Body: Shell therapy
Take a helicopter to the north of Cebu and alight at one of the island’s most stylish independent resorts, Kandaya. You can island-hop or go diving while staying at this hotel, or, to unwind, lounge by the pool or head to Daya Spa for the resort’s signature cowrie shell treatment. Therapists gently warm these smooth, speckled local shells for a muscle-melting oil massage that loosens deeply held knots, soothing away aches and pains.
Soul: Mountain high
Take in Cebu’s beauty by climbing its dramatically undulating mountains. Mount Osmeña offers the highest and most popular hike, but an alternative is neighbouring Casino Peak. Hire a guide to lead you up to the summit, which involves less than an hour of hiking, followed by a bit of scrambling and an easy rock climb. Go in the morning for cooler temperatures. As the mist dissipates under the sun, the stunning topography of the mountain range is magically revealed.
Cathay Pacific flies to Cebu from Hong Kong 12 times a week
