Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort

The minute we experienced Cebu City's traffic, we wanted to get out of it as fast as we could. Thankfully, we only had to stay there for a night and we were off to Mactan the next day.

Photo credit: Endette Mendoza

Our real vacation started at Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort - one of three properties under the wholly Filipino-owned Bluewater Resorts chain - located just 30 minutes away from Cebu's business district.

Front desk/Lobby

Official photo from Bluewater Maribago

Upon arrival, our attention was immediately caught by the thatched lobby in the middle of the resort. The vibe was very laid-back yet fast-paced. Guests kept pouring in, but everyone was attended to. 

I approached the front desk to present our reservation and was asked to fill-out the guest registration slip. After this, the staff handed me our room key (with a couple of stubs that we can present should we need to borrow beach towels) and a map of the resort. We were also provided some cold towels and drinks while waiting for the buggy that would take us to our room.

Our Premier Deluxe Room (right)

Official photo from Bluewater Maribago

Contemporary Filipino design

I tell you, someone was jumping for joy when we entered the room -- and it's not me. :p

We had 44 square meters of floor space, 2 Queen 'floating beds' (a Bluewater trademark designed by Benji Reyes), a well-stocked mini bar, cable flat screen television, telephone, and complimentary coffee & tea plus White Chocolate Chip Cookies from their bakery. As if that's not enough, we have our own veranda looking out into the beach and man-made island. 

Our sky-lit bathroom with freestanding tub and separate shower

It's been weeks, but I still can't stop raving about the bathroom. My photos doesn't even do justice as to how gorgeous it is. I just wish they have a bidet. Nevertheless, it was like having your own spa inside the room. All that's missing are angels descending from the heavens serenading you with their harps while you enjoy that warm bubble bath/shower. :3

While it was very easy to give in to the temptation of just staying inside our room, there's still a lot more to see inside this 7-hectare property.

Let's start with the other room types available.

The resort has 158 well-appointed rooms (5 Royal Bungalows, 20 Premier Deluxe, 50 Amuma Wing Rooms and 83 Deluxe Rooms).

Amuma Spa Suite with al fresco shower and bath

Newly refurbished Deluxe Room at the Garden Wing

In terms of facilities, they have 3 lagoon-type pools - one of which has a kiddie slide - and all pools have lifeguards too. There's also a playground near the main pool which makes for a kid-friendly vacation.

Main pool near Allegro Restaurant

Amuma Spa Swimming Pool

Garden Wing Pool - lots of families frequent this pool

Don't miss the free shark/fish-feeding session every 4:00 pm.

If you're feeling a bit stressed and long for some pampering with your partner or just want to have a 'me' time, there's the Amuma Spa - aptly named because Amuma is a Visayan term which means 'to pamper'.

The spa center has 2 suites with private jacuzzi, steam bath & veranda, 3 single treatment rooms with veranda, men's and women's locker rooms, gym and health club, hair & beauty salon (with a view! See picture above), a spa boutique and the Amuma Juice Bar which serves healthy fare and fresh juice concoctions. 

Outdoor treatments can also be done in the Hilot Pavilion, Beach Gazebo and Garden Gazebo. In-room massage can also be requested. 

Clockwise: The Cove and Oyster Bar

Guests have plenty of dining options, too. There's Allegro Restaurant serving Filipino and international cuisine; The Cove (Live and fresh seafood restaurant); Oyster Bar (Cocktail bar by the beach); Molto Italiano (Italian restaurant); and Amuma Juice Bar (Healthy fare).  

Allegro Restaurant also has themed dinners with performances for guests' entertainment! I will be writing a separate post about our dining experience at Allegro. :)

Views from Oyster Bar/The Cove

Aquamania - Bluewater's in-house aqua sports facility

Water activities do not stop at swimming in their pools and/or the beach. There's a variety of water sports guests can avail like snorkeling, island hopping, Jet Ski-ing and SCUBA diving.

The man-made island (yup, you read that right): Picture perfect for tropical weddings, private functions and beach outings.

When not rented for private functions, guests can go to the man-made island via kayak or even by foot during low tide.

Aside from lounging at the thatch huts with beach beds, guests can also play chess (using the life-size chessboard) and/or beach volleyball.

110-meter beachfront of pristine sand

From the minute you check-in until you leave, you will feel pampered. Everyone from the front desk staff to housekeeping are very courteous and cordial. We've observed the way they interact with their guests and they make sure that their job doesn't stop at just providing the service, but making sure that you will have an enjoyable stay. 

These days when most resorts either want to look Thai- or Balinese-inspired, it's refreshing to see that Bluewater stayed true to their brand of the Filipino lifestyle experience - not only in terms of aesthetics - but one that is also creative, warm, friendly, attentive, caring and relaxing.

Everything you'll need for a relaxing vacation is here.

Special thanks to Ms. Aileen Quijano, Mr. Ram Bongo and Ms. Noreen Yuson. If we had more time, we surely would have stayed longer. :)

Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort

Buyong Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City

Cebu, Philippines 6015

Phone: (632) 492-0100

Fax: (632) 492-1808

www.bluewatermaribago.com.ph

K

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