With an infusion of heartfelt artistry and architectural precision, Patrick Manthe takes the lead as General Manager at Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan 

Amid the lush tropical gardens of Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan, Patrick Manthe moves with the eye of someone who sees potential in every space. It's a perspective shaped not by traditional hospitality training, but by seven years as an architect in Switzerland—a background that has fundamentally transformed his approach to creating guest experiences.

“When you're an architect, you have to work very meticulously,” Manthe reflects during our conversation in the resort's serene setting. “You can't just do things that are not there. Otherwise, the house is going to be leaning to one side.” This attention to detail, this understanding that every element must work in harmony, has become the foundation of his hospitality philosophy at Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan, where he's taken on the role of General Manager. As he opens this new chapter for the resort, he remains committed to crafting experiences that feel both intentional and surprisingly personal.

From Blueprint to Experience

Manthe's journey to Philippine hospitality began with a restless spirit and a desire to see beyond the beautiful borders of Switzerland. “At that time, before the internet, people had a certain mindset that was difficult to change.” A chance visit to a hotel school with his best friend became the catalyst for a career transformation that would take him across continents—from the Hilton in Zurich Airport to Germany, Australia, the Maldives, Vietnam, Thailand, and finally to the Philippines.

His architectural background sets him apart in an industry often focused on operational efficiency over creative vision. “Being detail-oriented has always helped me,” he notes. “When you're an architect, you have a certain vision of what's supposed to come alive. And again, that's kind of similar to hospitality. We're creating experiences, services, and of course, hardware.”

Taking the helm at Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan represents both continuity and evolution for Manthe. “What attracted me most to Crimson Mactan was the unique blend of familiarity and new challenges,” he shares. “Having led Crimson Boracay for four years, I've come to know and love the Crimson brand and the warmth of our teams. Transitioning to Mactan feels like a natural next step—it's familiar in spirit, yet presents an exciting new scale and complexity.”

The Architecture of Intimate Luxury

Unlike the towering high-rises that dominate much of Mactan Island, Crimson spreads across its 290 rooms in low-rise buildings that seem to disappear into the tropical landscape. “Here, sometimes people come in and say, ‘What, you have 290 rooms? Where are they?’” Manthe laughs. "Because you don't see it; you can walk through the pathways and never lose that feeling of tranquility.”

This design philosophy reflects Manthe's deeper understanding of space as experience. The resort's tropical garden setting—what he describes as the only one of its kind on Mactan Island—creates what he calls an “empty canvas” approach to hospitality. Each venue, from the intimate secret garden at Azure Beach Club to the new Japanese restaurant Aka, serves as a backdrop for guests to paint their memories.

Culinary & Artistic Innovation

Central to Manthe's vision for Crimson Mactan is what he describes as “culinary excellence becoming a rising priority in luxury hospitality.” The resort's four specialty restaurants represent more than dining options. “We're ushering in a new era with exciting dining concepts introducing new and inspired concepts that celebrate both local heritage and global influences," Manthe explains, his passion for the culinary program evident.

This approach aligns with broader industry trends he observes: “Guests are seeking out resorts with destination dining experiences, which is why we've placed strong focus on our new dining direction.”

The resort's commitment to local sourcing extends beyond mere ingredients to encompass entire cultural narratives. Through programs like Live Local, which emerged during the pandemic, Crimson features local artisans' work in resort gift shops while supporting the broader creative community that Manthe has grown to appreciate in Cebu. One such artist is Raul Agas, who is known for creating Impressionist paintings using cut ATM cards. His paintings depict peaceful scenes of Filipino life, from fishing by the river to walking through a market. 

The Art of ‘Unreasonable Hospitality’

Perhaps most intriguingly, Manthe brings an artist's sensibility to his leadership. In his free time, he creates large-scale acrylic portraits that explore ambiguous expressions and emotional complexity. “I've always been fascinated by size,” he explains of his artwork. “I never know the subjects of my paintings and I don’t impose a clear expression on them, either. I want to give the audience the chance to decide what the painting means to them personally.”

This artistic approach infuses his professional philosophy, particularly his embrace of what he calls ‘unreasonable hospitality,’ a concept inspired by Will Guidara's book of the same name. For Manthe, it means “going beyond what's expected to create moments that are truly personal, memorable, and meaningful,” he shares. “It's about seeing every interaction as a chance to make a difference in someone's stay, no matter how big or small.” For Manthe, this means transforming every piece of guest information into potential for meaningful connection. 

Leadership Through Collaboration

Manthe's leadership style reflects his architectural training and artistic sensibility. “I would describe my leadership style as collaborative and empowering,” he explains. “I believe in setting a clear vision, but also in listening, mentoring, and enabling people to perform at their best. At Crimson Mactan, where heartfelt service and Filipino hospitality are core to the brand, this approach allows me to align closely with our values.”

This collaborative approach extends to his appreciation for Filipino hospitality culture. “Filipino hospitality is outmatched for me,” he observes with genuine admiration. "I've worked in so many countries and people are so genuine here; you can feel that. You can't fake that."

His first-year priorities reflect this holistic approach: “elevate our dining direction, strengthen our service culture, and deepen our sustainability efforts.” Each element interconnects with the others, creating what he envisions as a seamless guest experience that extends from arrival through departure and beyond.

Sustainability as Storytelling

Under Manthe's leadership, sustainability at Crimson Mactan transcends environmental compliance to become part of the guest’s experience. "Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do here, with initiatives extending to staff development, community partnerships, and eco-conscious experiences for guests, such as our extensive coral restoration efforts.”

This commitment reflects broader industry evolution that Manthe observes: “Sustainability is no longer a niche, it's a necessity. Travelers are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint, and resorts need to integrate responsible practices across operations, from eco-friendly design to locally sourced ingredients and community engagement.” 

The Mactan Advantage

Living and working in Mactan has deepened Manthe's appreciation for the unique balance the destination offers. "One of the things I enjoy most about being based in Mactan is the balance it offers between professional energy and a relaxed island lifestyle," he reflects. "The access to nature, good food, and warm people makes it a great place to live and work."

This balance extends to his personal life—the move to Cebu allows him to be closer to his 14-year-old son, who now attends school locally. “I have a more balanced lifestyle,” he enthuses. “It's a move that aligns both professionally and personally.”

The resort's day pass program capitalizes on this unique positioning, allowing Cebu's business community to experience Crimson's amenities without staying overnight. 

Vision for the Future

As Crimson Mactan embarks on comprehensive renovations and expands its offerings, Manthe's vision extends beyond traditional hospitality metrics. “We're proud of where we are and even more excited about where we're headed,” he shares with enthusiasm. His long-term vision encompasses a holistic approach to wellness, where spa treatments connect to restaurant offerings and guests “continue in their journey of wellness into the restaurant, eating healthy food that helps them achieve full balance in their lives.”

As evening approaches and the sounds of celebration begin to drift through the tropical air, it becomes clear that Patrick Manthe has found his perfect canvas at Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan. Here, in this intimate corner of Mactan Island, his architectural precision, artistic sensibility, and innovative approach to hospitality converge to create something truly unforgettable.