It was starting to get busy on our short trip to the Philippines and one of our stops was Cebu where we will be meeting up with some of our readers. Before heading there, we invited one of our team members, Yvette, to join us at the last minute to help us with photos and the event. Luckily, we were able to get Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort to host her, and oh, it was such a wonderful experience for her first time visiting Cebu! She told me her personal experience below! =)

Known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is an island province in the Visayas, and is one of the progressive provinces in the country in terms of its economy and infrastructure.  Amidst the tall buildings and rising opportunities, though, it is the best place to visit, or even live in, if you want a more laid-back yet modern lifestyle.  It also boasts its pristine waters and white sand beaches, which are all a must-see for both fellow Filipinos and foreigners, especially during summertime.

Reasons why we recommend Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort

One of the high-end beach resorts in Mactan Island, Bluewater Maribago is located in Buyong Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, and is conveniently 20 minutes away from Mactan Cebu International Airport and 30 minutes away from Cebu’s business district.  It is one of three properties under Bluewater Resorts group, the property has a native yet chic style, with 2 floors, and has a total of 170 individually decorated rooms. Let’s not forget the 3 eye-catching swimming pools, five restaurants, and its very own relaxing spa. I hope I am not missing anything!

This is just a 2-minute walk from a 10-hectare beach that has white sand and clear blue shallow water. If you think that this beauty is well-suited for a group of friends or couples, well, let me tell you that this is actually one of the best places for families to stay at as well.

If you can’t get enough of the island’s beauty, the resort also provides access to a nearby private offshore island that will surely leave you wanting for more – now that’s the kind of vacation I’m talking about!

The Rooms

There are 4 different types of rooms to choose from in Bluewater Maribago.

• Deluxe Room – Each room of this type has a private veranda that leads to either of two different sections – the beach wing which offers 2 single beds or 1 double bed, or the garden wing, which offers 1 double bed and 1 single bed or 2 double beds.
• Premier Deluxe Room – It has a contemporary style which features floating beds designed by master craftsman Benji Reyes (one of the grandsons of Severino “Lola Basyang” Reyes), and a skylit bathroom with a standing bathtub and separate shower.
• Royal Bungalow – The room is an expansive bungalow on the beach and is spacious enough for families.  Through its balcony, it offers a view of the beach and the privately-owned Bluewater Island. It has 1 king bed and a separate living space, giving you a home away from home feel.
• Amuma Spa Suite – This sprawling and luxurious suite is located in the Amuma Spa wing, which gives you an easier access to treatment pavilions.  Its private veranda allows you to see the resort’s lagoon-style pool surrounded by tropical gardens, and if that isn’t relaxing enough, its bathroom offers an al fresco shower and bath, bringing the outdoors in your very own room.

The Food

R&R will never be complete without sumptuous meals that will surely fill not only your tummy, but also your heart, and the resort will not fail you as you have five different restaurants to choose from.

• Allegro Restaurant – This is Bluewater Maribago’s main restaurant that is open 24 hours and serves Filipino, Asian and continental cuisines.  It is also where the daily buffet breakfast and both ala carte and buffet lunch and dinner menus are served.  Highlight of the restaurant is its entertainment on Saturday nights, popularly known as the Barrio Fiesta Event, featuring live serenades and a cultural dance show.
• The Cove – If you want to dine with a view, this is where you should go.  It is a live seafood restaurant that overlooks the captivating Bluewater private island and the pristine open sea.
• Molto Italiano – What vacation will it be if you won’t give in to carbs, eh?  Well, good thing the resort has an Italian cafe that sticks to the traditional method of brick oven cooking. Its specialty? Gourmet pizza, of course!
• Amuma Juice Bar – If you decide to get one of the Amuma Spa’s relaxing treatments, the best way to complement it is by getting fresh and light snacks, and this spa cafe will no doubt entice you with its wide variety of fruit and vegetable-based drinks, milkshakes, and flavored iced teas, salads, and sandwiches.
• Oyster Bar – What better way to end your day after basking under the sun than sit by the beach and watch a romantic sunset, then head on to order your favorite ice-cold beer or cocktail drink, paired with fresh oysters?  No doubt, this open-air bar beautifully situated on the shores of Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort will mix fun and relaxation in the outdoors under the evening sky.

The Facilities

Bluewater Maribago’s location by the beach will not hinder you from enjoying other activities during your stay as it features some facilities that will surely keep you busy day in and out.

