THE recent three-night trip to Cebu was a business trip. The business part was accomplished on Day 1 and the rest of the stay turned into a staycation- a blissful one. Radisson Blu Cebu made sure they rolled out the “Blu” carpet on this visit. I guess they do this for every guest they welcome.

I arrived before the designated check-in time and was led to the Business Class Lounge on the 20th floor while they got the room ready. The lounge is a special amenity extended to Business Class Floors guests. Breakfast, all day coffee and snacks and evening cocktails are served in this room with a commanding view of the northern part of the city and the Mandaue Bay.

The 400-room hotel has seven room types and I stayed in the newly-renovated Business Class room. With an area of 35sqm, the spacious room can accommodate three adults and one child. However, I had the room all to myself. Me time.

Around the clock, a tasty meal can be delivered to the room with a push of a button. This makes breakfast in bed quite tempting. I find joy in picking my food items from a wider array and the Business Class Lounge has a lot to offer, Feria even more. Feria’s buffet spread is popular among the locals and if you’ve been to the restaurant, you would know why.

Personally, breakfast with a view of Cebu was more ideal. The lounge is one floor above, faster to reach, plus the spot is quiet and more private. There’s even a small function room to cater to business travelers. Food is “more curated” in a way, fewer choices but the favorites are available. From bacon to yogurt, whatever your diet is, they have it.

Cebu is an exciting city. Foodies and night owls will find interesting places to go to. Even shopaholics will have a field’s day with the mall next door. Me? I prefer to stay cocooned in the comforts of my room. I never knew how much I needed the do-nothing-but-stay-in-bed moment until I laid down on the plush king-sized bed. I was in a most ideal place to recuperate form a month of traveling, parties and work-related affairs.

Diving deeper into the state of restfulness, an hour of ESC Spa’s signature Reboot massage was what I needed. It was the exclamation mark that completed a rejuvenating “Blu” staycation.

One more breakfast at the 20th floor lounge before I fly back to Davao. I arrived late in the morning but there was no need to rush, I was told. Breakfast can be enjoyed a la brunch on weekends when it extends dining hours to noon. So I took my sweet time. Another serving of Cebu favorites of “danggit” and “pusit”, a serving of fresh mango with yogurt, and freshly brewed coffee. My hearty meal before my extended check-out time at 2 p.m.

It’s been a while since I entered the expansive lobby of the hotel again. I believe it was on a Christmas season as well. The towering signature blue and silver Christmas tree was up. It reminded how grand, yet warm, the place is—the hotel, the service, and the people.

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