The Cebu Yacht Club will evolve into a mixed-use development featuring a 150-room hotel, vibrant retail hub, modern workplace environment, and the existing marina.
Unlocking the property’s full potential
The redevelopment seeks to unlock the full potential of the property through modern design, upgraded facilities, and diversified uses that extend beyond marina functions.
The Cebu Yacht Club has long been considered a landmark in Mactan, serving as a traditional marina for yacht and speedboat owners, as well as a social hub.
Over the years, however, parts of the property have been underutilized while the infrastructure has yet to be fully upgraded.
Consortium formed
Three companies later formed a consortium, Cebu Yacht Club Development Corp., to redevelop the property and modernize the landmark to keep up with the times.
The consortium brings together the national-scale development experience of Primeworld Land Holdings Inc., the strong Cebu market presence of Priland Development Corp., and the engineering and project execution expertise of St. Joseph Optimum Ventures Inc.
Last Feb. 24, the consortium signed a hotel management agreement with global hospitality group Accor for the future ibis Styles Cebu Mactan at Cebu Yacht Club.
The agreement, signed at ibis Styles Manila Araneta Center, paves the way for Accor to operate the hotel under the ibis Styles brand as part of the site’s wider redevelopment vision.
Representing the project partners during the ceremony were Kash Salvador for Accor, and for the consortium —Sherwin John Uy for Primeworld Land Holdings Inc., Engr. Joseph Pepito representing St. Joseph Optimum Ventures Inc., and Ramon Carlo Yap for Priland Development Corp.
Partnership signals confidence
Project stakeholders expressed strong optimism about the partnership and its role in reshaping the property into a renewed destination.
In a statement, Salvador said the collaboration signals confidence in the market and in the long-term potential of the location.
“We are pleased to partner with Cebu Yacht Club Development Corporation in bringing ibis Styles to this landmark site. This project aligns with our strategy to expand in dynamic destinations while offering design-forward hospitality experiences that resonate with modern travelers,” he said.
Uy, for his part, said the consortium is committed to create a development that blends local relevance with international standards.
“This hotel is an important first step in unlocking the full potential of the property. Our goal is to reintroduce the Cebu Yacht Club as a vibrant, accessible destination—one that serves both the community and visitors, while honoring its legacy,” he added.
Carlo Yap highlighted the broader economic and urban impact of the initiative.
“We see this as more than a hotel project. It is a catalyst for renewed business activity, new investments, and meaningful placemaking that will contribute to the continued growth of Mactan as a gateway for tourism and commerce,” he said.
Strategic location
Pepito underscored the technical and planning approach behind the redevelopment.
“Through thoughtful design and engineering, we aim to transform the site into a modern, resilient development that supports marina life, hospitality, and commercial uses in a cohesive environment,” Pepito said.
The hotel would be just minutes away from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, as well as key maritime entry points, positioning it as an ideal address for business travelers, yacht owners, and tourists seeking seamless connectivity.
With proximity to major ports, commercial districts, medical institutions, and the island’s established resort corridor, the hotel is expected to serve as a convenient base for both corporate and leisure markets while reinforcing Mactan’s role as a critical link between Cebu’s economic and tourism ecosystems.
Catalyst for growth
The mixed-use development, including the ibis Styles hotel, is being designed by WT Architects.
The firm’s work will shape the site’s architectural character toward a contemporary waterfront expression that complements its marina setting while supporting modern hospitality and commercial functions.
By anchoring the redevelopment with an internationally recognized hotel brand, the project establishes an early catalyst for renewed activity in the area.
The initiative is expected to stimulate investment, generate employment, and elevate the overall visitor experience, contributing to the continued evolution of Mactan as both a business and leisure destination. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
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