Kids: Big Sister 4y9m, twins 2y3m
Flights: Hong Kong - Cebu v.v. on Dragonair
Booked through: Cathay Pacific Holidays
Our first beach trip in Asia with our family of 5. We were lucky that the kids were still small and we took our oldest out of preschool for a Wednesday through Sunday trip (4 nights) to the Shangri La Mactan Resort & Spa in Cebu. To be completely honest, I didn't research anything, heard it was good. Had stayed at Shangri La in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur in the 90s as a teenager and back then it was already a well-known chain in Asia. Flight is direct and around 2 hours. We were lucky with a morning flight out and an evening flight back (depends on the days so do check to get the most out of it). Remember we were picked up by hotel shuttle, and was surprised the hotel was so close (told you, did not do my homework this time). We booked the most simple rooms, 2 connecting, overlooking the gardens in the back. I could see the not so nice looking pink Hilton from a distance. Staff was lovely, we brought the strollers, I think, mostly for the airport in Hong Kong probably, but the staff just carried the twins all the way to our rooms, and they simply let it happen!
As it was off season it was quiet, so very easy going and relaxing. We mostly ate lunch at the pool bar, or at the Italian restaurant near the Club Rooms, sharing pizza and a salad. Breakfast was terrific, remember I found it better than Shangri La Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu, not that we were slumming there though. Since the kids were still young, we got baby sitters for 3 nights. They would come at 7.30 pm and stay for 2 hours. We'd feed the kids at the buffet restaurant (free for them at that age) while we sipped a cocktail. Put them to bed, babysitter came and we would go out for dinner. Had the seafood buffet near the waterfront which was very nice, especially the atmosphere and always stayed at the hotel, but a good way to enjoy a quiet evening together. Big sister did play at the Adventure Zone by herself but twins had to be accompanied, so slightly more of a pain. Don't forget to bring socks and a long sleeve t-shirt, I know not something you normally bring to the Philippines, but you'll need, although the sell items as well.
We took one trip to one of the malls, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. Not great, but at least an opportunity to get out, but nothing super special at all. The hotel has shuttle buses to the malls, so it easy to go and come back. An other, and better option is to visit some outlying islands with a boat and do some snorkeling. We didn't, we just relaxed and enjoyed our time. Cebu and especially Mactan Island is very easy break from Hong Kong, nothing super special (the Philippines have way more to offer), but good service, friendly people and overall a great resort.
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