Shangri-la’s Mactan Resort & Spa (3)

Food, Party and Fireworks

I had the most relaxing time during our holiday at Shangri-la Mactan in the Philippines because I did not have to think so much about Joaquin’s peanut and fish allergies.  The resort could very well cater to our family’s food restrictions.  At breakfast or lunch they would ask, “What can we cook for your son today?”  For me, that was very important because that meant I did not have to bring my own pot, which I always do during our trips.

Buffet breakfast is usually served at Tides, a restaurant in the Main Wing of the resort.  I remember being spoilt for choices.  There was an extensive spread of Filipino, Asian and other international cuisines.  They have a separate breakfast corner for kids too.

One night we had an al fresco dinner at Cowrie Cove, a seafood restaurant in the resort by the sea.  The ambiance was calm, there was a light breeze, and I remember the atmosphere being perfect for dinner under the stars.

Some parts of the sea around the restaurant were lighted that they made the water look like a big aquarium.  After dinner, we played the game of ‘I Spy’ spotting colourful fishes in the sea and constellations in the sky.

Joaquin enjoyed Acqua the most.  It’s an Italian restaurant located in the Ocean Wing which he said served the best Hawaiian pizza.  Euben said their vongole is also the best one he has ever tasted.  I had truffle pasta in white sauce and Benjamin had carbonara.  The portions were just right so you may want to order a dish of each one.

The meals at the resort were not very cheap though and so perhaps allocate some budget for this.  Don’t worry, you’re gonna love the food there.  Otherwise, there are also other restaurants (seafood, Filipino, Korean, Japanese, etc) not far from the resort.

I think I’ve mentioned in my previous blog that this holiday was almost impromptu so we did not get to check the events at the resort.  We were pleasantly surprised that at the time of our visit, during New Year’s Eve, there was a masquerade ball and a NY’s countdown.

The countdown was held at The Marquee right after the Ball.   They provided masks, glittered hats, clappers and the likes.  There was a cocktail buffet and unlimited drinks, but most of all there was a band and a super energetic host that keep the guests entertained till midnight.

Five minutes after the countdown, the guests were led to the beach for the fireworks display.  There was that cool December breeze and that wonderful feeling of anticipation.

For 15 or 20 minutes, the fireworks lit up the sky and the water below…

Fireworks are always pretty for me, but against the water, they were dramatic, beautiful and of course romantic.

And there we were – our family of four, enjoying, hopeful and looking forward to more adventures together.

Cheers to family!

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Here are Part 1 and Part 2 of my Shangri-la Mactan series.