Hilton International Opens its First Worldwide Resort in Cebu: The Tourism Capital of The Philippines
Hilton International returns to the Philippines today with the official launch of its newest Hilton Worldwide Resort on the tropical island of Mactan in Cebu, the Philippines.
The 246-room French Mediterranean inspired resort will appeal to a growing number of holiday makers and dive enthusiasts seeking a classic beach getaway within a few hours flight of Asia's major hub cities. The resort features a private sandy beach, multiple dining outlets, marine activities such as deep sea diving tours and coastal snorkelling, and a seven treatment room garden spa.
Speaking at the opening ceremony today, President for Hilton International Middle East & Asia Pacific, Mr Koos Klein said, "Today marks a milestone for Hilton. It not only sees the return of the Hilton brand to the Philippines after 17 years, it also signifies the launch of the very first Hilton Worldwide Resort in one of Asia's preferred tourism destinations.
"Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa offers a true holiday experience - where everything from great food, to first-class facilities, wonderful service and a choice of activities and adventures is combined in one exotic location. The Resort opens at a time when the destination is experiencing healthy growth, particularly from new markets like Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom as well as its traditional source markets in Asia."
Situated within a complex of three post-modern buildings painted in coral pink with rooftops in murano blue, the Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa has been designed to evoke a feeling of France's "Cote de Azure". Its beach, garden and the marina were conceptualized by internationally renowned Belt Collins of Hawaii.
To ensure an environment-friendly project, Salcon Singapore was commissioned to install a wastewater processing plant making Hilton Cebu a zero waste discharge resort. Copper water lines are used to complement the water desalination plant and to meet the demands of a high-tech intelligent building. The complex has high-speed internet access including outdoor Wi-Fi facilities in the swimming pool/beach area. The entire resort is also complemented by a 100 percent standby back-up power.
Accommodation
Comprising 246 guestrooms including 74 Spa Suites, all guestrooms come equipped with 25'' TV's, hi-speed internet access, in-room safe, mini-bar and individually controlled air conditioning. The 74 premium grade Spa Suites are Zen-inspired and boast separate living and sleeping quarters as well as a private balcony featuring sweeping ocean views. A key element of the suite is an original Jacuzzi brand Spa bath, the first commercial installation of this world famous brand in the Philippines. All Spa Suite guests enjoy the services of a dedicated Spa Butler who can organise spa treatments with a variety of relaxing, stimulating or beautifying aromatherapy bath salts and essential oils in the privacy of the suites.
Cuisine
Restaurants and bars carry the design blueprint of the renowned Dan Kwan of TriBeCa Indonesia and showcase a diverse menu rich in the finest traditions of international food cultures. Outlets include:
• Seas Restaurant: a chic specialty restaurant featuring local and international seafood dishes with an emphasis on freshness and versatility.
• Vanilla Beach Café: the resort's all-day dining restaurant has a casual 1950's beach feel and a retro-colonial design with whitewashed walls. Dishes are influenced by regional, Mediterranean and Filipino cuisine.
• Manny O's Tapas & Wines is perched above the sea at the tip of a wharf and offers a spectacular view of the turquoise waters and outlying islands. Manny O's features regular happy hours and a smorgasbord of "food for sharing" consisting of platters of oven fresh Tapas.
• the Pink Lobby is a lobby lounge and bar serving savories, tea and lifestyle beverages along with signature Pink cocktails.
• The Sapphire Pool Bar overlooks the resort's infinity swimming pool and provides for the perfect place to sip a cool drink or enjoy a light snack.
Activities
Leisure activities include windsurfing, jet skiing, diving and snorkeling. The hotel's Leisure center has a well-equipped gym, steam room, aerobics and tennis court. For the ultimate relaxation, there is a 7 treatment room garden Spa.
Business
The resort has more than 500sqm of dedicated space for meetings and events. An open air gazebo on the edge of the beach provides a postcard perfect wedding venue.
Destination
Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa is just ten minutes from Mactan International Airport and 25 minutes from cosmopolitan Cebu City with its vibrant nightlife, extensive shopping and 24-hour casinos.
In 2004, the Philippines welcomed 2.3 million tourists, posting a 20.1 percent growth over the previous year. The first six months of 2005 continued the strong results with a 12% increase over the same like period. The main source markets are the USA, Korea, Japan, and Chinese Taipei. New markets such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom have also registered strong growth.
This is Hilton International's second foray into the Philippines. The company previously operated the Manila Hilton from 1968 until 1988.
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