Going to the beach is the best choice for your next vacation. The blue waters, ocean breeze, and fine white sands are some of the things we miss during the community quarantine. The beach is also a great place to reconnect with nature. From walking barefoot on the shoreline, and staying under the tropical trees to sitting on a cabana while waiting for the sunset, there is nothing quite like it. And the best beach destination to spend your precious time is at Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort.

Tucked in the beach area of Lapu Lapu City, Bluewater Resort is a four-star property, under 30 minutes away from Mactan International Airport. This popular beach resort in Cebu embodies "amuma" - a Visayan word that means caring, nurturing, and tending- through its cozy accommodations, world-class amenities, and excellent services. 

Room

Choose from their 190 air-conditioned accommodations designed with contemporary Asian interiors. I spent 3 days and 2 nights in their premier deluxe room. It's true that you will feel at home even you are away from home. I felt like I'm at my own home during my stay at Bluewater Resort. It has a luxurious tropical vibe with an authentic native accent,  giving a Filipino-home feel and a pleasant sleep. 

The Premier Deluxe Room combines luxury and comfort. It has everything I need for a relaxing stay. Not to mention, it has easy access to the resort's Insta-worthy swimming pool surrounded by tropical plants. This air-conditioned room equipped with a huge floating bed covered with clean white bedding, a table and chair, a small refrigerator, flat-screen tv with cable channels, several electrical outlets and a big mirror. It has also a spacious bathroom that features a hot and cold shower, a closet with hangers, fresh white towels, a hair blower, a bathtub, pair of slippers and complimentary toiletries.

Restaurant

The Allegro Restaurant offers mouth-watering local and international dishes that will surely satisfy your cravings. It serves buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. I tried their best-sellers like Adobo Rice, Watermelon and Tomato Fresh Salad and Seafood Umami pizza. My favorite was the Adobo rice. It's savory and delightful to eat. Actually, they're all the best.  Also tried their award-winning bread- the cheese pandesal and ensaymada. They have fine-textured, soft and lightly sweet-- perfect for breakfast and meryenda, and best paired with black coffee. 

There's also a pool bar and beach bar where you can enjoy a glass of wine or a tasty cocktail in light and chill atmosphere. 

White Beach Area

One of the reasons why some of us love to stay in a beachfront hotel is to have an easy access to the sea. Enjoy Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort's private white sand beach that features native cottages with hand-woven sunbeds under the coconut palm trees. It's a perfect spot to enjoy the sea view. Outdoor activities to be indulged in the area include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and a lot more. 

Activities

If you are into more adventurous activities, the resort offers a wide array of water activities such as jet skis, scuba diving and island-hopping packages. Do you still remember the last time you went to the beach? Well, this is the right time! 

Apart from enjoying 4-star accommodation, I also enjoyed its 3 outdoor swimming pools along with a children's pool. Other recreational amenities include a health club, spa facility, gym and a sauna.

Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort became one of my favorite staycation destinations in Cebu. No wonder why a lot of guests often call this resort is their ‘home away from home.' With its friendly prices, cozy rooms, luxurious amenities, and world-class hospitality,  I must say that this resort a perfect place for a staycation that offers comfort, peace of mind and relaxation. It's a highly recommended beach resort in Cebu. 

Book their I Love Cebu room packages which include airport transfers and one-time dinner. Visit bit.ly/ILOVECEBU-BluewaterMaribago to view their offers.⁣⁣ For inquiries and reservations, you may contact Bluewater Resort at ⁣⁣032.402.4100⁣⁣0 / 998.843.7688 or 0998.968.0293⁣⁣

Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort 

Address: Buyong Maribago, Mactan Island Lapu-lapu City Cebu, Philippines 6015

Contact Number: Tel: +6332 402 4100 / +63998 843 7688

Email: maribago@bluewater.com.ph

Website: http://www.bluewatermaribago.com.ph/

Are you wondering why there's a white building on top of the hill in the quiet town of Busay in Cebu? This is the Temple of Leah, a beautiful Roman-inspired architectural shrine that is also known as the Taj Mahal of Cebu. It's home to the treasures and memorabilia of the late Leah Albino Adarna, the grandmother of Filipina actress Ellen Adarna. 

