In March 2024, during Cebu’s best weather, we traveled to the Philippines. February to June is the ideal season for Cebu. After two nights at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, our second stay was Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa Cebu, still one of Cebu’s top luxury resorts more than 20 years after opening. It’s a classic family resort and a great choice for Cebu with kids. Some facilities are a bit dated, but you can walk to nearby spots, and the excellent on-site facilities make for a true resort getaway.
1. Checking In at Shangri-La Mactan
We arrived around 2 p.m. Check-in in the lobby was quick and the staff were very friendly. The lobby has a cafe and lounge, and since it’s an open-air space leading straight to the pool, it was a little warm.
We were given an Ocean Wing room with a beautiful sea view, plus welcome fruit and lots of thoughtful touches.
The walk to the room is full of tropical charm.
The red roofs are Shangri-La Mactan’s trademark, and they look perfect against the blue sky.
2. Our Room
Our Ocean Wing room had a spacious, clean king bed that was soft and comfortable, and I loved the terrace overlooking the sea.
This room looks out over the pool and the sea. In Cebu, an ocean-view room is worth paying a bit extra for.
Yans and I stepped out onto the terrace. With the sky and pools in view, it felt every bit like Southeast Asia, and it reminded us just how big the resort is.
You can add an extra bed, which is great for families or friends, but the king bed was so big that we didn’t need one. The crisp, fluffy bedding helped us sleep well, and the air conditioning was cold.
The bathroom is spacious with all the amenities you need. The minibar and free bottled water were nice, and the fridge and freezer worked well, so ice froze quickly. The cherry-wood furniture feels a bit retro, but everything was well maintained, and we were happy throughout our stay.
An iron and drying rack make it a good family base for longer stays.
3. Facilities: Fitness Center and Game Room
Shangri-La Mactan is more than a place to sleep, with lots of activities and tour programs.
The fitness center is so good that locals who aren’t staying here come to use it.
The fitness center has a sea view, too, which shows why it’s called one of Cebu’s best resorts.
There’s also a huge arcade where the whole family can play games.
A wide walking path and outdoor exercise facilities let you relax and work out at the same time.
4. Kids Club and Kids Programs
The kids’ facilities were excellent. The kids club runs a range of activities and programs, so parents can relax, too.
Before the play area, there’s a large space for drawing and educational activities. The kids club is the highlight of Shangri-La Mactan.
It’s enormous, with top-notch facilities fitting for one of the region’s best family resorts. The slides are long and big, and Yans had a blast.
The jungle gym is on another level. With family activities all around the resort, there’s never a dull moment.
5. Breakfast Restaurant
I was so busy eating that I didn’t take many photos.
Breakfast had fresh fruit, a variety of bread and local dishes, so even picky Yans was happy. The resort also has several cafes and bars for drinks and snacks. Thanks to the great location, there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance, and many offer pickup and drop-off.
6. Private Beach
The private beach is one of the main reasons people choose Shangri-La Mactan. Mactan is a coral island with few natural beaches, so many resorts have artificial ones.
Shangri-La Mactan’s private beach has soft white sand that’s great for sandcastles.
The water is clear enough to see fish. If you’re nervous about snorkeling on an island-hopping tour, the private beach is a great place to swim instead, and families with young kids will love it.
7. Pools
The pools are the second reason to choose Shangri-La Mactan. They’re the largest in Cebu, so you could happily spend a whole three-day trip at the pool.
There’s also a private pool for suite guests.
There are plenty of sun loungers. Resorts often run short, but here we were thrilled.
There’s even a kids’ pool, which many Cebu resorts lack, making it a great family stay.
The pools are large and split into several areas, so they never felt crowded even with many guests, and the separate kids’ pool kept little ones safe.
8. Location and Price
- Location: Punta Engano Road, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island
The resort is about 30 minutes from Cebu airport, and the drive is full of tropical atmosphere. Being close to the airport makes transfers easy and nearby sights accessible. Prices are on the higher side, but the quality of service and facilities makes it worthwhile. Evening events run around the resort, and it suits families, couples and friends alike. We loved everything about Shangri-La Mactan: great facilities, delicious food, plenty of activities and friendly service. It’s close to Mactan Newtown and food delivery is available, which made for an easy, fun Cebu trip.
Prices, hours and details in this post are from our visit in May 2024 and may have changed, so check the latest information before you go.
More Family Trips on Yans World
- Vietnam Babysitter Guide: Resort Sitters in Nha Trang, Da Nang and Phu Quoc and What They Cost
- Recommended New Ali Bu Resort in Nha Trang, Vietnam: Room Condition + All-in-One Massage Package
- Recommended Hotels in Nha Trang: Le More Hotel Review – Pool, Breakfast, and Great Value Accommodation in Vietnam