By GIANCARLA GUERRERO
Plantation Bay is everything a weary-minded vacationer wants to experience in a tropical resort.
A fresh approach
Perched atop 11.4 hectares of secluded ground and only 20 minutes away from the Mactan Airport, privately-owned waterway Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is definitely one of the most impressive of its kind.
Two larger-than-life lagoons that house a white sand island at the center welcomed me. A number of smaller lagoons and pools dotted the spaces between villas for an extra serene view dominated by natural blues and greens. To add to an already great introduction to my stay, considering that Plantation Bay is in Cebu (whose staff are also all predominantly Cebuanos), I couldn’t help but point out that Cebuanos are extremely good-looking too!
(The scenery that greets guests upon arrival)
A nest for rest
I checked in at the Quantum Villa, a colonial suite with four separate bedrooms, a private pool and a gazebo. The villa also comes with an air-conditioned function room that is ideal for intimate social and business gatherings and holds up to a maximum of eight guests. Specifically, the Quantum villa may have been farther from the resort’s recreational hubs, but for guests that value quiet time more than activity, it’s the perfect choice. Regardless of how far a villa might be from the resort’s center, the staff remains responsive to guests’ needs. Overall, Plantation Bay has over 200 rooms, all of which invite you to relax as you view the waters surrounding the resort. If you’re looking for activity, it’s always a good idea to enjoy drinks by the pool, go for a dip or go all the way and jump right in for a swim.
(One view of the Quantum Villa)
Good food, good mood
One cannot think, sleep, and love well, if one has not dined well. With an early 9:00am arrival at the resort, hungry stomachs will never be a problem as the Kilimanjaro Kafe is open 24/7. It features international flavors and Filipino favorites, a children’s menu, and has a famous breakfast buffet that also boasts of a different culinary theme for each day. I indulged in a heavy Filipino-style brunch! For someone who enjoys taking food shots, a finding that the WiFi connection is readily available was truly a relief. Mesmerized by the view in an al fresco setup, I noticed an overwhelming number of foreigners also checking in at the resort and was immediately amazed at how they enjoyed the Filipino-themed breakfast too.
“We have variety of dining experiences here in the resort. Aside from Kilimanjaro, we have Fiji for your Japanese cravings, Savannah for some American snacks and grills and Palermo, a famous Mediterranean-inspired restaurant which offers great coffee all day and Spanish & Italian pasta for dinner,†said Hannah, PR Head of Plantation Bay.
(The entrance of the Fiji restaurant)
(Alfresco dining at Savannah)
The enthusiastic foodie in me instantly asked for recommendations and listened to Hannah’s persistent urging to try the Banana Toffee Tart at Palermo, a request I immediately complied to with no hesitation. We reserved seats at the center of Palermo that had hand-painted walls and an ambiance that makes you want to stop and smell the great wine the Mediterranean is known for. The perfectly grilled US Angus Prime Rib Steak was nothing short of amazing! The sour cream on top of the mashed potatoes was on point. By the time desserts arrived, I barely had enough space for another spoon full. It was all so divine!
The most interesting outlet was probably the Alien Abduction Bar. In the dark of the night, we earthlings may fear of being abducted by an alien ship. If they aliens do, for once, maybe the best dressed of them can serve you Piña coladas instead of performing unspeakable experiments!
(The Palermo)
A test of tranquilityÂ
I always let myself give in to a couple of indulgences when I’m at a resort. Mogambo Springs, the spa at Plantation Bay, was not an exception. The spa’s setting is charming, designed to resemble an 18th century Tokugawa Japanese village complete with a thundering waterfall, creek and even mist. I willingly yielded to their one and a half hour traditional Filipino massage. This massage is a deep tissue massage that uses long and fast strokes, freeing energy channels from all blockage. Accompanied by an herbal compress formulated from more than ten organically grown herbs, the unmistakable scent of lemongrass soothes bodies and uplifts souls.
Mogambo Springs also has a variety of de-stressing services such as facial & body treatments, body therapies and spa packages under one roof. A session comes with a free use of their heated pools, Jacuzzi jets, Thalassic pool and cascading massage waterfalls.
(One area of the expansive Mogambo Springs spa)
Stretches of luxury
Natural beauty, delicious food and an Internet connection may all be elements that add up to a good resort. But when said resort is equipped with wonderful service, it isn’t just a resort anymore; it becomes an experience.
With just a couple of days spent at Plantation Bay, the staff consistently met my expectations. They were all very well-trained and efficient, always armed with warm smiles on their faces. I explored the entirety of the resort and I was impressed with the cleanliness they managed to keep. The resort was spotless, regardless of its vastness which allowed it to stay in keeping with the luxury they promise to guests. Interestingly, Plantation Bay general manager Mr. B also explained that Plantation Bay has a “no tipping policy here in our resort so that all our guests will be treated fairly.â€
The conclusion of my vacation only encouraged me to keep the positive image I had of Plantation Bay. At the end of my trip, I unknowingly left my mobile phone case, and it was quickly delivered to my Makati office directly from Cebu city only a few days after, with all the money I had in it untouched. Treatment like that is definitely the stuff that make up great guest and hotel relationships.
Summer lovin’
On its 20th year, Plantation Bay offers a rate of P20,000 nett for a 3-night stay beginning from March 1 until June 30, 2016. Guests can also look forward to special discounts on food and beverage and a gift certificate for their next visit! Call 02-505-9800 or email rsvns@plantationbay.comÂ
(The view of the central lagoons at night)
