Cintai Corito's Garden Resort ~ Bali feels in Balete Batangas

Covid 19 locked us in our homes for what seemed like an eternity!

I am really excited, businesses are slowly opening up again.  The economy so needs a boost.  So for the next two (2) years we are postposing international travels and simply experience "Local".  

Our first out of town trip is at Cintai Corito's Garden.   The resort was named after the Indonesian word for "Love", "Cintai" and the owner's wife named "Coritos" who unfortunately died of terminal illness.  True to it's name, "Cintai Coritos" is a testament of the owner's love for Madam Coritos.

This Balinese-inspired resort is less than two (2) hours drive from Manila and very accessible via the STAR Tollway.     

BALI THEMED RESORT

As we drove in to the resort's gate ~ we were easily transported to paradise.  It is obvious that a lot of love went through maintaining Cintai's beautifully landscaped garden.  

We also can't help but wonder the dedication and passion that went through building a place this grand.  The owners spared no cent in making sure the resort hits the "Bali theme" mark.   

The place is  really beautiful, peaceful.  It is the perfect place to unwind.

OUR BOOKING

We booked the resort via Agoda,  I have unclaimed rewards from 2019 (back in the days, when travelling used to be easy) near expiry.  

I booked a Terrace Villa (60 sqm, 2 Queen Beds, Refrigerator, Terrace), but thanks to an Agoda promo we got an automatic room upgrade to a Garden Villa  (75 sqm, 3 Queen Beds, Refrigerator, Terrace) with option for late check-out (Yay!). 

We arrive at the resort at 1pm, hoping to get an early check-out.  But sadly, they were a bit strict on their check-in policy and was asked to wait.  It was fine though, as we haven't eaten and took our extra time to have lunch at "Abadi's", Cintai's restaurant.  

ABADI's RESTAURANT

My boys ordered each a club sandwich, while me and my husband shared pad thai, Cintai's signature salad and grilled tuna belly.  Our orders were good, but not to die for.

Grilled Tuna Belly (P485)

Pad Thai (P355)

Club House Sandwich (P325)

Cintai Signature Salad (P385)

Note:  

For dinner, we requested for room service.  We ordered, classic American burger and fish fillet sandwich for the boys, Batangas lomi, pad thai (again) with suman con tsokolate and tablea cake for dessert. All orders were spot on delicious.  Sadly we forgot to take photos of our order.  The lomi and suman con tsokolate are highly recommended.  

Set breakfast, comes with our accommodation. My boys had longaniza, while I had daing na bangus.  Their breakfast meals were delicious.  Coffee is to so good here (and you can ask for a refill, skip the sugar and try with either the suman or tablea cake).

   

GARDEN VILLA

Room was available at 2pm sharp, not a moment later. We stayed at the Villa 11 and was quite a walk down a flight of steps.  I pity our poor porter carrying our heavy bags.

Infamous steps.  

The route though was scenic and young ONES will surely be entertained with the various fauna and flora along the way. 

The Garden Villa is huge and comfortably fit three (3) queen sized beds. Not much to see inside the rooms though (yes no TV, no phone either).  Which is not a problem, as there is much to see outside. 

Happy to say, there is a bidet :P

There are huge cabinets and drawers, which I was too scared to open (and so didn't). 

Basic toiletries

The room opens to a patio, which would have been nice, if not for soldier ants occupying the area.

The patio ~ soldier ants marching.  I am so not invading their turf!  They can have it!

CONs

• Please be forewarned, it is a huge resort which requires a lot of walking and going up and down flights of steps;  TIP: Take a photo of the resort map (near the reception area).  It would come in handy.  I have included a photo of the resort below for easy reference;  
• There is no complimentary internet connection;  
• No TV in your room;
• No phone/intercon inside the room to call room service/house keeping (You would have to make your way up and down those steps if you need something)  
• Not really sure if they have hot/cold water in the shower, but we sure were not lucky to get any;
• There is only one (1) restaurant and menu options slightly limited; Serving is small (an order good for 1-2 persons) and a bit expensive; Food service was also a bit slow, not sure but maybe they are working on limited manpower.   
• We were required to submit antigen test, but was dismayed to see they are open to day tour walk-ins mixing with their in-house guests.   Walk-ins are excepted from submitting negative antigen test. 

PROs

• Near Manila and very accessible; Great for a quick getaway,
• The place is clean and well kept;  It is tranquil and perfect for much needed rest and relaxation, away from the craziness of work;
• The resort is perfect for taking photos.  Every nook is "Instagram" worthy!
• Staff were accommodating, but not intrusive.  

Here are some of the pictures we have taken~

 

They have pools (I think I saw 2 or 3, not sure)  but we did not get to swim.  

A play ground for your toddlers ~ a nice add on!  

Elephant bar ~ I think they serve drinks and cocktails here.  

But it was close when we visited.

Opps, sorry I don't think, coconut picking is free!

Animals roams free here~ 

For inquiries ~

CINTAI CORITO'S GARDEN

Address Sitio Pandayan, Malabanan, Balete, Batangas

Mobile +63 43 724 7759 / +63 917 833 1508

Email reservations@coritosgarden.com

 

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

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