Open Travel Guide
Luxury travel in Cebu

Luxury Travel in Cebu 2026

The luxury tier of Cebu, audited — five-star stays, fine dining, and access worth paying for.

Cebu has 3+ luxury hotels and experiences covered in this guide, led by Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa, Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan and The Henry Hotel Cebu. Each entry below includes the practical details — what it costs, when to go, and how to plan around it.

Cebu is a vibrant island province in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, renowned for its stunning beaches, rich Spanish colonial history, and world-class diving. Often called the 'Queen City of the South,' Cebu City serves as the regional hub and gateway to some of the Philippines' most breathtaking natural attractions. The province combines urban sophistication with pristine natural beauty, from the white sand beaches of Mactan to the majestic Kawasan Falls.

Luxury hotels

Five-star and palace properties.

Luxury

Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa

Cebu's most prestigious address, the Shangri-La Mactan is set on a private beachfront on Mactan Island with 19 hectares of lush tropical gardens. The resort features three outdoor pools, a white sand private beach, the renowned CHI Spa, multiple restaurants, a dive center, and the Bamboo Kids Club. The architecture celebrates Filipino tropical design with Filipino artworks throughout.

Luxury

Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan

An award-winning contemporary luxury resort that consistently ranks among the Philippines' top hotels. The Crimson features an infinity pool overlooking the sea, a superb spa, private beach club, and the acclaimed Saffron restaurant. The resort's design aesthetic blends Filipino artisanship with modern luxury.

Luxury

The Henry Hotel Cebu

A design-forward boutique hotel that stands out for its circular architecture and gallery-quality Filipino art collection throughout. Each room is individually decorated with works by local artists. The rooftop pool and H Cafe have become Cebu City landmarks.

Fine dining

Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants.

Fine dining

The Pig & Palm

Asian Fusion

Set within the lush gardens of the Abaca Boutique Resort on Mactan Island, The Pig & Palm offers sophisticated tasting menus and a la carte dining in an intimate tropical garden setting. The culinary team uses locally sourced Filipino ingredients with refined Asian techniques.

Fine dining

Anzani Restaurant

Mediterranean/International

Perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the Mactan Channel, Anzani is Cebu's most celebrated fine dining establishment. The menu celebrates Mediterranean cooking with locally sourced ingredients, an exceptional wine list, and impeccable service.

Fine dining

Wildflower Restaurant at Marco Polo Plaza

International

Marco Polo's signature restaurant offers international cuisine with Filipino inspiration served against a backdrop of panoramic city and sea views from Nivel Hills. The Sunday buffet brunch is legendary in Cebu.

Fine dining

Tides at Shangri-La Mactan

International Buffet/A la Carte

The main restaurant at Shangri-La Mactan features an extensive international buffet with live cooking stations and stunning beachfront views. The Sunday Champagne Brunch is one of Cebu's most decadent dining experiences.

Exclusive experiences

Bespoke and once-in-a-lifetime activities.

Experience

Private Yacht Sunset Cruise

3-5 hours

Charter a private yacht or luxury catamaran for a bespoke sunset cruise around Mactan Island and the nearby marine sanctuary. Private cruises include gourmet food and drinks, snorkeling equipment, and personalized itineraries.

Experience

Thresher Shark Diving at Malapascua

2-3 nights

A luxury extension for divers - staying at Malapascua's boutique dive resorts and experiencing the world's only reliable thresher shark dive site at Monad Shoal. Boutique resort packages include multiple dives, accommodation, and full board.

Experience

CHI Spa Day at Shangri-La

Half to full day

A full day of pampering at the CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Mactan - one of Asia's most awarded hotel spas. Choose from traditional Filipino healing treatments, hot stone massages, and signature CHI body wraps in opulent surroundings.

Experience

Private Island Day Trip to Hilutungan

Full day

A bespoke private boat charter to Hilutungan Island Marine Sanctuary with a private guide, gourmet packed lunch, snorkeling equipment, and exclusive beach time away from group tour crowds.

Experience

Helicopter Tour of Cebu

30-60 minutes

Aerial sightseeing tours over Cebu's coastline, islands, and highlands are available through specialized operators. The bird's-eye view of Bantayan Island's white sands, Mactan's coastline, and the city is spectacular.

Spas & wellness

World-class spa retreats and treatments.

Spa

CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Mactan

The flagship spa at Shangri-La Mactan is widely considered the best spa in Cebu. The concept is inspired by the Himalayan spiritual concept of inner harmony (chi). Treatment rooms include traditional Filipino massage (hilot), Ayurvedic options, and signature CHI packages.

Spa

Atmosphere Spa at Crimson Resort

The boutique spa at Crimson Resort offers premium treatments in an intimate setting. Specializes in traditional Filipino hilot healing and luxury body treatments.

Spa

Serenity Spa at Marco Polo Plaza

A full-service spa in a convenient Cebu City location offering traditional Filipino massages, Western treatments, and signature facial experiences.