Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa on Mactan Island calls you to an unforgettable escape, where luxury and nature live harmoniously.
For millennia, the Sea has held sway over sentiments and sensibilities the world over. She (waxing poetic with gender assignation) beckons and beguiles, with the ebb and flow of her tides, calling people to frolic in Her waters and recharge in Her embrace. Rising from the shores of the once-sleepy coastal town of Maribago on Mactan Island, Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa is no stranger to this call. The resort has been magnifying this message, for decades, gathering all to experience the ocean and the many natural wonders of Her environs. It is a happy stroke of kismet, indeed, that the word “tambuli” means “gathering horn,” as well as a call to unity.
Tambuli is a destination where nature and modern luxury meld in a marvelous manner. As one of the island's oldest resorts, originally named Tambuli Beach Club, it has been a beacon of beachfront bliss for over forty years. In 2012, Cebu’s esteemed Tytans Properties and Development, Inc. (TPDI) acquired this iconic property, embarking on an ambitious journey of transformation. By November 2019, the group—with TPDI President and Chairman Gerard Tan at the helm—completed its multibillion-peso expansion and improvement project, resulting in a reimagined resort spread across four hectares, within a sweeping 12-hectare estate. The group’s efforts have paid off, in remarkable ways, with Tambuli entering its new era of sustainable luxury.
Tambuli isn’t only a luxurious beachfront sanctuary, but also a wonder of biophilic design—a philosophy that seamlessly integrates the natural world with the built environment, nurturing a deeper connection to nature. The resort's design celebrates the island’s natural beauty, with luxuriant landscaping and a meticulous preservation of almost 100 old-growth trees, offering guests a true sense of tranquility. Upon arrival, I stand in awe at the mindfulness of the overall aesthetic. At the main building and across the satellite structures, majestic banyan and acacia arbors grow out of skylights and portals in the ceiling. They lean on alcoves and scallops, intentionally built into the resort’s walls to support the trees’ sturdy trunks and graceful branches. The cavernous lobby opens to verdant vistas and the sunny shoreline, all within your line of sight.
“Aside from the sea, Tambuli really drew me in with its natural environment,” chairman Tan shares. “It would have been easier to cut down the trees, as some architects proposed. But sometimes, you have to break the norm and move away from the usual and expected. The trees are our strength; they make the property more special. And you work with your strengths,” he enthuses, over the course of our interview—hear, hear, I say!
Designed by Architect Alex Medalla of ARKinamix Architecture, with wife Arch. Jane and son John, Tambuli seamlessly merges outdoor and indoor spaces, with its airy and expansive aesthetic, natural materials, and panoramic seascapes. “A lot of effort went into what you see here, behind the scenes and below ground—especially to preserve the trees. We worked with their curvature and growth, documenting each one and protecting their roots, in the construction stage,” Medalla points out, as we sip chilled rosé, al fresco; an aperitif before a sumptuous pizza lunch (with Cebu lechon for the carnivores) from the resort’s award-winning Pugon restaurant.
The biophilic design extends throughout the facilities, highlighted by the elegantly curved swimming pools, the exquisite restaurants with their cocoon-like organic structures, and the soon-to-open Tambuli Spa, featuring a striking green roof where herbs and tea leaves flourish.
In all, the energy at Tambuli is intense and nothing short of inspirational, thanks to its visionary design. Pristine pocket patches and secluded serene spaces abound, inviting guests to take a beat and commune with nature. The atrium at the main lobby is certainly among my favorite spots, for its sheer enchantment. Imagine sitting ‘neath the arms of a stately, lantern-bedecked tree, regaled by feathered minstrels flitting about, while enjoying a coffee or an Aperol Spritz? Bliss. Yes, the sound of birds chirping is a constant at Tambuli, as though singing out their “thank yous” for preserving their habitat. From pied trillers and Asian glossy starlings to swiftlets and zebra doves (and many more), they thrive in their decades-old ecosystem. “The Department of Environment and Natural Resources was recently here to observe a bird which is nearly extinct, but sighted at Tambuli,” Estrella “Eya” Shrimski, the resort’s General Manager, notes.
Meanwhile, the 200-meter stretch of beach, with its jewel-toned waters, invites guests into an aquatic paradise where the ordinary gives way to the extraordinary. Activities like snorkeling, kayaking, jet skiing, island hopping, and picnicking on a grilled seafood lunch at a nearby cove await. But if you prefer to while the hours away, soaking in the surf or sunbathing on the shore, with the calming ocean breezes lulling you to sleep, no one will fault you for it at all. “The wide shoreline of all-natural sand continues to emphasize that being natural and authentic is important—no pretense,” GM Shrimski interjects.
