As someone who treats it as a second home, Cebu’s terrain is as familiar as it can get. But while flying in and out of Cebu City accustomed me to the hubbub of Magellan’s Cross and all its traditional sights, the locale’s different sides continue to emerge every so often, occasionally popping up to be discovered.
One case is Cebu’s more luxurious side, recently fronted by NUSTAR Resort and Casino. Located 30 minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport amid the now-iconic Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) bridge, the five-star resort is regarded as the first of its kind for many reasons. As the first and only integrated resort in the region, NUSTAR Cebu houses a vast casino, hotels, and a shopping mall, with an upcoming theater, to boot.
It’s safe to say that the to-do list is bound to be packed, but to ease your itinerary planning, we have you covered. Ahead, see the best things to do at NUSTAR for the luxury traveler, or for those who simply want to glimpse at the finer side of life.
The Best and Most Luxurious Things to Do at NUSTAR Resort and Casino Cebu
1. Book a stay at Fili Hotel
For the easiest access to what NUSTAR has in store, Fili Hotel makes for the best and lushest temporary abode. Fili, which is the first and only five-star Filipino hotel brand, has interiors laden with Filipino-isms that decorate the corridors’ each nook and cranny. From its lobby, Moalboal, Cebu’s famous sardine run is given homage with the water droplet chandelier that welcomes its guests, with halls decorated with locally-made furniture by Vito Selma and artworks by Jef Albea and Fidel Sarmiento.
Inside, the hotel houses 379 spacious guest rooms and suites boasting views of the skyline or the Mactan Channel. Each room comes with a smart TV, free Wi-Fi, an in-room dining service, a mini bar, and a Nespresso coffee machine. For an extra dose of luxury, stay at the sizable Chairman’s Suite or Presidential Suite.
Regular rates: Deluxe Room King starts at P8,925, Deluxe Sea View King starts at P10,500, Deluxe Sea View Twin starts at P9,775, Premier Deluxe starts at P12,500, Executive Deluxe King starts at P14,500, Executive Deluxe Twin starts at P14,500, Executive Deluxe Seaview Twin starts at P15,500, Executive Deluxe Seaview King starts at P15,500, Fili Suite City View starts at P23,000, Fili Suite Sea View starts at P25,000
2. Eat breakfast at Fili Cafe or the Executive Club
Dubbed the “best buffet” the region has to offer, Fili Café takes the hearty breakfast to heart–as aptly as ever. The labyrinth-like halls of the café are lined with over 100 dishes daily with multiple stations, selections, and carvings from local staples to international favorites, including a Korean cuisine section. Aside from breakfast, Fili Café is also open during the rest of the day with a live lechon roasting station and Sunday brunch with lobsters.
Breakfast rate at Fili Café: P1,228 nett per person
For a more understated yet filling breakfast, Executive Room guests have access to The Executive Club on the 23rd floor, which offers continental breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Aside from breakfast, the VIP spot also has afternoon tea from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., cocktails and canapés from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and all-day refreshments.
3. Rent the Crucero Sunset Cruise for a private party
Nothing says luxurious more than a party on a yacht. With the CCLEX Bridge and the Cebu skyline as a picturesque backdrop, guests can bask in the sky’s transition from day to night aboard the Crucero Sunset Cruise. On top of that are the live music, drinks, and canapés that’ll keep the vibes high amid calm waters.
Rental rate: P90,000 net for three hours with food and beverage packages starting at an additional P2,000 net per person
4. Go luxury shopping at The Mall
For the luxury traveler, retail therapy is a non-negotiable. As the region’s first and only luxury mall, NUSTAR’s The Mall is home to a full roster of several designer brands. With an accessible walkable route from Fili Hotel, the first floor is home to boutiques like Tory Burch, Loewe, Celine, UNIVERS, Off-White, Burberry, Diagold, Boss, Louis Vuitton, and the newly-opened Dior. Expect other labels to land soon, including Bulgari, Gucci, Balenciaga, Tiffany & Co., and more.
5. Stay at the Villas and host a dinner party
As an extra touch of exclusivity, guests can stay at The Villas, which comprises three to four spacious guestrooms. Each villa comes with a personal butler, a private pool, a private office, a powder room, and its very own deck with sea views. Fun fact: This is where mega star Sharon Cuneta stayed for the Cebu leg of her Dear Heart concert.
Guests can also host intimate parties complete with its available facilities and amenities. Pro tip: Have a dinner party by the kitchens for a private yet grand affair.
Rates: Villas start at around P300,000+ a night.
6. Hold a grand celebration at the ballroom
Opt for a larger celebration? For conventions, conferences, weddings, debuts, and the like, NUSTAR Convention Center has nine small meeting rooms, two ocean-view ballrooms, and one grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 2,000 guests–and yes, they can even hold concerts there.
7. Dine, dine, and dine
Gastronomes may ultimately find their taste buds’ match with the diverse selection of restaurants. The resort alone is home to whatever cuisine guests might lean to, given any day. Head to Il Primo, the designated finest steakhouse in Cebu, for some Italian pasta and their much-raved Tomahawk Angus Choice Omaha. For a bit of fanfare, Kazuwa Prime takes the Japanese teppanyaki to an entertainment turn, with its wagyu beef as the delicious result. (Pescetarians: Get their sashimi bowl, complete with salmon, surf clam, tuna, and Russian Arctic sweet shrimp!)
Filipino cuisine isn’t amiss at Fina, with homegrown and heirloom dishes from around the Philippines packing its menu. But when in Cebu, try out the Lechon Paksiw for a spin.
To end things on a high note, conclude your trip with a visit to Mott 32, one of Hong Kong’s award-winning restaurants. As its only branch in the Philippines, the Chinese restaurant is a much-visited destination in Cebu itself, with its 42-Day Apple Wood Roasted Peking Duck regarded as its signature dish. A tip before heading there, though: The Peking Duck is available by pre-order only and comes on a first-come, first-served basis!
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