Remarkable lifestyle experiences await at most luxurious integrated resort in Visayas and Mindanao
I recently received an exciting invitation to experience the vibrant festivities in Cebu City alongside fellow travel writers and content creators from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Although I had previously explored the area, this was my first opportunity to stay at the hotel, and not just for a single night but for an immersive three-night experience.
NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu City
During our stay, we were treated to a delightful array of events that showcased the hotel’s charm and the rich culture of Cebu. We kicked off our adventure with a mesmerizing tree-lighting ceremony that filled the air with holiday cheer and illuminated the surroundings with a magical glow. This was followed by the launch of NuSTAR Rewards, an exciting program that promises exclusive benefits to guests and visitors.
The highlight of our trip was a culinary exploration through a food crawl, where we had the chance to savor exquisite dishes from some of the resort’s top restaurants. Each meal was a celebration of local flavors, expertly crafted by talented chefs, making each bite a memorable experience. The combination of these events made for an unforgettable stay at the integrated resort, creating new connections and cherished memories.
NUSTAR Resort and Casino stands as the premier integrated resort in the Visayas and Mindanao, representing the largest luxury lifestyle destination beyond Metro Manila. This magnificent establishment redefines the concept of luxury, melding gaming, entertainment, leisure, dining, and retail into an extraordinary experience. As the ultimate hub for lifestyle and entertainment in the region, NUSTAR boasts an extensive array of world-class amenities designed to cater to every desire. Visitors to NUSTAR are welcomed into a lavish environment that showcases the beauty and vibrant culture of Cebu and southern Philippines, making it a standout destination for those seeking unforgettable experiences and unparalleled indulgence.
Since its grand opening in May 2022, NUSTAR has quickly distinguished itself as a premier venue for an array of remarkable events. It has hosted high-profile gatherings such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council III meeting, where influential leaders from the region convene to discuss economic cooperation. Additionally, NUSTAR has been the backdrop for thrilling international boxing matches that captivate sports enthusiasts, and box-office concerts featuring renowned artists that draw crowds from near and far. The venue also serves as a vibrant hub for festive celebrations, including electrifying New Year’s Eve countdown parties, and it plays a key role in the Sinulog Festival, one of the most extravagant and culturally rich festivals in the Philippines, known for its colorful street dancing and lively parades.
Prime Location
NUSTAR is ideally located on the picturesque Kawit Island, perched off the breathtaking coastline of Cebu’s southern district. This prime destination lies at the heart of the city’s vibrant and evolving business and lifestyle hub, known as South Road Properties. Surrounded by mesmerizing sea vistas, verdant tropical landscapes, and a dynamic city skyline that continually transforms, NUSTAR promises each guest an extraordinary experience from the instant they step through its doors, enveloped by the beauty and energy of its stunning environment.
The expansive resort complex encompasses an impressive gross floor area of 300,000 square meters, offering a wealth of amenities and recreational opportunities for its guests. Conveniently situated approximately 30 minutes away from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the resort can be easily reached via the picturesque Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), providing visitors with a pleasant and scenic journey. For those seeking a more unique travel experience, the resort features an integrated 35-meter-long private dock, allowing for seamless water transfers directly to the property. This dual accessibility ensures that guests can choose between a comfortable drive or a tranquil boat ride as they embark on their getaway.
Luxe Accommodations
NUSTAR offers a genuinely lavish experience, showcasing a range of exceptional accommodation options. Guests can choose from the elegant suites and exclusive villas at Fili Hotel, or anticipate the grandeur of the forthcoming NUSTAR Hotel, the first ultra-luxury hotel to grace locations beyond Metro Manila. Fili Hotel NUSTAR Cebu stands out as the country’s inaugural authentic Filipino 5-star hotel, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the unique allure of Filipino hospitality, renowned for its warmth and charm.
At this exquisite destination, visitors can indulge in a variety of therapeutic spa treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. Fitness enthusiasts can invigorate their spirits with invigorating workout sessions, while those seeking relaxation can simply unwind by the pristine poolside. The resort’s idyllic surroundings create a serene atmosphere, ensuring that every moment spent here is a harmonious blend of luxury and tranquility.
