It is that time of the year when friends get together and spend time relaxing with families. This year, my family and our friends had the opportunity for an overnight stay at Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu. It was Independence Day when we checked in. Before this day, my husband and I were thinking that we would not be joining the group since it is expensive. It was out of our budget, but we are grateful for generous friends who made our stay possible.
We convoyed on our way to the resort. Five vehicles are on the way to a great day of relaxation. When we reached the place, we waited a bit to be assigned to our rooms. While waiting, we roamed around the resort, and the children were very excited to swim in the swimming pool. They had a huge pool, and so inviting! 😍
We were then led to our rooms to unload our stuff and change into swimming outfits. Our room was on the fourth floor. Some of our friends were on the third and fifth. It was full of fun when we sent each family to their rooms. It was like a whole "barangay" in the hallway. 😆
Then the swimming began. Swimming is always a joy for the children. I did not swim on the first day yet. I was just on the sidelines watching our children together with my husband and friends in the pool. They played games! Good thing the pool is not deep. Just right for our youngest daughter to enjoy. While relaxing on the benches, I watched the sun set on the island of Cebu across where I sat. There was also Zumba led by the hotel's crew. I joined for a bit, just at a distance.
Their swimming lasted until 6 PM. Dinner was at 7 PM, so we went back to our rooms to change and prepare.
Dinner in one of the restaurants in the resort. A long table was set for all of us. The food was pricey. 😀
The best part of this dinner was the time we spent together. Talking about anything under the sun. Catching up and just chilling. This was our third year doing this. Relaxing with the whole gang in a beautiful resort. Last year was in Kaway Resort in Tabuelan.
After dinner, we all went back to our rooms to rest for the night. To regain our strength for tomorrow is another day.
The next day, we went early to the beach. We wanted to take a dip in the seawater. The beach was not open for swimming yet when we arrived. So waited until garbage (a lot of plastic, water bottles, etc.) arrived on the shores too. 😀There were men (hotel staff) who did some cleaning, but for some reason, they were ineffective. 😀 I wonder why they have not thought of creating a system of cleaning up that trash effectively.
The beach looked so nice in the photos, but not until trash came. I was not able to take pictures of that, though.
Our waiting was in vain. We decided to head back to the pool.
I joined swimming with the children and the rest of our companions. Hotel check out was at 11 AM, so we still had time to enjoy the pool.
When it was time to go, we did photo ops at the hotel lobby. Capture memories. We did group Tiktok too! 😆
We concluded this family and friends outing with lunch at Labuyo Native Restaurant. Located just somewhere in Mactan. We ate there 2 years ago. The same group. Their food was delicious, so we went back. This was kind of a Father's Day treat for our husbands since it was Father's Day the following Sunday.
We went home tummy filled and hearts full of gratitude for the privilege to gather together. We are grateful for generous friends who shared their blessings and let us enjoy and relax.
Thank you for reaching this far.
Until next time!
xoxo,
Met