The Temple of Leah is one of the must-visit attractions in Cebu. It has been attracting foreign and local tourists for its stunning architectural style and overlooking view of Cebu City. This 7-story mansion has 24 chambers housing a library, bar, museum, and gallery. There are two large golden statues of lions stand guards on both sides of the main stairs leading into the temple. Roman gladiators and a bunch of life-sized statues of angels adorn the corners and different parts of the building. 

So what's the story behind the Temple of Leah? It is built as a symbol of the undying love and never-ending devotion of Teodorico Adarna to his wife Leah Villa Albino-Adarna. Mr. Adarna shared that he constructed this temple in the year 2012 A.D. as a symbol of his undying love for and ceaseless devotion to her wife. He also added that he adopted an architectural design that can withstand time and still be appreciated for a millennium so this temple will become a landmark of Cebu, where future generations of the Adarna clan ...can come and trace their roots and heritage. Teodorico reportedly spent 80 million pesos to put up this temple as a symbol of his undying love for Leah. 

Entrance Fee

Adult- P100

Children/ Senior Citizen- P50

Parking Fee- P20

Car- P30

Prenup Pictorial- P4500 ( No Time Limit )

How to get there? 

The cheapest way to get here via public transport. It is a 45-minute drive from the city center. From Mactan Island, ride a bus going to SM Cebu City. Fare is around P40. Then take a 04D, 04I or 04H (Lahug-Busay) jeepney from downtown Cebu City, the fare is less than P20 per person; get off at the street to Temple Leah, and walk for 5 minutes to the site.

Alternatively, you may ride  a habal-habal at Lahug / JY Mall straight to Temple of Leah for P150 per motorcycle, good for 2 persons, or a taxi or grab from the downtown. The best time to go here is during weekdays. It's one of the most popular and most visited tourist spots in Cebu so expect a crowd during weekends and holidays. 

Contact Information

Temple of Leah

Contact Number: 0922 8631408 / 0917 7031408

Address: Barangay Busay in Cebu City

Science says being surrounded by flowers will make you happier. It will also boost your mood and reduce your stress. No wonder why a lot of people enjoyed this newest pride of Cebu, the Buwakan ni Alejandra (Alejandra’s flower garden). It's an Instagram-worthy flower garden destination, a few meters away from Adventure Cafe.

Located in the humble town of Balamban, Alejandra's flower garden is a must-visit destination near Cebu City, especially for flower lovers. If you are familiar with Sirao Flower Farm, the attractions and concepts are almost the same. It features numerous colorful flowers in stunning landscapes. Alejandra has a steel bridge, colorful stairs, and a Bali-inspired installation with a picturesque mountain in the background. This insta-worthy attraction is a perfect scenic location for an engagement shoot to pre-debut shoot. 

How to get there?

Public: Take a V-hire from the Ayala Center Terminal going to Balamban via Transcentral Highway route. Fare is P120 per person (one-way). Inform the driver to drop you off at Buwakan ni Alejandra. Another option to ride on a habal habal in JY Square Mall.

Private car: Just search for “Buwakan ni Alejandra” in Gaas Balamban via Waze or Google Maps. Buwakan ni Alejandra is just a few meters away from Adventure Cafe. Parking space available. 

Rates & Other Information

Address: Brgy. Gaas, Balamban, Cebu

Entrance Fee: ₱75 per adult, ₱50 per head for Kids, PWD & Senior Citizen

Opening hours: 7AM to 6PM, Mondays to Sundays — if there’s a storm or typhoon, they will close the area to protect the flower garden.

Contact number: 0908-768-9379

Reminders:

1. Please make sure to follow health protocols by wearing a face mask all the time. Don't also forget the social distancing.

2. Follow and respect the garden’s rules. 
3. Smoking is not allowed
4. Picking of flowers are prohibited
5. The flowers are also not for sale.
6. Be responsible of your own trash.
7. Leave no trace behind.
8. Respect other tourists 

A relaxing private white sand beach dotted with tropical trees, clear blue waters, and cozy rooms await you at Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel. Set in an exclusive charming paradise on the eastern shores of Mactan Island, the resort is perfect for family vacations, romantic escapades, or quick getaways. 

