Crimson Resort and Spa

On a beautiful, sunshiny morning of July 7, 2011 we decided to celebrate our four years as a couple and spend the day with style at the latest addition to the luxurious World-class beach resorts and hotels at Mactan Island, Cebu Philippines, The Crimson Resort and Spa, a five star hotel.

When we arrived, we were greeted with the resort’s warm and pleasant staff, who by the way spoke very good/flawless English. Since it was a weekday, we paid php 1500 for the day’s pass which will cover the use of their amenities: locker, gym, pool (with free towel use), and a lunch buffet which didn’t include drinks. Weekend day pass was around php1800. Upon entrance, you can already see the stunning pool area.

The resort had separate changing /locker rooms for the ladies and gents. Individual locker keys were also provided. It had a minimalist design but with a modern look. The soft light used all over the room gave a calming and relaxing ambiance, perfectly complementing the neutral tones of the room.

At first we somehow felt alienated as there were only few Pinoys in the resort. Guests were mostly foreigners which included Koreans and Americans among others.

One of the main attractions of the resort is the infinity pool which was 5-6 feet deep and wide enough for guests to swim back and forth. It served as the centrepiece of the resort as it is visible mostly from any part of the resort.

Not really much into swimming pool, considering my zero swimming skills, we headed to the beachfront first which also had an inviting appeal. The white sandy shores and the blue-green waters got me in the mood for swimming right away although of course not forgetting to put some SPF lotion first. Basked in the waters and heat of the sun, I was having just the perfect day at the beach. If not for the uncomfortable itch I felt all over my body while I was submerged in the waters, I would have spent longer time dipping in the waters.

Seeing that the pool area was no longer that crowded, we decided to take a plunge and cool off.

The heat of the sun was getting intense that we decided to take our lunch. The buffet menu wasn’t quite impressive as I thought it would be. It wasn’t close or even half of what Marco Polo has to offer. Though it had the usual sushi bar, fruits, salad, nuts, pastry, pizza, pasta, desserts, cold cuts section, the resort’s menu was mostly Korean, Kimchi and all. Not sure though if that was the theme for the day’s lunch.

Slowly taking our time and enjoying what we paid for, we headed to their outdoor mini bar where comfy wicker couches were purposedly placed to give you an awesome view of the beach. Area is perfect for some quality time with your loved ones or just simply to enjoy the view most especially catching the sunset.

Apart from the children’s playground, indoor badminton court, beachfront cabanas, fitness center, island hopping and water sports activity, we checked out what other distinct services the resort had to offer and had a tour around the resort.

Beachfront cabanas

Children's playground

Several private villas were clustered around the area complete with a private pool which you can rent for more or less Php 20k/night. Signature spa services were also offered at an equally expensive price. But maybe other World-class resorts also have the same rates.

Surrounded by private villas

Spa services rates

Over all, experience was just okay as I wasn’t satisfied with the resort’s menu and find the resort's recreational area quite small compared to other renowned beach resorts in Mactan. The resort though had a very homey atmosphere for me maybe because of the Asian inspired design and earth toned theme which were exquisitely executed. Their staff were the most accommodating and pleasant people I’ve ever dealt with. What they lacked in size, they made up for their hospitality.