For over two years, NUSTAR Resort in Cebu has been providing guests with accommodations and amenities that boast five star Filipino luxury. Whether visiting Cebu for work or play, Fili Hotel has options for serious business travelers, those looking for entertainment or gaming, foodies who have a penchant for fine dining, and families who enjoy staycations in a convenient location with oceanic views.
Just last weekend Team Gellibean visited the property, and it was a great time for the whole family. We bonded. We noshed. We laughed. I am so excited to share all the things that we enjoyed!
Ease of Arrival
The very first of its kind, Fili Hotel is the only FIVE star home grown hotel brand in the country. Fili Hotel (short for “FILIPINO”) and it finds its place in the NUSTAR integrated Resort and Casino. Guests can seek comfort in the familiarity of Filipino hospitality against the backdrop of both the sea and the city.
Fili Cafe is the Premier All-Day Dining buffet offering local and international cuisine
From touch down in Mactan, to check out when the weekend was over, Fili Hotel Staff members were attentive and accommodating. With airport pick-up and assistance, guests can expect to arrive and check into their well-appointed rooms without hassle. Cold towels, chilled water, and an air-conditioned van for the whole family (with a lotta luggage) set the stage for a weekend full of memory-making for our family.
Luxe Accommodations
Team Gellibean arrived in two waves for this early Mother’s Day celebration in Cebu. Check in was seamless for our family of six. The attention to detail and preparation for our family was greatly appreciated. And I loved that so many of the staff members were ready to assist Gelli and they knew her name. Traveling with Gelli (believe it or not,) is a breeze. This kiddo loves planes, the water, and the staycation LIFE! So, she was ready for a weekend of family fun!
Of course, my boys love the opportunity to order room service when we check in. It’s always on Gelli’s lists of things to do. But because the boys and I arrived late Wednesday night, they were sure to order burgers in the room after showering from the plane. Burgers and carbonara in the room for the win!
We requested connecting rooms and of course, every night before Gelli’s bed time routine she enjoyed her bubble bath ritual. The simple joys of her fingers turning into raisins with bubble beards and bubble hats is already an activity to entertain this big little girl.
Dining Options Galore
NUSTAR Casino and Resort has eleven outlets to dine in, and travel by taste. Choices include the multi awarded Chinese restaurant, Mott 32, Cebu’s first Italian Steakhouse, Il Primo, and Fili Cafe which highlights the freshest ingredients and dishes from all over the world. All of the chefs that we spoke with during our visit take such pride in offering the multitude of dishes that delight foodies of all ages with discerning palettes.
Breakfast in the Fili Cafe provides a plethora of international choices.
Other restaurants that offer unique dining experiences include: Xin Tian Di, Good Luck Hot Pot, Fina, the Fili Lobby Lounge, Barcino, Kazuma Prime and the Axis Entertainment Bar. In fact, the boys and I enjoyed a filling lunch with familiar Chinese food favorites on our first day at the resort.
Lunch in Xin Tian Di served up Roasted Crispy Pork Belly, Wok-fried Beef with Capsicum and Black Pepper Sauce, Braised Fujian Grouper Fillet, Singapore Laksa Lemak, Golden Fried Prawn with Mayonnaise, and Stir Fried Flat Rice Horfan Noodles with Sliced US Beef
We were so full from our late lunch in Fili Cafe, but still made space for this comforting meal at Xin Tian Di. My favorite was teh Roasted Crispy Pork Belly, while Mig enjoyed the Wok-fried Beef with Capsicum. Because Xin Tian Di is right in the casino, we walked around through the mall and I was amazed at all the luxury brands that were present in the space!
Pizza, Pasta, and Dry Aged USDA Tomahawk are “must haves” when visiting Il Primo for lunch or dinner. You can also avail of the set menu that takes the thinking out of ordering when celebrating Mother’s Day.
The Crucero Experience
Sunset cruises are always fun and special. The Crucero experience at NUSTAR Resort provides opportunity to experience beautiful sunsets with a vibe that is both fun and relaxing. Once the boat sets sail, guests enjoy breezy views set to sweet sounds, with savory treats, delectable desserts and a free flowing bar of classic cocktails.
