Some of our favorite holidaymakers Levy Amosin, Carla Araniego, Christian Sangoyo, Celine Murillo, and Darwin Cayetano, pick the most gorgeous resorts they’ve been to that don’t break the bank and are perfect for you and your love.

Urban Sands Resort, Iloilo

Mixing modern urban sophistication and beachside ambience, the Urban Sands Resort at the heart of iloilo brings the sea closer to the city. Levy Amosin of Hugging Horizons describes it as “a paradise within the heart of the city.” Using real sand and pebbles in the landscaping, the focal point is the pool, which, according to Levy, brings a “coastal feel to it.”

From Php3,250 (USD60++); Urbansandsiloilo.com

Loboc River Resort, Bohol

Away from the usual island resorts in Bohol, Carla Araniego of Blissfulguro recommends the Loboc River Resort in Tagbilaran as an alternative place to stay while in the land of the Chocolate Hills. situated right beside the Loboc River, their cottages replicate the feel of traditional nipa houses. “Having coffee on the balcony with a view of Loboc River was the most memorable part of my stay. Away from the beach crowd of Bohol, its seclusion is perfect for those who are looking for tranquility amid the busy goings-on of city life.”

From Php2,500; Lobocriverresort.com

Casa San Miguel, Zambales

A hidden gem in the town of San Antonio in Zambales, Casa San Miguel is a rustic retreat intertwined with art and culture. Besides hosting guests, the casa is actually a local school for music. Carla recalls her stay, “waking up to the charming voices of kids having their weekly voice and violin lessons truly separate this resort from the rest.”

From Php4,000; Facebook.com/casa.sanmiguel.zambales

Crosswinds Resort Suites, Tagaytay

The Crosswinds Resort combines the feel of charming swiss-inspired chalets with the mildly chilly environs of Tagaytay. Carla says “walking along its winding roads, the scent of pine in the air, and passing colorful chalets, transport you to another place.”

From Php3,700; Crosswindsresortsuites.com

Casa San Pablo, Laguna

Brightly painted walls mixed with vintage furniture and on point accessories are the charm of Casa San Pablo, a bed and breakfast near Sampaloc Lake. Each nook and cranny has a surprise. Somehow, the craziness of the place works with the peaceful ambiance of its location.

From Php2,900; Casasanpablo.com

Moon Garden, Tagaytay

Best for a romantic weekend in Tagaytay. situated on the quieter side of the city, its rustic stone casitas are overgrown with vines and has open hut lounges surrounded by ponds. Overall, the place has the vibe of a secret garden and forgotten places.

From Php2,600; Facebook.com/Moongardentagaytay

Coco Grove Beach Resort, Siquijor

With almost a kilometer-long shoreline, three swimming pools, three restaurants, and garden and pool bars, Coco Grove Beach Resort is one of the bang-for-the-buck luxury places in Siquijor.

From Php3,500; Cocogrovebeachresort.com

Luljetta’s Place Garden Suites, Antipolo City

A scenic eight-hectare property is carved along the ridges of a cliff and overlooks Antipolo, Laguna de Bay, and Metro Manila with a very relaxing infinity pool with views.

From Php4,000; Luljettas.com

Sophia’s Garden Resort, Coron, Palawan

Celine Murillo of Celenism.com recommends the Spanish-style villas of Sophia’s Garden Resort, an actual garden with a wonderful El Comidor restaurant that looks like it’s straight out of historic novel Noli Me Tangere.

From Php3,300; Facebook.com/sophiasgardenresort
SkyJet Airlines flies from Manila to Coron

Sand and Stars Beach Resort, Baler, Aurora

For convenient beach camping, Darwin Cayetano of Tracking Treasure says Baler’s sand and stars Resort has huge tents. “Other than the convenience of having actual beds, the floor is carpeted􀈀 it has a sitting area􀈀 and every corner is Instagramable,” adds Darwin.

From Php2,500; Facebook.com/sandandstarsdinadiawan

Our Dash Sources

• Levy Amosin, Iloilo based blogger behind Hugginghorizons.com
• Carla Araniego, teacher and founder of www.blissfulguro.com
• Christian Sangoyo, founder of Lakadpilipinas.com
• Celine Murillo, Mindful living advocate and traveler blogger behind www.celineism.com
• Darwin Cayetano, Mind Museum exhibit engineer and blogger behind Trackingtreasure.net

Words by Christian Sangoyo

Quest Hotel & Conference Center in Clark has a 36-hole golf course and a two-pooled villa. What’s not to love? 

As I check in at Quest Hotel & Conference Center on Mimosa Drive in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, I get a hint I’m in for a pleasurable stay.

I see renovations are ongoing—the hotel is being rebranded from Holiday Inn to Quest Hotel & Conference Center—but it does not keep the property from revealing glimpses of pleasures.

The hotel is clean and elegant—taupe walls, marble floors; the hallways are spacious; and there’s window all over letting natural light spill in.

The main lobby is composed of earthen tones and texture at play, with a vibrant flower arrangement at the center. It’s minimalist with velvety couch seating as main furniture pieces.

Check-in is fuss free and personalized. Once I’m settled, somebody offers to take my bag and leads me to my room.

Wow factors

The Mimosa Golf Course is an enviable 36-hole facility set within Filinvest’s201-hectares property. You don’t need to be a member to get to play.

The swimming pool, brand new gym and equipment, and yoga studio are great for keeping fit while holidaying, not to mention the expansive grounds for early morning jogs.

Families with kids will love the well-appointed kid’s corner too.

The Grand Villas built in between the main hotel and the golf courseis the ultimate in pampering. Fetching 75 grand a night, the Balinese-inspired comes with a personal butler, a private pool, a lavish living room, cable satellite TV, a king size bed, kitchen with top tier fittings, all-white bathroom with vanity area and a grand bathtub with a view.

The nest

I’m billeted in a 22sqm Club Deluxe Room, furnished with a king size bed, a work table and a seating with a view. There’s cable TV, private bathroom with hot and cold running water, and coffee and tea making facility. Lighting is subdued but who needs it when you have bright interiors andbig windows for natural light to seep in? Loved the vintage inspired white cabinet, and found the daily fresh fruits thoughtful.

Wining and dining

Lots of options to choose from but the Club Lounge is special, giving you exclusive access if you’re booked in a Club Deluxe Suite. Here, you can have breakfast or enjoy fill after fill of cocktails and snacks from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Charley’s Baris a countryside-inspired sports bar at the ground floor, which serves wines and spirits, and an international menu. Their classic Margarita is a must try.

Lunch may be had at Q by Mimosa, located right within golf and country club, for American, Korean and Filipino favorites. I thoroughly enjoyed their meaty Bolognese spaghetti and Mimosa Salad.

Opening soon is Mequeni Live, an all-day interactive buffet featuring a grilling, Asian, Kapampangan(Pampanga local fare), desserts and other stations. Look forward to their specialties palabok and pork sisig. Guests can expect their favorite dishes to be personalized as they will serve it according to the customers’ preferences.

The basics

From Php6,000 (USD113) per night for two
Questhotelsandresorts.com/clark/
Tel: +6345 599 8000

Get there

Take a P2P Bus going to Clark for Php350 (USD7) at NAIA Terminal 3 Arrival Bay 14 then ask to be dropped off at Mimosa, Filinvest

Words by Kat Magsino