A stunning route of greenery greets guests the moment they enter Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu.
From the driveway to the pool garden, spa village and jogging trail, the resort is blessed with a bounty of flowers, trees, orchids and herbs.
Initiated by General Manager René D. Egle, the resort officially launches the Shangri-La Mactan Eco-Trail in June 2019.
Similar to a botanical garden, it features a collection of endemic, medicinal, rare and endangered plants spread across the sprawling 13-hectare land area.
A significant element of this project was to introduce specialised resort rangers, who are experts in the flora and fauna around the resort.
Over 65 plants have been identified and curated for their distinctive properties and remarkable uses – be it for culinary, medicine, cosmetics, perfumes or ornaments.
Some also have noteworthy stories of discovery including that of the Cebu Cinnamon, a rare tree discovered in the 1980s and the Cynometra Cebuensis, a flowering endangered plant recently discovered in Tabunan forest in Cebu.
Both are said to be unique to the island.The resort is notably one of the very few establishments which houses the said plants.
A first of its kind in the Philippines, the Shangri-La Mactan Eco-Trail enables guests to embark on an enriching journey as they learn more about the plants and appreciate its unparalleled beauty.
Each stop provides multilingual overviews of the plant’s scientific name, history, uses and locations where it can be found around the world.
Research was done with the support of Professor Val Salares of the University of San Carlos and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The plants have been nurtured by Nature Works Landscaping Cebu.
With over 65 plants and counting, the Shangri-La Mactan Eco-Trail continues to grow, setting the spotlight on Mother Nature’s loveliest of creations.
As resort colleagues care for the plants through sustainability efforts and information campaigns, it is inevitably more than just an attraction – but a sanctuary.
For enquiries or reservations, get in touch with Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu at (63 32) 231 0288 or send an email to mac@shangri-la.com
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