What’s new in Cebu's Mactan Newtown?
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| Mornings at Belmont Hotel Mactan |
It’s been a while and it’s good to be back in a busier and more developed township by the Mactan seaside. Two years went by quickly and Megaworld’s progress was apace with the speedy sands of time. Mactan Newtown became—and is becoming— the choice address for residents, corporate centers, learning institutions, and even special events and festivals. Expect more structures to rise, like the Mactan Expo Center, the largest convention center on this side of Cebu, to fill up the 30-hectare live-work-play estate.
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| Back on this strip after two years |
Play is extended to another exciting facet of the island township’s most recent addition that fulfills a vision of a resort destination within a destination—the Mactan Newtown Beach. An infinity pool and a white sand shoreline facing the blue waters of Hilutungan Channel within the Cebu Strait and the Olango Island beyond. The relaxing sights and site make for the perfect vacation or weekend getaway. Go ahead, order a cocktail, get a tan and take a relaxing dip in the cool water.
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| Something new, something blue |
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| Your private stretch of white sand in Mactan |
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| Seamless connection of blues |
More than a holiday locale, Mactan Newtown Beach can amp up any celebration, be it natal or nuptial. The “resort” styles its areas with specially curated sections, like an enclosed, air-conditioned gazebo embraced with picture windows that won’t let the indoor fun miss any of the out-of-doors island vibe, or the breathtaking al fesco setting with the rising sun and azure sea as its backdrop, which can make every I do extraordinary and unforgettable.
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| Make it memorable, walk this path |
As alluring as the coast, day in and out, the township’s mango-tree-lined main boulevard lures in the city’s foodies hungry for a variety of cuisines, from the famed Cebu lechon at the Mactan Alfresco to the Asian bites of sushi and bibimbap, sweet tooth soothers and swigs of crisp, golden lager streetside.
Exciting enough? How about some hearty servings of UK and German fare? Hell’s Kitchen’s Gordon Ramsey’s menus are up to please the palate. Recently opened, the Fish & Chips and Street Burger joints are getting the Cebuanos to queue at peak dining hours and past for a bite of the “bad boy” chef’s culinary creations. Where? Right beside the door of Belmont Hotel Mactan. Lucky are those staying in this hotel because they can grab a bite of the good stuff ay time between the restos clocking in and out.
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| Gordon Ramsey is in town. Fish & Chips stand side by side Street Burger at the Belmont Hotel building |
Easy access to Mactan Newtown’s offerings, easier access to top-notch amenities within its four walls. Guests at Belmont Hotel Mactan can feast on local and international favorites at the all-day dining Belmont Café, a selection of cocktails and refreshing beverages at the Zabana Bar or the Float Pool Bar, where one can also catch the sunrise while taking a cooling dip in the pool.
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| Cloaked in purple. A signal of exciting things to come? |
Undoubtedly, Belmont embraces Cebuano culture and warmth and lets each guest experience it. Design-wise, Belmont takes its inspiration from its location, paying tribute to Cebu’s rich history, marine life, culture, and heritage with carefully selected décor. Hospitality-wise, Cebu’s charm is sensed the moment guests enter this home in the township.
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| So Cebu, the guitar country |
More than a place for rest and relaxation, Belmont Hotel Mactan is MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions)-ready. It has built facilities specifically for MICE events, as well as team buildings and intimate corporate events.
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| Still unobstructed. Sunrise viewed from Belmont's high floor |
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| Soon, towers will rise from this side of the township |
Exciting times are ahead for Belmont Hotel Mactan as Megaworld Corporation partners with French hospitality giant Accor to scale up the reach and competitiveness of its homegrown hotel brands, with plans to introduce international standards in operations and loyalty rewards across select properties under its Megaworld Hotels & Resorts unit.
The transition will begin with Belmont Hotel Mactan, which will be rebranded as Mercure Mactan Cebu within the year. The rebranding will bring the property under one of Accor’s key midscale hotel chains. With Mercure Mactan Cebu, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts aim to redefine Cebu’s tourism landscape by combining the group’s local expertise with Accor’s global leadership in hospitality.
On the next visit to Mactan Newtown, my favorite Belmont address will be bearing a new name, the Mercure Mactan Cebu. What’s in store for its guests? Let me find out first hand.
