Hilton opens New Resort on Mactan Island, Cebu

Hilton International returns to the Philippines today with the official launch of its newest Hilton Worldwide Resort on the tropical island of Mactan in Cebu, the Philippines.

The 246-room French Mediterranean inspired resort features a private sandy beach, multiple dining outlets, marine activities such as deep sea diving tours, and a seven treatment room garden spa.

Speaking at the opening ceremony today, President for Hilton International Asia Pacific, Mr Koos Klein said, “Today marks a milestone for Hilton. It not only sees the return of the Hilton brand to the Philippines after 17 years, it also signifies the launch of the very first Hilton Worldwide Resort in one of Asia’s preferred tourism destinations.

“Cebu is only a few hours flying time from some of Asia’s largest metropolises. With the hotel just 10 minutes from Mactan Airport, it means that an expanding catchment of affluent travellers – particularly from Korea and Japan – can fly from congested cities to a relaxed and laidback paradise in a matter of hours.”

Situated within a complex of three post-modern buildings painted in coral pink with rooftops in murano blue, the Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa has been designed to evoke a feeling of France’s “Cote de Azure”. Its beach, garden and the marina were conceptualized by internationally renowned Belt Collins of Hawaii.

To ensure an environment-friendly project, Salcon Singapore was commissioned to install a wastewater processing plant making Hilton Cebu a zero waste discharge resort. Copper water lines are used to complement the water desalination plant and to meet the demands of a high-tech intelligent building. The complex has high-speed internet access including outdoor Wi-Fi facilities in the swimming pool/beach area. The entire resort is also complemented by a 100% standby back-up power.

Accommodation

Comprising 246 guestrooms including 74 Spa Suites, all guestrooms come equipped with 25'' TV's, hi-speed internet access, in-room safe, mini-bar and individually controlled air conditioning. The 74 premium grade Spa Suites are Zen-inspired and boast separate living and sleeping quarters as well as a private balcony featuring sweeping ocean views. A key element of the suite is an original Jacuzzi brand Spa bath. All Spa Suite guests enjoy the services of a dedicated Spa Butler who can organise spa treatments with a variety of relaxing, stimulating or beautifying aromatherapy bath salts and essential oils in the privacy of the suites.

Restaurants and bars carry the design blueprint of the renowned Dan Kwan of TriBeCa Indonesia and showcase a diverse menu rich in the finest traditions of international food cultures. Outlets include:

- Seas Restaurant: a chic specialty restaurant featuring local and international seafood dishes with an emphasis on freshness and versatility.

- Vanilla Beach Café: the resort’s all-day dining restaurant has a casual 1950’s beach feel and a retro-colonial design with whitewashed walls. Dishes are influenced by regional, Mediterranean and Filipino cuisine. 

- Manny O’s Tapas & Wines is perched above the sea at the tip of a wharf and offers a spectacular view of the turquoise waters and outlying islands. Manny O’s features regular happy hours and a smorgasbord of “food for sharing” consisting of platters of oven fresh Tapas.

- the Pink Lobby is a lobby lounge and bar serving savories, tea and lifestyle beverages along with signature Pink cocktails. 

- The Sapphire Pool Bar overlooks the resort’s infinity swimming pool and provides for the perfect place to sip a cool drink or enjoy a light snack.

Leisure activities include windsurfing, jet skiing, diving and snorkeling. The hotel’s Leisure center has a well-equipped gym, steam room, aerobics and tennis court. For the ultimate relaxation, there is a 7 treatment room garden Spa.

The resort has more than 500sqm of dedicated space for meetings and events. An open air gazebo on the edge of the beach provides a postcard perfect wedding venue.

In 2004, the Philippines welcomed 2.3 million tourists, posting a 20.1% growth over the previous year. The first six months of 2005 continued the strong results with a 12% increase over the same period in 2004. The main source markets are the USA, Korea, Japan, and Chinese Taipei. New markets such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom have also registered strong growth.

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