Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Tropical Complement By Karl A.E.F. Cabilao, UAP
SOME years ago, majority of summer Sundays were spent with cousins and siblings splashing on the cool, pool waters of the Lantao Pavilion in Cebu Plaza Hotel (CPH). It was a welcome and refreshing escapade from the hot and crowded beaches in Mactan.
Fast forward to the present. An feature assignment brought me back to the same mountain-top location, but now with a different hotel name. I was shown a different pool at the side of the hotel building itself (since the Lantao area is still undergoing redevelopment).
Marco Polo Plaza Hotel (formerly CPH) made its anticipated debut not long ago. It brought smiles to Cebu’s old-timers who have held “Cebu Plaza” very close to their hearts. With the debut, came numerous, fresh additions and developments that included the concoction of a new look for its poolside area.
Landscape architect, Efren Aurelio of EA Aurelio+ADI, took into consideration the “wonderful, mature trees and stunning views of the city and Mactan Island.” He worked on these natural features in underscoring a beautiful tropical landscape to complement the hotel.
This is evident in the majestic, tall royal palm trees, colorful shrubs that line the driveway, and the wide-canopied trees that cast soothing shadows on the parking areas. As requested by the clients, the main pool is shaped like the tropical fruit that is one of the best definitions of Cebu — the mango.
There is also the children’s pool and a jacuzzi set slightly higher than the mango-shaped pool.
People can also add to the refreshing feeling they seek by passing under a water drop at one end of the pool and splash or wade to their heart’s content.
A sunken deck provides for a half-submerged lounging experience for more passive activities, like reading a book.
The wide-leaf heliconias, philodendrons and alpinia flowers provide a calming background. The outdoor café and bar are perfectly located to capture the breathtaking, panoramic view of the metropolis.
With the main ingredients for cooling off — mountain breeze blowing and clear waters going well with each other — this unique and refreshing getaway at Marco Polo Plaza Hotel should suit, in flawless fashion, any dried up soul in this extra-hot summer.
