The 547-room Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa, the Philippines’ largest deluxe resort located on Mactan Island off the coast of Cebu, was recently cited for excellence in readers’ choice polls announced by both Condé Nast Traveler and Time Magazine.

Readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine recently named the Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa to the publication’s 2006 “Gold List” properties located in the Asia, Australia and Pacific region.  The “Gold List,” an annual readers’ choice poll, names “‘the best”’ hotels, resorts and cruise lines around the world, rating them on criteria including location, service and guestrooms (nearly 28,000 responses were received).  The hotel also took “first” honors in Asia, Australia and Pacific nations as “The Best By Activities.”

In Time Magazine’s 2005 Travel Choice survey, the Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa was named “The Favorite Resort Hotel in Asia” for the third year in a row.  The survey closed with a total of 2,193 replies with nominations in 11 categories to honor the best in business cities, airports, resorts, holiday destinations, airlines and hotels around the region.

“Shangri-La is not one to rest on its laurels.  Their properties are maintained at the highest level of excellence that has been recognized by some of the world’s most knowledgeable travelers,” observed Emma Ruth Yulo, Director of the Philippine Department of Tourism in New York.  “They will be opening a sixth property in the Philippines very soon,” she added.

To further its appeal to visitors, the Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort & Spa has nearly completed a major renovation at its Ocean Wing.  “With its new guestrooms and restaurant outlets, our guests will experience premier amenities, premier services and premier accommodation,” notes General Manager Timothy Wright.

When renovations are complete at the end of July 2006, guestrooms will be equipped with the latest in-room technology with broadband Internet access and big flat-screen television.  Guests will pamper themselves with the best amenities and services at the comfort of their own rooms.  The interiors will have a splendid mix of eye-soothing colors in earth tone shades evident in the beautifully painted walls, stylish furniture, contemporary upholstery and carpeting.  Indigenous materials and creative art pieces done by local artists complement the ambience reflecting the warmth and uniqueness of Philippine culture.

For the convenience of guests, the Ocean Wing will also have a separate entrance and reception area apart from the hotel’s Main Wing.  It will also house family guestrooms that are over 40 square meters in size.
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