Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort stands on the Punta Engano peninsula at the northeastern end of Mactan Island, a quieter stretch of the island than the airport side. It is rated as a five-class resort with 272 rooms and a layout built around water: two outdoor pools plus a children's pool, including a 100-metre infinity pool that guests single out for praise, and a beachfront with free cabanas and sun loungers. Dining includes Benjarong for Thai fine dining and the Sky Garden for cocktails, and there is a full-service spa, a gym, kayaking, fishing and an arcade. Guests rate the resort 8.6 out of 10 from over nine hundred reviews, with staff and service and cleanliness scoring well. Honest reviewers note that the Thai restaurant needs reservations, that drinks are pricey and that the beach itself is not a great swimming beach.
Location and getting around
The resort is on the Punta Engano peninsula in Lapu-Lapu. The property page gives airport times of about fourteen minutes in one place and thirty-four minutes in another, so plan for something between the two depending on traffic. The Mactan Shrine is a short drive away, and the Magellan Monument a little farther. An airport shuttle is available on request for a fixed fee per vehicle, and free self-parking is offered.
Rooms and who it suits
The Deluxe rooms are about 340 square feet, with garden or sea views, and the choice runs through Dusit Club and Premier rooms, family rooms and suites, up to a three-bedroom suite for larger groups. Families have a Fun Zone, a playground and a children's club for a surcharge, and the resort allows pets for a nightly fee per pet. It suits families, couples who want a pool-centred holiday and groups needing a multi-bedroom suite, and it is less ideal for travellers who want to walk to independent restaurants.
Good to know
Pool hours run from 8:00 in the morning to 8:00 in the evening. Check-in starts at 3:00 in the afternoon and check-out is at noon. Breakfast is charged separately on some rates, so compare room-only and breakfast-inclusive options for your dates. Guests praise the staff and the long infinity pool most often, and mention the old gym equipment and pricey drinks as the weak points, so go in with realistic expectations of a pool resort rather than a beach resort.
Because swimming off the beach is limited, treat the pools as the main water attraction and book boat trips for open water; the island hopping excursion in our attractions departs from Mactan. The resort pairs well with a city night before or after, and with a Moalboal stay if you want the sardine run.
Why stay here
- ✓100-metre infinity pool
- ✓Two pools plus children's pool
- ✓Beachfront with free cabanas
- ✓Benjarong Thai dining
- ✓Sky Garden cocktails
- ✓Full-service spa and gym
- ✓Children's club (surcharge)
- ✓Pets allowed for a fee
Good questions
How many rooms does Dusit Thani Mactan have?+
The property page lists 272 rooms, from deluxe rooms to a three-bedroom suite.
Is there a children's club?+
Yes, there is a children's club for a surcharge, plus a Fun Zone and a playground.
Is the beach good for swimming?+
Some guests say there is no good swimming beach, so the pools are the main swimming option.
