Travel

The five ultra-luxe beach resorts you can stay in for only Php 20,000

Despite having a warm climate year round, there’s still something about summer that prompts all those tropical getaways. The arrival of May marks the midpoint of the season, making it the perfect time to plan for a vacation. Zee Lifestyle notes down the most luxurious beachside destinations. The best part? All of these will cost you only Php 20,000 when you subscribe to Zee Lifestyle and avail of The Ultimate Travel Deals.

SHANGRI-LA’S MACTAN RESORT & SPA

Punta Engaño Road, Mactan Island
Cebu, Philippines | website

Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa

Fine white sand and clear waters leading to a thriving marine sanctuary. Delectable culinary experiences that will make you come back for more. World-class luxury hospitality with that distinct Cebuano quality. This is Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa in the historic resort city of Lapu-Lapu, Mactan Island.

WHAT WE LIKE: Access to the club room with breakfast and cocktails. Still Cebu’s best luxury resort as voted by numerous travel websites and publications.

THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL DEAL: Two nights stay at an Ocean Wing Club Room (regular rate: Php 15,725 per night, plus taxes). Avail now!

BLUEWATER SUMILON ISLAND RESORT

Sumilon Island, Oslob
Cebu, Philippines | website

Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort (Photography by Mike Jo: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, February 2014)

An ever-shifting sandbar that will always make each visit different. A picturesque view of Cebu from the cool waters of the infinity pool. Your most glamorous camping trip just yet. This is Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, the only property in the beautiful island of Sumilon, Oslob.

WHAT WE LIKE: Glamping in style! The resort is the only structure in this small island, with easy access to the whale sharks site in Oslob

THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL DEAL: Two nights stay in a premiere deluxe room with breakfast and one dinner (regular rate: Php 13,115 per night). Avail now!

BE GRAND HOTEL BOHOL

Panglao Island
Bohol, Philippines | website

An aerial shot of the Be Grand Bohol showcases the sprawling seven-hectare property. (Photography by Marguerite Lhuillier/Nellie Egle: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, March 2016)

Be Grand Resort Bohol (Photography by Marguerite Lhuillier/Nellie Egle: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, March 2016)

A stunning blend of a garden oasis and an impeccable beachfront. Beautiful panoramic views of Panglao Island at sunset. Exclusivity, with luxury villas having their own access to a private lagoon-type swimming pool. This is the new Be Grand Resort Bohol in Central Visayas’ most promising tropical destination, Panglao Island.

WHAT WE LIKE: The small details: Shanghai Tang toiletries, coffee maker with coffee pods, boxed chocolates as part of the turn-down service

THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL DEAL: Two nights stay for two at the Oceana Suite with breakfast (regular rate: Php 14,000 per night plus taxes). Avail now!

DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY

Station 1, Boracay Island
Aklan, Philippines | website

Discovery Shores Boracay

Frozen treats served straight to you while you bask in the summer sun. Decadent accommodations that compete with the delightful stretch of sand. The Boracay experience, made much more luxurious. This is Discovery Shores Boracay in the island’s best spot, Station 1.

WHAT WE LIKE: Located right where the action is in Boracay’s Station 1. The resort pampers its lucky guests with frozen treats throughout the day.

THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL DEAL: Two nights stay for two at a Junior Suite with breakfast for two (regular rate: Php 13,500 per night plus taxes). Avail now!

HUMA ISLAND RESORT & SPA

Busuanga Island
Palawan, Philippines | website

Huma Island Resort & Spa

Indulgent villas rising over royal blue sparkling waters on stilts, delightfully reminiscent of a Maldivian getaway. Inspired culinary selections that are the best on this side of the country. Well-appointed bedrooms that would make it hard for anyone to leave. This is Huma Island Resort & Spa in the unspoiled tropical paradise of Busuanga Island, Palawan.

WHAT WE LIKE: Utter privacy! If your idea of bliss is a Maldivian resort, look no further. For extra perk, take the seaplane that glides right at the doorstep!

THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL DEAL: One night stay at a Water Villa (regular rate: US $930 per night). Avail now!

The Ultimate Travel Deals are exclusive to Zee Lifestyle subscribers, and are available from April 1 to November 30, 2016 only, except on Holy Week and special holidays. Limited rooms are available, so subscribe now and book your next escapade by calling us at 6332. 234 2636 or e-mailing info@res210.servconfig.com.

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Lifestyle

Find Your Summer Spirit in Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

Breathe in the tropical atmosphere, as you find summer joys through sight, sound and taste at Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu. Poolside fun during the day, spent serenely and luxuriantly—a refreshment in hand. While the evenings are for outdoor family movie nights, with the ocean waves rippling in the background.

Summer is all of that, and more! Plan an extraordinary weekend with an array of exciting activities that await your arrival. Discover your #ShangriLaSummerSpirit from 15 July to 30 August.

Tiki Bar at Buko Bar

Epicurean Delights by the Pool

Keep yourself fueled up as you splish and splash with the whole crew. Take a quick break from all that summer jazz with Mediterranean and Polynesian-inspired bites exquisitely crafted for your palate. From rice balls and pastas, ice creams to sliders—indulge in tastes and aromas that transport you to a world of endless, golden summers.

