Plantation Bay

Plantation Bay is a 5-star resort in Mactan Island which features a sea-water lagoon that wraps around the whole resort.  Went on a tour with some colleagues around this 15-year old property and we noticed that the place has been kept clean and well-maintained.  The colonial setting gives a laid-back feel, and the names of the cottages (marked alphabetically) evokes exotic images of the British Empire, safaris, and travelling during the days of the valise (Louis Vuitton's expertise)--names like Savannah, Xanadu, Kilimanjaro, Valhalla.  We enjoyed an afternoon snack of halo-halo (shaved ice with sweetened beans, topped with ice cream) and lounged around their coffee shop while waiting for our documents to be processed at the Lapu-Lapu City Registry of Deeds.  After the cool break, we had to get back to work--and we dreamily found ourselves wishing that we had more time to spare!  Room rates start at $170, for large groups, we recommend the Quantum Villa (4 cottages and a clubhouse) for only $800.