beach – Jellybeans in the City

Ken is hosting: Stay at Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse on Airbnb

Step aside, Barbie, because this summer it’s Ken’s turn to take hosting to a whole new level. Brace yourselves as Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse returns to Airbnb, but this time with a twist – Ken is the man in charge!

As Barbie makes her dazzling live-action film debut in the highly anticipated BARBIE movie, Ken, portrayed by the charismatic Ryan Gosling, is handing over the keys and inviting guests to experience an unforgettable overnight stay in the newly renovated and iconic Malibu Dreamhouse.

While Barbie is undeniably the epitome of perfection, Ken has taken the opportunity to infuse the Dreamhouse with his own personal touch. Imagine rolling through the spacious halls on a pair of rollerblades – just one of the things Ken is crazy about. Don’t worry, though, Barbie’s signature pink is still ever-present throughout the life-size, toy-inspired home. She has certainly put her redecorating skills to work since the last time the Malibu Dreamhouse was available for guests.

“We all have dreams, and Barbie is lucky enough to have a house full of them,” said Ken with a charming smile. “But now, it’s my turn, and I can’t wait to host guests inside these one-of-a-kind – dare I say, one-of-a-Ken? – digs.”

Ken’s venture into hosting is a celebration of the BARBIE movie’s release, directed by the talented Greta Gerwig, with a screenplay penned by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach. The star-studded cast includes Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell.

Discover the Dreamhouse

Experience Nestled in the sunny paradise of Malibu, this oceanfront mansion boasts breathtaking panoramic views, setting the stage for Ken’s picture-plastic paradise. Fans can now request to book Ken’s bedroom in the Malibu Dreamhouse for two individual one-night stays, accommodating up to two guests each, on July 21 and July 22, 2023. And the best part? All stays are free of charge! After all, Ken’s thing is beach vibes, not crunching numbers.

During their stay in the Dreamhouse, guests will have the opportunity to live life in vivid technicolor by:

Raiding Ken’s Incredible Wardrobe: Channel your inner fashionista and explore Ken’s jaw-dropping wardrobe collection. Move over, Barbie; Ken has quite the fashion sense too!
Dancing the Night Away: Get your cowboy boots ready and master a line dance or two on Ken’s outdoor disco dance floor. Alternatively, unleash your inner musician and treat the sunset with a serenade using Ken’s trusty guitar.
Beach Off Competition: Challenge your fellow guests to the ultimate “beach off” extravaganza. Lounge by the infinity pool, soak up the sun, and perfect the art of chillaxing.
Take a Piece of the Kendom Home: Bid farewell to the Dreamhouse but not without a memento of your unforgettable stay. Each guest will receive their very own set of yellow-and-pink Impala rollerblades and surfboards to take home, allowing the Kendom spirit to live on.

How to Book Your Dream Stay

Beginning July 17 at 10 a.m. PT, everyone in Barbie Land can request to book Ken’s room in Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse at airbnb.com/kendreamhouse. Keep in mind that guests are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Malibu, ensuring a smooth journey to paradise.

*Plus taxes and fees

**These two, one-night stays for up to two guests are not a contest. The home is independently owned and operated. The right holders for Barbie and the Ken character have been compensated for their participation.

Interested in Becoming an Airbnb Room Host like Ken?

If Ken’s charismatic hosting style has inspired you, why not explore becoming an Airbnb Room Host yourself? Visit airbnb.com/host to learn more about how you can transform your space into a unique experience for travelers while diversifying your assets.

Contributing to Global Empowerment

In celebration of the BARBIE movie hitting theaters on July 21 and to honor the empowerment of girls everywhere, Airbnb will make a one-time donation to Save the Children. By supporting this remarkable organization, Airbnb is helping provide learning resources and support to children, families, and communities in over 100 countries, ultimately building girls’ confidence and helping them excel in school. Together, we strive to ensure that every individual has equal opportunities to achieve success.

Discover Airbnb’s Unique Story

Airbnb’s story began in 2007 when two visionary hosts welcomed three adventurous guests to their humble San Francisco abode. Since then, it has flourished into a global community of over 4 million hosts who have opened their doors to 1.4 billion guests from nearly every corner of the world. Every day, Airbnb’s hosts offer unique stays and experiences, fostering authentic connections and allowing guests to truly immerse themselves in the communities they visit.

