It’s that wonderful time of the year when families can reunite after months of work and busy schedules. This holiday season, I took my family, including my mom, to Plantation Bay—our go-to family resort in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. Why Plantation Bay, you ask? It’s simple: it feels like its own little community, offering plenty of activities for everyone and providing an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience!

Plantation Bay is an expansive property (28 acres) that makes getting around a breeze, whether you choose to bike or ride a golf cart as you explore from one villa to another until you reach the beach.

The central area features beautiful lagoons and swimming pools.

We prefer accommodations in villas facing the water, with one villa offering direct access to the water—though it’s for adults only. For families, I recommend checking into a room in the EDO HALL villas, which open to the lagoon, just a meter away from the water. Each room has lounge chairs outside and water basins for rinsing off your feet before entering.

The resort offers something for everyone, eliminating the need to leave the property. With its zen garden and a specialty spa, a variety of restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, freshwater lagoons, and a beach complete with a full aqua sports shop, the options for adventure abound.

Activities include tennis, volleyball, archery, and wall climbing. There are even special rooms for holiday-themed events, like Halloween and Easter egg hunts. During this Christmas season, they have crab races that are incredibly fun for children, along with crab-catching and fishing sessions that are perfect for the whole family. For adults interested in shooting, there’s also a shooting range available.

One of the things I love most about Plantation Bay is that, even when fully booked, it never feels crowded. Guests from various countries create a vibrant community atmosphere. The duty managers and staff, like Ms. Paige, the public relations officer, frequently check in to ensure we’re enjoying our stay. During breakfast, she makes rounds to greet guests at different tables, adding a personal touch that makes us feel special.

For those seeking Instagram-worthy photos, this picturesque property is incredibly serene and beautiful. Trust me, you’ll find countless stunning spots to capture memorable moments!

Another plus: the resort is conveniently located just 30-40 minutes from our home, depending on traffic, and is easily accessible via the new CCLEX bridge.

Our Arrival Experience

We arrived on Sunday just in time for lunch. Check-in was quick but we did have to wait about two hours for our room to be ready—standard at 3 PM. Thankfully, we could already enjoy the amenities, so we didn’t mind. Our bags were managed by the bellboys while we hopped on complimentary bicycles to explore the area. Later, we played billiards and table tennis in the game room, both of which are free!

To our delight, we received a room upgrade, making the wait even more worthwhile.

Our Room

Our room was available for around Php 15,000 per night, accommodating four adults and including a delicious buffet breakfast.

The spacious bathroom features a bathtub, a unique shower area, a toilet with a bidet, and a sink with large mirrors, all adorned with beautiful stone and marble materials. It also comes equipped with toiletries, foot rags, towels, and a hairdryer—truly a lovely bathroom!

As you enter the room, you’ll find an umbrella, a full-length mirror, a safe, a cabinet, and luggage racks. There are two queen-sized beds with warm blankets and four pillows—although I wouldn’t mind having a few more! You can easily request additional pillows or an iron from housekeeping.

The room includes complimentary three-liter bottled water, and you can call for more at no charge. A thoughtful touch is the basket of local delicacies and pastries that greets you upon arrival. Slippers and uniquely designed bathrobes are also provided.

Both the room and the rest of the property have strong Wi-Fi and good reception for Smart and Globe networks. The electrical outlets support both 220 and 110 volts.

The beds are comfortable, and the air conditioning is quiet. There are plenty of outlets, including in the lounge area, so you can charge your devices while enjoying the lagoon view.

Additionally, there’s a fridge, an electric kettle, and free instant coffee and tea available for your convenience.

Activities We Enjoyed

Our weekend was filled with exciting activities:

  • Wall Climbing and Archery: Both activities are complimentary and added a bit of adventure to our stay.
  • Swimming and Diving: I loved the thrill of jumping from the dive rock into the lagoon—an absolute must-try!
  • Biking: We took advantage of the complimentary bikes to explore more of the lush resort grounds.
  • Snorkeling: For just Php 280 per person, we rented gear to snorkel at the beach, where we saw plenty of colorful fish.

We also indulged in thrilling water sports:

  • Banana Boat Ride: A 15-minute ride for Php 2,500 for up to eight people.
  • Kayaking: Php 100 for 30 minutes for children and Php 250 for adults.

Activities for Next Time

There are so many more adventures to try during our next visit:

  • Whale Shark Adventure: For Php 16,000 for two people, with an additional cost for more participants. This package includes all transportation, a guide, lunch, as well as whale watching and snorkeling. Kids under three years old are free!
  • Jet Skiing: Enjoy 30 minutes for Php 2,900.
  • Wakeboarding: For Php 4,000 per session.
  • Parasailing: ₱4,000 per person for an unforgettable aerial view of the area.

Holiday Season Vibes

Staying during the holiday season is an experience in itself, with buffet-themed dinners and special parties. On Christmas Eve, the resort hosts festive events, featuring carolers and, occasionally, a fireworks display.

Accessibility and Convenience

Plantation Bay offers car rentals for those wanting to venture beyond the resort. If you’re coming from Cebu City without a car, Grab is easily accessible, or you can request a taxi at the reception. Just note that an additional Php 100 will be added to the meter, plus a Php 90 toll fee when using the CCLEX.

Unwinding in Style

In the afternoons, we enjoyed our coffee breaks at the charming cafés, where my husband and mom enjoyed their caffeine fix while Ethan and I indulged in refreshing shakes and delectable desserts.

If you prefer dining in, room service is available with a nominal extra charge of Php 300. Since we stayed in EDO HALL, which is conveniently close to Fiji restaurant, we often grabbed takeout to enjoy in our room. Meal prices range from Php 1,000 to 1,500 per person for a splurge, with salads around Php 380 and appetizers ranging from Php 500 to 700.

The breakfast buffet was a highlight, offering an extensive selection from Filipino to Italian dishes, fresh fruits, pastries, cereals, salads, and more. You can enjoy breakfast from 6 AM to 10 AM—if you can manage all that!

Service with a Smile

The staff at Plantation Bay deserve a special mention. Their friendliness and professionalism truly enhanced our experience. They go above and beyond to ensure every guest feels special, reflecting the resort’s dedication to excellent customer service.

Conclusion

Plantation Bay has a little something for everyone, and I can’t wait to return. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed holiday or a peaceful retreat, this resort has it all.

Ready to plan your escape? You should definitely consider Plantation Bay for your next family vacation!