WHERE PEOPLE COME TOGETHER: A TROPICAL GEM IN MACTAN, CEBU

THE summer heat calls for a refreshing dip at the beach or a break from the city's hustle and bustle.

A less crowded summer destination — where individuals and groups can have pristine waters and white-sand beaches to themselves — is Cebu.

Hailed as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is home to stunning beaches, thriving marine ecosystems that make beautiful diving spots, iconic cultural sites, a rich culinary heritage and a dynamic nightlife — all offering a balance of modernity and deep-rooted culture and history.

Nestled within this progressive island is Marriott Bonvoy's hospitality brands: Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort and the latest addition to its growing portfolio, Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mandaue City.

The world's gathering place

Opened in September 2022, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort marks Marriott Bonvoy's inaugural beachfront property in the Philippines.

From its diverse culinary offerings to sophisticated resort features, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort serves as a gathering place for global influences while also staying true to its Filipino roots.

Catering to those seeking a luxurious island getaway, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort offers activities and spaces that aim to create a community where those with cosmopolitan taste are welcome.

Upon entering the resort, guests are warmly greeted by an open-air lobby that provides a glimpse of Mactan Island's crystal-clear waters, imbuing a sense of harmony with nature. The soothing ambiance at the reception area is complemented with exquisite installations and furnishings, crafted by renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue.

Once settled, guests can dig into Cebu's local dishes and culinary mainstays such as lechon (suckling pig) at Sheraton's all-day dining, 5 Cien.

At 5 Cien, international flavors converge with Philippine cuisine. Local culinary delights are a highlight with Filipino culture woven all throughout. Visitors have the opportunity to experience traditional touches at the restaurant, including encounters with a roving taho (silken tofu with sweetener) vendor and being offered a variety of native delicacies such as kutsinta (steamed rice cake), biko (sweet rice cake) and suman (glutinous rice cake).

The term 5 Cien, which means "500 hundred," celebrates the quincentenary of Christianity in the Philippines, paying homage to the country's profound historical legacy.

After basking in the sun during the day, resort guests can chill at Buhi Bar, a beachfront cave bar that serves crafted cocktails, wine and local beers paired with Mediterranean bites.

The cave bar concept draws inspiration from the Olango Island caves, which are visible from the resort and where migratory birds find temporary refuge. "Buhi" derives from the Cebuano term "mabuhi," which means "long lived."

The resort's Sa Sitio Bakery and Bar also offers pastries, salads and drinks, among others.

Another dining outlet that's not to miss is DIP Nikkei, a restaurant that specializes in authentic Nikkei cuisine, which is a fusion of traditional Peruvian dishes and ingredients and of Japanese cooking styles.

Officially launched on April 5, DIP Nikkei is led Chef de Cuisine Rubén Rodrigo Serrano Cabrera, who is fondly called chef Rodrigo.

Sheraton Cebu Mactan General Manager Vina Flor "Dottie" Wurgler-Cronin says during the grand opening: "DIP Nikkei is the only authentic Nikkei restaurant in Cebu, and with only a few in the Philippines. We have selected Nikkei, a concept complementing the Sheraton brand, because we want to be a destination not only for rooms, but also for our gastronomic adventure."

With a nod to Peruvian culture, Sheraton also incorporates Peru's weaving patterns into the walls of the restaurant. Each tile is carefully handcrafted to display intricate designs, providing a beautiful backdrop while diners savor their meals.

Aside from the gastronomic adventure that it offers, Sheraton has a long list of activities for families, friends and children such as aqua aerobics, hotel jogging, zumba, board games and nonmotorized sports.

By creating spaces for listening to the crashing waves of the ocean on the shore or by offering activities prepared by Sheraton, the resort offers endless opportunities for relaxation and adventures alike.

Gatherings by Sheraton

Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort also champions the Gatherings by Sheraton initiative, where the brand aims to create meaningful experiences by engaging guests and locals in activities that tell the stories and cultural heritage of the community.

This effort is anchored on three pillars: enrichment, renewal and local stories.

"Enrichment is the pillar that leads our guests to learn something. Renewal is gearing toward sustainability while local stories is a pillar related to the local community," explains Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort Marketing and Communications Manager JM Ceniza-Sequihod.

An activity that embodies all these key pillars is coral planting or rehabilitation, which Sheraton encourages guests to experience firsthand. This aims to amplify the importance of marine life conservation amid global warming and other contributing factors that lead to coral reef destruction.

Resident Marine Biologist Lourdes Mae Jimenez puts out a simple yet powerful reminder, saying, "No corals, no fish. No fish, no food. The effect turns back to us."

Jimenez asserts that the coral planting activity injects a different experience for guests.

She says, "Aside from offering this immersive experience to guests, it's also part of the company's initiative to give back to the environment."

Sustainability lies at the core of the Sheraton brand. Beyond its efforts to cultivate a marine sanctuary and safeguard the marine ecosystem, Sheraton is driven by its sustainability targets.

These targets include achieving sustainability certifications, minimizing its carbon footprint through energy audits, responsible sourcing of ingredients or commodities, implementing effective waste management strategies and forging meaningful partnerships to support local communities.

With its premium accommodations, world-class service and amenities, adding a touch of heartfelt Cebuano hospitality, Sheraton continues to position itself as the world's gathering place, where diversity and inclusivity are celebrated and embraced.

2024-04-16T20:12:57Z dg43tfdfdgfd