Lounge, giving guests a variety of ways to start the day. We gave Tides a try on our first morning, but after seeing the long queue (understandable, given the spread), we made our way to Acqua—and it instantly became our go-to breakfast spot. Set beside the pool with serene views and a calm atmosphere, it served up everything we needed: fresh fruit, pastries, eggs made to order, and, crucially, allergen-safe options with helpful staff ready to assist.
After days of playing it safe, it was such a relief—and a joy—to indulge in truly great food without stress.
Acqua offers a relaxed, buffet-style breakfast that quickly became the highlight of our mornings. The spread includes a thoughtful mix of international options and beloved Filipino favourites—think ube puto maya with sikwate, cheesy rolls, and all the tropical fruits your heart could desire. But the real star? The hot chocolate. Smooth, rich, and indulgently creamy, it might just be the best I’ve ever had—like a warm hug in a cup.
One of the biggest perks? No long queues. Unlike the morning chaos we experienced at other hotels (looking at you, Dusit Thani Mactan), breakfast at Acqua was calm and unrushed. The staff at the reception desk were consistently warm and welcoming, and even went out of their way to make a special oat milk hot chocolate just for me—an incredibly kind gesture that truly elevated our stay. They became such a lovely part of our routine that saying goodbye on our final morning felt surprisingly emotional.
For lunch and casual dinners, Buko Bar was our go-to. Nestled beside the pool, it offered a breezy, open-air vibe that made it the perfect spot to unwind. The contactless ordering system was seamless, the service was prompt, and most importantly—they never ran out of buko juice (a small miracle in itself!).
The staff here were impressively attentive when it came to dietary requirements. Allergy requests were handled with confidence and care, which made dining feel not only safe but enjoyable. If you’re looking for standout dishes, I can’t recommend the Vegan Kare-Kare Salad enough—brinjal, long beans, pumpkin, cherry tomatoes, banana blossom, and crispy rice all brought together with a zesty peanut tamarind vinaigrette, roasted peanuts, and chili black bean.
Equally memorable was the Adobong Vegetable Panini, stuffed with peppers, eggplant, zucchini, pesto, white cheese, adobo sauce, and served with a generous side of fries. Flavorful, filling, and thoughtfully prepared—exactly what you’d want after a day in the sun.
KASADYA NIGHT
The absolute highlight of our stay was Kasadya Night at Buko Bar—an unforgettable evening that beautifully showcased the richness and vibrancy of Filipino culture. Held under the stars, this weekly event features a Filipino-themed dinner buffet paired with a captivating cultural show, celebrating traditional music, regional dances, and time-honoured artistry from across the Philippines.
The atmosphere was electric from the moment the show began. We were treated to a visual and musical journey through the islands, complete with colourful costumes, powerful drumming, and lively performances. Highlights included a spirited glimpse into the Sinulog–Santo Niño Festival and a jaw-dropping tinikling routine—the traditional bamboo dance that’s equal parts skill and rhythm. Watching the dancers move with such speed and precision was awe-inspiring.
What made the night truly special was the passion and energy of the performers. After the show, they graciously stayed to take photos with guests, making it not just a performance, but a shared moment of joy and connection.
Guests can enjoy Kasadya Night every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (subject to change) at Buko Bar. On other evenings, the resort mixes things up with a Korean Cuisine Night on Wednesdays and a Meat & Grill Feast on Thursdays—so there’s always something exciting happening.
Tickets for Kasadya Night are priced at around ₱2,590 per person. Considering the quality of the cultural show, the level of talent on display, and the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic Filipino tradition, it’s well worth the price.
THE GROUNDS & FACILITIES
The sprawling landscaped gardens at Shangri-La Mactan are more than just beautiful—they’re an invitation to explore. Every time we took one of our leisurely daily walks around the resort, it felt like we uncovered a new hidden corner or scenic path we hadn’t seen before. It’s the perfect way to get your steps in while soaking up the sights and sounds of nature.
For those with a passion for plants or eco-tourism, the resort offers a guided walk along its Eco Trail, created in collaboration with the University of San Carlos, Nature Works Landscaping, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This thoughtfully curated trail showcases a growing collection of endemic, medicinal, rare, and endangered plants, selected for their unique qualities and ecological importance.
One of the standouts is the Cebu Cinnamon Tree, a species believed to be exclusive to the island of Cebu—a rare treat for plant enthusiasts. The trail also winds through clusters of vibrant orchids, native fruit trees, and cascades of bougainvillea, adding bursts of colour around the pools and garden paths.
