Resort hopping

I had some resort rooms that I purchased during sale period late last year and found out they are expiring this month!  So, I gathered my family – or whoever could make it! – for an overnight stay in Shangri La. It was my elder son Irvie, wife Tess and daughters Meg and Liz who stayed in the family de luxe room (queen/queen beds).  These rooms are usually in the first floor of the Ocean Wing, walking distance to the pool and the beachfront.  Also quite near the Active Zone – the play area for kiddos in the Shangri La Mactan.

I had a premiere room on the 5th floor, away from the noise and flurry.  I took care of Noah and Sab, since the parents (my second son Allen & wife Dr. Jinjin) were in Manila.  After their nap in my room, their nannies brought them to the beach, then the water park area in the main pool where they had a great time with their cousins. Noah braved the slide by himself as guided by elder cousin Meg, while Sab showed her newly learned swimming strokes.

Dinner at Tea of Spring was a frolic-filled event, with the little ones only settling down when we were in the function room by ourselves. Noah & Sab went home with their caregivers, as I enjoyed the peace in my room for the night.

I had a two-hour treatment scheduled the following morning at the legendary CHI Spa. It was sheer bliss! I was required to be in CHI an hour before treatment schedule.  This is for filling up of the forms regarding your state of health, massage technique preferences, an assessment of your personality to suit the oils to be used, etc. As well as time for sauna or a dip in the pool, if you so desire. I got there half an hour early, time enough for a quick sauna before the treatment.

My 2-hour session started with a full body scrub that exfoliated all the dead skin accumulated through the years.  Then I took a quick shower before my Swedish massage that alleviated the remaining aches from my recent long haul trip to the US. While still bathed in the herbal oils, Chona (my therapist) performed a soothing facial.  Voila! Two hours passed by so quickly! I was languorous as I sipped my fragrant tea in a jade cup. What a prelude to Mother’s Day this year!

The Sunday after that – on Mother’s Day – my younger son Allen, wife Jinjin and kids joined me for an overnight stay in the only all-Filipino implemented resort hereabouts, Plantation Bay. We were joined by “balikbayans” Ging and Dr. John Suchoski (of Seattle, Washington) who were delighted with the resort’s amenities and facilities.  All our three rooms were “lagoon view” meaning just a few steps away from the iconic lagoon.  We soaked in the delightful family atmosphere with little children in all ages romping around the lagoon, as well staying afloat with colorful floaters in the waters. The confluence of happy families give the resort a definitely positive vibe.

My elder son Irvie and his family caught up with us by late afternoon for a quick swim at the beach, then our usual family Sunday dinner.  I reserved a long table at Fiji Restaurant on the beach. Everyone commented on the delicious Asia Pacific cuisine we partook.  I particularly loved the gyoza and the Fiji fried rice. The Suchoskis savored the fresh seafood platter, the grilled salmon, the sashimi and the barbequed pork skewers, as the little ones enjoyed their chicken dishes.

Ging and I hurried to Mogambo Spa soon after dinner, while Irvie’s family went home and Allen’s family scampered away for some night swimming in the lagoon “with the lion and the brontosaurus waterfalls!” That’s according to Noah, the dinosaur fanatic. (He envisions the topography of Plantation Bay as dinosaur habitat.)

Ging had a head and foot massage in a private room, while I had my hour-long Swedish massage in another room, after which my therapist strongly suggested that I dip my stressed limbs in the hot pool for utmost effectiveness.  And that I did, even for just a few minutes, as it was getting late.  What a therapeutic feeling! I must bring a swimsuit next time, so I can again get full advantage of the hot and cold pools, just like in the years past when I accompanied my late mother (Mrs. Lecita Angbetic) in her hot and cold water therapy there for her knees.

Buffet breakfast at Killimanjaro was a treat for the Suchoski with John getting some atis to my bunch of seneguelas. Lunch was a wet one in Savannah Grill, as the little ones tried to stay in the cool waters till lunch was served al fresco with buko juice in their shells. Noah slept on my shoulder all the way home, after days and night of swimming.

Early this month, I attended the inauguration of the Pavilion at Bellevue Resort in Panglao, Bohol.  This is the latest addition to the island’s tourist facilities, in 5-star comfort.  What is notable is the affordability of the rates of this high-end resort, unlike the others that I lamented for their sky-high rates.  The rooms are spacious and the views almost unimpeded at all angles.  Most important is the delicious fares offered at the various outlets.  Lamian where we had our lunches and breakfast, has a commendable buffet spread of international cuisines. (Will write about this in my Lifestyle section.)

That night, I had a complimentary massage at my room for 2 and a half hours! Their trained therapists are from the fishing village nearby, mostly wives of fishermen who are now augmenting their family’s income. It was the first time in so many months that I had a good night’s sleep – early enough by midnight – uninterrupted until my wake up call at 7am the next morning.  Thank you, Bellevue Resort, for the luxurious respite!

Thank goodness for the resorts we have…so near, so varied, so comforting!

Enjoy the rest of the summer! Stay in a resort before classes open, for at least a day if not overnight. Stay happy!