I’m thrilled to share my recent experience at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa with my family. This was our third visit to this tropical paradise, but it felt especially significant this time around. We were not only celebrating my son’s birthday—an event we always look forward to—but also commemorating Plantation Bay’s 28th anniversary. It felt as though everything aligned perfectly, creating a joyous occasion filled with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Arrival and Accommodations
Upon our arrival at Plantation Bay, we were welcomed by the warm Mactan Island breeze and the gentle mist drifting through the lobby. My husband, who has a keen eye for interior design—and real estate in general—immediately pointed out several impressive features of the lobby. He noted how it is both expansive and open, yet warm and inviting, thanks to the rich wood tones and comfortable couches. One striking element that we both loved was the breathtaking paintings, which were artfully illuminated, making them truly stand out against the walls. The friendliness and professionalism of the staff were equally impressive, creating a relaxing atmosphere that perfectly set the tone for our weekend from the very beginning.
After a smooth check-in process, we made our way through the property while we waited for our ride to the villa.
Lagoon Side Villa
As soon as we opened the door, we were welcomed by the spaciousness of our new home away from home. The two plush queen beds invited us to unwind, while the elegant bathroom was equipped with a luxurious bath, providing an ideal space for relaxation.
From our villa, we enjoyed splendid views of the property and the beautiful private lagoon just outside our door. It was the perfect family accommodation, featuring two cozy queen beds that comfortably fit two adults and two children under 17. Additionally, the villa had a balcony that allowed us to step out and reach the water in under a minute, making it convenient for quick dips. This space also gave my husband a nice spot to catch up on work while still being able to relax fully. The excellent Wi-Fi throughout the property ensured that we never felt disconnected, as it was reliably fast—perfect for those considering a workcation here, though I’ll cover that in a separate post…
My husband and son wasted no time bouncing onto the beds with excitement. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn’t help but share in their joy as I took in our surroundings. The villa truly felt like a sanctuary where we could create wonderful memories during our stay.
I was especially pleased with the bathroom, which featured an elegant marble finish and soft lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for indulging in a relaxing soak in the hot tub.
Water Adventures in the Lagoon
Once we settled in, the allure of the lagoon drew us in like moths to a flame—especially my son, who I jokingly refer to as half fish! A top tip for anyone visiting: bring your goggles so you can fully enjoy swimming in the lagoon, as it features beautiful saltwater—there’s no chlorine here, just pure ocean bliss! The water shimmered invitingly under the sun, calling us to partake in all its delights.
Our first adventure was kayaking, which turned out to be a fantastic family bonding experience filled with splashes and laughter as we paddled along the tranquil waters. My son, Ethan, took on the role of a shark, while I happily played the part of the captain since I love rowing. My husband started off filming us but soon couldn’t resist joining in on the fun.
After our kayaking adventure, we dove straight into the pool, where my heart raced with excitement as we jumped from the diving platform into the 12-foot depth below. I was surprised to see my husband attempt a backflip! Even in his 50s, he still has that energy, which truly makes me happy.
Jumping into the water is my favorite activity, and I absolutely love those tall jumps. The thrill of soaring through the air before plunging into the blue below was exhilarating, even though I had my fair share of awkward landings—one particularly clumsy jump landed me squarely on my back. It was painful, but the laughter and joy we shared made it all worthwhile. Watching the delight on Ethan’s face with each splash and stumble was priceless!
A Culinary Experience to Remember
After our day filled with water activities, it was time for something special—an intimate dinner by the ocean with my husband. The ambiance was romantic, with the sound of the waves providing a soothing soundtrack to our evening. We perused the menu, our mouths watering at the array of delectable offerings. We decided on a few starters that piqued our interest:
Soup of the Day
Greek Salad
For the main course, we decided to indulge even further:
USDA Prime Ribeye served with harissa vegetables and fondant potato (cooked to medium perfection)
Pan-Fried Fish, the star being the divine spinach risotto paired with shallot cream sauce
And, of course, we couldn’t resist the allure of dessert. We opted for:
Chocolate Pudding with Caramel Fudge Sauce
Mango Jubilee, which was like a tropical party in our mouths!