If you are planning to visit Cebu any time soon, Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel is the right place for you. It offers close proximity to some of Cebu's famous attractions and white sand beaches. Aside from that, the resort is no more than a 30-minute drive from Mactan International Airport and around an hour drive from Cebu City.  

Room

The resort offers 156 rooms that are ideal for solo travelers, couples on honeymoons, and families and friends on vacation. You have a choice of superior, deluxe, junior suite, and premier deluxe, offering the best comfort and relaxing atmosphere along with a beautiful view of the ocean.

I got the premier deluxe room located on the 7th floor. It has refreshing views of the landscaped gardens, outdoor pools, and beachfront from the private balcony. The air-conditioned room was spacious, well decorated with an authentic Filipino accent with the use of local handicrafts and wooden furniture. It's truly a Filipino home. The room has a Costabella king bed with fresh white beddings and soft pillows.

Additionally, it has a huge comfort room with a hot and cold shower. It has fresh towels, a bathrobe, a bathtub, and complimentary toiletries. I had a good time dipping my body in the bathtub with hot water.  It was so relaxing!

The Boardwalk

The 740 sq. meter boardwalk is a great place to chill and relax. It features hand-woven horizon bed cabanas, lounge chairs or wooden cushioned sunbeds, making it an Instagram-worthy spot. I enjoyed drinking my favorite beer while waiting for the sunset.  

Restaurant

‌For dining options, the resort has a restaurant called La Marina. This beautiful restaurant will take you on a cultural journey with its Asian tropical aesthetic with Filipino elements.  It serves a fusion of Filipino and International food. It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Don't forget to order fried dried danggit (spinefoot fish/rabbitfish) with garlic rice for breakfast. Another dining option is the Brisa which serves lunch and dinner. You can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining. 

Beach Area

One of the best features of the resort is the peaceful private beach, which not only offers a great view of the sea but also offers clear blue waters along with a beautiful shoreline and boardwalk.  Indulge in different water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, paddling and many more! 

Other amenities include fitness facilities, a spa, a computer station, and an event place equipped to host several occasions and gatherings. 

Overall, I enjoyed my stay at Costabella Tropical Beach Resort. The ambiance of my room was very homey, feeling like I was at home. The food and drinks were superb. I'm also impressed with the high speed data connection of their Wi-FI. It works everywhere even at the beach area.  Lastly, their staff was very friendly and hospitable. Costabella Tropical Beach Resort is truly a perfect place for relaxation. 

Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel

Buyong, Mactan Island, Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines, 6015

Email: rsvn@costabellaresort.com

+63 32 238 2700 Resort\Reservations

Kawasan Falls in the quiet town of Badian is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Cebu. It is a peaceful natural structure where you can enjoy the rushing cold water from them mountains. These multi-layered waterfalls have become an Instagram hotspot because of its stunning turquoise waters and luscious trees around of it.  

Kawasan Falls sits at the foot of Mantalongon Mountain Range near the famous scuba diving hotspot of Moalboal. One of the most popular ways to reach Kawasan falls is through a canyoneering tour. A water adventure that will trigger your excitement and a little of your fear of heights. Why? This activity involves trekking and cliff jumping into the river pools. No worries, it's safe! It requires to wear lifevest all the time. The guides are also well trained to make sure your safety. 

HOW TO GET TO KAWASAN FALLS

From Cebu City

Kawasan Falls is around three to four hours drive by public bus from Cebu Cty. Librando and Ceres buses are some of the buses that offer Bato (Santander) via Barili route. These buses are located at the South Bus Terminal.  Fare starts at P150 for non-aircon bus, P200 for aircon. Get off at Kawasan Falls jump-off point in Badian and trek for 10 minutes from the main road in Barangay Matutinao.

