In the know
- Our favourite rooms
- The other two villas have their own plunge pools, but the Oceanfront Spa Villa (Villa 7, or Tawhay, meaning 'serene’) boasts a large balcony for private sunbathing and dining overlooking the spa and seafront, and the pool is just five seconds away. All enjoy oodles of space and modern-Filipino decor in natural materials and neutral hues.
- Packing tips
- Bring your mask and snorkel to see what a paradise the Philippines offers below the water's surface, as well as above. Divers should also pack their certification cards.
- Also
- The pretty spa has rooms for couples wanting massages at the same time, as well as an inviting open-air chill-out zone. Local speciality the Filipino Hilot Massage is our top tip, harnessing virgin coconut oil and traditional healing strokes to bliss you out. Natural spa products abound, with ingredients spanning mother-of-pearl, bamboo, walnut and even caviar.
Current offers
- Smith card offer
- A bottle of sparkling wine and 10 per cent off spa treatments
More photos
Abacá Boutique Resort & Restaurant
Cebu & Mactan Island, Philippines[view map]
- Style
- Contemporary Filipino
- Setting
- Sparkling seafront
Secluded, serene and so seafront you’re almost in the water, tropical island hideaway Abacá Boutique Resort & Restaurant teams a seductive spa with Med-influenced fine dining to romantic effect. Cool, contemporary suites showcase the work of renowned local designers (including Brad Pitt’s bed-maker) alongside ethnic touches from the Philippines' archipelago, warm, dark woods and soothing stone.
Need to know
- Rooms
- Nine, including six suites and three villas.
- Rates
- US$320–US$580, including return airport transfers, welcome drink, à la carte breakfast, evening cocktail and butler service. Excludes 12 per cent tax and 10 per cent service charge.
- Check-out
- 12pm, but later check-outs are no problem subject to availability for a small extra charge. Check-in, 2pm.
- Facilities
- Free WiFi throughout, library with books and DVDs, spa, gym, kayaks, gardens. In rooms: flatscreen TV, DVD player, iPod docks with preloaded iPods on request, laptops (P1,000 for 24 hours), fridge, minibar, own-label, hand-made organic toiletries.
- Poolside
- The 30-metre black-tiled infinity pool has a submerged seat so Smiths can cool off while gazing out across the Hilutungan Channel towards nearby Olango Island. Cogon grass-thatched cabanas with comfy day-beds provide welcome shade.
- Eco-friendly
- Taking its name from a native plant fibre, it's no surprise that Abacá thinks green, with locally sourced materials used in its construction, regular beach clean-ups and projects that support the island community. Waste scraps even go to a piggery.
- Also
- Personalised 24-hour butler service starts when you're picked up from the airport and includes everything from newspaper delivery to ironing. Your butler can also hook you up with excursions, activities, drivers or restaurant reservations.
Food & drink
- Hotel restaurant
- Oceanfront Abacá restaurant offers Californian-Mediterranean fine dining with a laid-back jazzy ambience and candle-lit open-air simplicity. Try Australian chef Wade Watson’s grilled and roasted dishes, straight from the wood-burning oven. You won’t be able to get enough of the warm home-made bread, pastries and baked goods either. Coconut and mango are so good here, it would be criminal not to keep the cooling fresh shakes and juices coming.
- Dress code
- Anything goes – beachwear, shorts and sandals are fine, though you might want to spruce up for evenings. The Filipinos’ love of icy air-con is noticeable by its absence here, so keep it cool and comfy.
- Top table
- Table four at the front of the restaurant is a romantic spot for two, or ask staff to convert cabana number one into a dining area, for the ultimate candle-lit sea-view meal. To see how the magic happens, take the Chef’s Table, next to the kitchen.
- Last orders
- The restaurant's last sitting is at 10pm, but request private dining back at your suite terrace if you want to linger longer.
- Room service
- Room service is available until midnight, unless food is pre-ordered for later.
- Hotel bar
- The bar has a fine selection of single malts and plenty of the new ‘It’ drink – and owner Jason Hyatt’s personal passion – tequila (he also runs a popular tequila bar and Mexican restaurant, Maya, across town). Mojitos and Margeritas, using pure Agave tequila, are popular. There’s also an extensive list of global wines to twin with the sea views.
Also worth knowing
- Children
- Well-travelled children are welcome (though howling horrors may be asked to keep it down). Kids eight years old and under stay for free and the hotel supplies baby cots and extra day-beds for older children gratis. Babysitting can also be arranged. More…
- Weddings
- This hotel is suitable for weddings. More…
Smith members offer
A bottle of sparkling wine and 10 per cent off spa treatments
Our members get a little something extra at every hotel they book with us. Just show your Mr & Mrs Smith card at check-in to claim.
Not a member? Join now
Book online
To book this hotel please click here, or contact our travel team on 1 866 610 3867. We guarantee you'll get the best available rates, and we don't charge a booking fee.
