Thursday, November 30, 2017

Bakasyunan Resort Tanay Review

We were looking for an easy 1-2 hours get-away near Metro Manila to unwind and catch up with family friends.
As we live in Taytay, our default go to place is the hills of Tanay, Rizal.

Resorts abound in Tanay, so choosing one that fits our requirement was a bit of a challenge.  







We wanted a place with a back to nature ambiance with panoramic view, but with the comfort of a hotel. This led us to "Bakasyunan Resort".





The resort sits on a 15 hectare property with a view of the Sierra Madre mountains and Laguna de Bay.  






We booked 2 Carneros Inn.  The Carneros are private rooms located a few meters away the main pool.  The rooms have 2 Queen sized beds, perfect for a family of four (4).  



I am so sorry, I forgot to take pictures of the room interiors.  I got this picture from Bakasyunan website instead.



Our room is clean, but was in need of upgrading, especially the bathrooms (the hot and cold shower wasn't working and so is the bath tub).  


The air-condition was freezing, which was great since we were there on a humid-hot day.

There is a TV, but channels are limited. 


It is a huge resort with facilities for team building activities. 





There are also plenty of activities for families to enjoy, so you really don't ran of things to do.  My boys enjoyed playing mini-golf.  






FINAL VERDICT:
  • We managed to have fun.  Our boys enjoyed the resort's outdoor activities.   
  • The price is reasonable.  Our package came with Dinner and Breakfast. Food quality is good and servings hefty.   
  • Since the resort is just 1.5 hours away from our place and with light traffic, we got to spend more time relaxing than travelling.
  • Tanay weather gets a bit chilly at night, so expect cold pool waters for night swimmers.  





  • As it is a huge resort with steep terrain, PWD and Seniors might find it difficult to navigate.  If you are travelling with those requiring special assistance remember to mention this during booking/reservations and request for a room closest to the main building.  



For booking inquiries check Bakasyunan Resort Tanay website: www.bakasyunanresorttanay.com or contact them through:
                      
Tel No.: 7064509
Mobile : 09175755116/09989942513/09178303438

Email :bakasyunanmarketing1@gmail.com
































Monday, November 27, 2017

Relaxing Stay at Sol Y Viento Laguna (for my father's birthday)

For my Father's 74th birthday, my sister and I thought he would appreciate the relaxing hot spring of Pansol Laguna. 



Hot springs are a rich source of sulfur, helpful in treating skin irritations and infections such as rashes and eczema. Sulfur-rich hot springs are also thought to help treat dry scalp, arthritic pain and internal problems such as menopausal symptoms and digestive disorders.  

My dad sided with the idea of a weekend birthday is a hot spring resort, right after he heard ~ soothing pain (go figure)...

Our resort of choice is Sol Y Viento Hotels and Resort.

We left Manila at 9am and found ourselves at the resort's doorsteps about 2 1/1 hours later.  We were too worried being stuck in traffic, we arrived way too early for check-in.  



Enjoying the breath taking view of Laguna Bay from the resort...



While waiting for the 2pm check-in time,  we decided to have an early lunch in one of the resort's restaurants.  They actually have a couple of restaurants to choose from.  The restaurants are located in the same building as the reception area.


For lunch we ate at Barrio Fiesta. We ordered a group meal (good for 6, though we were 8... serving was hefty and there were leftovers after we've finished), as it was hard to choose from the menu list (I wanted to order all).


The group meal comes with pitcher of lemonade.

~ buttered chicken

~lumpiang shanghai
~sinigang na tiyan ng bagus (this was my favorite) 



~ crispy pata (sinful right?)

 ~ pancit canton (for long life)

~ and kare-kare (sabaw palang ulam na :P)

Food was mouthwatering as expected. I forgot how much we paid, but I know it is about P2500+

We were still early for check-in, but was allowed to enter one of the three Cabanas we've booked.  