From Oslob

From Oslob, catch a tricycle or multicab to Bato and transfer to a bus to Cebu via Barili. You may also hire a habal habal or tricycle for fast travel. Get off at Kawasan Falls jump-off point in Badian and trek for 10 minutes from the main road in Barangay Matutinao.

The Kawasan Tour will cost around P1000 per person while canyoneering will cost around P2500 per person. This includes transportation, hotel pick up,  lifevest and guides. 

There are available cottages (Php1,500 to Php 2,500) and tables (500php) that you can rent. The rooms are also available for overnight stay. To add excitement, you can rent a raft (300 php) to take you around the beautiful basin or to go under the falling water for a relaxing water massage. Life jackets and lockers are also available for rent. 

The best time to visit Kawasan Falls is during the summer season. It's also advisable to visit this tourist attraction during weekdays. The falls is one of the most famous instagrammable waterfalls in the Philippines so expect it gets extremely busy during weekdays and holidays.

Where To Stay in Cebu

Bluewater Maribago Resort

Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa

Did you know that Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is one of the most beautiful resorts in Cebu? It’s no wonder this 11.4 hectares of secluded grounds has received so many awards and recognitions, including the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards for 6 consecutive years. Featuring stunning architecture, premium room accommodations and world-class amenities, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa offers an exceptional experience. 

2021 marks the 25-year anniversary of this premier resort. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa offers 25th Anniversary promos and an execiting long stay privilege program called "Call Us Home". 

Enjoy the relaxing long stay privilege in this beautiful resort with the following inclusions:

Length of stay: 1 month

Number of Pax:  Maximum of only two persons per room

This offer includes:

·         Regular Room Or One Bedroom Suite

·         Free access to outdoor swimming pools,  beach area, gym, sports center and other amenities. 

·         Special rate on massages, select face and body treatments. Spa packages not included. 

·         Complimentary access to a hotel supervised kitchen so you can also cook for yourself. 

·         Free laundry, once per week.

·         Twice a week room cleaning and linen change.  Supply of purified drinking water

·         Visitors- 50% discount of F&B

·         Applicable F&B discount does not include alcoholic drinks, fresh orange juice and select dishes.

2021 Promo for long-staying guests (until further notice)

A.      P75,000 nett per month in a regular room

B.      P90,000 nett per month in a One Bedroom Suite

·         Less 20% on F&B if stay is less than three (3) months

·         Less 65% for three (3) months or longer

Additional In-Room Amenities

·         Blu-ray DVD player, microwave oven, coffee maker,  6.5 cubic feet refrigerator, induction cooker, hot and cold water dispenser

The “Call Us Home” program is open to guests needing assisted living, retirees, senior citizens except the bedridden. If you want to upgrade your room for a premium room, just add P 25,000 per month. Charges are billed at the end of each month. Please be advised that fast food delivery permitted following the existing house rules. 

Ideal for Filipino-Americans, Filipino-Europeans, and other nationalities planning to retire to the Philippines or spend part of every year in the country. A stress-free and one-stop solution for year-round or seasonal residence, or as a temporary base while evaluating where in the country you want to settle. And Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is one of the safest places on earth in the time of Covid 19. For more details about this program, you may visit the resort's website at http://plantationbay.com/callhome/

As part of the celebration, the resort also offers a "Day Trip Package" promo for P1500/ pax only.  You can also take advantage of its room deals for as low as P6000 / night with 25% discount on selected popular dishes in the restaurant. These promos run from June 1 to July 31, 2021.  

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is a premier resort in the Philippines offering one of the largest privately-owned waterways in the world, with the clean elegance of the colonial-plantation architecture. The resort features beautifully furnished rooms with panoramic views (many with mahogany 4-poster full-canopy king beds). Amenities include outdoor swimming pools fitness center, spa, concierge, restaurants and access to a white sand beach.

Plan the perfect getaway to Plantation Bay Resort and Spa with one of their exceptional Cebu resort packages.  This instragrammable resort is truly a great place for relaxation. 

For more details on Plantation Bay Resort and Spa's 25th Anniversary Promo and "Call Us Home" program, you may visit Plantation Bay Resort's website at www.plantationbay.com.