Robinsons Land redefines homegrown luxury with NUSTAR Hotel in Cebu

May 12, 2025
11:17AM PHT

Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC), the real estate development arm of the Gokongwei Group, has set a new benchmark for Filipino luxury hospitality with the grand launch of the NUSTAR Hotel—the Philippines’ first ultra-luxury hotel proudly bearing a homegrown brand.

Nestled within the NUSTAR Integrated Resort in Cebu City, the hotel represents a bold new chapter in Philippine tourism, blending homegrown elegance with world-class standards.

The ceremonial opening on May 8 was attended by high-ranking government officials, diplomats, tourism stakeholders, and industry leaders. It marked RLC’s second major hospitality venture within the integrated resort, following the successful launch of Fili, its flagship Filipino five-star hotel brand, in 2022.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco (center), guest of honor at the formal opening of the 6-star NUSTAR Hotel, is joined by (from left) Roel Constantino, general manager for Hotels, NUSTAR Resort and Casino Cebu; Robinsons Land Corp. president Mybelle V. Aragon-GoBio;  Robinsons Hotels & Resorts senior vice president and BU general manager Barun Jolly, and NUSTAR COO Sean Knights./ Photo from RLC  

RLC president and CEO Mybelle V. Aragon-GoBio heralded the NUSTAR Hotel as a milestone in the company’s hospitality journey. 

“This exceptional property joins the ever-expanding collection of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts,” she said. “It is a shining example of our commitment to quality, elevated guest experiences, and Filipino cultural pride.”

Developed in collaboration with Universal Hotels and Resorts, Inc. (UHRI) and the City of Cebu, the NUSTAR Hotel is envisioned as a benchmark for luxury rooted in Filipino excellence. 

Aragon-GoBio emphasized that the hotel embodies RLC’s broader mission to support the Department of Tourism (DOT) in positioning the Philippines as a top global travel destination.

In her keynote speech, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco described the NUSTAR Hotel as a “tribute to Filipino excellence, Cebuano resilience, and pride of place.” Hailing from Cebu herself, Frasco said the hotel enhances the province’s international appeal, offering visitors a culturally rich experience that reflects both tradition and modernity.

“Cebu is not just about picturesque beaches,” Frasco said. “It is about history, festivals, and communities that invite travelers to pause, reflect, and connect. The NUSTAR Hotel enriches this narrative and positions Cebu as a global hospitality hub.”

NUSTAR Resort and Casino COO Sean Knights echoed these sentiments, calling the hotel’s opening a defining moment for Cebu’s tourism industry. “From the very beginning, our vision has been ambitious—to build more than just a hotel, but a transformative experience of luxury, elegance, and Filipino heart,” he said.

Beyond its grand architecture and premium amenities, what truly sets NUSTAR Hotel apart is its emphasis on the Filipino brand of service. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma

Featured News
Explore the latest news from InsiderPH
Tuesday, 13 May 2025
Insight to the one percent
© 2024 InsiderPH, All Rights Reserved.