How This Resort Stays Relevant in Cebu After 35 Years

On a drizzly day in July, we thought we'd have Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort all to ourselves, given that the monsoon season had already begun. But to our pleasant surprise, it wasn't the case. We were greeted by the sight of happy families—many of them foreigners—enjoying a dip in the resort's pools. At the beach, many local tourists were also delighting in the cool waters. Despite the rain, it still felt like summer in July.

"What are your lean months?" we asked the resort execs over lunch at The Cove Live Seafood Restaurant. "So far, we don't have lean months," VP of operations Rhys Buac replied with obvious satisfaction.

The resort has faced a lot over the past 35 years—typhoons, earthquakes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ever-changing landscape of the resort industry—yet Bluewater Maribago has remained resilient, able to adapt through the changes.

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"We never closed during the pandemic. We've remained open through typhoons and earthquakes," said Domiku Ugarte, the assistant general manager and a third-generation owner. "I’m hopeful that we will never have to close in the future."

Bluewater Maribago Amuma Wing Pool

35 years and counting

Back in 1989, when the resort opened, it had only 32 rooms spread across a three-hectare property. Three and a half decades later, it now boasts 255 rooms on seven hectares of land. In time for its 35th anniversary this July, they unveiled their newest building with 65 rooms.

"We decided to call this new building Sidlakan, meaning 'to shine,'" shared Margie Munsayac, the resort's vice president of sales and marketing. "That's where the sun rises—in the east. Right after the pandemic, we wanted to embrace a sense of positivity."

The construction of the new building is, of course, in response to the continuously growing clientele of the four-star resort, which had gone through several renovations the past three decades.

Thanks to their in-house architect and engineering team, they were able to "renovate and innovate" smoothly, said Ugarte. "The pandemic and its many challenges led us to manage all aspects in-house," he added.

Facade of the newly launched Sidlakan building

Fresh flavors

Part of the resort's continuous transformation is evident in the incredible variety of culinary offerings, which executive chef Stephen del Amen showcased at the resort's 35th anniversary celebration. These offerings represent the resort's five dining venues: Allegro, The Cove Live Seafood Restaurant, Pizzeria Delfino's, Oyster Bar, and Amuma Juice Bar.

Not to be missed are the abundant seafood options—mud crabs, lobsters, sugpo, tanigue, among others—which we thoroughly enjoyed during our stay. Del Amen said their seafood is sourced locally, ensuring that everything they serve is fresh.

The chef also mentioned that they are currently collaborating with suppliers to soon offer freshwater eel at the resort.

Allegro restaurant

Also served at the anniversary buffet were succulent meat dishes like steaks, lechon, roast chicken, a selection of Filipino cuisines, mouth-watering brick oven pizzas, and a wide variety of delectable desserts and pastries.

Buac mentioned that their in-house dining venues receive a number of walk-ins, which contribute substantially to the resort's revenue. "We are averaging 100 walk-ins a day. In fact, even during breakfast, we see about 40 walk-ins," he shared.

Allegro, their 24/7 restaurant, serves buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and themed buffet dinners daily, offering a culinary journey throughout your stay.

Tanigue Tail Salsa at The Cove Live Seafood Restaurant

Grilled Lobster with Herb Lemon Butter at at The Cove Live Seafood Restaurant

Generations of memories

The resort holds a special place in the hearts of many, as it has welcomed countless families and friends over the past 35 years.

"It's heartwarming when guests share that their grandparents or parents were married here or spent their honeymoon at the resort. It’s incredibly special to see three generations returning—the grandparents, the parents, and now the children—each creating their own memories here," said Munsayac.

Weddings continue to be a major market for Bluewater Maribago. Their banquet halls and scenic outdoor spaces including a private island provide the perfect backdrop for weddings, corporate events, and family celebrations.

Sidlakan Executive Deluxe Room

"This trend extends to all Bluewater properties, with many Filipinas marrying foreigners. Often, they rent out the whole island for their special day and later return with their children, creating a tradition of beloved experiences," the long-time employee observed.

They also have many long-staying foreign guests who have become like family. They've formed close bonds with everyone on the property, and when it's time for them to go home, you can see tears in their eyes because it feels like they're leaving home," she said.

Experience 'amuma'

One thing that embodies the Filipino hospitality offered by the resort is the Visayan word "amuma," which means "to care, nurture, and provide." This makes the wellness services at Amuma Spa a must-try during your visit to Bluewater Maribago.

The treatments at Amuma Spa are rooted in traditional Filipino healing methods, such as 'hilot,' which utilizes deep healing techniques to restore balance and harmony. The spa also offers an array of rejuvenating body scrubs, refreshing facials, and soothing foot therapies, all designed to provide a complete pampering experience.

Amuma Suite

In addition to this, the resort also stressed on its dedication to environmental sustainability, which earned them recognition, including the ASEAN Green Hotel Award. "Through coral reef conservation, beach clean-ups, and community outreach activities, we protect our natural surroundings and support local communities," the resort said in the press release provided.

We asked Munsayac where she sees the resort in the next ten years, she emphasizes that their services will undoubtedly be driven by technology, yet they will never lose the essence of Philippine hospitality.

"That's one of the things we value most," she said. "Technology will inevitably be an integral part of our lives as we grow, but the warmth and care of Filipino hospitality will remain at the core of our guest experience. I envision a seamless blend of innovation and tradition guiding us through the next decade."

Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, part of the Bluewater Resorts family, is located in Mactan, Cebu.