Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa

The beach here runs 350 metres of white sand along the Mactan Channel, framed by 13 hectares of landscaped garden. Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu sits on Punta Engaño, a 20-minute drive from the island's airport. The resort splits into two wings. The Main Wing holds 354 rooms finished in capiz shell headboards, timber flooring and teak, with an "ocean to shore" palette of sand and turquoise running through each room. The Ocean Wing sits apart, reached by its own driveway through the gardens, and gives guests a private balcony facing the channel along with access to the Ocean Club Lounge for breakfast, daytime refreshments and evening cocktails and canapés. Suites reach up to 216 square metres, with marble bathrooms, soaking tubs and separate parlours. You can hear the channel from most sea-facing balconies at dusk. Across both wings the resort counts 541 rooms and suites, seven restaurants, and CHI, The Spa for treatments drawn from several Asian traditions. Kayaks and snorkelling gear are available to guests at no extra charge, useful given the channel sits steps from the rooms. A health club adds a whirlpool bath, steam room, sauna and gym. It is a large resort built for families as much as couples, with child-minding services and a children's dining policy at the buffet restaurants. Check-in and check-out times are posted at the front desk on arrival.