Spot Stays: You Won't Want to Leave This Luxe Hotel at the Cebu Seaside

Fili at NUSTAR Resort and Casino
NUSTAR Resort and Casino, Kawit Island, South Road Properties, Cebu City
Rates start at P7,600

At a Glance
Room: Spacious and equipped for maximum comfort; splurge on getting the sea views for an even more peaceful vibe
Food and drink: Aplenty thanks to NUSTAR's stellar dining outlets
Staff: Always ready with a warm greeting 
Why you should stay: Want to stay in one place while on vacation? You won't need or want for anything here.

(SPOT.ph) By now you've heard, or even dropped by, Cebu City's buzziest massive recent opening: The NUSTAR Resort and Casino. This world-class integrated resort located right by where the Cebu-Cordova bridge ends on the Cebu mainland side is one heck of a place. On the budding South Road Properties, it houses a casino, soon a mall, and, of course, luxury hotels—not to be missed is Fili.

Fili is a five-star hotel that anchors itself on what else but Filipino hospitality. While the whole of NUSTAR is all about being at par with global standards, this hotel spins that cosmopolitan vibe into something more at home; after all, stellar Filipino hospitality can do more than just light a candle to its counterparts in the global tourism industry. 

Since this hotel is part of a luxury integrated resort, you can expect practically everything you could want to be a walk away. Yes, still within NUSTAR. Think of it as going on a staycation by the Cebu sea. When we got to stay at the hotel, there were still quite a few spaces under construction at the integrated resort; yet even then there was no lack of things to do and sometimes, not do (Read: stare into the sea).

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The five-star hotel has 379 rooms. NUSTAR's location on reclaimed land means that, depending on which room you book, you can get either views of the mountains of Busay, the city itself, or of course, the sea. Don't feel like you're missing out on too much though if you end up not with the sights you wanted—all rooms are equipped with all the same luxe comforts and fittings expected of a stellar hotel. Just be sure to take advantage of your very own bathtub, with the en suite having a window out into the room, and therefore access to the views outside. 

The Deluxe room is a spacious one. The bathroom has space for a tub, a toilet (complete with an automatic bidet), and a rainfall shower. The room itself has plush carpeting and even softer linens. Plus, there's a desk and sitting area so you have all the space you need. Working right by the window afforded us Zen views to help us keep focused and the stress levels low. Then there's also a TV you can cast to so you can keep up to date with your shows, or binge watch a series all over again. A Nespresso machine and the usual teas await your caffeine needs. 

What to Do

Fili itself has its fair share of activities. You can take a dip at the infinity pool on the fourth floor, which is long enough for laps, or simply relax and gaze out into the sea on the other end of the pool. At night, you can also chill here to take in the breeze and a night cap or two. Then you'll be extra motivated to get your exercise in as the gym also faces the open sea, complete with floor to ceiling windows. A spa will also open soon at the hotel.

The casino is a few steps from the Fili Hotel lobby and yup, is open 24/7. Don't worry though as the overall resort remains kid-friendly if you're bringing the family. If the young ones aren't swimming at the pool, you can take them soon to the mall. NUSTAR is setting up to be one heck of an entertainment center, too, with cinemas and a Performing Arts Theater on the slate as well.

Also read: LOOK: Nustar Cebu's Swanky New Dining Spots Deserve the Buzz

Where to Eat

Now food will absolutely not be an issue at NUSTAR. Fili has their own lobby lounge where you can go for a light snack or pre-dinner drinks. Drop by this place for merienda. Once you've worked up an appetite, you can head on over to any of NUSTAR's dining spots across different cuisines.

Hankering for steak? There's Il Primo, which will sate all your carniverous needs with a touch of Italian flair. Want some casual Asian fare? Head into the casino to Xin Tian Di (open 24/7!) for dim sum, laksa, soy chicken, and more. Then there's Fina if you want a taste of Filipino cuisine and Cebuano specialties. Sinag is a recently opened buffet spot right by the Fili pool and trust us when we say they match their impressive range of food with equally impressive quality. 

At the top of our list has to be Mott 32. The former is a globally renowned modern Chinese spot with only six locations in the world, Cebu NUSTAR included. With incredible technique and culinary thought that goes into each dish, there's a reason this Hong Kong original is highly regarded. And while you're already at NUSTAR, there's no reason not to take the chance to have a taste of why. 

Fili is at NUSTAR Resort and Casino, Kawit Island, South Road Properties, Cebu City.
Rates start at P7,600. For more information, visit Fili Hotel's website.