WITH the lush greenery teeming at every corner, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa feels like an island in itself with its bounty of flowers, herbs, orchids and trees. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if guests who’ve walked around the property stopped every so often to admire the plants and get curious along the way.
A first-of-its-kind in the country, the resort recently introduced the Shangri-La Mactan Eco-Trail, an initiative spearheaded by general manager René D. Egle. Through this, it enables guests to go on an educational and enriching journey as they learn about the plants surrounding the 13-hectare property, guided by specialized resort rangers who are experts of the resort’s plants. The resort features a collection of endemic, medicinal, rare and endangered plants spread all over.
Over 65 plants and counting have been identified and curated from their distinctive properties and uses whether for medicine, ornaments, cosmetics, perfume or culinary use. Research was done with the support of professor Val Salares of the University of San Carlos, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, while the plants have been nurtured by Nature Works Landscaping Cebu. By highlighting the plants as more than an added beauty to the resort, guests will get to further appreciate Mother Nature’s creations and see that this is more than just an attraction but a sanctuary.
Following the media launch of the Eco-Trail that took place last June 5, Shangri-La devoted a day to wellness and encouraged its guests to a healthy lifestyle as it celebrated Global Wellness Day last June 8.
Guests were given a variety of activities to choose from that were spread out on different locations of the property from fitness events, healthy cuisine demos, a corporate social responsibility activity and a chocolate spa treatment.
There was the sunrise cycling with the GM around the Cordova area, a morning jog with the resident manager Joost Folkers, at the jogging trail, and a sunrise and sunset aerial and mat yoga at the Paradise Island with the sea for a view. Other activities included fitness boxing at Treasure Island, circuit training at Adventure Zone garden and Aqua Zumba at the Main Pool. CHI, The Spa held a special chocolate spa treatment that was set in the tranquil Cacao Garden to get the guests recharged in a unique setting while experiencing a unique kind of treatment.
Healthy dining was also top priority as the chefs presented their culinary masterpieces. The beachfront breakfast at Breeze Bar featured healthy cuisines such as the potato tart, taho (sweetened flavored tofu with pearls) and whole wheat spinach wrap, among others. Flagship restraurant Tides proudly showcased recipes using organic and sustainably farmed ingredients, while Cowrie Cove prepared a fresh seafood feast.
In addition to the celebration of wellness was the coral planting led by its resident marine biologist at the Marine Sanctuary. That day, the participants were taught about marine conservation and how to plant corals at the beach.
Though it was one day of highlighting a healthy lifestyle, the resort continues its quest in encouraging guests not only to say “yes” to health and wellness for a day but all throughout their lifetimes.