Plantation Bay Resort and Spa - Reviews - Marigondon

I'd like to approach this review in two parts: in close quotes are what the Plantation Bay website proclaims about the resort, and appended to each is my personal assessment.

"Discover a resort in a class of its own. Set in 11.4 hectares of secluded grounds yet only 30 minutes from Cebu City, Plantation Bay offers one of the largest privately-owned waterways in the world, with the clean elegance of colonial-plantation architecture. Decompress from life's pressures in the healing tranquility of an environment that truly feels 'away from it all.' If you have ever spent time at a tropical plantation, you know what we mean. If not, come and discover a refreshingly different Flavor of Life." --- Definitely one of the most tastefully designed (in terms or aesthetics, economics and ecology) resort I have ever seen, the perfect union of beauty and comfort, allowing every visitor the inspiration and spontaneity to enjoy the natural highs of holiday-making.

"Whether you're traveling for a family vacation or romantic getaway, for business or pleasure, this is far and away your best choice in the Philippines." --- The best in Cebu definitely, or the whole of Visayas perhaps, but come on, there's gotta be more interesting resorts of this caliber on any of the 7,107 islands in the archipelago!

"Truly international. Opened in late 1996, Plantation Bay has already had over half a million visitors from every corner of the globe. Virtually all of them agree that this is one of the best resorts they've ever been to. Experienced travelers in particular will feel right at home at Plantation Bay. English is spoken throughout the resort; we also have Japanese, Korean, Mandarin and Spanish-speaking staff members." --- Just like in thousands of other major players in the hotel industry.

"Feel like you're at your own private estate. Our rooms are a full 46 square meters, charmingly furnished with plantation-style furniture, oil paintings, and accessories; equipped with remote-control TV, mini-bar, electronic safe, and split-package air-conditioning." --- Indeed!

"And you'll love the bathrooms - spacious, with coral stone and marble finishes, separate shower and deep tub, hair-dryer, and extension phone." --- Do you hear me screaming? (Not that I care.)

"Unrivaled cuisine. In the area of food, most resorts under-perform and overcharge. At Plantation Bay we believe good food is an essential component of good hospitality, and work hard to offer our guests a stimulating choice of international dishes at reasonable prices." --- Hm, not much of a gourmet/gourmand, so yeah, from the lunch set I had, the food was above average, but let the experts comment on this one.

"Safety and Security, Protection from Natural Disasters. Due to its unique geology and location in the inland Philippine Sea, totally surrounded by much larger islands, Cebu-Mactan is safer than most other resort areas in the world." --- Ditto. Let the geologists/meteorologists have their say.

"At some hotels, there are a token few rooms with nice views (for the brochures!), while most guests get stuck with parking lot or "garden" views. At Plantation Bay you are assured of a splendid, take-your-breath-away vista from almost every room. (Rooms with impaired views are priced lower and clearly indicated on the Rooms and Reservations page.)" --- I agree.

"The most-acclaimed resort in the country is also the foremost Philippine spa. Plantation Bay's Mogambo Springs offers an ambience and treatment experience comparable to those of leading spas in Bali, Thailand, or California, at a fraction of the price." --- Don't look at me, I'm not a spa guy!

"There is NO TIPPING at Plantation Bay. All our guests receive the highest standard of personal attention without ever having to worry when, whom, or how much to tip. If you've never been in a No-Tipping resort, you just don't know what you're missing. Why not find out?" --- OK, glad to know this one now.

"FREE! Scheduled airport transportation, welcome drink, butler service, exercise equipment, bicycles, selected sports and recreation facilities, children's activities, dinner entertainment." --- Needless to say...

"Not just a resort, but an experience. Many leading resorts offer extensive facilities, terrific food, and lovely rooms. But, regardless of the purpose of your visit, the one element that sets Plantation Bay apart from all the others is the absolutely authentic 'feel' it recreates - like distilled Essence of Plantation Living, suffused with a sense of serenity and timelessness that you will remember and want to come back to." --- I wouldn't put it that way. But yes, extremely beautiful and refreshing and delightful and fantastic. I'd go back to Plantation Bay any time!