Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa: Cebu Hotel Guide

Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa is one of the long-established beachfront hotels in Mactan, known for its relaxing atmosphere, spacious grounds, and welcoming Filipino hospitality. Located in Maribago, this resort offers a calm and comfortable environment ideal for families, couples, and travelers seeking a peaceful coastal escape. Unlike many newly built high-rise resort complexes, Cebu White Sands maintains a homey, low-density layout with lush gardens, multiple pools, and a quiet beachfront area perfect for unwinding.

In this comprehensive hotel guide, you’ll find everything you need to know before staying at Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa—location, room types, pool areas, dining options, spa services, beach conditions, nearby attractions, and practical travel tips.

Overview of Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa

Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa is a mid-range to upscale beachfront property offering a mix of modernized and classic Filipino-style architecture. The resort is especially popular among families and couples who want a peaceful environment without the crowds found at larger commercial resorts. While the beach area is not as large as luxury resorts nearby, the ambiance, greenery, and service quality make it an excellent choice for a relaxing getaway.

Key highlights include:

• Two spacious swimming pools

• On-site spa with affordable treatments

• Garden and courtyard design for quiet relaxation

• Beachfront lounge with views of the Mactan Channel

• Proximity to restaurants and tourist activities in Maribago

Location: Maribago, Mactan Island

Cebu White Sands is situated along Maribago Beach, one of the more established resort zones in Lapu-Lapu City. The area is known for its resort clusters, vibrant dining scene, and easy access to water activities.

Travel time from key locations:

• Mactan-Cebu International Airport: 20–30 minutes by car

• SM City Cebu: 45–60 minutes

• Ayala Center Cebu: 50–70 minutes

• Cebu Business Park / IT Park: 50–75 minutes

The location is ideal for travelers who prioritize beachfront stays over city access. It’s quiet but not isolated—restaurants, bars, spas, souvenir shops, and convenience stores are all within walking distance.

Room Types and Accommodation Features

Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa offers a range of spacious rooms designed with a tropical aesthetic. Many rooms feature balconies, garden views, or pool views. The interiors combine clean, modern elements with warm Filipino touches.

Deluxe Rooms

Perfect for couples or solo travelers.

• Choice of garden or pool view

• Comfortable beds and sitting area

• Strong air conditioning

• ideal for budget-friendly stays

Grand Deluxe Rooms

Larger and more stylish, appealing to families or longer stays.

• Contemporary interior design

• More generous floor space

• Balcony with seating

• Option for twin or king bed setups

Premier Rooms

The most spacious room category.

• Larger bathrooms with bathtub

• Improved interior furnishings

• Good for families needing extra comfort

Suite Rooms

For guests seeking premium comfort.

• Large living area

• Modern décor

• Enhanced amenities

• Best for special occasions or luxury stays at a reasonable price

All rooms include:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Smart TV or cable TV

• Mini-fridge

• Safety box

• Daily housekeeping

Swimming Pools and Outdoor Amenities

Cebu White Sands offers two swimming pools, each with its own vibe.

Main Lagoon Pool

• Located near the reception

• Features a small island fountain

• Surrounding sunbeds and shaded lounge areas

• Family-friendly with shallow areas for kids

It’s the livelier pool of the two, often used for family activities.

Garden Pool

• More secluded and peaceful

• Preferred by couples and adults

• Surrounded by greenery for a tranquil experience

If you want a quiet swim, the garden pool is usually the best choice.

Beach Area at Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa

The beach at Cebu White Sands is modest in size but well-maintained. Mactan’s beaches are generally known for being coral-based rather than powdery sand, and this resort is no exception. However, the beachfront remains pleasant for sunbathing, lounging, and taking photos.

Water conditions:

• Calm waves

• Clear water on good weather days

• Water shoes are recommended due to corals

Guests may also book island-hopping tours via nearby operators, with boats departing directly from Maribago.

Spa and Wellness Services

The on-site spa is one of the highlights of the resort. The treatments are surprisingly affordable compared to larger resorts but still offer excellent quality.

Popular options include:

• Full body massage

• Hot stone massage

• Foot spa and reflexology

• Facial and skin treatments

The spa ambiance is calm and intimate, ideal for unwinding after a full day at the beach.

