Some Kind of Paradise: Movenpick Hotel, Cebu | Review . Where to stay in Cebu?

It was one of those days when I just wanted to stay home. But I woke up early, packed my bag and went to NAIA Terminal 4 for a morning flight.

[ featured photo by Mae of @wheninmanila]

Half of the #TheVikingsareComing Crew – Melo, Richie, Jill,  and I
Our flight was sponsored by Air Asia and I love that we have food even if it is only an hour flight. 
I really love Air Asia’s inflight meals because they are “real” food and not the usual dry, tasteless food they serve in other airlines. 
I first tasted it during our flight to Boracay. 

An hour flight time from Manila to Cebu via Air Asia, a 30-minute drive in Mactan City and we were welcomed to this view in Movenpick Hotel, Mactan Cebu. 

Have I just crossed timezones? Have I just landed in Greece and kissed the Mediterranean shores? 

The lobby with its high-ceiling and well ventilated space is made even more inviting with Cobonpue’s chairs. The white walls is complimented with the view of the sea and pool in blue hues. The lobby serves as a good meeting place to socialize and entertain guests. On my part, a great invitation to just free my mind, relax and enjoy the holiday.

I could smell the fine roasted coffee from the Lobby Lounge. I knew it was going to be a good day.

I know that we have a full schedule during our #TheVikingsareComing event hosted by Vikings Luxury Buffet (because the Vikings has opened in Cebu!!!). 

Part of me just wanted to stay in the hotel, relax and enjoy the amenities. It was perfect for the much-awaited R&R that I needed after my sleepless nights in the hospital (mom had a surgery). 

Movenpick Hotel, Cebu houses 245 guest rooms from deluxe, premium and suites accommodations. 

The room is modern, hip and well-maintained.

Swaying away from the usual hotel room floor plan, I love spacious home I got during my stay.

There’s LCD TV equipped with cable, fully stocked minibar, complementary tea and coffee, safety box and flat iron. There’s a complimentary WIFI connection too. 

The bathroom has working hot and cold shower, bidet and complimentary toiletries from Chopard.

On our first night,  I overslept and missed out the day’s itinerary. I decided to stay in the hotel with Mae.  I love how I can just lounge around, look at the beach and enjoy the view.

We ordered (comfort food!) from the Forum – pizza, fries and watermelon shake.
I did live broadcast on #Periscope and my viewers seemed to love the hotel too. I was finally able to convince Mae to go live too. 🙂 (too bad that I didn’t get to save the broadcasts)

During our stay, we got a sweet chance in the morning to take a dip and enjoy the pool! The  view of the pool and the sea are breath-taking no matter what time of the day. At sunrise, the pool is clear shade of green and the blue sea makes it a perfect background. At moonrise, the lights play a hypnotizing charm in the hotel – the sunken chairs illuminate an inviting golden color.

with Raquel, Chuckie and Yen

Every moment and walk around Movenpick Hotel, Mactan Cebu is a pleasurable treat. The staircase and walkways from pool to the sea and to the Beach Club is an invitation to explore more. Movenpick Hotel uses iron wood that (is expensive) but is perfect for such a paradise.

Breakfast is served at The Sails, signature buffet restaurant which opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I love that they included ripe mango in the spread of fruits for dessert 🙂 

Movenpick Hotel, Mactan Cebu has everything you need in a resort. The pool houses the Forum  which features indoor and poolside lounges, where guests canorder light snacks, bar chows and tropical sips, alongside liqueurs and whiskey. There is also a Kids’ Club, where the little ones can play while parent enjoy a relaxing time at Spa del Mar . Foodies can feast on exquisite food in Ibiza Beach Club where you can also party under the beautiful stars.

We got to try the 15-course Balearic-inspired meat and seafood grill dinner that the team prepared for us. We were truly eating like a Viking! It was a gastronomic feast as we indulge in grilled steak, chicken, sea food and fish.

Every night, world-class talents perform in Ibiza Beach Club in danceable beat that jazz up the night. We spotted some fun, care-free Korean boys enjoying the music on our last night. 

For a more private and intimate event, guests can rent the Ibiza Loft. Located at the 22nd floor of Movenpick Hotel, Cebu, it houses 3 bedrooms and a receiving area for private functions and parties.

Our generous host, and owner of Movenpick Hotel and Manny O Wines, Sir Manny Osmena formally welcomed us during our first night. It was such an honor to meet such a humble and generous guy. He looks young and cool in his crisp white Ibiza pants and polo (from the Ibiza clothing collection). He shared that he really loves white. 

He talked to us about how the Movenpick Hotel was transformed and how he envisioned it to be. He also shared about his advocacy in helping Filipinos especially those who were victim of natural calamities. I wish we have more people like him in the government. Selfless and down-to-earth. It was an honor to meet him.

If you are looking for a place to escape, a taste of paradise, a resort to bring your family and friends, check out Movenpick Hotel, Mactan Cebu.

Read more of my travels and adventures.

** #thevikingsarecoming trip to Cebu was sponsored  by Vikings Luxury Buffet, Air Asia, Movenpick Cebu and Department of Tourism. Thank you!!!