So, if you’re seeking an unforgettable getaway that combines glamour, fun, and the chance to contribute to global progress, Ken’s Malibu Dreamhouse on Airbnb is the ultimate destination. Secure your spot in this dreamy paradise, and let Ken show you the true meaning of California cool.

Header image and details provided in a recent press release.

Family-friendly summer adventures at Pico de Loro Cove

The summer heat will soon beset the metro. With it comes to usual traffic jams and stress of city living. Isn’t it high time the family hies off to somewhere cool and relaxing?

A beach vacation would be just the thing, wouldn’t it? The calming rhythm of the waves on the shore and feel of the sun’s warmth can do wonders in melting the stress away.

Plus, all the exciting activities that bring fun in the sun are new opportunities for family bonding and treasured memories.

So why not go on a family beach vacay at Pico de Loro Cove?

This shoreside haven is the maiden community of Hamilo Coast, a master-planned development carefully integrating residential, resort, leisure, commercial and institutional land uses and communities centered around beach living.

It is a fantastic destination for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some quality time together in nature. The cove offers a range of fun-filled activities that are perfect for all ages. Here are some of the summer activities that families can do at Pico de Loro Cove:

Beach Day

The cove is home to 1.5 kilometers of beautiful white sand beach that is perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, and soaking up the sun. Families can bring some beach toys and spend the day relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze.

Adventures in the Water

Venture out into the waves to experience various activities that take you beyond the shore:

Kayaking: Rent a kayak and paddle around to discover hidden coves, snorkel spots, and rock formations.
Snorkeling: Explore the vibrant marine life that calls Pico de Loro Cove home such as colorful fish, sea turtles, and even some small sharks.
Scuba Diving: Dive deeper into the water to get up close and personal with giant clams, soft corals and clown fishes.

Exciting explorations

Pico de Loro Cove’s location affords vacationers with opportunities to stretch their legs and explore the wonders of nature.

Hiking: Hike up the trails that lead to some stunning views of the cove and the surrounding mountains.
Bird Watching: Take a stroll along the cove’s nature trail and observe the beautiful birds in their natural habitat.

Hanging out at the Club

The Pico de Loro Country Club offers a range of amenities such as swimming pools, a gym, a bowling and billiards hall, a kid’s play area and a spa. The club also has several restaurants and bars where families can enjoy some delicious food and drinks.

Family Time

With its abundance of open spaces, gardens, and play areas where families can spend quality time together, Pico de Loro Cove is definitely the place for family time and togetherness.

Daydreaming about your family’s beach vacation at Pico de Loro Cove already? Then book your stay now!

Pico de Loro Cove has several accommodation options, from cozy condominiums to luxurious hotel rooms. Choose the accommodation that best suits your family’s needs and budget.

The use of Pico de Loro Cove’s facilities, such as the use of Pico Beach, country club swimming pool, gym and shuttle service around the vicinity, requires guest fees separate from the cost of accommodations. Guest fees vary from season to season:

Season	Adult	Child*
Lean (all weekdays of January, February and July to November)	₱900	₱400
Peak (all weekends of January, February and July to November, all weekdays of March to June and December)	₱1,300	₱500
High (all weekends of March to June and December)	₱1,400	₱600
Holy Week (April) and Year End (December 26-31)	₱1,550	₱650

*Children 4-12 years old. Kids 3 years old and younger are FREE

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, guests should follow the guidelines set by the cove’s management, such as wearing appropriate clothing, bringing sunscreen and insect repellent, and avoiding littering.

Pico de Loro Cove is a fantastic destination for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors and create unforgettable memories together. With its beautiful beach, range of activities, and excellent amenities, it is a summer destination that the whole family can enjoy.

Pico de Loro Cove is located at Hamilo Coast, Barangay Papaya, Nasugbu, Batangas. For more information, visit its website.

Book your stay at Pico Sands Hotel or at beach condominiums in the area via Klook. Use my code JELLYBEANS to score discounts (5% for new users, 3% for existing users).

Five ways Saltitude, Anilao will make your next beach vacay your best ever

Urban life is not a piece of cake for us city slickers, is it? Hectic schedules and those infernal traffic jams do take a toll on our dispositions, and sometimes, even on our physical health.