Dining Options at Cebu White Sands

The resort features several dining options offering both local and international cuisine.

Patio Gavino Restaurant

The main restaurant serving:

• Filipino classics

• Western comfort food

• Pasta and rice dishes

• Fresh seafood

Buffet breakfast is also served here, offering a wide range of Western and Filipino breakfast selections.

Poolside Bar

Perfect for:

• Cocktails

• Fresh juices

• Light snacks

• Afternoon lounging

The poolside bar atmosphere is relaxing, especially around sunset.

Beachfront Dining

During certain seasons or events, outdoor beachfront dining setups are available. It’s ideal for romantic dinners.

Nearby dining options outside the resort include:

• Maribago Grill

• Cuzina Guadalupe

• Gold Mango Grill

• Savoy and Bluewater restaurants

This makes Cebu White Sands a convenient base for food lovers exploring Mactan.

Activities and Things to Do Near the Resort

Mactan Island is known for marine activities, and Cebu White Sands is close to several operators offering tours and water sports.

Popular activities include:

• Island hopping to Hilutungan, Nalusuan, and Caohagan Islands

• Snorkeling and fish feeding

• Banana boat and jetski rides

• Paddleboarding

Within the resort, guests may enjoy:

• Swimming pools

• Garden walking paths

• Relaxing at the spa

Families will appreciate the resort’s open spaces, koi ponds, and safe walking areas.

Who Should Stay at Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa?

This resort suits a wide range of travelers:

For Couples

• Peaceful ambiance

• Secluded pool areas

• Spa and romantic dining options

For Families

• Spacious rooms

• Kid-friendly pools

• Safe and walkable resort layout

For Solo Travelers

• Quiet spaces

• Accessible location

• Good service and security

For Business Travelers

Not the closest to city areas, but suitable if attending events or meetings in Mactan.

Overall, Cebu White Sands offers excellent value for those seeking a peaceful Mactan beach experience with classic tropical charm.

Pros and Cons of Staying at Cebu White Sands

Pros

• Relaxing, quiet resort atmosphere

• Spacious pools and gardens

• Good variety of rooms

• Affordable spa services

• Convenient location near restaurants and activities

Cons

• Beach area is smaller compared to luxury resorts

• Not ideal for travelers who need quick access to Cebu City

• Some room sections may feel more traditional depending on building

Final Thoughts

Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa remains a reliable choice for travelers looking for a balanced beachfront experience—comfortable, relaxing, and reasonably priced. The combination of large pools, lush gardens, quality dining, and friendly service makes it ideal for families, couples, and leisure travelers seeking a peaceful escape in Mactan.

If you want a resort that blends nature, Filipino hospitality, and a calm beachfront environment without the price tag of high-end luxury hotels, Cebu White Sands is an excellent pick.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Where is Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa located?

Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa is located in the Maribago area of Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines. It sits along Maribago Beach, one of the more established resort zones with several hotels, restaurants, and water activity operators nearby. Travel time from Mactan-Cebu International Airport is usually around 20–30 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

Is Cebu White Sands a good choice for first-time visitors to Mactan?

Yes. For first-time visitors who want a relaxing beachfront stay without the premium rates of high-end luxury resorts, Cebu White Sands is a very solid option. The resort is easy to reach from the airport, has friendly staff, and offers straightforward facilities like pools, a spa, and on-site dining. It’s also close to other resorts and restaurants in Maribago, making it convenient for exploring the area.

What types of rooms are available at Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa?

The resort offers several room categories, including Deluxe Rooms, Grand Deluxe Rooms, Premier Rooms, and Suites. Deluxe Rooms are ideal for couples or solo travelers, while Grand Deluxe and Premier Rooms provide more space and upgraded interiors, which are great for families. Suites offer the most generous layout with a separate living area and enhanced amenities, making them suitable for special occasions or longer stays.

Are the rooms suitable for families with children?

Yes, many of the rooms at Cebu White Sands are spacious enough to accommodate small families. Grand Deluxe and Premier Rooms in particular are well-suited for parents traveling with kids, thanks to their larger floor area and comfortable layouts. Extra beds or specific configurations may be available on request, so it’s best to confirm with the resort in advance if you are traveling with children.

