CEBU, PHILIPPINES — Known for its turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and seamless blend of island calm and cosmopolitan energy, Mactan Island has long drawn visitors from around the world. This year, as the Michelin Guide officially debuts in the Philippines, the island celebrates a remarkable milestone — Sheraton Cebu Mactan, owned and developed by AppleOne Group, earns dual recognition from the prestigious guide, further cementing its place on the global hospitality map.
Leading the honors is DIP Nikkei, a Michelin Selected restaurant renowned for its refined modern Nikkei cuisine. It masterfully blends Japanese precision with Latin American flair, showcased through captivating ocean views and designer interiors—herringbone parquet floors, mosaic walls, and rattan chairs—that craft a refined yet unpretentious vibe.
This elegance extends to an expertly curated menu starring ceviche hiramasa & hotate tiradito and 16-hour cochinillo lechal confit, all elevated by charming professional service, inventive cocktails, and a modest wine list. DIP Nikkei embodies Mactan’s irresistible seaside soul, inviting diners to savor this harmonious culinary fusion.
The resort itself also received Michelin Selected distinction, recognized for offering an exceptional hospitality experience that blends thoughtful design, elevated service, and an authentic sense of place, bringing to life a contemporary vision of coastal luxury that’s relaxed, connected, and distinctly Filipino.
Redefining coastal luxury
While Mactan has long served as Cebu’s gateway for tourism, the Michelin recognition marks a new chapter in its evolution, from a stopover to a true destination. Set along a white-sand stretch of coastline just 30 minutes from the airport, Sheraton Cebu Mactan invites travelers to step directly into resort living that is both elevated and easy, proving that luxury can feel both world-class and welcoming.
According to the Michelin Guide, “Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort is the perfect base for exploring Cebu’s beaches and cultural sites,” with its island-largest rooms and suites featuring balconies, soaking tubs, and garden or sea views—plus a six-room spa, kids’ club, watersports, and expansive pool for seamless relaxation and adventure. This coastal haven transforms every stay into an unforgettable blend of Filipino warmth and global sophistication.
The recognition also reflects AppleOne Group’s broader vision to uplift hospitality across the Visayas and Mindanao through global partnerships, region-first developments, and investment in local culinary innovation.
Within the resort, that vision comes to life through diverse dining experiences from Nikkei creations at DIP, to Mediterranean flavors at Buhi Bar, to modern Filipino favorites at 5 Cien, and an artisanal bakery-café at the lobby. Together, these outlets showcase the depth and consistency that helped Sheraton Cebu Mactan earn its Michelin nod.
Celebration of place and people
“This milestone is a testament to Mactan’s potential: to move beyond being just a gateway and stand confidently as a destination in its own right,” shares Dottie Würgler-Cronin, General Manager of Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort. “Excellence should not be concentrated in just one city. Mactan has its own contemporary, coastal identity that’s deeply Filipino yet globally resonant. This recognition affirms that.”
“This recognition reinforces what we’ve always believed, that Cebu has the talent, heart, and world-class potential to stand proudly on the global stage,” adds Samantha Manigsaca, VP for Hospitality at AppleOne Group. “Sheraton Cebu Mactan reflects how the island continues to grow. One that’s rooted in its culture, elevated by its people, and open to the world.”
As the holiday season welcomes travelers to the island, Sheraton Cebu Mactan’s dual Michelin recognition stands as both a celebration of Filipino excellence and an invitation to experience the Philippines anew through genuine warmth, modern craftsmanship, and the quiet confidence of Cebu’s hospitality.