Sometimes, don’t you just wish you could hie off somewhere, hibernate for a while and luxuriate in peace and quiet? Or how about taking a break from being a desk warrior and be out in the sun, getting your muscles in motion doing something fun? How about spending time with the people you love away from the stresses of city life and luxuriate in a seafront haven?

Well, guess what: you can do all these and more at Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort, one of the trendiest vacay spots to enter the Anilao beach scene.

Spend your beach vacation at Saltitude and you’ll be bringing home not just a great tan but also a lot of great memories. How? Well, let me count the ways:

One: Whimsically decorated rooms get you in your vacay groove.

Each of Saltitude’s fully air-conditioned rooms is named, furnished and decorated according to the things you can do at the beach in or out of the water. The beddings, curtains and unique DIY tchotchkes are all in keeping with the room’s theme. Each door and some of the wall art are also hand-painted by the owners.

Check them out:

Twin-sharing rooms perfect for intimate trips of couples or BFFs.

Dive.

Snorkle.

Kayak.

Fall in Love.

Talk.

Triple-sharing rooms or huts well-suited for a small family or group.

Sail.

Chill.

Sun-bathe.

And a family room that can accommodate a larger number of guests.

Party.

Two: A whole gamut of outdoor activities lets you make the most of the sun and waves

Co-owners Malou Esparrago and Jake Calangi are both dive enthusiasts and they let their guest take full advantage of their diving expertise and the resort’s proximity to some of Anilao’s best dive sites.

In fact, newbie divers can get their PADI, RAID or SSI diving certification at the resort through Saltitude’s experienced diving instructors.

Other activities that can be enjoyed while staying at Saltitude include swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing and even trekking to nearby Mount Gulugod Baboy.

Read more details on the outdoor adventures you can have at Saltitude here.

Three: Tasty dishes and delish dining events are sure to satisfy your food cravings

Who would have thought that going to the beach will also present you an opportunity to indulge your inner foodie?

Saltitude’s restaurant aptly named bar and restaurant Mingle serves up appetizing meals using fresh and local ingredients, bar chows and even Saltitude’s very own signature cocktails.

The resort recently launched Brunchin’ at the Beach, a brunch buffet held every Saturday from 6am to 12.30pm where diners can enjoy a sumptuous and well-curated spread of dishes in line with a weekly theme cuisine, all while enjoying the cool and relaxing vibe of the Saltitude’s beach and premises.

Read more about Brunchin’ at the Beach here.

During summer, Saltitude holds beach barbecues every Saturday night so guest can all come together to enjoy freshly grilled meats and seafood, as well as the cool sea breezes.

Guests with special diets have no need to worry. Just indicate your dietary restrictions when you book your room and the resort will find ways to accommodate you.

Four: It gives you lots of opportunities to rest, relax and re-charge

Who says you have to have a jam-packed itinerary while at the beach?

Make the most of this escape from the stresses of city life by enjoying the scenic views or reading your favorite book while relaxing Saltitude’s beachfront loungechairs, cabanas or hammocks.

Take this time to pamper yourself by booking a session with the resort’s accredited massage therapists.

Consider your stay here your “me time,” and return to your city life fully refreshed, recharged and raring to face the challenges ahead.

Five: It takes its environmental footprint seriously.

Environmentally conscious guests can rest easy as Saltitude also champions environmental causes. It avoids the use of disposable plastic in its operations while also incorporating reclaimed wood and recycled items in its decor.

On September 21, it will host a beach cleanup activity where participants can help in cleaning up a portion the local coastline and divesites while also taking part in environmental lectures and mingling with like-minded guests.

At Saltitude, your beach vacation can be so much more than just some time spent away from the city. It can also be an adventure that stirs your spirit or a balm that soothes your soul.

Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort is located along Manini Road in Mabini, Batangas. To book your stay or reserve a table at the restaurant, call +63 43 4101857, +63 927 4220428 or +63 939 9088843, or email info@saltitude-anilao.com. For more details, check out its website.

Brunchin’ at the Beach at Saltitude, Anilao

Anilao in Batangas is home to all sorts of fun beach activities: swimming, diving, snorkeling and windsurfing, just to name a few.

Aside from their proximity to the clear sparkling sea, those activities have another thing in common: they do work up quite an appetite.

Fortunately, Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort recently launched “Brunchin’ at the Beach,” a brunch buffet experience that takes place every Saturday, from 6am to 12.30pm at its Mingle restaurant.

