Planning to Retire in the Philippines?
While you’re getting your bearings, checking out different possibilities, or making useful contacts, live in prestige and comfort. Plantation Bay is the ONLY resort in the country that understands where you came from, and appreciates where you’re going to — a true bridge between Europe or the US, and your new home in the Philippines. Long-term rates available.
Cebu is a top choice for retirees. Our international airport links you to the prime cities in the country and in Asia, with direct flights (that don’t pass through Manila’s horrendous airport) to Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, and Doha. Hospitals here are as good as Manila’s, pharmaceuticals cost a lot less than in the US, and the doctors speak good English; you won’t get your kidney removed by mistake.
Cebu is a very international city with expatriates from all over the world. The malls are as good as any in the US, better than most malls anywhere else. The range of cuisines available in restaurants is astonishing; unless you’re relocating from New York City, there are more choices here than where you came from. Netflix, Amazon delivery from the US, Reese’s Buttercups, Lay’s Potato Chips, Corona Beer, TikTok — all available.
Let’s be honest. Plantation Bay is a 5-star hotel, and staying here will be considerably more expensive than a boardinghouse or weekly dormitory room rental. A month at Plantation Bay will set you back approximately US$ 8000 to 10,000, depending on how many meals you eat in the hotel (about US$ 20-25 for a reasonable dinner for one, drink included, while an American breakfast is less than US$ 10 — and no further taxes or tipping) , vs. outside (as little as US$ 5 for inexpensive restaurants or groceries).
But here’s what you’ll get in return:
- A prestigious address to impress brokers, bankers, and dates.
- Reward for a lifetime of work with a holiday experience in a luxurious resort, that would cost you US$ 20,000 or more in the States or even the safer parts of Mexico, or US$ 30,000 in Europe. Of course, you don’t have to stay a whole month. Even just for a few days, it will be a real comfort to begin your Philippine life in a great hotel.
- Good-quality American style food while you get accustomed to native cooking (which is really easy to get to like). Burgers, club sandwiches, eggs Benedict, chile con carne, spaghetti, fish and chips, fried chicken, steaks , barbecue, and much more — all similar to but probably better than what you’ll easily find back home (though our portions are smaller than Cheesecake Factory).
- Good English, far better than in any other hotel in the country, so that you don’t immediately face culture shock.
- Comfortable 5-star rooms with strong internet (for average use, not streaming), relaxing large balconies, great facilities, marine sports and island picnics.
- Access to free impartial advice from some of our officers on dealing with Filipinos, local officials, neighborhoods, buying a car, online payments, etc.
- Introduction to other expats in town, restaurants frequented by foreigners, and the like.
We’re not the cheapest. But we’re the best way to introduce yourself to your new life in the Philippines.