Story and photos by Vic Sevilla
To urbanites weary of the scene in Metro Manila, Cebu City is often regarded as the perfect alternative. After all, the Queen City of the South throbs with the same energetic vibe and cosmopolitan sophistication that have made Manila a fun destination. What’s even better is that the city is cocooned by some of the most alluring seascapes anywhere in the world—in some cases, a short ride is all it takes to get to a white-sand beach framed by coconut palm trees. But to those who wish to really get away from it all (but still want to take the retreat in great style), a jewel of a destination far from the madding crowd awaits: Crimson Resort and Spa in nearby Mactan.
A GARDEN OF LUXURY
Spread across a 6-hectare property, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan combines the most delightful elements to create a haven of absolute beauty and luxury. It is, first and foremost, a garden lush with trees, decorative plants and flowering foliage. Tucked between the greenery are stately pavilions made of wood and stone housing the food, beverage and indoor recreational outlets.
The tree-covered pathways radiating from the pavilions lead guests to graceful private villas and quiet guest rooms peeking behind the hedges and trees. Laid out like a luxurious Balinese resort, gardens nestle the accommodations to provide a natural screen from the tropical sun and offer relaxing vistas of nature.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise to step out in the morning and find tropical blooms at your doorstep in a Zen-like arrangement, sending happy thoughts to start the day.
Inside, carefully selected Cebu-made décors punctuate the room with beauty. There are wall decors of polished Mactan stone and wood, elegant handcrafted furniture and intricately woven accents. The interior design presents a synergy of Cebuano and Asian decorative elements combined with the most modern amenities and creature comforts.
There are villas that come with their own private pool and a sun-drenched patio that looks out to the blue sea. Tranquility reigns here, surrendering once in a while to the momentary shriek of a sea bird. But tempting as it is to stay indoors and luxuriate in the lavishness of the room, the rest of Crimson waits to be explored and experienced.
FROLIC AND DINE IN UTMOST STYLE
To those whose idea of a perfect getaway is throwing body into azure waters, Crimson will not disappoint. For starters, there is a three-tiered Infinity Pool that meanders along gardens and snakes its way beneath flowering trees to seemingly reach out into the ocean. Depths range from 2, 3 to 4 feet so that even kids will have endless fun in this refreshing water facility.
If the young ones get too excited and raucous in the pool, one can always head to the private white-sand beach and take a dip in the cool, the blue waters lapping at the resort’s edge. The sports-minded can play beach volleyball, or indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities such as jetskiing, paragliding, or straddling a banana boat at full speed.
Foodies on the lookout for delicious morsels and fastidious gourmets with a predilection for haute cuisine will surely have their fill of satisfying repast. Saffron Café offers the delightful flavors of Eastern and Western cuisines in an atmosphere that’s freewheeling and friendly.
The café opens to lush gardens and offers a view of the infinity pool—making it perfect for long, casual dining with family and friends.
Meanwhile, Tempo’s sleek interior captures the perfect ambiance for intimate dinners and romantic evenings. Low but warm lighting and the display of Oriental artifacts, enhanced with nightly live entertainment, set the mood for a gourmet dinner, or after-dinner drinks. On the menu is a selection of Pan-Asian cuisine to whet the appetite.
Party people will no doubt enjoy everything that Azure Beach Club has to offer. Hanging on a cliff, this rock bar and restaurant offers a perfect view of the ocean, and has a laidback beach vibe. The bar’s hip cocktail concoctions, modern Asian cuisine (with lots of fresh catches from the sea, such as plump mussels, juicy prawns and fish on the grill), and cool club music make it the place to wine, dine and dance.
Score Sports Bar, on the other hand, is for those with a no-nonsense approach to having a fun night out. A haven for sports enthusiasts, Score is the best place to hang around with the guys, have a few beers, a game of 8-ball, or catch the latest sports matches or events. At the Videoke Room, the whole gang can sing their hearts out, snack on the scrumptious selections on the a la carte menu, and get their fill of the featured cocktails and mocktails.
PLEASURE THE SENSES
After a night of indulging the tastebuds and the desire to be intoxicated, it’s probably best to take a down time and head to Aum Spa.
Pronounced “om,” Aum is a retreat exclusive at Crimson Mactan. Just a few steps outside the resort, this enclave of health and wellness offers serenity amid gurgling pools and the rustle of bamboo leaves. It has 14 treatment rooms (including couple’s rooms) decorated with Asian accents to deftly harmonize with the lush outdoor gardens. In this relaxing atmosphere, one can enjoy authentic therapies and thoughtful service to restore and energize the mind and body.
After a short respite at Crimson, one leaves with a desire to stay longer and a longing to return again. Like a pleasant dream worth repeating again and again, vacations at Crimson are likely never to be forgotten.
For reservations, call (32) 401 -9999 or (32) 239-3900, or e-mail info.mactan@crimsonhotel.com.