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

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

Casa Astillero Beach Resort: Camp Grounds and Beach Wedding Venue in Calatagan, Batangas

Casa Astillero Beach Resort in Calatagan Batangas, known for it's campsite, suitable for team buildings, is now offering affordable, intimate, and unique beach weddings.

The resort, a 2,500sqm pearly white sand site is located at Barangay Santa Ana Calatagan in Batangas. It is a semi-private beach resort inside Caisip compound where the famous Villa Sachico and an ancestral house of Zobel de Ayalas are located.

 
Casa Astillero is a perfect getaway to unwind and relax, with its tranquil view of the beach, affordable cottages and kabanas and perfect campsite, where  one can build a bonfire by the beach at night, grill your favorite dish and relax till sunrise. 

Casa Astillero Beach Resort is embarking on another service, which definitely mirrors the beautiful and pristine beaches in Calatagan – weddings.

Last June 2, 2015, Casa Astillero Beach Resort has introduced its enchanting beach wedding services to family and friends, during an intimate gathering.

 

Of the recent company’s success of unveiling another online wedding resource, www.beachweddingvenue.ph,  Pam Caisip, General Manager said, “our mission to provide an affordable, intimate, and unique beach wedding in Calatagan resonates my personal vision in life.  In short, I believe in forever. While beach weddings are expensive, Casa Astillero Beach Resort believes that everyone deserves to be happy, without spending too much.  Furthermore, we want to let everyone know that beach weddings are best done not only during summer, but during off-peak seasons, as well.  After all, wedding represents the endless commitment, which I strongly agree.”

 

Casa Astillero is perfect for someone who is looking for an intimate and affordable beach wedding venue in Calatagan. The place is not too big, not too small, which is ideal for an intimate and sweet inspired beach wedding.

 

The beautiful place is equipped with a session hall, which has a capacity of 100 guests, Kabanas, Kubo (Nipa Hut in English), open picnic cottages, and tents for adventurous couples out there!

They also have air-conditioned spacious rooms, good for families of 4 and/or honeymooners. They could also provide mattresses for extra person/s if need be.
 
If you are looking for a beach wedding destination, Casa Astillero Beach Resort could just be the place for you.
 
If you want to visit the place, please do not hesitate to contact Pam at pamastillero@yahoo.com.
 

You may visit their website for further details: www.casaastillero.com.

Taal Vista Hotel Tagaytay

 

We are frequent Tagaytay travelers, but this is the first time we have actually stayed at Taal Vista. 

 

We got a Premier room at the Lake Wing with a grand view of the Taal Lake. 

 

Reviews weren't exaggerating, when they said it is a long walk to the Lake Wing of the hotel, but it was well worth the extra walk. It was a cozy room with a balcony with Taal Volcano as the backdrop! 

 

A sip of a regular 3-in-1 coffee, almost tasted brewed (hahaha!) and expensive, while seated at the balcony! 

 

Who cares about the room, when you have this as your view?

 

 

Bed was comfortable, but not heavenly...



They could have done a lot better in terms of toiletries... Ace Suites were way better than this!
Also their towels are quite worn out and needed replacement.

Bathroom is 3 way - I am not a fan though! It has no door (I honestly thought it must have broken and instead of repairing management decided to just take it out :P)!

The shower, sink and toilet were separated only by smoked-glass doors.

RATING:

• LOCATION - Perfect
• SERVICE - AAA+++ Check-in  and check-out were a breeze, Staff were all very attentive and efficient!
• PRICE - On the expensive side
• ROOM - Average
• GROUNDS - The hotel grounds is expansive.  Garden is well manicured, picture perfect and overlooks Taal Volcano.
• AMENITIES - There is an outdoor pool, gym, kids' play room and activity/game room, however, these were all located on the old wing (it was quite a walk from where we were staying - it was really far!) of the hotel.  Never got to try any of them.
• FOOD - Just good.  I was expecting better :P

The location makes up for the little peeves. I don't mind staying again and paying a little extra just for the view, which was really breathtaking especially on a clear sunny morning.

 

Taal Vista Hotel is located at  Kilometer 60, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City
Contact Number: +63 (2)917-8225 and +63 (46) 413-1000