The Crucero experience was one of the highlights of our trip. Mig and Jegs kept saying how much they wished their sisters were with us because they would have loved the time on the boat with the sunset. Magic hour is definitely a time we enjoy as a family in slowing down.
Kids, families, and even grandparents can enjoy the playful scene, sunset and serenity of an afternoon boat ride that provides memorable moments onboard. Be sure to look for the next post where I share more about this experience that can be customized and personalized for your own gathering when you check into the Fili Hotel and NUSTAR resort.
With special sails set regularly, hotel guests can take advantage of a discounted rate when staying overnight for a Mother’s Day Celebration during the month of May. On May 11th and 18th, families can treat mom to cocktails and canapes for only P1,500 per person.
Family Friendly
Once Nino and the girls arrived and we were finally complete, we were excited to embark on different adventures both in and around the resort. We had fun planning our itinerary by mapping out meals and activities that were appropriate for our sunshine who will soon be 13 years old! (HOMAYGASH. Where did the time go?)
NUSTAR Resort is more than a casino. Many might not think that it would be a great place for families with little ones, but this is not the case. There are a ton of places to eat, a movie theater, a small food court, for quick snacks, and even a Time Zone upstairs in the mall for when you want to send the kids off to do their own thing.
The pool is perfect for morning and afternoon swims and has a great view of the ocean. Unfortunately, for this trip, no matter how much I asked Gelli to swim, she just wasn’t interested. Not sure who is the boss here, but I was willing to go with the flow for this one…
Time for Tea
Afternoon Tea, anyone?
Gelli cannot say no to this afternoon tea because she loves sweets and treats just as much as her momma and her sister. Afternoon tea has to be the next best thing after brunch. If you were to ask me what my perfect Sunday looks like-it consists of these two meals, and maybe a nice nap.
The Afternoon Tea Set in the Lobby Lounge comes complete with:
- Carrot Cream Cheese Flan Verrine
- Coconut Green Madeline
- Smoked Salmon Cucumber Cream Cheese Bread
- Beetroot Carpaccio with Goat Cheese Mousse
- Duck Confit with Cranberry Dressing
- Chicken Roti with Cream Sauce
- Passionfruit Macarons
- Strawberry Scones
- Ruby Chocolate Red Berry Cake
If the girls love TEA, Jegs loves Puto Bumbong. Thankfully, in the Lobby Lounge he was able to order his favorite. Gia and Miguel enjoyed tea, sammies, and scones. But this tea set comes complete with a full size cake! So, we were so full from afternoon tea, that we decided to forego dinner and just watch a movie.
How convenient that the mall has a comfortable theater with reclining seats? Gelli fell asleep early, so we brought her back to the room and decided to sneak away for a couple’s massage.
Exploring the City
Saturday afternoon was about all about exploring. After a relaxing treatment at Estee Lauder in the mall, and with full tummies for the whole team, we took to Cebu City. Loading up on dried mangoes, pasalubong for my mom, and visiting local sights were the only things on the agenda.
Relax and Unwind
After jam packed days where #TeamGellibean filled up on only the finest food and drink, Nino and I were able to recharge with a couples treatment in Hagod Spa.
Is it even a staycation or vacation if you don’t take time to pamper yourself?
Once the kids were all settled at a movie or back in the room, Nino and I stole away for quick minute. With a variety of services to choose from, Nino opted for a Swedish Massage, while I enjoyed the Hot Stone treatment which was perfect for my lower back. (Yes. I like it hot. Just like my coffee.)
Truth be told, we are already looking forward to visiting this integrated resort again. Fili Hotel and NUSTAR Resort is friendly for the whole family. The kids, Nino, and I all had a great time celebrating the weekend and life’s many blessings in the most #UniquelyFili way.
Fili Hotel NUSTAR Cebu
https://bitly/ReserveNowAtFiliHotel
Contact details:
(032) 888 8282
contactus@nustar.com.ph