The hotel features an array of spaces that encompass 379 elegantly appointed rooms, each designed to highlight the skillful artistry of local craftsmen and to pay homage to the vibrant artistic culture of the Philippines. Throughout the premises, striking sculptures by Jef Albea can be admired alongside captivating paintings by renowned artists such as Lao Lianben, Edward Arce, Katrina Cuenca, Arnold Lalongisip, Hershey Casero, Erick Villarruz, and Fidel Sarmiento. Adding to the aesthetic richness, furniture pieces crafted by Vito Selma enhance the contemporary decor, creating a harmonious blend of modern elegance and Filipino heritage that invites guests to embrace the local artful pursuits.
Decadent Dining
At NUSTAR, guests are invited to embark on a culinary journey, indulging in a diverse array of exquisite flavors hailing from every corner of the globe within its specialty restaurants. Among these is Il Primo, an Italian steakhouse that promises an authentic dining experience with its expertly crafted dishes and a cozy yet elegant atmosphere. For those seeking a taste of home, Fina offers a delightful take on Filipino casual dining, showcasing the rich and vibrant flavors of the Philippines in a warm and inviting setting.
Open around the clock, Xin Tian Di serves up an enticing selection of Southeast Asian cuisine right on the casino floor, making it a perfect spot for late-night cravings. Sports enthusiasts will find their haven at Axis Entertainment and Sports Bar, where they can enjoy nightly live entertainment alongside a lively menu of drinks and bites. Adding to the culinary landscape is Mott 32, the first and only location in the Philippines. Renowned for its innovative culinary offerings and imaginative cocktails, this restaurant dazzles visitors with its stunning interiors designed by the talented Joyce Wang, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience.
At the Fili Lobby Lounge, guests can indulge in a delightful array of coffee, handcrafted cocktails, and a selection of light bites, creating a perfect spot for relaxation and socializing. Meanwhile, the Fili Café features an extensive and mouthwatering variety of both local and international cuisines, with several action stations that bring the culinary experience to life. Notably, it boasts the country’s first and only live lechon roasting station, allowing diners to savor the aroma and flavor of this traditional dish being prepared right before their eyes.
In addition to these exceptional dining options, guests can explore Kazuwa Japanese Restaurant for authentic Japanese flavors, Barcino for a taste of Spain, and Good Luck Hot Pot for a communal dining experience. Other tempting choices include Abaca Baking Co. for freshly baked goods, Café Laguna for classic Filipino dishes, Koshima by Nonki for exquisite sushi, and Tom N Tom’s Coffee for quality brews. Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken and Sauce Bar tantalizes with its spicy offerings, while Starbucks provides familiar comforts. For those seeking a unique fondue experience, Taiwan Sha-bu Sha-bu is an exciting option, and Yeonwha by Kaya brings the essence of Korean cooking to the table. Stay tuned as even more dining options set to tantalize your taste buds will be unveiled soon!
Luxury Retail
As the latest jewel in the crown of luxury shopping destinations within the country, The Mall | NUSTAR Cebu stands out as the premier venue, uniquely positioned as the first and only of its kind in the expansive Visayas and Mindanao regions. This exquisite shopping paradise promises an unparalleled retail experience, meticulously crafted for the refined tastes of its distinguished clientele.
Visitors to The Mall will find themselves immersed in a thoughtfully curated array of high-end global luxury fashion and retail brands. The mall features iconic fashion houses that have recently opened their doors, including Bvlgari, CELINE, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Tiffany & Co. In addition, a selection of renowned brands such as BOSS, Burberry, Ferragamo, Givenchy, KENZO, Loewe, Montblanc, Off-White, Porsche Design, RIMOWA, Tory Burch, multi-brand store UNIVERS, and Versace further enriches the shopping landscape, showcasing a plethora of upscale boutiques and specialty stores, all conveniently located under one elegant roof.
Here, guests can indulge in exclusive designer handbags, eye-catching apparel, and an array of luxurious accessories. Each brand within The Mall is dedicated to offering personalized service and exceptional quality, ensuring that every interaction not only meets but exceeds expectations, and that every product reflects the highest standards of craftsmanship and style.
Visitors to NUSTAR are in for a delightful shopping experience, with an exquisite array of high-end brands at their fingertips. Discover the latest collections from iconic names such as Chow Tai Fook Jewellery, renowned for its intricate designs; DiaGold, celebrated for its distinctive gold pieces; and Estee Lauder, offering luxurious beauty products. Don’t miss the stunning jewelry from Eye Society, Luk Fook Jewellery, Jewelmer, and Jo Malone’s fragrant delights. For tech enthusiasts, Open Source by Beyond the Box provides the latest gadgets, while R.O.X. Plygrnd caters to adventure seekers with premium outdoor gear. Seiko charms watch aficionados with its craftsmanship, and Sole Republiq showcases stylish footwear. Knowledgeable staff members are readily available to provide personalized service, ensuring that each customer leaves with exactly what they desire.
