I received a call from Cebu Pacific that they cancelled our early morning flight to Caticlan because of a typhoon. He gave us options on how to deal with our flight either in form of full refund or re-booking without fees. I asked the staff if it is possible to join the flight on the next day but he told that it was already full. Besides, the typhoon was still in the region and those flights might also be cancelled.
I decided to change our plan or else all our efforts and time will be wasted. I booked Plantation Bay Spa and Resort through their website, www.plantationbay.com for two nights.
Location: Mactan, Philippines
Where I Stayed: Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Mactan
Buddies: Family (+)
The resort check in time started at 3pm. They can give room to early arrival if available. We arrived in the resort at 12:30n, and they immediately gave us Windward Room for the resort is not fully book and its non peak season.
The Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is an 11 hectares land developed and having man-made lagoons with both fresh or salt water. It also has small beach to cater for those beach lovers. However, the sand is not so white and only covering the beach portion. The sea bed is black as seen during low tide.
The area is so wide but we managed to walk and have access to all amenities. There was a routine resort cab transporting guests to any part of the resort. The pathway at the middle of lagoons serves as short cut to the beach and restaurant.
The resort is the favorite destination of Korean honeymooners as most of the guests were from there. I spotted a Korean couple having their prewedding pictorials
The resort is also offering indoor/outdoor games, water sports, island hopping, massages, and spa. I tried the kayak and the stand paddle raft.
FOOD. Aside of having four restaurants to choose from, the resort has a food buffet held every night at different themes. On our first night, the theme was Spanish, so the food and the graceful performers were related to Spanish culture. On our second night was From Middle East. So beautiful belly dancers, hot fire dancers and Arab cuisines were expected.
The buffets and the performances could be experienced by calling the reservation desk and paying 1,250 pesos exclusive of drinks. However, the food for me was considered average. I sorted it as below of my expectation because I worked in an Arab country and tasted similar Arab foods. On the other hand, the Kilimanjaro Kafe, served the best breakfast buffet in the resort. The Filipino and Mexican buffet breakfast during our stays were both memorable. We really enjoyed it and the foods were all tasty.
SAFETY. The resort’s pool has lifeguards from 8am to 8pm. Beyond that time, guests using the pool will take their own risks especially those having kids. Rooms also has direct path to water, so guests having small children should understand well all the safety precautions.
CONCLUSIONS. The resort was so amazing with traditional and modern twists of culture. All ages will be entertained here because of so many activities they are offering.
The no tipping policy was unusual but this resort is continuously practicing it. The staffs always greeted us every time we met. We are also thankful to the nurse on duty when we called her early in the morning to check our son who was suffering from fever.
The rate was expensive for an ordinary local tourist. However, they have a day tour which costs 3,000 pesos per head. These will include a buffet lunch and free use of resort’s amenities.
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