Mactan Newtown Condo

We went with the whole family and found one of the cleaner, better beaches around Cebu without the $$$ price tag. The toddlers could run around in a nice playground, and the swimming pools were well kept. The food and buffet service could've been better. I hope they've improved since our visit a year ago.

For P1500, this didn't feel worth it, especially as a way to pass time before a flight home. We paid for access to the pool, beach, and other amenities, with buffet lunch included. The pool and beach were pristine, and even with dozens of people in the water, it was crystal clear and amazing to look at. I didn't get photos. The buffet was disappointing. The food tasted good, but there wasn't much choice: crispy pata, grilled liempo, tropical fruits, some seafood, and not much else. It was under a tent in an open space that wasn't ventilated well. There were fans, but with so many people, good luck getting enough breeze. Having tropical fruit out in the open also brought flies around. There were recliners and sunloungers by the pool and beach, but not enough. If you left your seat, someone would take it right away, so finding a safe place for belongings was a struggle. The chair area was messy too, with people leaving trash behind, and there were very few cleaners. They were hard to find when we needed help. For an entrance fee like that, I can see why people might expect someone else to clean up. There wasn't much to do either. You couldn't rent a boat, jetski, or wakeboard, so it was just the pool or lounging on the sand. There was a playground, but it was closed for an event. Maybe it's just me, but if half the space is off limits, full price seems wrong. The washroom was the worst part. There wasn't enough toilet paper, and some cubicles had broken flushes. I won't go into detail. They didn't provide complimentary toiletries or even have any for sale. The nearest convenience store was the 7/11 two blocks away.

If you want an easy beach break without going far from the city, Mactan Newtown Beach is a practical option. It's convenient from Mactan Newtown and nearby hotels like Savoy and Belmont, and works for day use, a quick staycation, or a casual afternoon without a long trip outside Cebu. This is more of a resort-style spot than a secluded island escape. The beach is clean and maintained, the water is usually calm, and the late afternoon view is lovely, especially at sunset. It's not the widest beachfront in Mactan, but there's room to relax, swim, and unwind. Weekends and holidays get crowded, especially with day-use visitors, while weekdays are much calmer. Restaurants, cafés, convenience stores, and hotel facilities are all close by. Food and drinks are available nearby, though the prices are a bit premium, as you'd expect in a resort area. It works well if convenience and a quick beach fix are what you're after. Visit later in the afternoon for cooler weather and a better sunset view.

The pool area drinks are good. As for the beach, I'm not sure it lived up to what I expected. Reception only asked for an entrance fee if you weren't a hotel guest, which was fine, but they didn't mention towels weren't included. I had to go all the way back to reception from the beach before finding that out, then dry off in the sun. Definitely not 5 star. Bring your own towel if you want to dry off after a shower.