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Movenpick Mactan Review: Our second stay at this beautiful resort
Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Boozy Traveling Foodie Extraordinaire
Movenpick Mactan Review: Six years ago a truly Global gang of my friends and family descended on this resort to celebrate my 50th birthday. It was when the World Cup was on so much boozing was completed, leaving a little fuzzy memory of just how good this place is. So it’s 2024 turning to 2025, and back we go to write a proper review of this rather elegant resort in the Philippines after a new stay to see in the New Year.
Our choice for seeing in the CNY 2025, The Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is nestled along the pristine shores of Mactan Island in the Philippines. It offers a rather beautiful retreat for travellers seeking relaxation and adventure on the doorstep. With its French-inspired hospitality (yes they are now owned by Accor), and brilliant location near Lapu Lapu the resort constantly promises a wonderful experience for all.
Movenpick Mactan Review: Contents
Six years ago, yeah I had a ‘tribe’ with me.
Movenpick Mactan Location: location location location...
Perfectly situated in Lapu-Lapu City, the resort is approximately a 20-minute drive from Mactan-Cebu International Airport: seriously this makes such a difference to arrival and departure. It is literally just down the road.
Its prime beachfront location provides you with direct access to the azure waters of the Hilutungan Channel, making it an ideal spot for snorkelling or diving enthusiasts: it is right on your doorstep. Plus, the proximity to Cebu City also allows you to explore urban attractions, shopping centres, and historical sites: watch on as another is to come soon of our adventure doing exactly that…
Movenpick Arrival and Check-In Experience
Upon arrival, you will greeted by the most welcome crew (even the security guards at the front gate are fun, friendly and chatty) and then hit the resort’s contemporary architecture, characterized by clean lines of expansive glass and open facades that offer glimpses of the ocean beyond.
The lobby exudes a sense of grandeur with its high ceilings, modern furnishings, and a palette of neutral tones (aka blues and whites): it’s fresh and uber-cool. The check-in process is streamlined, with attentive staff ensuring a warm welcome. A refreshing welcome drink infused with local flavours sets the tone for the stay: it’s so flippin’ refreshing.
Movenpick Accomodation Options
Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu boasts 245 well-appointed rooms and suites, each designed to provide comfort and style. The accommodations are categorized as follows:
- Deluxe Rooms: Offering 33 square meters of space, these rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the interiors in natural light. Guests can choose between city or sea views, with private balconies providing a personal outdoor space. Amenities include a 40-inch flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a well-stocked minibar. Bit of a letdown, to be honest after what we stayed in for my birthday. Very basic.
- Executive Rooms: Located on higher floors, these rooms provide enhanced views of the ocean. Guests staying in Executive Rooms enjoy exclusive access to the Executive Lounge, where complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails are served.
- Suites: Ranging from 64 to 224 square meters, the suites offer separate living and dining areas, making them ideal for families or guests seeking additional space. The Ibiza Loft, a two-story penthouse suite, features three bedrooms, private bathrooms, a Jacuzzi, and panoramic ocean views: this is what I had for my birthday, and it was glorious.
Movenpick Cebu Dining Experiences
The resort offers various dining outlets:
- The Sails: This all-day dining restaurant features live cooking stations, a fresh salad bar, an interactive pizza kitchen, and loads of delectable desserts. With its interactive buffet concept and à la carte menu, you are literally treated to a feast of flavours from the East and West. It’s really quite good.
- Ibiza Beach Club: Sadly soon to be under reconstruction. Due to typhoon damage. This iconic venue is anticipated to reopen in maybe late 2025. Known for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and live entertainment, it was our favourite spot the last time we stayed here – just brilliant fun.
- Lobby Lounge: Serving light snacks, pastries, and a selection of beverages, the lounge is an ideal spot for casual meetings or unwinding after a day of exploration. Also, every day at about 4 PM is chocolate time, for free, when the resort lays out a table brimming with chocolate treats for all the family to gorge on.
- Pool Bar: You can enjoy refreshing cocktails and light bites without leaving the comfort of the pool area, beach and/or your cabana.
Movenpick Mactan Review: Guest Services
The commitment to guest satisfaction is evident through all of the services offered:
- Concierge: Assisting with travel arrangements, tour bookings, and local recommendations to enhance the guest experience.
- Shuttle Service: Regular transfers to key locations in Cebu City are available, though schedules may vary.
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary high-speed internet access is provided throughout the resort.
- Kids’ Club: Engaging activities are organized for younger guests, ensuring they have an enjoyable stay: on our last trip we even had the kids doing a mocktail making class: genius!
MovenPick Mactan Amenities
Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu offers loads of recreational options to cater to pretty much every and anything your heart could possibly desire:
- Swimming Pool: The expansive outdoor pool is surrounded by lush landscaping and offers views of the ocean. Sun loungers and cabanas provide spaces for relaxation, while attentive staff cater to your every whim.
- Private Beach: The resort’s private white-sand beach is meticulously maintained, offering a serene environment for sunbathing, swimming, or getting your game face on for water sports.
