AS FILIPINO travel habits evolve, so do the places we choose to stay. Whether it’s a quiet escape in Bali, a skyline view in Singapore or a beachside family adventure just a drive away, today’s travelers are no longer just booking rooms: they’re booking experiences.
Trip.Best 2025, the annual data-driven rankings by Trip.com, offers a glimpse into these shifting preferences. Based on reviews, ratings and booking behavior, the list identifies top hotels across Asia for different types of travelers — luxury seekers, families and the ever-online generation drawn to design and shareability.
Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark in Lapu-Lapu City earned a spot among Asia’s top five family-friendly hotels. It is one of two Philippine properties recognized in the Trip.Best 2025 rankings, the other being Okada Manila, which was listed among the most Instagrammable stays in Asia.
Hotels as the destination
The 2025 list reflects a broader trend: travelers — especially Filipinos — are choosing hotels that offer more than convenience. For the luxury-inclined, properties like Raffles Singapore or Mandapa in Bali aren’t just places to stay but places to slow down. With bespoke service, heritage architecture and wellness programs, these stays reflect the Filipino value of maalagang hospitality mirrored abroad.
In Vietnam, Amandari and InterContinental Danang offer cultural immersion through design and nature. In Bali, Amankila stands out for its tranquil setting and curated experiences.
Family comes first
Few cultures value togetherness the way Filipinos do. From multi-generational trips to spontaneous getaways with cousins in tow, family remains at the heart of many travel decisions.
That’s why Jpark’s recognition matters. With expansive pools, water slides, beach access and spacious villas, the Cebu resort balances thrill and comfort. It shares its ranking with other top family destinations, such as Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa in Singapore, LEGOLAND Malaysia Hotel and Club Med Bintan Resort, all of which cater to various age groups through play, relaxation and curated family experiences.
Travel and the feed
For younger travelers, a hotel’s “Instagrammability” is often a deciding factor. Properties like Marina Bay Sands or Okada Manila — also ranked in Trip.Best’s 2025 list — offer not just luxury, but aesthetics that invite sharing: sweeping views, artful interiors and architecture that doubles as backdrop.
Even boutique properties like Capella Hanoi or Zannier Bai San Ho in Vietnam blend local character with visual storytelling.
Takeaways for Cebu tourism
Jpark’s inclusion signals something larger: Cebu’s hospitality scene is competing at a regional level. With more travelers — local and foreign — seeking immersive, share-worthy and multi-generational experiences, local resorts have a chance to redefine what a “destination” means. / LQ3