NUSTAR Resort, the 5-star integrated resort in Cebu and the first integrated resort in the Visayas and Mindanao, continues to attract visitors with world-class gaming, entertainment, leisure, dining, and retail offerings since it opened in 2022.
“Our vision for NUSTAR Resort is to create a destination that not only offers relaxation and luxury but also an immersive experience into the richness of Cebuano culture. From our hotels, restaurants, and malls to our entertainment and leisure activities, every touchpoint is curated to deliver an exceptional experience that is both authentic to Cebu and reflective of the highest standard of luxury,” Alan Teo, chief operating officer of NUSTAR Resort, said in a press statement.
Just a 30-minute ride from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport via the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), NUSTAR aims “to provide a unique experience where guests can indulge in the natural beauty and festive spirit of Cebu while enjoying the comfort and warmth of a premier resort.”
Recently, ANCX together with other members of media and vloggers, experienced NUSTAR's offerings including their newly launched convention center, restaurants, mall and Crucero.
Casino and Fili Hotel
NUSTAR boasts a two-level casino, which remains the resort’s crown jewel. NUSTAR’s casino floor, the largest in the region, features a wide variety of games, from popular table games like baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and poker, to an impressive array of slot machines and electronic table games. NUSTAR Resort welcomes all kinds of gamers and has something to offer everyone, whether they’re casual visitors and tourists, seasoned players, or VIPs.
“In addition to our physical offerings, we have also recently launched NUSTAR Max. This is a premier online gaming platform available online and onsite. In the pipeline is NUSTAR Casino Max, which will expand our online gaming offerings with live casino table games, slots, and e-Games. This hybrid model of in-person and online gaming ensures that the excitement of NUSTAR Resort’s casino is just a click away, anytime, anywhere,” Teo said.
Fili Hotel, meanwhile, is NUSTAR Resort’s first hotel. It will be joined by the soon-to-open NUSTAR Hotel, touted as region’s first ultra-luxury hotel.
The NUSTAR Resort also offers guests an ultimate luxury experience with their Executive Club and the Villas.
Various dining establishments
NUSTAR Resort also house diverse restaurants like the world-renowned Chinse restaurant Mott 32.
Mott 32, the Hong Kong import, is a destination in itself as people travel from all over the Philippines and even from neighboring Asian countries to have a taste of the famous Apple Wood Roasted 42 Days Peking Duck and its other Cantonese signature dishes and cocktails.
“The introduction of the first Mott 32 in the Philippines within our complex adds a layer of gastronomic prestige, bringing a world-renowned dining experience to guests who seek culinary excellence. This modern Chinese restaurant is known for its innovative dishes and adds to the exclusive ambiance of the resort,” Teo said.
“You can indulge in a variety of dining experiences, each with its own unique ambiance. There’s Il Primo, our Italian steakhouse. Think of it as a little slice of Italy right here in Cebu, with steaks that will have you coming back for more.
"For a taste of home with a flair, Fina is your go-to for Filipino favorites served with a side of sophistication. For those who desire the vibrant tastes of southeast Asia, Xin Tian Di is our 24/7 destination, providing an array of dishes that cater to any palate, any time of the day,” Teo added.
There is also Axis Entertainment and Sports Bar at the casino gaming floor which offers live entertainment and great drinks.
New additions to NUSTAR’s sumptuous lineup include: Good Luck Hot Pot, the country’s largest Chinese-style hot pot banquet, which is located at The Strip; Barcino, which is also at The Strip and offers Spanish fare and wine; Huangdi, which serves Szechuan and Northern Chinese cuisine along with Korean specialties on the second level; and Kazuwa Prime, the new Japanese restaurant at The Strip.
There are also dining options at The Mall, including Abaca Baking Co., Café Laguna, Koshima by Nonki, and Taiwan Sha-bu Sha-bu.
“The excitement does not end here. We are eagerly preparing to unveil even more dining destinations to delight our guests,” Teo teased.
At Fili Hotel, there’s Fili Lobby Lounge, which serves sandwiches, pastries, and desserts along with coffee, cocktails, and other drinks. There’s also Fili Café, which offers a bountiful selection of local and international fare, buffet-style. The highlight is the country’s first live lechon roasting station — a truly Filipino experience.
Luxury brands at The Mall
Luxury brands have amade The Mall at NUSTAR Resort and Casino their new home.
Among the top global luxury fashion and retails brands you’ll find here are Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Ferragamo, Boss, and Kenzo. There are also Tory Burch, Universe, Boss, Off-White, Diagold and Chow Tai Fook Jewellery.
Upcoming brands opening this year are Gucci, Givenchy, Bulagari, Tiffany, and Saint Laurent.
The excitement does not end there. “We will be unveiling a host of new attractions that promise to redefine luxury entertainment and leisure,” Teo said.
The first is The Stage, the 1,300-seat world-class theater that will be ready for big productions, musicals, concerts, and more.
“Looking ahead, we are excited about the series of international performances that will drive more overseas visitors. But it is not about global acts, we are also very involved in creating unique events that have local flavors that attract visitors. It is a combination of both international and local charm that we believe will make NUSTAR Resort a magnet for visitors,” Teo said.
There will also be a water park at the podium level of the resort, which will feature infinity pools, wave pools, and a variety of water activities for the whole family.
Teo is also thrilled about The Skydeck. “This 116-meter viewing deck will offer breathtaking 180-degree panoramas of Mactan Island and Cebu City. It will be an iconic landmark and a must-visit for both photo enthusiasts and sightseers,” he said.
The Convention Center
In Cebu, NUSTAR boasts of the biggest convention center, with the Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 2,000 guests.
The convention center is not only for meetings and conferences but also for concerts, luxurious birthday parties or weddings and other events like boxing.
“From the famous Cebu lechon and the very first Mott 32 in Philippines to world-class gaming and entertainment and the largest convention and meeting facilities, NUSTAR Resort Cebu stands out not just as another luxurious integrated resort, but as one with a soul, a slice of paradise with a Cebuano heartbeat,” Teo said.