hotel review – Jellybeans in the City

8 reasons to have your family weekend getaway at Timberland Highlands Resort

Are the heat and the humidity of the metro getting to you? Do you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Or do you feel bored to bits while stuck in your room as you work from home?

It may be high time for you and the fam to take a break from the daily grind and hie off to a quick getaway for a much needed change of scenery.

That’s what Hubby and I did this last weekend. Together with the kiddos -#ExhibitA and #ExhibitB – we went off to a mountain adventure to Timberlands Highlands Resort for some family bonding time and well-deserved R ‘n R.

Here are 8 reasons why you should, too!

1. You won’t have to travel far to get there.

Timberland Highlands Resort is a sprawling property located within Timberland Heights in San Mateo, Rizal.

Thanks to the ever-reliable Waze app, we were able to reach the resort in less than an hour from our home in Pasig (not counting our lunch stopover in Marikina).

If traveling by car, it’s also around 40 minutes away from the Batasan area in Quezon City, and a little over an hour away from the cities of Manila and Makati.

Imagine being that close to your staycation destination!

2. It’s your escape back to nature.

Surrounding the Timberland Highlands Resort property are lush greenery with the Sierra Madre mountains as a backdrop.

With this high altitude and its situation away from the busy cities, the area boasts of fresh air and a cooler climate. As is typical with other green spaces, the area is conducive to outdoor activities and socializing while promoting both physical and mental well-being.

3. You can engage in revitalizing physical activity.

One of the physical activities that the fam can do together is taking a leisurely stroll through the path surrounding the property. Doing so brings you to various vantage points to appreciate the surrounding mountainside.

After your invigorating walk, you can all take a dip in the swimming pools to cool down. One is an infinity pool that lets you enjoy the view while taking a swim. The kiddie pool, on the other hand, features a slide and cascading water, guaranteeing lots of fun time in the sun for the little ones.

If the weather does not permit outdoor activities, you can always engage in physical exertions indoors, thanks to the resort’s well-equipped gym (which got a thumb’s-up from fitness buffs Hubby and #ExhibitA).

Did you know that the resort used to be known as Timberland Sports and Nature Club? The indoor sports facilities it was famous for – such as the basketball court, badminton court, table tennis and indoor rock climbing areas are still here for guests to enjoy.

4. The kids are sure to have a great time.

While all the grown ups are exercising and getting into sports, the kids can play and entertain themselves near the pool area, thanks a wide space they can run around in, and kiddie-sized chairs and plush seats. Here, they can learn a game of chess, challenge themselves with Jenga or even spot a mascot or cartoon character handing out treats.

5. You can settle down to a relaxing retreat.

After your very active day, you can wind down and relax in your well-appointed accommodations. The hotel has 70 fully air-conditioned rooms which can all accommodate two adults and two children sharing the bed with their parents, making the hotel perfect for a family retreat.

The Deluxe Twin is a 35-sqm room situated in the main building, furnished with comfy twin beds.

The Deluxe King, a similar-sized room furnished with a king bed and features a fitted bath tub, is also an option.

At the newly renovated building annexed to the main hotel, you can find the 32-sqm Premiere Deluxe accommodations.

All hotel rooms are equipped with a safety deposit box, flat-screen TV with cable channels, Wi-Fi connection and a work desk. (The latter two, in particular, were very helpful during our first day there as I was doing remote work. I was able to log in to three consecutive Zoom meetings, and was presenting in two of them with nary a dropped call or frozen screen.)

Note: Mobile phone signal may be spotty in the room and at some other locations within the hotel so I would suggest logging your devices into the hotel WiFi. That way, you can be reachable via online messaging to your work colleagues and family members (if you want to be reachable, that is, hehehe!)

Other room features include toilet and bath (with hot and cold shower), dental kits, bath items such as soap, bath gel and shampoo from Aum Spa, a minibar, a coffee/tea set and bottled water.

The fam loved the crisp linens and the blackout curtains that helped us get a restful slumber after our activity-filled day.

6. Dine with a majestic view at Ridge Cafe.

Of course, any weekend getaway wouldn’t be complete without a gastronomic adventure, wouldn’t it?

Fortunately, the hotel two in-house restaurants, one of which is Ridge Cafe. It has an elegantly appointed interior dining room, as well as an al fresco area which boasts of grand view of the surrounding mountains and overlooking Metro Manila.

Every weekend, foodies can look forward to a sumptous breakfast buffet which includes:

The makings of classic Pinoy silogs such as Corned Beef with Potatoes, Tocino, Longganisa and Tocino (just add the Garlic Fried Rice and a sunny-side up egg from the Omelet Station)
Locally-grown fresh produce for salads or fruit desserts
A variety of freshly baked breads, including four types of pan de sal (regular, ube, cacao and malunggay).
Continental breakfast choices such as cereals, chicken nuggets and breakfast sausages
Kiddie treats such as mini pancakes and cookies

On weekdays and for other parts of the day, guests can order ala carte from a menu that includes Appetizers, Sandwiches and Burgers, Pastas and Noodles, Salads, Sushi, along with main courses and desserts.

