Relax In The Philippines at Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa in Cebu

Shangri-la Resort and Spa Hotel in Cebu is a beautiful escape from the mundane.  This is based on my extraordinary experience. If you were spending your summer in the Philippines, this luxury spot might just be what you were looking for after visiting some of the best Philippine beaches.

It was day two in the Cebu Food Crawl 2016.  We had a tour at Profoods Corp and a short stop at Cafe Jasmin for a Cafe White.  I had a milky caffeinated cup because I didn’t sleep the night before.  I probably should’ve gotten something else with less milk. 

I had a power nap in the van on a traffic-jammed journey thru the Mactan Bridge.  Maybe the caffeine kicked in too, but I woke up a little buzzed but refreshed.

Their Name Is Their Brand
Shangri-la, according to Wikipedia, means a hideaway reaching perfection.

From the lobby, we walked thru the big resort with pools so inviting, I wished I had my swim suit with me or even underneath my dress.  

I walked passed them jealous, as I saw them relaxing by the chaises and recliners. 

Some were running to and fro the pools, on the grass, and coming out from either the ice cream shop or the outdoor bar, "Buko Bar".  

Exciting and vibrant energy surged from the place.  It was like a everybody was there because it was summertime.  Vacation mode was written all over the place.

I walked some more to the farther part of the resort, nearer the beach, the Cowrie Cove, where we were expected.  

There right in front of me was the Cowrie Cove.  Photo by Em Em (aka LadySoda)

Journey To The Wide UnKnown

A metaphoric photo of what I was going into.  Also a view from the Cowrie Cove.

I reached the table with Sarah (SarahCada), Karlo (SlayPinas), Em (LadySoda), Maia (MimaiScribbles), and Melanie (EccentricYetHappy).  I caught a very quick video of my mates on the same table below.  Hello!!! :)



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All my fellow Cebu Food Crawlers, who reached the air-conditioned villa earlier, were in a longer table.

I saw a big ball of bread for every pair on the table with condiments on the side, and I broke the bread to dip in an olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and crushed garlic dip I made for myself.  While we waited for the hosts to announce what was for lunch, I looked at the peculiar sleeping mask laid in front for every person.

I thought we were going to be toured in the hotel rooms or we were to compete for an overnight stay.  Hehe!

But, glorious heavens!  A blindfolded treat was to be served to us.

I was so excited.  I took a Snap before going into it.

Rollercoaster Of Appetising Flavours

I could distinguish the salty to the sour and sweet much more.  

The textures of smooth, crunchy, and also slippery were so much clearer.  

The sharpness of cheeses (or was it?), lemon, and vinegar were more evident.  I felt nauseous with the sensory overload I felt.  

"Whoa!"

It was fair enough we were told to take off our masks by the time the main course was served.

LAMB

The best lamb I have tasted in years!  Grilled ribs of a lamb that had a wonderful medley of miso foam, pickled eggplant, and tomato on the plate.  

WATCH THE JUICINESS OF THIS TENDER MEAT.  YUM!

I loved it to bits.  It made me sigh every time I had a bite.  Words could barely describe this.  I was in heaven.

Finished Off With A Bang

Just when I thought I was done with the lamb, dessert came and we were told to put our blindfolds back on.

Strawberry Ice Cream, Carrot Cake, Carrot strips (like coconut), and Fish Rowe (hidden underneath)

Excited senses

It was all very exciting to me!  

I loved every time we were asked to put our masks on, close our eyes and feel, smell, touch, and taste our food little by little.  I left the Cowrie Cove feeling way more alive than I felt that day.


Chocolate Hour at Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa
But, wait there's more!  3-4pm is the best time to be in this utopia.  It is "Chocolate Hour" at the Shangri-La Mactan Lobby!

I was lucky to see the drink being prepared so I took a video to share as well.

What a treat!  Chocolate Vodka with Cacao de Bola grated on top.

I just couldn't.  I mean.  Wow.  Shangri-la spoiled me.  Thank you!

All senses were heightened and the experience was really one-of-a-kind!  I enjoyed it to bits.

All in all, I would say that Shangri-la Resort and Spa Cebu is like an everyday summer destination.  It is an awakening of senses and escaping the stresses of the mundane activities in everyday routines.

“Dive in and explore while being blindfolded” is a literal description of this very unique unexpected experience I have never had anywhere else in Cebu.

I hope you enjoyed this tour with me.

Catch you on my next munchtrip.

Bye bye my fellow munchters.


Shoni