Tambuli extends an easygoing yet elevated escape to all its guests, with serviced apartments across six condotel towers named after trees. Each tower comprises a mix of living spaces—from cozy deluxe studios to more spacious one- and two-bedroom premiere suites—ensconced within thriving, tree-dotted gardens, for a luxe yet laidback vibe. Guests and residents alike fully appreciate the balance between contemporary comforts and the lush locale in this modern-tropical oasis.
The guestrooms are straightforward and simply inviting, with local artisanal accents embodying the area’s rich heritage. Whether you’re seeking a snug hideaway or a capacious sanctuary, the rooms offer ample space to unwind and no shortage of island charm. A well-equipped kitchenette and a washing machine add to the overall hominess and convenience. The layout is light and unencumbered, mirroring the relaxed, yet undeniably stylish atmosphere of the resort. There’s no stifling formality here, thanks very much. Of course, all the little luxuries that make for a memorable stay, from full housekeeping service and in-room dining to pampering massages, are available to resort guests. “The resort is sprawling, but everything is near and within reach. All the rooms are provided with the amenities and facilities of a resort. In short, we provide the modern conveniences of home in a luxurious beach setting,” Tess Sembrano-Catipay, Tambuli’s Director of Sales and Marketing, sums it nicely.
Partnering with a renowned international brand, Tambuli will soon have its very own 200-key beachfront hotel—something to look forward to. Meanwhile, the resort continues to raise the bar of engagement and excitement, with its existing facilities, amenities, and many activities.
Now I would be totally remiss not to mention—no, to gush—about the food at Tambuli. Culinary excellence is a cornerstone of the resort, especially given GM Shrimski’s prolific background in the realm of gastronomy (she’s married to talented Australian chef, Steve Shrimski, and has vast experience as a restaurateur). GM Shrimski goes to great lengths to ensure that the treats and tipple at Tambuli are topnotch. “Every dish must deserve its spot on the buffet and on the menus,” she states. And this rings true. I eat with gusto throughout our stay, to the disdain of my waistline but delight of my soul.
At Café Hojas, I relish the thoughtfully curated breakfast (the Spanish-style milkfish and puto maya’t sikwate are must-tries!) and lunch spreads, spanning Asian and international cuisines. Saturday nights are a treat with the barbecue smorgasbord, complete with unlimited wines and beers. As I’ve mentioned, the pizza from Pugon (with generous toppings on a gorgeous crust, fresh from the brick wood-fired oven) has earned awards on the island—and it’s all thanks to Executive Chef Gino Abing.
General Manager Mrs. Eya Shrimski
Then there’s Caverna, a popular dining destination in Mactan right on Tambuli’s beach. Showcasing a mouthwatering Mediterranean menu, it's known for vibrant, fresh flavors that balance healthfulness and indulgence. I can’t get enough of the flavorful fare like Baba Ghanoush with Pita Bread, a beautiful velvety dip of smoky grilled eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil; Glazed Beets Salad, swathed in balsamic vinegar with marinated chickpeas, almond flakes and arugula tossed with citrus dressing. The Pan-Roasted Salmon, served atop potato gnocchi, charred peppers, and fresh tomatoes, is incredibly succulent and savory, with perfectly crisp skin that adds a delightful texture contrast. For meat lovers, the Braised Short Ribs with creamy polenta, fresh mushrooms, gremolata, and red wine au jus is a hearty and tasty choice. Rounding out the epicurean experience, I savor a gratifying helping of Tiramisu and a cup of aromatic Benguet coffee.
Tipsy Dog, above Caverna, is likewise an excellent pick for scrumptious small plates, snacks, sandwiches, and spirits—and salsa dancing on Saturday nights. Must mention: Tambuli boasts Mactan’s longest Happy Hour, stretching 10 hours across its bars and restaurants. Cheers!
Four days at Tambuli and I feel I’ve only scratched the surface. Whether you seek the welcoming whispers of the ocean’s waves; the soothing sounds of birds and breezes, in a lithe ballet on banyan branches; or an enticing escape into the luxurious lap of leisure, Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa is an experience like few others. Heed the call of nature’s gatherings
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