Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa

“Unparalleled Service and Celiac-Safe Dining at a Wornparalleled Service and Celiac-Safe Dining at a World-Class Resort”

My wife and I spent ten days at the Shangri-La Mactan in January 2026, and we were thoroughly impressed. Having stayed in many deluxe hotels, we found this to be the most customer-focused property we have ever experienced. The staff didn't just meet expectations; they consistently exceeded them wit… more

My wife and I spent ten days at the Shangri-La Mactan in January 2026, and we were thoroughly impressed. Having stayed in many deluxe hotels, we found this to be the most customer-focused property we have ever experienced. The staff didn't just meet expectations; they consistently exceeded them with a genuine cheerfulness that made us feel right at home. ​Seamless Arrival The positive experience began at the airport. We booked a private hotel car for our transfer, and the representative greeted us the moment we identified ourselves, whisking our luggage to a waiting vehicle. There was no fuss and no waiting. While it is more expensive than a local taxi, the efficiency and comfort made it well worth the cost. ​Exceptional Service & Warm Welcomes At the front desk, Guianne (I hope I have the spelling correct!) greeted us warmly and handled our check-in with great efficiency. She personally escorted us to our room to ensure we were comfortable and familiar with the amenities. We booked a Panoramic Ocean View room, and the view was spectacular—highly recommended for the extra cost. ​A particularly thoughtful touch: knowing it was my birthday month, the hotel surprised us with a birthday cake in our room. Because I am Celiac, we called to check if it was gluten-free. Though it wasn't, the staff apologized and immediately offered to prepare a gluten-free version. They even insisted my wife keep the original cake to enjoy, which was a lovely gesture. ​A Celiac Traveler’s Paradise The dining experience was truly exceptional. At every restaurant, the moment I mentioned my gluten-free requirement, the server’s immediate response was, "I will ask the chef to come out and speak with you." Every chef listened carefully and adapted almost any menu item to be safe for me. Chef Davide at Acqua and Chef Phillip at Cowrie Cove were particularly outstanding, offering to custom-prepare dishes based on the fresh ingredients they had in the kitchen. We felt so safe and well-cared for that we ate nearly every meal on-site. ​Activities & Grounds Despite some imperfect weather, the amenities were fantastic. I managed to snorkel almost every day at the vibrant coral reef located right in the hotel’s protected cove. The "huge" main pool is also gorgeous and perfect for swimming laps. ​Final Thoughts While the hotel is an established property and the rooms could benefit from some modern updating, the level of service is peerless. We would stay here every year if it weren't a 26-hour journey from home! We highly recommend the Shangri-La Mactan to anyone seeking a stress-free, high-end getaway

less