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Locales: Beach Break
Sometimes in the heat of the summer, the only remedy is the sun, sand, and sea. Thankfully, Cebu’s Mactan Island provides enough destinations that are convenient respites from the season’s stifling city heat.
PLANTATION BAY RESORT AND SPA
With 11 hectares of secluded grounds, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa feels like its own tranquil world apart from the rest of the island’s offerings. Large saltwater lagoons are flanked by villas and rooms in colonial-plantation architecture, complementing the overall feeling of being “away from it all.”
Take the escape even further by booking treatments at Mogambo Springs – situated in the middle of the resort but feeling like a destination on its own, the spa is inspired by an 18th century Tokugawa Japanese village and offers a wide range of relaxation and wellness packages.
Marigondon, Mactan Island
6332. 505 9800
www.plantationbay.com
BLUEWATER MARIBAGO
With more than two decades of operation, Bluewater Maribago remains a favorite weekend destination for the consistently updated rooms and facilities, remarkable gastronomical offerings and warm Filipino hospitality.
A stay at the resort finds a wide range of dining options that will have your taste buds rejoicing at the holiday as well – the Allegro offers al fresco dining with Filipino; Asian and continental cuisine; The Cove is a live seafood restaurant that overlooks the resort’s private island; Molto Italiano is best known for its brick oven specialties; the Amuma Juice Bar and Spa Café offers light fare to complement the spa’s services; and the open-air Oyster Bar is a great place to unwind and enjoy fresh shellfish with cocktails.
Buyong Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City
6332. 492 0100
www.bluewatermaribago.com.ph
LOCALES PICK: FREEDIVE HQ IN MACTAN
For the free divers at heart and the aspiring, this is the spot for you! It is my personal quick getaway from all the hustle and bustle in the city. They have one of the most beautiful and natural coral landscapes, so that makes diving a godsend. Freedive HQ employs champion SSI free divers for your utmost convenience. So get learning and get diving! Oh, and they host amazing trips to some of Mactan’s beautiful islands as well. What’s not to love? – Veronica Chiongbian (Zee Lifestyle Directory, November 2014)
Freedive HQ is an Scuba Schools International Diamond free diving facility offering SSI programs. For inquiries, click here.
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle Directory, April 2015. Like Zee Lifestyle Directory on Facebook.
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The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 3
Christmas House No. 3
Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!
Welcome to Christmas Home No. 3, where the season’s spirit is adorned in elegant white hues. This cozy abode is nestled near Cebu’s bustling IT Park, which radiates tradition and festive cheer. The homeowners, a delightful couple, eagerly await the arrival of their only daughter and her family from Manila.
As you enter this winter wonderland, a white Christmas tree takes center stage, adorned with glistening ornaments that shimmer in the soft glow of fairy lights. The white decor creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a snowy holiday retreat. Opting for a white-themed Christmas isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s an invitation to embrace simplicity, purity, and serenity during the festive season. The neutral palette provides a canvas for creativity, allowing each ornament to stand out and making memories more vibrant. It offers modern living and timeless elegance, creating a perfect backdrop for family celebrations. Peek inside the magic of a white Christmas as this welcoming home awaits the joyous reunion of loved ones.
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The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 1
Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!
This sleek house seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings while exuding a modern aesthetic that sets it apart as one of the most stylish homes in Cebu. Upon entering, the interior’s clean lines and minimalistic design immediately capture the essence of contemporary living. The couple’s home reflects their impeccable taste and dynamic lifestyle, which revolves around work and travel. Every corner of the house seems to narrate a story of the couple’s journey through fashion and design.
The living area is adorned with carefully selected holiday decor that complements the overall simplicity. Large glass windows invite abundant natural light, seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor space from day to night. The choice of neutral tones enhances the sense of tranquility within, offering a retreat from the bustling energy of Cebu below. The residence is decked out in restrained holiday cheer, a curated canvas that mirrors the couple’s artistic inclinations. Every element, from bespoke furniture to curated art pieces, is thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious environment that speaks volumes about the occupants’ creativity and global influences.
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LONDON IN FULL BLOOM: An Exclusive Look at the recent Chelsea Flower Show
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.
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.
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.
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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!
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