From simple to one of Cebu’s Best: Cebu White Sands Maribago
Cebu White Sands started out as a simple day-use resort with cottages scattered along the coast. As the resort got more popular, people started asking for longer stays, prompting the addition of its first 5 rooms. Today, the resort has a total of 86 rooms and what is probably the best spa within Cebu.
Anahata Spa, Cebu White Sands’ in-house spa, draws inspiration directly from Boracay’s award-winning Mandala Spa. Their masseuses go through rigorous training made by the former consultant for Mandala Spa, who still visits from time to time to check up on the quality of service they provide.
Their best massages include the Anahata Signature, a relaxing massage created for Anahata and only available at Anahata; and the traditional Hilot massage, a deep-tissue massage whose roots can be traced all the way back to even before the Spaniards visited the Philippines.
Cebu White Sands mirrors the same principle in that they focus on making their guests feel like they are at home. It’s a place where foreigners can experience Filipino hospitality, a trait strengthened by the fact that some of the staff have been with the resort for 15 years.
The resort itself projects a Filipino atmosphere. Its three buildings, the Heritage, Courtyard, and Mabuhay, all show different stages of its progress but remain true to its Filipino setting.
A foot in the lobby already gives you a glimpse of things to come: wood furnishings give it that traditional Filipino home vibe, something that you can experience the full effect of by getting a room at the Heritage building. Incidentally, it’s also the first building erected by the resort, hence the emphasis on retaining that traditional Filipino home theme.
The Courtyard, however, is the best for Japanese guests. Its minimalist concept combined with the convenience of being the home of Anahata Spa makes it perfect for people who don’t like to walk around a resort too much. Not fond of getting a massage? You can relax by watching the 100% authentic koi fish swimming in the resort’s man-made koi ponds.
The resort offers two pools, one of which is open to day-use guests (yes, they retained what they started with). They also have their own restaurants: Patio Gavino and Buena Vista Restaurant. Patio Gavino offers international cuisine and is the first thing you’ll see after checking in. Buena Vista, on the other hand, is their beachfront restaurant that doubles as a sports bar.
Looking for some fun in the sun? The resort houses a tour company that can provide you with tours all around the island of Cebu. The resort itself offers a multitude of water sports such as island hopping, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing, paddle-boating, snorkeling, and fishing.
If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, have them set you up for a private function at Islas Tres Rosas, a privately-owned 3-islet cluster that’s only 30 minutes away from the shores of Cebu White Sands.
You can find Cebu White Sands at Looc, Maribago, Mactan Island, Cebu. For reservations and more information, you can visit www.whitesands.com.ph or call 032-268-9000.
Details:
Cebu White Sands at Maribago Beach
Looc, Maribago, Mactan Island, Cebu
032-268-9000
Check in: 3:00 pm, Check out: 12:00 pm
www.whitesands.com.ph