The Cabanas were located farther from the main building and it could be difficult for senior citizens to walk (since some of the steps were steep).  Good thing that the resort has golf carts. 

It was just a short ride though to our Cabanas since we specifically requested for units nearest to the main building for my parents.  



The Cabanas are Sol Y Viento's best accommodation.

The rooms are spacious with indoor natural hot spring Jacuzzi

(I was really excited about the indoor Jacuzzi). Amenities include cold and hot shower, cable TV, coffee/tea making set,  minibar and internet access.


On our way to our Cabana ~

The bathrooms were clean, but in need of upgrading.


Comfortable beds ~

And the Jacuzzi ~ which we decided to fill up with water immediately... 



Hot Spring water in the comfort of your room ~  super relaxing (need I say more?)


Sol Y Viento's pools were very inviting, we cannot say no a relaxing dip the following morning after our sumptuous  breakfast the following day.  We went to the pool area (they have 2 main pools, 2 mini hot pools for soaking and a man made falls) for some picture taking, but ended up swimming... 

The temperature of the pools are controlled.  




Us girls trying the 38 degrees pool (hot, hot, hot)...



FINAL VERDICT:

We achieved our goal for this out of town trip ~

Our celebrant was able to relax and 
everyone had a wonderful time...

Sol Y Viento is highlight recommended for quick family getaway ~ the calming and rejuvenating hot spring water something, many would love to experience.


Sol Y Viento Mountain Hot Spring Resort
Km. 55 Makiling Heights, Brgy. Pansol Calamba City
Laguna Philippines

For inquiries:

+63 49 545-0052
+63 2 584-4973
reservations@syvhotelsandresorts.com
www.syvhotelsandresorts.com



Sunday, November 26, 2017

ACUATICO ~ Where Nature Meets Adventure



Whenever we are in the mood for an easy access hide-away and yearning a breathe of fresh ocean air, our go to place is
Laiya, San Juan Batangas


We have tried a few resorts at Laiya, but just recently found our favorite one.

Welcome to Acuatico Beach Resort.







Acuatico Beach Resort is a Balinese-inspired luxury resort made up of modern villas and rooms surrounding one of the most beautiful infinity pools we have been to.

The resort shares the stretch of pristine beach with neighboring resorts Blue Coral Beach and Acuaverde.   
 The beach is undoubtedly clean, however, the sand is a bit rough and coarse (you would have to keep your beach sandals on, to be safe).
















Philippine sunset is simply magnificent ~




 We booked a Casita unit. 
Casitas are two bedroom (a masters and a second room with 2 twin beds) units located at ground floor fronting the infinity pool.  


Location is perfect for those with kids who wont leave the pool.  




The view of the pool from the Casita patio.




 Welcome goodies from Acuatico.
I brought the necklace back home as gift for my Kikay Lola, who loves trinkets.




The rooms were averaged sized, each has cabled television and air-condition units.






 Beds were comfortable with clean and freshly laundered linen.








The rooms shares a bathroom. 
The bathroom is a bit small tough and could be tough to navigate shared.
  






The best part of the this vacation ~ all day and all night swimming!






My son in Zen mode.




The pool bar was a great addition.  Their mango shake was delicious.


Breakfast is at Oceano. 

(We also ordered our dinner here and had it served at our Casita. Food was on the expensive side, but quality is good and serving is good for sharing.  They offer dinner buffet at P900, but opted for an ala carte as we don't think we will be able to eat that much.)



Breakfast spread was good, but not spectacular. The Batangas Kapeng Barako though was to rave for ~ I think I had 2 refills.

Acuatico Beach Resort is 2 thumbs up!
It promised nature and relaxation and delivered.
Fantastic place with cordial and warm personnel.

MamaSpeaks will be back soon...


Acuatico Beach Resort
Laiya, San Juan, Batangas
Tel: +632 6515972
Email: reservations@acuaticoresort.com.ph

For information, please visit their website at www.acuaticoresort.com.ph









Visita Iglesia ~ via Laguna Loop

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