Does the resort have a nice beach?

The resort has direct access to a small but pleasant beachfront area. Like most of Mactan’s shoreline, the sand and seabed are coral-based rather than powdery white, so water shoes are recommended if you plan to swim. The beach is more suited for lounging, taking photos, and enjoying sea views than for long shoreline walks. For snorkeling and clearer waters, island-hopping tours to nearby marine sanctuaries are a great add-on.

How many swimming pools does Cebu White Sands have?

Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa features two main swimming pools. The larger lagoon-style pool near the reception area is family-friendly and more social. The second garden pool is quieter and surrounded by greenery, making it ideal for couples or guests who want a more peaceful atmosphere. Sunbeds and shaded lounging areas are available around both pools.

Is there a spa on-site and what services are offered?

Yes, the resort has an on-site spa that offers a variety of treatments, such as full body massages, hot stone massage, foot spa and reflexology, and basic facial or skincare services. Compared to some luxury resorts, the pricing is relatively affordable, while still providing a relaxing environment. Booking a massage after a day of swimming or island hopping is a popular choice among guests.

What kind of food is served at the resort restaurants?

The main restaurant, often referred to as Patio Gavino or similar, serves a mix of Filipino and international dishes. You can expect local specialties, grilled items, pasta, rice meals, soups, and seafood, along with Western comfort food. Breakfast is typically served buffet-style with a combination of Filipino and international breakfast items. There is also a poolside bar offering snacks, cocktails, and refreshing drinks throughout the day.

Are there restaurants and shops outside the resort?

Yes. One of the advantages of staying in Maribago is that you are not isolated from local businesses. Within a short walk or a quick ride, you can find independent restaurants, local grills, cafés, spas, and convenience stores. Well-known nearby dining options include casual Filipino grills and seafood restaurants, allowing you to experience both resort and local food scenes during your stay.

Is Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa suitable for couples?

The resort is a popular choice for couples because of its calm atmosphere, greenery, and intimate spaces. The garden pool, beachfront lounge areas, and spa treatments all contribute to a relaxing, romantic environment. While families also stay here, the property layout is spread out enough that couples can still find quiet corners for downtime and evening drinks by the pool or beach.

Is the resort recommended for business travelers?

Cebu White Sands is primarily a leisure resort, so it is best suited for vacationers. That said, it can still work for business travelers who have meetings or events in Mactan or nearby resorts. The peaceful environment is ideal if you want to combine work with relaxation, but travel to Cebu City’s business districts such as IT Park or Cebu Business Park will take roughly 50–75 minutes depending on traffic.

What activities can guests enjoy during their stay?

On-site, guests can enjoy swimming in the pools, relaxing at the spa, dining at the restaurant, and lounging around the gardens and beachfront. For more active experiences, island-hopping tours, snorkeling trips, and water sports such as jetskiing or banana boat rides can be arranged through nearby operators. Many guests also use the resort as a base and take day trips into Cebu City for shopping, historical sites, and urban dining.

Is Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa a good value for money?

For travelers seeking a comfortable beachfront resort that balances price and amenities, Cebu White Sands is often considered good value. It is not as expensive as high-end luxury brands, yet it offers multiple pools, a spa, on-site dining, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Guests who appreciate greenery, a laid-back vibe, and classic Filipino-style hospitality typically feel that they get strong value for what they pay.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Where is Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa located?

Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa is located in the Maribago area of Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines. It sits along Maribago Beach, one of the more established resort zones with several hotels, restaurants, and water activity operators nearby. Travel time from Mactan-Cebu International Airport is usually around 20–30 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

Is Cebu White Sands a good choice for first-time visitors to Mactan?

Yes. For first-time visitors who want a relaxing beachfront stay without the premium rates of high-end luxury resorts, Cebu White Sands is a very solid option. The resort is easy to reach from the airport, has friendly staff, and offers straightforward facilities like pools, a spa, and on-site dining. It’s also close to other resorts and restaurants in Maribago, making it convenient for exploring the area.

