We know what it feels like to need a vacation from the vacation you just had, especially when you're a parent. What you imagine to be a few nights away from your daily grind can quickly turn into another project you have to manage because you're constantly thinking about what to do, where to eat, how to keep the kids happily busy: it's just another version of a parent's daily grind but in a different location.
But what if we told you that there's a place that does all the thinking for you? No, you don't sign up for an itinerary prepared for you, although that's likely something this resort could make available to you because of the personal touch it ensures its service has, but because all its features are perfect for a family getaway?
Solea Hotels & Resorts, Mactan located in Cordova, Cebu just a mere 40-minute drive from the Mactan International Airport, is a haven for families. It features an inflatable waterpark, pools with slides, and kids’ play and entertainment room and every detail in the resort feels like a child walked through its halls and her point of view was considered. Because, in a way it was.
Chris Gothong, Solea Hotels & Resorts' managing director and owner says that when he became a father, he began to look at his resort differently and wanting to make sure that it was child-friendly. No sharp corners, lots of wide spaces, and even food that kids would love to eat. “[There are] bits and pieces of me in Solea Hotels & Resorts, Mactan. It somewhat reflects what I do in my house as well. A more casual tone, a more inviting tone, make it feel more homey; make people feel more relaxed,” he told the press in February 2023.
The hotel first opened its doors in 2013 and continually expanded to its now 303 room property with a 15-room spa, Nouveau Spa. Many of Solea Hotels & Resorts guests are tourists from neighboring countries like Korea, Japan, and China, so don’t be surprised if you feel like you’ve suddenly walked into one of your favorite K-drama scenes. You’re not imagining it, its staff can speak a bit of Korean too! Kids and moms who are fans of K-culture will love the feeling of being transported to Korea.
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The waterpark of your kids’ dreams
Solea Hotels & Resorts, Mactan’s water park means business. The entire property features seven pools and three of those have slides and water play that kids can have fun in. There’s the Aquaplay where small kids can play and wade all day long without parents having to worry (or even jump in) because it’s less than two feet deep.
School-aged kids will surely spend an entire day enjoying Nina Pool. This also has a pool that’s only two feet deep so parents can safely watch from a distance. (If you're wondering why some areas are named after people, these are named after some of the resort's first employees!)
The inflatable waterpark (photo above) is a course the entire family can try together and can be a family bonding experience. Don’t let the pictures fool you, it’s a challenge especially if you’re on the sedentary side! But it’s good fun to have with your kids, trying to stand up, trying to walk, avoid slipping off, and just getting through its obstacle-course like nature. No need to worry about looking a bit silly or foolish with the kids, they’ll surely enjoy taking on a new activity with their parents and it will be something to remember years from now. (And yes, there are lifeguards on duty.)
Recreation activities
When getting wet is out of the option, Solea Hotels & Resorts, Mactan also offers the Happy Pebbles Club which kids can play in from 8 AM to 9 PM. It has a ball pit, slides, arcade and board games and for adults and young adults, this is where you’ll find the resort’s karaoke machine.
If non-stop play is your theme for the trip, or maybe for a trip with the cousins or your barkada’s family, book one of its special suites. It includes a play place inside the room. It’s every kid’s dream come true! Don’t worry, we’re sure with all the fun activities and all the energy spent just by enjoying the resort, your kids will still be able to go to sleep even if there is a slide right next to him.
Where the adults can have fun too
We’ve gone on and on about how kids can have fun at Solea Hotels & Resorts, Mactan but they’re not the only ones. And that’s what truly makes it a family resort. Sandy Point Beach Bar is located near the inflatable waterpark and Nina Pool which means at some point of all the fun your kids are having, you can relax and enjoy some grilled meat and a cocktail or two.
Of course, there’s also Nouveau Spa where you can book an oil or dry massage, facial body scrub, or body wrap to really get yourself pampered. If you’re on vacation with just your spouse, take turns watching over them in the pool so both of you can enjoy the spa.
Catch the sunset at the Salt & Sky Rooftop Lounge with the family for your last dinner at the resort. Don’t forget to take family photos here!
Family review of Solea Hotels & Resorts, Mactan
We recommend Solea Hotels & Resorts, Mactan for a memorable family vacation and even as a dream getaway with your favorite family barkada. It could also be a trip with your relatives so your kids and their cousins can bond, while the parents and grandparents can catch up and relax together because there’s definitely something for everyone. We imagine kids could easily plan how to spend their days together at the resort—of course making sure it’s okay with mom and dad—maybe hopping around from one activity to the next and taking a break to eat with the parents and the whole group.
It could also be your own family’s treat for the summer, where you don’t have to think about what to do next or where to go, because right below your room is a treasure trove of experiences that awaits. If you want to put a bit of an educational trip into it, book a historical tour or see a bit of Cebu’s culture on one day from your itinerary.
One thing is for sure: a stay at Solea Hotels & Resorts, Mactan will be one your whole family will remember and keep looking back on through the years.
Visit Solea Hotels and Resorts, Mactan’s website to know more about the resort.
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