• Swimming Pool – There are 3 big swimming pools with waterfalls to choose from, including a children’s pool, and the main pool is located just beside Allegro Restaurant.
• Bluewater Private Island – It is a 1.1 hectare man-made white sand island that can be reached by wading thorugh shallow water at low tide, swimming your way, or by paddle boating. It is such a beautiful  hideaway if you want to lazily hangout as it offers a view of the cove and the open sea.  Interestingly enough, it also serves as an event venue within the resort as weddings and other events may be held here.

• Picnic Grove – It is an area between the main swimming pool and the beach that is surrounded by huge Balete and Talisay trees, making it a perfect spot for those who want to be one with nature and the young ones (or young at heart) who seek a playground.  It may also serve as another events place in the resort, where sunlight can pass through a canopy of branches, giving an intimate and dramatic feel to events.
• Convention Hall and Upper Conference Room – Who says business can’t be combined with pleasure?  The resort offers two a function hall and a conference room where guests who need to attend seminars and meetings while enjoying a trip away from their busy corporate lives.

• Marine Wildlife Saltwater Lagoons – A trip to Bluewater Maribago, especially with the youngsters, won’t be complete without visiting the lagoon that features a variety of topical fish and experience feeding them.
• Bluewater Gallery – Cebu is known for their cultural heritage, and the resort has a lovely gallery that features artwork and pieces by Filipino artists that you will surely fall in love with.

• Amuma Spa – Amuma is a Visayan word that means “pamper” or “comfort”, and this is exactly what the resort spa aims to provide to you through Filipino therapeutic and healing massages using warm fresh banana fronds and native rituals such as “pausok”, “dasal”, and “orasyon”.  It also has an outdoor jacuzzi and sauna, and just in case you’ve had too much to eat and feel a little conscious about donning a two-piece bikini or a pair of trunks at the beach, you can always hit the gym to work out or learn tai-chi or arnis at the Tai-chi Pavillion.  Lastly, to prep you up for a romantic evening, visit the salon at the spa and choose from a full range of beauty services that fits your style.

Area Guide

• Mactan Shrine – While staying at Bluewater Maribago, you may want to visit one of the famous tourist attractions in Cebu which is just 11 minutes away from the resort. The Mactan Shrine is a must-see for those who are interested in Filipino history as it honors the Battle of Mactan, which took place between the Spanish and the Visayan in 1521, and also contains two other shrines, Lapu-Lapu and Magellan Shrines, respectively.
• Mactan Island Aquarium – Opened to the public in 2008, it showcases Cebu’s rich aquatic life, featuring rescued sea turtles, sharks, jellyfish, octopus, and clown fish (yes, Nemo, of course!).
• The Jungle Cultural Entertainment Center – It has a restaurant that serves both Filipino and international cuisines and features cultural dancers to entertain you as you dine.  Its main attraction is The Jungle Fire Dancers, who bravely eat, breathe, spin, and twirl fire, and even dance with live pythons – talk about entertainment, alright!
• Chapel of the Last Supper – The chapel houses an invaluable full-length carving of the Last Supper of the Lord Jesus with his 12 apostles, which is recovered from the San Jose Parish Church of Mandaue City. It is a full-length Last Supper” carving of the Lord Jesus and his 12 apostles.

Fact Sheet: Frequently Asked Questions about Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort

1. Where can you find the best rates for Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort?

Own website | Booking.com | Agoda | Tripadvisor | Expedia

2. What credit cards are accepted in Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort?

You may use American Express, Visa and Mastercard.

3. What is the check – in, check – out time in Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort?

The check – in time is 3:00 pm while the check – out time is 11:00 am.

4. Can you smoke in Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort?

There is a designated area on the property where you can smoke. However, rooms are non – smoking.

5. How far is the airport from Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort?

The airport is 10 kilometers or just 20 minutes away from the Mactan International Airport.

6. What are the standard room amenities in Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort?

Room amenities include mini bar, cable TV, international direct dialing, telephone, shower/ bathtub, private veranda and coffee/tea service.

7. Is wi-fi connection available in Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort?

Yes, it is available at the lobby and resort area, and it’s free of charge.

8. Does Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort offer a shuttle service?

Yes, shuttle service going to the SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, and SM Seaside Cebu is available to all in-house guests daily and departs at 11:00 am.  It has a minimum fee of Php 250 per person.

9. What are the languages used in Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort?

They use Filipino and English in the property.

10. Are pets allowed in Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort?

No. Pets are not allowed.

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