Each bite was a heavenly experience, perfectly seasoned and expertly crafted by the talented culinary team at the resort. The gentle ocean breeze complemented our dinner, creating a dreamy atmosphere that made for an unforgettable dining experience. If you’re visiting Plantation Bay as a couple, I wholeheartedly recommend treating yourselves to this romantic dinner date by the sea—it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!!!
A Day of Adventure and Nature
The following day dawned bright and beautiful, reigniting our family’s spirit for adventure.
We started the day feeling carefree, taking advantage of the calm early morning for a refreshing swim. Feeling confident, I decided to embrace the moment and strike a few poses by the lagoon in my bikini. After all, a family getaway is about celebrating ourselves and cherishing the joy of being together.
Later, we geared up for a snorkeling excursion at the resort’s vibrant reef.
As we floated above this underwater paradise, colorful fish darted playfully around us, creating a mesmerizing view that felt almost dreamlike. As we swam further, we entered a realm of kelp—or seaweed, I wasn’t entirely sure of the difference. What I did know was that these plants provided shelter for fascinating sea creatures, which we happily observed and maybe even followed! We spotted seahorses—at least, they appeared to be seahorses. They looked much nicer this time compared to the infamous fish that attacked my husband during a previous diving trip! We also saw striped fish, silver fish, colorful rainbow fish, starfish, rockfish, and many others.
Ethan, filled with newfound bravery, decided to snorkel without a vest, and watching him explore the reef side-by-side with his dad was a beautiful sight. The exhilaration and joy on his face created priceless memories that we’ll cherish for years to come.
Nature Walk and More Family Fun
After the snorkeling adventure, we decided to slow down a bit and explore the lush property of Plantation Bay.
Nature is something our family cherishes deeply, and as we strolled along the winding pathways, we marveled at the various plants and landscapes. It was delightful to connect with nature, and we took mental notes of which beautiful plants we might be able to bring home to create our own little paradise.
Our exploration led us to the arcade, where laughter and friendly competition filled the air. Ethan’s competitive spirit shone through as he raced against both his dad and me. The joy of the classic games brought back sweet memories of my own childhood, and it further solidified the bond we share as a family.
To round off our day, we indulged in a well-deserved spa treatment at Mogambo Springs, our favorite spa haven in Cebu. The serenity of the wellness sanctuary enveloped us, and we savored every relaxing moment as skilled therapists worked their magic. It was the perfect way to unwind after an action-packed day, allowing us to emerge refreshed and rejuvenated.
A Grateful Departure
As our incredible stay drew to a close, I couldn’t help but reflect on the memories we had created during our time at Plantation Bay.
Special thanks to Ms. Charie, who graciously extended our checkout time, allowing us a few more precious moments to soak in the beauty of the resort before parting ways.
The convenient car ride from Plantation Bay to our home further enhanced our experience, making departure easy and comfortable.
As we headed home, my heart brimmed with gratitude for the wonderful experiences and cherished moments we shared. Plantation Bay is more than just a resort to us; it has become a cherished destination, filled with laughter, love, and adventure.
Visit Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
Location:
Book your stay:
Conclusion: Looking Forward to Our Next Trip
If you’re contemplating a family getaway or a romantic escape, I wholeheartedly recommend considering Plantation Bay Resort and Spa as your destination. With its gorgeous lagoon, exciting activities, exquisite dining, and the warmth of its staff, every moment spent here feels like a treasure. As we look forward to our next visit, I know that Plantation Bay will continuously hold a special place in our hearts. Happy Aniversary Plantation Bay!
Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey through our three-time adventure at Plantation Bay! May your travels be filled with joyful experiences and unforgettable moments, just as ours have been. Until next time, happy travels!
