I’ve been to Cebu many times over the years, but this trip marked my first-ever stay at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa. LionhearTV, together with other lifestyle and travel media, was invited for a four-day, three-night experience, and I can honestly say I didn’t expect to feel this relaxed and settled—especially after just the first night.
The timing made it even more special. This year, Plantation Bay celebrates its 30th anniversary. Opened in 1996, the resort has become a quiet icon in Cebu. Located in Barangay Marigondon, Mactan Island, it sits on 11 hectares of land and takes a different approach from the usual beachfront resorts. Instead of relying solely on the sea, the property is built around vast man-made saltwater lagoons, surrounded by low-rise structures with Moorish-Mediterranean architecture. The atmosphere is calm, spacious, and intentionally designed to slow you down.
What I appreciated right away is how deeply rooted the resort is in local identity. Plantation Bay is designed, built, owned, and operated by Cebuanos. From furniture crafted by Cebuano artisans to designs by the late Imok Roa and original artworks by National Artist Romulo Galicano, there’s a strong Filipino sensibility throughout the property—elegant but never overdone.
Straight from the airport, we headed to Route 66, the resort’s American diner, for a late lunch. I ordered a USDA Prime Rib-eye, medium well, paired with a watermelon shake. It was comforting, filling, and exactly what I needed after travel—an unexpectedly strong first impression food-wise.
During our property tour the next day, one thing stood out immediately: most of the guests were Korean. And not just a few—there were a lot of them. The vibe felt naturally romantic and peaceful, especially at night, making the resort a surprisingly organic place for those who enjoy Korean culture or simply want a calm, international atmosphere.
Plantation Bay’s dining options are varied but thoughtfully curated:
- Kilimanjaro Kafe, an all-day dining restaurant that’s open 24/7
- Palermo, serving Mediterranean dishes, tapas, pasta, and excellent steaks
- Fiji, for Japanese cuisine, known for its jumbo prawn tempura—crispy, flavorful, and very photogenic
- Route 66, offering comfort food and all-day breakfast, including the indulgent Barcelona Breakfast with fries, jamón serrano, and broken fried eggs
That first night, we tried Mogambo Springs, and this is where Plantation Bay truly won me over. Inspired by an 18th-century Japanese village, the spa is serene, atmospheric, and deeply calming. It features hot pools, cascading massage waterfalls, a sauna, and a steam room, along with a full menu of massages, reflexology, aromatherapy, and body treatments.
After a long workweek, the experience felt like a reset. The stress didn’t just fade—it completely disappeared.
One of the things I loved most about Plantation Bay is that it never really “shuts down.” After our spa session, we had dinner at Kilimanjaro Kafe well past midnight. I ordered chicken sinigang and requested thigh parts only. Without hesitation, the staff accommodated my request—small detail, but it meant a lot.
Other thoughtful touches stood out:
- Service carts are available even in the early hours
- Guests can swim in the lagoons and pools at any time
- The staff are consistently warm, professional, and well-trained
Back in my room, I even managed to work for about an hour before going to bed. The Wi-Fi was reliable, which is a big deal for someone who’s constantly working on coverage and content while traveling.
Plantation Bay doesn’t overwhelm you. It doesn’t try too hard to impress. Instead, it quietly earns your appreciation through comfort, consistency, and attention to detail. From its wellness facilities and dining to its atmosphere and connectivity, everything simply works.
By the end of my first night, I realized something important: this was the kind of resort experience I had been looking for all along.
It took me years—and many trips to Cebu—to finally stay at Plantation Bay. Now I understand why it has remained relevant for nearly three decades. This isn’t just a resort you visit. It’s a place where you truly rest—and one I’d happily return to.
