“Would you consider Plantation Bay a tourist trap?”
That was the question I casually asked my fellow media friends while we were having dinner at Kilimanjaro Kafe during our stay. At that point, I had already spent a full day inside Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, and I was genuinely curious how others felt.
Honestly, this was not just my first stay at Plantation Bay—it was also my first staycation ever where I never once felt the need to leave the resort.
From the moment we arrived, everything just flowed naturally. We had our late lunch/merienda at Route 66, followed by dinner at Kilimanjaro Kafe. That first night ended with a full body massage at Mogambo Springs, and I slept incredibly well—deep, uninterrupted, and fully relaxed.
When I woke up on the second day, I had breakfast again at Kilimanjaro Kafe before joining a golf cart tour around the property. That’s when I fully understood the scale of Plantation Bay. The resort sits on 11 hectares of land in Barangay Marigondon, Mactan Island, and it’s not your typical beachfront resort. Instead of relying solely on the sea, it’s centered around massive man-made saltwater lagoons, surrounded by low-rise buildings with Moorish-Mediterranean architecture.
The entire place feels intentional, intimate, and calming—not overwhelming, not chaotic. And knowing that the resort is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, having opened in 1996, made the experience feel even more meaningful. This is not a new concept trying to impress—it’s a destination that has quietly perfected what it offers over decades.
After the tour, I ordered lunch to my room and took a proper siesta—something I rarely get to do when traveling.
That evening, Plantation Bay surprised me by pairing me with Nikki Viola of WhenInManila for a romantic dinner. Since we’re both single, we figured—why not experience it properly?
We ordered Marinated Prawns, Smoked Salmon Tartare, Pan-Fried White Fish with Spinach Risotto and Shallot Cream Sauce, and Dark Chocolate Indulgence. It was filling, yes—but more than the food, I appreciated the ambience and the experience. Plantation Bay really knows how to set the mood. It’s the kind of place where dates feel natural, relaxed, and memorable.
It honestly made me wish that more people—especially couples—could experience this kind of setting. There’s something special about sharing a meal in a place that encourages you to slow down.
And even after that heavy dinner, we still ended up meeting other media friends again later that night—back at Kilimanjaro Kafe. One thing I truly love about it? It’s 24/7, for real, and the food remains consistently good no matter what time you order.
On the third day, I decided to just walk around and explore. I passed by the gym and arcade, went inside to take a look, then stepped out to ask for a bicycle. Guests can borrow one for an hour—just give your room number.
A short ride later, I reached the tennis court. The equipment was available, but since I was alone, I skipped playing. I then went to the firing range, and I have to say—safety is taken very seriously here. The staff were hands-on and attentive, especially since it had been a long time since I last tried firing.
Despite my not-so-perfect eyesight (thankfully for eyeglasses), I managed to hit several 10s, which honestly made me proud. There was also archery and wall climbing, but since I had no one cheering for me, I just watched and enjoyed the moment.
Back in my room, I realized something I really loved: the pool was just right outside. Anytime I wanted to swim, I could. I spent hours alone in the saltwater pool, and it never felt like a regular pool experience—it was calm, therapeutic, and private.
For lunch, I ate at Fiji, the resort’s Asian cuisine restaurant by the sea. The view was beautiful, whether you chose indoor or outdoor seating. The food? Consistently good—honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with any dining option here.
On our last night, we had dinner once again at Kilimanjaro Kafe. From pizza to pancit, sinigang to beef steak, the choices felt endless. But more than the food, what made that dinner special was the company. It felt warm, familiar—almost like a family gathering. Making memories over good food hits differently.
So… Is Plantation Bay a tourist trap? After everything I experienced, my answer is simple: No.
Plantation Bay didn’t trap me—I chose to stay. I didn’t look for anything outside because I genuinely felt that everything I needed was already inside the resort. From activities and dining to relaxation and comfort, it was all thoughtfully provided.
I also want to commend the staff—every single person I encountered was well-trained, kind, and professional.
If you forgot something or need souvenirs, there’s a pasalubong center. If you have kids, there are dedicated spaces for them. If you’re a smoker, there are designated smoking areas. Plantation Bay truly considered everyone.
With everything I’ve shared, I think you already understand why I never felt the urge to step outside the resort gates.
Plantation Bay isn’t a tourist trap.
It’s a destination that makes you want to stay.