For only Php699/person, diners can enjoy a sumptuous and well-curated spread of dishes in line with a weekly theme cuisine, all while enjoying the cool and relaxing vibe of the Saltitude’s beach and premises.

Together with my fellow bloggers, I was able to experience Saltitude’s first brunch buffet available to resort guests and walk-in diners.

Inside, diners and guests can relax in the resto’s sprawling and well-appointed dining area furnished with custom-made pieces. And yes, should they be so inclined, they can take advantage of these Instagrammable surroundings to snap a photo or two.

The menu theme for the launch is intercontinental which features samplings from Pinoy, Asian, American and Mediterranean cuisines, all personally chosen by the resort’s co-owner Malou Esparrago, and whipped up in the kitchen using local ingredients by Saltitude’s in-house chef.

These dishes are beautifully presented in a lavish buffet spread with a few touches of coastal chic bric-a-bracs, also conceptualized by Malou.

The tasty items in the sumptuous buffet spread include:

Filipino. Steamed freshly caught fish, pork adobo, clam soup, pancit canton, champorado with crispy dilis, puto and kutsinta.

Mixed Asian. Sushi rolls, steamed potstickers and Chinese fried rice.

Mediterranean. Lasagna, Pasta Aglio Olio, Tomato Basil Bruscheta and Salmon Bruscheta.

American. Bacon, hotdogs, scrambled eggs, pancakes and bread with various cheeses and jams.

Dessert. Buko pandan and leche flan.

My faves among these are pancit canton, lasagna, salmon bruscheta and the leche flan. I found the varied selection of dishes quite appetizing. I would also imagine the kids would love the hotdogs, bacon and pancakes.

I look forward to Brunchin’ at the Beach’s the next themed menu. Which one’s your bet: Spanish, Mexican or Indonesian?

Plus, I’d also love to join one of Saltitude’s Beach Barbecues held Saturday nights during the summer.

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Picture perfect beach BBQ destination here in Anilao, Batangas 💙 #anilao #dive&chill #beachBBQ

A post shared by Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort (@saltitude_dive) on May 30, 2019 at 7:19am PDT

So the next time you’re in Anilao, drop by Saltitude for some brunch. Or better yet, book your stay in one of its quirkily themed rooms (read more about them here) for the weekend, and then head straight to brunch on Saturday morning.

Want to know what activities you can enjoy at Saltitude? Check out my previous post.

Enjoying the wind, waves and wildlife at Cannon Beach, OR

The weekend before the fam’s epic road trip to San Francisco, my bro took us to see the beauty of the Oregon Coast, particularly the Cannon Beach area.

It is nearly four miles of publicly accessible fine-sand beaches with a huge rock formation called Haystack Rock rising out 235 feet from the shore’s edge. It was formed 17 millions years ago by the same lava flows that created many of the headlands and rock formations that make up the Oregon Coast. We were fortunate that it was easily accessible during our visit due to low tide.

Haystack Rock is actually a National Wildlife Refuge where visitors can observe tidepools teeming with marine life. Tidepool creatures such as soft-bodied anemones, tidepool fishes and sea slugs are interesting to look at but are extremely fragile and may be senstive to exposure to air and sun. Visitors are advised to refrain from touching or moving the creatures they encounter in the tidepools.

How do you catch sight of these creatures? Here are some tips from the locals:

Be patient. You may need to take some time to see them.
Be still. Crabs, small fish, snails and see slugs nestled under rocks and seaweed may not be immediately visible.
Be careful. Walk on the sand or bare rock to avoid stepping on and harming living creatures like barnacles and mussels.

Haystack Rock is also an active nesting spot for many seabirds. Tufted puffins, in particular, are easily observable from spring to summer.

During quieter seasons, herds of Roosevelt Elk are sometimes known to emerge from the thick forests to graze along the coastal meadows, while Gray Whales make their annual migration.

The wide expanse of sand also makes a great venue for jogging, walking with dogs, or just hanging out with family or friends.

Well, our group certainly took advantage of the photo opps that the place afforded!

Interested in visiting? Here are other attractions nearby that you may want to include in your itinerary:

Ecola State Park. It boasts of easy walking paths, hiking trails and picnic areas, brrathtaking views of the historic Tillamook Rock Lighthouse and vantage areas for bird- and whale-watching.