Whether you’re a committed nature lover or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll in tropical surroundings, the grounds of Shangri-La Mactan offer a lush, living backdrop that’s as enriching as it is relaxing.
If you’re in need of some proper R&R, Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La is the ultimate retreat. Nestled within its own private corner of the resort, the spa offers a range of treatments and massages rooted in natural healing traditions from across Asia, including time-honoured practices from the Philippines. Whether you’re unwinding after a long flight or just craving a quiet afternoon, this tranquil haven is designed to restore both body and soul.
Just a short stroll from the spa, near Cowrie Cove, you’ll find a charming herb garden. It’s a great little detour, where guests can learn about the fresh ingredients used in the resort’s restaurants—from lemongrass to chili and other fragrant herbs. Just be warned: the chefs are fiercely protective of their plants! A quick glance from a scowling “chefscrow” (our affectionate nickname) made it clear—look, don’t touch.
Of course, no stay at Shangri-La Mactan is complete without visiting its stunning beach and protected Marine Sanctuary. This isn’t just a pretty shoreline—it’s a thriving underwater ecosystem that’s home to over 160 species of fish, clams, and coral. The waters are crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling, with marine life just metres from the shore.
What makes this sanctuary even more special is the resort’s ongoing commitment to marine conservation. Through regular coral recovery projects, clean-up drives, and partnerships with local “nature warriors” and environmental organisations, Shangri-La is actively working to preserve the vibrant biodiversity of the Mactan Channel—ensuring that future guests can enjoy the same magical underwater world for years to come.
If you’re the active type (or just keen to balance out those poolside cocktails), Shangri-La Mactan offers a generous selection of sporting and water activities to keep you entertained. From mini golf and tennis to diving, snorkelling, kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing, sailing, and even deep-sea fishing, there’s something for every energy level.
For those wanting to explore beyond the shore, the resort can arrange cruises and island-hopping excursions, with over 20 dive sites within a 30-minute boat ride—including the resort’s own Marine Sanctuary. Down by the beach, there’s plenty of space to sit back and watch the waves roll in, cocktail in hand from Breeze Bar, which keeps the beach vibes flowing with its tropical drink menu.
That said, things do wind down fairly early at Shangri-La. By around 4:30 PM, you’ll notice the energy shift. The beach and both the Main and Ocean Wing pools close at 6 PM, and water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving wrap up by 5 PM.
Coming from the Dusit Thani Mactan, where the pools stay open until 11 PM and are brightly lit for evening swims, the evening hush at Shangri-La was a little… eerie. After sundown, the beachfront and pool areas fall into near-complete darkness, especially noticeable if you’re staying in the Ocean Wing.
While there are a few scattered lights around the resort grounds, they’re minimal—so expect your ocean view to transform into total blackness, with only the occasional glimmer of light from a distant ship on the horizon.
It’s not a dealbreaker by any means—some might find the silence and stillness peaceful—but it’s definitely something to be aware of if you’re a night owl or love evening strolls by the water. Let’s just say, Shangri-La becomes more serene sanctuary than seaside social scene once the sun dips below the horizon.
One small word of warning for those booking beach-facing rooms: the resort often hosts conferences, weddings, and private parties right on the beach. While most of these events wrap up by 11 PM, they can bring with them booming bass, strobe lights, and a pretty lively atmosphere. If you’re planning a quiet evening in, it may feel more Ibiza than island retreat (though I didn’t mind the unexpected Little Mix soundtrack pulsing through the night air).
That said, it wasn’t mentioned at check-in, so I’d recommend asking the front desk about any scheduled events during your stay—just so you can plan accordingly, whether that means preparing some earplugs or opting for dinner out.
While the resort sits outside the hustle of the main city, it’s fully self-contained and stocked with everything you might need. From excellent dining options to a souvenir shop that covers the essentials—think beachwear, suncream, chargers, toiletries, and even snacks—you could easily spend your entire stay without ever needing to leave the grounds.
The staff are also wonderfully helpful with car services and excursion bookings, and while they do offer a shuttle, note that it isn’t complimentary, unlike some other resorts.
After staying at several properties across Cebu, I can confidently say that Shangri-La Mactan reigns supreme. It’s not just a hotel—it’s a destination in its own right. Whether you’re after adventure, indulgence, or pure relaxation, it delivers on all fronts with grace, charm, and just the right amount of sparkle.
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