- Fitness Center: Equipped with modern machines and free weights, the gym caters to fitness enthusiasts. Complimentary fruits are provided post-workout, adding a thoughtful touch to the experience: albeit I didn’t step foot, or even go close to this place haha.
- Spa del Mar: Offering a range of treatments inspired by local and international techniques, the spa provides a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Water Sports: Activities such as snorkelling, jet-skiing, and diving can be arranged, allowing you to explore the vibrant marine life of the surrounding waters.
- Grab: Here’s an idea, and this will be a future blog. The resort is in such a cool locale you can ring a Grab and book it for the whole day and go on a Cebu tour. A really cool and cost-efficient way to do a day tour: and no crowds.
- Boat Hire: Next door is a marina and you can speak nicely to the concierge to make an introduction for you to one of the out-rigger boat owners and go exploring wherever you decide to go, including lunch on a floating village. Snorkel to your heart’s content, and do it all on your time-clock not part of an organised tour. Best way to do it!!! (see pic below).
Movenpick Mactan Review: Islifearecipe.net says...
She’s a bit tired and in need of a facelift and some new make-up. Having Ibiza open again will make a big difference as that really was a huge differentiator for the resort: now with the permits in we hear she is good to go… We still had an absolute blast, and loved every minute we were there, so great job to the Movenpick Mactan crew. Thank you!!!
Movenpick Mactan Guest Reviews: What People Are Saying
To get a well-rounded view of Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu, we scoured through guest reviews for you, and here’s what travellers had to say:
✅ “Absolutely loved the private beach! The water was clear, and the resort did a great job keeping the area clean. A perfect spot to relax.” – [TripAdvisor]
✅ “The breakfast buffet at The Sails was fantastic! So many options, and everything was fresh and delicious. The omelette station was a nice touch.” – [Google Reviews]
✅ “Rooms were clean and spacious, with breathtaking ocean views. Waking up to the sunrise over the water was magical.” – [Agoda]
❌ “The Ibiza Beach Club was under renovation, which was a letdown as we were looking forward to the experience. Wish we had known beforehand.”
❌ “Service was great, but poolside drinks were a bit pricey. Bring extra cash if you plan on having a few cocktails by the beach.”
Overall, reviews highlight the resort’s beautiful location, attentive service, and top-notch amenities, with minor critiques regarding pricey food and bar options and temporary renovations of the most amazing Ibiza.
The Hotel should state openly on its website that Ibiza Beach Club is closed and under renovation soon. It is a tad misleading at the moment if you look on their website and other social media.
Movenpick Mactan Review Final Thoughts...
If you’re looking for a luxurious beachfront escape in Cebu, Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island is a strong contender. With its private white-sand beach, excellent dining options, spacious rooms, and warm hospitality, it’s a great choice for couples, families, and business travelers alike.
The location is perfect—far enough from the maddening crowds but close enough to key attractions and heaps of reetaurants. Whether you’re planning to lounge by the beach, indulge in a spa treatment, or enjoy a sunset cocktail by the pool, the resort delivers on relaxation and premium service.
If you love water sports, scenic ocean views, and a touch of French hospitality in the Philippines, Mövenpick Mactan deserves a spot on your travel list. Just make sure to check if Ibiza Beach Club is open again before booking—because that’s one experience you don’t want to miss.
So, is this the ultimate Cebu getaway? Well, let me just say if Paradise had a five-star rating, this place would be pretty close to hitting the mark. 🌴🍹🏖 We had a cracking time!!! Thank you to all the crew for making the stay such a fun time.
#MovenpickMactan #CebuHotels #BeachResortsCebu #LuxuryTravel #PhilippinesGetaway #CebuBeaches #WhereToStayInCebu
JPark Resort and Water Park: just down the road...
Six years ago at Movenpick Mactan
My gang on the beach with the beautiful Ibiza Beach Club behind: back in the day before the typhoon. A few years later this picture was totally different with an oil tanker balanced on the top of that building. It was so very sad when I saw that.
Six years ago we rented this entire boat and went out snorkelling on the reefs, enjoying the topaz seas, and the most wonderful food on offer at floating restaurants: like Duran Duran in the video Rio. All this from next door to the Movenpick Hotel.
We really hope to see Ibiza opening again at The Movenpick Mactan. It was simply the most stunning entertainment every night. Word on the street from the management is that the permits are now in and building can start in anger. Hopefully of we come back in December 2025…
Best restaurants in Mactan Island: a short Grab from Movenpick
Movenpick Mactan Review: Sustainbility in their DNA
Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is committed to environmental sustainability and has implemented several initiatives:
Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu has taken steps to minimize its environmental impact while promoting responsible tourism. Some of its initiatives include:
- Plastic Reduction: The resort has significantly reduced single-use plastics by replacing them with biodegradable alternatives.
- Energy Efficiency: LED lighting, energy-saving appliances, and motion sensor lighting help minimize electricity consumption.
- Water Conservation: The property implements a water recycling program and encourages guests to reuse towels and linens to reduce water wastage.
- Sustainable Sourcing: The hotel prioritizes locally sourced ingredients and sustainable seafood to support local farmers and reduce carbon footprint.
These efforts align with the growing trend of eco-conscious travel, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious stay while contributing to environmental preservation.