Arcadia Beach. Located two miles south of Cannon Beach, it offers beach access to Lion Rock and beach walks to Hug Point to the south and Silver Point to the north.
Oswald West State Park. Stretching four miles along a temperate rainforest, this affords visitors with a picturesque secluded sandy beach and hiking trails that lead to awesome views of the Pacific Ocean.

For more details or help in planning your visit to Cannon Beach, visit CannonBeach.org.

Saltitude: An awesome venue for your awesome Anilao beach adventure

Anilao is a barangay in the municipality of Mabini, Batangas. Over the years, it has become known as a divers’ paradise, its clear blue waters teeming with diverse marine life. Being only a few hours away from Metro Manila, it can offer some respite to city slickers seeking time away from the hustle and bustle.

If you’re dreaming of a beach trip you can pack with memories of fun and adventure aside from the usual swimming and sunbathing, why not go to Anilao? There’s just so much to do and discover, such as:

Diving

Anilao is best known for its diving scene, being the place where many of the country’s most experienced SCUBA and free divers converge to venture underwater or to coach diving newbies. If you’re new to diving and don’t want to invest in the required gear, you can rent these out at most diving resorts in the area.

Diving in Anilao can show you so many wonders beneath the waves from colorful lion fishes and wrasses darting about to exotic neon-colored nudibranchs that seemingly float here and there.

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Plan ahead for the weekend. Call or drop us a line

A post shared by Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort (@saltitude_dive) on Jul 3, 2018 at 10:24pm PDT

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Join us on a night dive . It’d be so much fun!!! 📷 by @scuba_lakwatsero

A post shared by Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort (@saltitude_dive) on Aug 1, 2018 at 4:42pm PDT

You can also catch sight of unusual views such as the ruins of a sunken restaurant at the Dari Laut dive site.

Snorkeling

If diving is not your cup of tea but you still want to peek into the rich wildlife that Anilao has to offer, you can always go snorkeling instead. This way you can observe the many species of marine life that reside Anilao’s waters without the need for training or bulky equipment.

Jetskiing, Windsurfing and Kayaking

You can pretend to be on a spy adventure ala Tom Cruise in the Mission Impossible series, with the wind blowing through your hair as you zip through the waves.

Or how about harnessing the power of the wind and waves by windsurfing?

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Learn to wind surf with us here @saltitude_dive

A post shared by Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort (@saltitude_dive) on Jul 26, 2018 at 5:05pm PDT

Both of these are great items to tick off on your bucket list, particularly if you’re type who feels the need for speed.

However, if you want a leisurely glide over calm waters instead, then kayaking is for you. Paddle along the shoreline and work off your stress while giving yourself a great upper body workout.

Trekking

If you want a change in scenery, do venture up the mountain, the Mount Gulugod Baboy that is. From its peak, you get a sweeping vista of the Batangas coastline and the vast sparkling sea. Enjoy a sunset picnic here and bask in the orange sunlight while taking in the stunning view.

Dining and Drinking

All those swimming, diving, snorkeling, jetskiing, kayaking and trekking will surely work up an appetite.

Take a bite (or two or more) of all the fresh seafood and meats grilled right by the sea. There’s something about the smoky smell of food grilling and the salty sea air that makes eating at the beach a gastronomic adventure.

Take a nightcap by sipping some margaritas at the beachfront while staring at the open water. Who knows? You might even catch sight of a passing pod of dolphins.

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Lovin our very own Blue Marlin cocktail 💙

A post shared by Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort (@saltitude_dive) on Aug 11, 2018 at 2:41am PDT

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Our very own margarita. Come & unwind here @saltitude_dive 🍸🍾🍷

A post shared by Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort (@saltitude_dive) on Jul 28, 2018 at 5:20am PDT

Lazing About

At the end of each day at the beach, you may just want to curl up on a comfortable bed and read your favorite book. After all, R&R stands for “rest and relaxation,” right?

All these and more are in store for you and your beach buddies at the newly opened Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort. Situated along the Anilao shoreline, it provides a haven for beach lovers and adventure seekers with well-appointed yet quirkily decorated rooms styled according to different beach activities.

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It was an awesome opening weekend!!! Big warm thanks to all the divepros who stayed overnight & dropped by!!!!

A post shared by Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort (@saltitude_dive) on Jul 3, 2018 at 8:45am PDT