Mediterranean Selections at Acqua

A Whimsical Touch

Make it a colourful summer for the kids! Let them explore their own version of paradise with whimsical floaties, sure to keep them happily afloat. Your little ones can now freely kick and play in the water with fun and fascinating, animal-shaped inflatables.

Pleasant Sundowner Tunes

Bid the sun adieu and embrace the sunset hues with live acoustics at the Main Pool from 4pm to 6:30pm.

Tiki Cocktails at Buko Bar

Champagne Bar at Acqua

A Toast to an Endless Summer!

Unwind and savour the tropical vibe as our expert mixologists craft refreshing Tiki cocktails and serve chilled bottles of exquisite champagne by the pool! With a backdrop of swaying palm trees and stunning ocean views, sip on delightful beverages and toast to unforgettable summer moments in paradise.

Family Outdoor Movie Night

Gather your nearest and dearest for an enchanting evening as we set up a large outdoor screen by the pool under the starry night sky. Cozy up as you enjoy a family-friendly movie that will delight both those who are young and young-at-heart at Treasure Island from 7pm to 9pm.

Surrounded by lush greens, let the experience bring you to a world of joy and laughter, creating cherished memories for you and the family. For more information on Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, you may contact (032) 2310288. You may also follow them on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort/ #FindYourSummerSpirit #FindYourShangriLa

inside

LONDON IN FULL BLOOM: An Exclusive Look at the recent Chelsea Flower Show

Dame Judy Dench (center in white) with gallery owner, Jerry Sibal, Edwin Josue, writer Eva Gullas and artist James Doran-Webb.

The Chelsea Flower Show in London, one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the world, returned in full glory in May 2023, captivating visitors with its stunning displays and landscape designs. Held annually on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, this year’s show proved to be a true feast for the senses, showcasing an array of breathtaking gardens, vibrant floral arrangements, and innovative landscaping. The 3-day event showcased 36 outdoor gardens, including four balcony gardens for small spaces. Inside the giant pavilion, blooms compete with each other, exotic flowers, roses, and many more.

Princess Kate Middleton walking the booths at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Dame Judy Dench, who owns several of Webb’s pieces in her garden, with James Doran-Webb and Jerry Sibal discussing the works of James.

One of the flower arrangements competing at the show.

The 2023 Chelsea Flower Show embraced a Nature’s Harmony theme, with a strong focus on sustainability and mental health. The show’s organizers emphasized the importance of sustainable gardening practices and biodiversity conservation, inspiring attendees to create beautiful outdoor spaces while preserving and protecting the environment.

One of the floral gazebo displays recycled chairs and salvaged materials.

Shops at the Chelsea Flower Show are mostly from sustainable materials.

What’s Cebu got to do with the Chelsea Flower Show in London? One person. James Doran Webb (https://www.jamesdoranwebb.co.uk), an Englishman working with driftwood, has been displaying his artworks for several years. James collects cast-off driftwood and shapes them into beautiful animal shapes that find places in some of the most iconic gardens. Leaping horses, owls, reindeer, and the occasional dragon, James Webb’s creations are avidly collected by landscapers to add accent to gardens in all sizes, using cast-off wood, fitting perfectly with the sustainable element—something Mr. Webb has done quite well for the last decade.

The impressive dragon of James Doran-Webb

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The Philippine International Flower Festival will be held at the PICC in Manila from January 14 to 18, 2024. Watch out for more info from our website!

Leisure

Club Serena: A ‘Serene Luxury’ Experience in the Heart of Cebu’s Diving Mecca

photography by GPA Art and Photography

A three-hour drive, or more, depending on traffic, the fishing town of Moalboal in the southwest of Cebu Island is an extremely popular destination for divers and weekenders who love the white sand and pink sunsets. It is also a favorite place to stay for expats looking for a laid-back life of endless coffees or cocktails.

Thankfully, the big chain resorts haven’t discovered it and places to stay are mostly small family-run resorts. But if pampering is what you are looking for, there is only one hotel to book in Moalboal. Club Serena Resort is a 1.7-hectare beachfront property perched above coral rocks, presenting a unique union of luxurious accommodations and a host of activities to be enjoyed. This hidden gem is reached through a dirt road away from the main highway. Fronting a wide swath of white sand beach, it is an easy walk past several smaller resorts to reach the main town.

Recently renovated by noted architect James Jao, the new Club Serena has 17 rooms, three swimming pools, a restaurant, and a beachfront event space, all designed with modern Filipino aesthetic. On the drawing board are more rooms to be added, an expansion of their modern dive shop, and their popular Kids’ Club program. Their food outlet, Mira, offers all-day dining, favorite among visitors and locals, as well as the growing expat community that has settled in Moalboal.

Club Serena offers diving courses for adults and kids by their resident operator, Seven Seas Aquanauts Phil. Corp, a PADI 5 accredited diving facility operating since 1988. For a complete list of the courses and their rates, please call (+63) 917.872.6367 or (+63) 905.459.5307.

The resort encourages above-water activities as well, and they have several paddle boards and kayaks available for guests to use.

For rates and more information, visit www.clubserenaresort.com or email sayhello@clubserenaresort.com or (+63) 917.872.6367 or (+63) 905.459.5307. You can also visit their Facebook page for updates.