Shangri-La Mactan: Slice of Paradise

I highly recommend Shangri-La Mactan when planning a summer vacation with small children. My daughter is still iffy about swimming in the beach. Thankfully, this resort provided lots of alternatives to keep her entertained and allow us parents to relax!

(1) Adventure Zone - there's a two-storey play area for the big kids. Directly across from it is a small room called the "Toddler Zone" -  a miniature, quieter version where my daughter could play without fear of being trampled by the older crowd. The staff also holds daily arts and crafts sessions for FREE.

(2) Aqua Play - outdoor play area by the main pool rife with slides and showers. The showers still freaked out my daughter, but she did enjoy running around it.

(3) Miniature Golf and Putting Area - we weren't able to try this out though it was tempting - maybe next time? ;)

(4) Fish Feeding - get some fish food pellets from the counter and wade in the water. Pretty soon you'll be surrounded by colorful (and friendly!) fish.

(5) Water Sports - parasail at 150, 250, or 350 feet! There's also snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skis, banana boats, and glass bottom rides.

(6) E-zone - there is an actual Timezone inside the hotel! I would say enough said, but there's also a Wii station, air hockey, Internet, and pinball.

(7) Daily Breakfast Buffet - if you're traveling with kids, be sure to eat at Tides instead of Acqua. Tides has a mini buffet set up for children!

(8) Sand Castle Station - a small covered portion of the beach is dedicated to the artistic tots. It's well stocked with molds, pails, shovels, rakes and whatever else you need to create your masterpiece.

(9) Chi The Spa - the resort also has its own spa. At ~$100 for a "traditional Filipino hilot" though, we decided to pass on this one.

(10) SWIM!!! - there's at least 3 swimming pools and did I mention that there's a beach too? ;)

We stayed at the ground floor of the  Ocean Wing, which was well worth it. Every morning you can literally step out into a huge expanse of grassy walkways leading to the restaurants, pools, and beach. The Ocean Wing has its own pool, which is smaller, but just the thing when you want to kick back and relax and shy away from the boisterous crowd at the main pools.

Some tips: pass by a convenience store on your way to the hotel. The price of bottled water in their shops and restaurants is staggering! Also, set expectations with your tot - their cable TV does NOT have Disney Junior.