For those seeking the perfect outfit for a special event or indulging in a well-deserved retail therapy session, The Mall at NUSTAR presents an unparalleled selection of luxury goods, catering to every taste and occasion.
Adding to the allure, the NUSTAR Premier Cinemas on the second floor have opened their doors to movie enthusiasts. With ultra-comfortable leather recliner seats, attending a film here feels like a true escape. The state-of-the-art audio and video technology enhances the cinematic experience, featuring a cutting-edge Christie laser projection system complemented by Dolby Digital cinema surround amplifiers and speakers. Every aspect of the cinema has been meticulously designed to create an impressive and immersive viewing environment that is sure to enchant moviegoers.
Leveled-up Gaming
NUSTAR boasts an impressive two-level casino that spans a vast 21,000 square meters, making it the largest and most diverse gaming floor in the region. Upon entering, guests are greeted by an exciting atmosphere filled with the sounds of spinning wheels and clinking chips. The casino features an extensive variety of gaming tables and slot machines, thoughtfully arranged to enhance the overall experience.
Visitors can choose from an extensive selection of traditional table games like blackjack and baccarat, or try their luck at a multitude of modern slot machines that cater to all preferences. For those seeking a heightened level of elegance, there are exclusive VIP rooms that provide a luxurious gaming environment away from the hustle and bustle. In addition to these offerings, the venue includes a state-of-the-art gaming stadium where players can immerse themselves in competitive gaming. NUSTAR promises an exhilarating experience for both seasoned gamblers and newcomers alike, inviting them to revel in the thrill of winning.
Exceptional Event Spaces
Spanning an impressive aggregate gross floor area of over 4,000 square meters, the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) space at NUSTAR stands as the largest facility of its kind outside Metro Manila. Its centerpiece, the NUSTAR Convention Center, is designed to accommodate up to 2,000 guests, making it an ideal location for a wide array of private, corporate, and entertainment events.
The venue features an elegant composition of three lavish banquet halls, complemented by a grand lobby and a pre-function foyer that seamlessly blends into a spacious hallway. Attendees can also enjoy an inviting open area lounge, perfect for casual gatherings and networking sessions, as well as a dedicated bridal lounge to cater to wedding events.
One of the highlights of the NUSTAR Convention Center is the expansive lobby, measuring an impressive 179 square meters. This stunning entrance sets the tone for visitors, providing a breathtaking perspective of Cebu’s crystal-clear blue waters, which enhances the overall experience as guests arrive. The variety of dedicated spaces ensures that every event can be tailored to meet specific needs, making NUSTAR not just a venue, but a versatile destination for memorable occasions.
Topnotch Entertainment
Living up to its commitment to deliver exceptional entertainment experiences, NUSTAR is set to unveil The Stage, an impressive ultramodern theater with a seating capacity of 1,300. This state-of-the-art venue will host an array of exclusive productions, captivating musicals, and thrilling concerts, making it a cultural cornerstone in the region. Additionally, a vibrant leisure and water park will occupy the podium level of the property, featuring three distinct pools and a variety of immersive water attractions, providing fun and relaxation for visitors of all ages. To top it off, The Skydeck will offer guests breathtaking 180-degree panoramas of Mactan Island and the bustling Cebu City, solidifying NUSTAR’s status as a true urban landmark.
A More Rewarding Experience
In addition to elevating the gaming experience at the Casino, NUSTAR is dedicated to making every guest’s visit truly rewarding through its exclusive lifestyle rewards program, NUSTAR Rewards. This thoughtfully designed program offers a tiered membership system that provides guests with access to a variety of exclusive perks. These perks include enticing discounts on luxurious accommodations and exquisite dining options, along with priority entry to high-demand events and special offers.
By signing up for NUSTAR Rewards, members can accumulate points through every experience they enjoy at NUSTAR, whether it’s dining at one of the resort’s fine restaurants, trying their luck at the casino, indulging in shopping, or unwinding with a serene stay. The beauty of the program lies in its tiered structure: the higher the membership tier, the more exceptional perks and privileges members can unlock, enhancing their leisure and enjoyment to new heights. Every visit becomes an opportunity to earn and redeem points, ensuring that guests are continually rewarded for their loyalty and patronage.
For more information, visit the resort’s website at www.nustar.ph or email the property at contactus@nustar.com.ph.
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