When vacation becomes staycation

I always appreciate where my wanderlust takes me. Admittedly, one of the most relaxing vacations my dear friends and I had was the one we never took.

The rains poured incessantly. The weather channels announced the storms would come simultaneously. My rambunctious group composed of Rose Buan-Lim, Aida Villaluz, Rita Trinidad and I had planned a trip to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. After flights were cancelled to our choice destinations, Rose graciously offered the use of her Acacia circle membership card that offers exclusive privileges at the luxurious Acacia Hotel Manila. It was her favorite destination in Alabang and, very soon, it became ours as well.

Our vacation was transformed into a staycation and we declared it was the most relaxing, enjoyable and sustainable travel concept one can embark on. A staycation is defined as travel to a nearby enclave, without the hassles of flights and long-distance journeys. Today, we have our regular staycation sessions in our preferred home-away-from home, The Acacia Hotel, our oasis in the urban jungle. In the past, we agreed that travel was merely a privilege for the few; but today it is, simply put, the right of every person.

It isn’t every day that one travels to be greeted warmly with “Welcome Home.” As one gravitates towards this design icon in the city, a well-spring of refreshing concepts, local authencity in design, one experiences the warm hospitality that we Filipinos are so known for.  Attentive hotel associates exhibit authentic Filipino hospitality from the time guests enter the establishment until their departure. “An ancient Filipino hand gesture is used as a greeting to all guests, wherein associates place their right hand over their heart with a slight bow. This signifies genuine Filipino hospitality from sunrise to sunset, a trademark that Acacia Hotel strives to be known for,” shares charming GM Bobby Horrigan, a 2012 Mabuhay Gold Awardee.

 Horrigan further advocates that we can only see great and exciting things about to happen on the horizon. “It’s easy to sell the facilities of a hotel,” he says. “You’ll see that every five-star hotel has a big lobby, a Grand Staircase, or a pristine pool; but it is very difficult to convince people to constantly give their 110 percent at work to provide great service. I am glad to say that we have this in Acacia and that’s what sets us apart from everyone else.”

When we were there, top executives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand headed by executive director Khun Kate Kritwutikon was also checked in. They were having a weeklong Thai Food Festival in the Festival Mall nearby and she intimated that The Acacia Hotel was also their preferred hotel because of its exemplary service and affordability as well.

In retrospect, in the modern metropolis of Alabang, just outside Manila, a canopy of sturdy acacia trees once stood firm. Worthy to note, affable assistant GM Vic Inalves intimated that though the fascinating Acacia Hotel is inspired by the tree after which is was named, nothing here is made of acacia wood. As the impressive glass doors opens, guests are transported into a luxurious eco-sanctuary where an imposing vase influenced by a branch of the acacia tree takes center stage. An impressive painting by Filipino artist Bernard Pacquing features a glorious dragon on the marble walls while interior designer Parrish Carlos renders his ingenious depiction of the world’s wonder, the Banaue Rice Terraces. Filipino sculptor Johnny Alcazaren executes the impressive artwork that renders the aerial view of an acacia tree if sliced crosswise.

As a 100-percent Filipino-owned property, The Acacia Hotel celebrates and represents the independent spirit of challengers who stand strong for their core beliefs. The hotel envisions itself to be the first and best all-Filipino hotel chain. To be able to achieve this vision, Acacia Hotel Manila partnered with Enderun Colleges in managing its operations. Enderun Colleges is one of the most prestigious schools for hospitality management and business administration in the country.

My niece Nikki Boncan-Buensalido, award-winning architect, whose  advocacy  is to promote contemporary Filipino architecture, shares that “people ought to realize that the only way for the Philippines to get recognized globally is by staying true to who we are and allowing our design identity to speak for itself.” She certainly agrees that these authentic concepts in Acacia Hotel proudly integrate and showcase our Filipino culture everywhere in the venue, while also infusing contemporary ideas and interpretations.

Nikki was in the hotel for a meeting and we explored the hotel further while the other ladies were having breakfast at Acaci Restaurant. Nikki said what arrests her senses when stepping into a new space is the furniture.  “The quirky and funky furniture amidst more formal elements is what makes Acacia Hotel feel more like a home.  The furniture pieces are very playful and inviting encapsulating the Filipino spirit of vibrancy and optimism,” she says.

Winsome Marla Mendoza, marketing and communication manager, adds that Acacia Hotel Manila is fast becoming the “Southern belle” of hotels in its area. Impeccable service executed by a meticulous staff that anticipates every desire makes a stay at the hotel a truly extraordinary experience. Each of the rooms offers an array of personalized services like your name embroidered on your choice of pillow, or 24-hour in–room massage treatments. While the restaurants offer a feast to the senses with visually stimulating layout, the guest rooms are designed in calming neutral shades. The pièce de résistance in all of the guest rooms is the Dream Bed, which comes with memory foam pillow-top for improved posture, as well as fluffy goosedown feather pillows and duvets for indulgent comfort.

This hotel is also known to please the palate of the most seasoned food lovers. Executive sous chef Michael Prado is the first Filipino chef to be featured on the National Geographic Channel where he was asked to prepare six original dishes using balut (duck embryo). Couples that may want to arrange for a private dining affair may inquire about the hotel’s Preferred Intimate Dining Experience. A special table arrangement will be set up in any requested area in the hotel premises. Whether you have a hearty breakfast or lunch buffet, candlelight dinner specially arranged for two, lounging by the poolside of rejuvenating in the spa, The Acacia Hotel Manila will leave you enchanted.

At the newly opened Acacia Suite, which actually consists of two separate suites adjacent to each other with a living room, dining room, kitchen and patio, we ordered (through room service) our favorite comfort food of piping hot bulalo soup, spaghetti bolognese and arroz caldo.  It was an unforgettable night of giddy laughter and musings like college girls. 

Horrigan shares that his staff possesses one significant quality that spells the difference of the Acacia Hotel from others — this is their passion. Today, more than ever, guests appreciate an independent hotel that offers a taste of the country they are visiting. The soul of any hotel lies in its staff and their willingness not simply to act out a role but to live it. From the GM to the bellboy, beverage director to the bus boy, and fitness supervisor to pool attendant — discerning travelers appreciate that it’s the people who make up the hotel’s heart.

Guests can further venture into the lobby, also known as the lobby at Acacia, which is the pièce de résistance of the hotel.  The Lobby serves an a la carte menu with a full range of dishes, from hearty sandwiches, rich entrees, to decadent desserts. After all these gustatory delights, we spent time in their well-equipped gym and had an exhilarating massage to cap the glorious visit with well meaning friends.

The weekend we spent at Acacia Hotel was an eventful one filled with warm memories, kindred spirits and loving-kindnesses. Yes, the most relaxing vacation we had was the one we never took. In its place, we had something better: a staycation that certainly proved that you need not travel far to create perfect moments.

See you at the Acacia Hotel Manila.

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Don’t be left out. Join the Acacia Circle to get exclusive privileges and discounts at Acacia Hotel Manila. Call 720-2000 or 588-5888 or log on to www.acaciahotelsmanila.com.

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E-mail the author at miladay.star @gmail.com.