What types of rooms are available at Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa?

The resort offers several room categories, including Deluxe Rooms, Grand Deluxe Rooms, Premier Rooms, and Suites. Deluxe Rooms are ideal for couples or solo travelers, while Grand Deluxe and Premier Rooms provide more space and upgraded interiors, which are great for families. Suites offer the most generous layout with a separate living area and enhanced amenities, making them suitable for special occasions or longer stays.

Are the rooms suitable for families with children?

Yes, many of the rooms at Cebu White Sands are spacious enough to accommodate small families. Grand Deluxe and Premier Rooms in particular are well-suited for parents traveling with kids, thanks to their larger floor area and comfortable layouts. Extra beds or specific configurations may be available on request, so it’s best to confirm with the resort in advance if you are traveling with children.

Does the resort have a nice beach?

The resort has direct access to a small but pleasant beachfront area. Like most of Mactan’s shoreline, the sand and seabed are coral-based rather than powdery white, so water shoes are recommended if you plan to swim. The beach is more suited for lounging, taking photos, and enjoying sea views than for long shoreline walks. For snorkeling and clearer waters, island-hopping tours to nearby marine sanctuaries are a great add-on.

How many swimming pools does Cebu White Sands have?

Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa features two main swimming pools. The larger lagoon-style pool near the reception area is family-friendly and more social. The second garden pool is quieter and surrounded by greenery, making it ideal for couples or guests who want a more peaceful atmosphere. Sunbeds and shaded lounging areas are available around both pools.

Is there a spa on-site and what services are offered?

Yes, the resort has an on-site spa that offers a variety of treatments, such as full body massages, hot stone massage, foot spa and reflexology, and basic facial or skincare services. Compared to some luxury resorts, the pricing is relatively affordable, while still providing a relaxing environment. Booking a massage after a day of swimming or island hopping is a popular choice among guests.

What kind of food is served at the resort restaurants?

The main restaurant, often referred to as Patio Gavino or similar, serves a mix of Filipino and international dishes. You can expect local specialties, grilled items, pasta, rice meals, soups, and seafood, along with Western comfort food. Breakfast is typically served buffet-style with a combination of Filipino and international breakfast items. There is also a poolside bar offering snacks, cocktails, and refreshing drinks throughout the day.

Are there restaurants and shops outside the resort?

Yes. One of the advantages of staying in Maribago is that you are not isolated from local businesses. Within a short walk or a quick ride, you can find independent restaurants, local grills, cafés, spas, and convenience stores. Well-known nearby dining options include casual Filipino grills and seafood restaurants, allowing you to experience both resort and local food scenes during your stay.

Is Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa suitable for couples?

The resort is a popular choice for couples because of its calm atmosphere, greenery, and intimate spaces. The garden pool, beachfront lounge areas, and spa treatments all contribute to a relaxing, romantic environment. While families also stay here, the property layout is spread out enough that couples can still find quiet corners for downtime and evening drinks by the pool or beach.

Is the resort recommended for business travelers?

Cebu White Sands is primarily a leisure resort, so it is best suited for vacationers. That said, it can still work for business travelers who have meetings or events in Mactan or nearby resorts. The peaceful environment is ideal if you want to combine work with relaxation, but travel to Cebu City’s business districts such as IT Park or Cebu Business Park will take roughly 50–75 minutes depending on traffic.

What activities can guests enjoy during their stay?

On-site, guests can enjoy swimming in the pools, relaxing at the spa, dining at the restaurant, and lounging around the gardens and beachfront. For more active experiences, island-hopping tours, snorkeling trips, and water sports such as jetskiing or banana boat rides can be arranged through nearby operators. Many guests also use the resort as a base and take day trips into Cebu City for shopping, historical sites, and urban dining.

Is Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa a good value for money?

For travelers seeking a comfortable beachfront resort that balances price and amenities, Cebu White Sands is often considered good value. It is not as expensive as high-end luxury brands, yet it offers multiple pools, a spa, on-site dining, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Guests who appreciate greenery, a laid-back vibe, and classic Filipino-style hospitality typically feel that they get strong value for what they pay.

Cebu Hotel Guide