Curious about the foodie possibilities here? I’ll tell you more about our dining experiences at Ridge Cafe here, here and here.

And should you fancy a drink while hanging out at the pool or viewing deck, you can always get refreshing beverage from The Pool Bar.

Pool Bar - Timberland Highlands Resort — Butterfly Pea Lemonade

7. It supports local industries.

Timberland Highlands Resort recently partnered with local merchants in showcasing sustainable and home-grown products. These include brands such as Zarah Juan, TÙ by Modern Filipiniana, Gourmet Farms, Engkanto Brewery, Alab.Mnl, Lakan Lubi, Circa 1740 by Timplado, Better Snacks PH, Tu’ka Spiced Vinegar and more. Their wares are all prominently displayed and available for purchase in the Live Love Local corner in Ridge Cafe.

These are also great for souvenirs or pasalubong to your city-bound friends and relatives.

8. The management and staff are all geared up to provide you with a memorable stay.

All of these are just the tip of the iceberg, as they say, because more exciting developments are in store for guests and visitors, as envisioned by resort’s management.

These include additional restaurants and other exciting renovations (which will be revealed in due time!)

The resort also helps local communities by sourcing its manpower from nearby areas, upskilling and retooling them to provide world-class service to guests.

They’re always ready to give you a hand, so when you see them around, be sure to say hi!

Thanks to the above reasons, my family and I had a fun, restful and memorable stay at the Timberland Highlands Resort, so why don’t you treat your family to one, too?

Book your room via Klook today to enjoy great savings!

For more details, visit Timberland Highlands Resort’s website, call +632 8891 8288 or +63 918 9799863 (calls are entertained between 9am and 6pm) or email reservations@timberlandresort.com.

Check-in is at 3pm while check-out is at 11am.

Timberland Highlands Resort is located inside Timberland Heights, Barangay Guitnang Bayan II, San Mateo, Rizal 1850 Philippines.

In accordance to COVID-19 safety guidelines set by the Department of Tourism and the local government, the following safety practices are in place:

Observance of minimum public health standards such as wearing of face masks, maintain physical distance and frequent handwashing
Requirement for guests 18 years old and older to present proof of full vaccination or a negative result of a swab or saliva-based RT PCR test, taken within 48 hours prior to check in
Guests below 18 years old should always be accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian

To know more about Timberland Highland Resorts’ latest updates and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my other posts about Timberland Highlands Resort:

Ridge Cafe - Timberland Highlands Resort — Timberland Highlands Resort’s Ridge Cafe introduces Arabic Dinner Buffet

Get the #LubdExperience at Lub d Makati (because you didn’t come for the normal)

Whether you’re a foreigner backpacking in the Philippines and looking for a place to serve as your “base of operations” while you’re touring the capital, a domestic traveler who wants to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the metro’s busiest district or an urbanite who’s seeking for a change of scenery, Lub d Makati is the place for you.

The biggest hostel in the Philippines, Lub d Makati is part of the Lub d hotel chain which also has presence in other buzz-worthy Asian destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand, and Siem Reap in Cambodia. Its concept reimagines the experience of traveling, whether you’re on a solo trip or wandering with your buddies. Lub d prides itself on giving its guests a memorable and comfortable stay as they dive into the local scene.

Center of the action

Located along Makati Avenue in Makati City, the hostel is conveniently located near the high rises of the central business district as well as shopping malls that house dining and entertainment establishments such as movie theaters, restaurants, designer shops and supermarkets.

It’s within walking distance from Poblacion, Makati’s cultural and heritage district, as well as a short ride away from Bonifacio Global City (where you can find some of the hottest night spots) to the east and Old Manila (where you can immerse in the old capital’s colonial history) to the west.

Comfy stay

After a busy day of touring the metro, you can take your rest at your choice from Lub d Makati’s 153 private rooms and ten shared rooms.

Indulge yourself in an air-conditioned private sanctuary in a Deluxe Room which comes with either a king-size bed or a two single beds, as well as an en-suite bathroom with toiletries and hair-dryer. Other amenities include: keycard system, TV, power outlet, safety box and complimentary coffee and tea.

Until July 31, 2022, you and a companion can enjoy a stay at a Deluxe King Room with complimentary breakfast and internet for just Php1,999.

Digital nomads can also use a Deluxe Room during the day (9am to 5pm) for remote work or for day trips in the city for just Php1,999.

Traveling with family or a small group of friends? A Barkada Room provides your group with an air-conditioned private retreat with a king-size bed or two single beds plus two single bunk beds, along with an en-suite bathroom. Other amenities include: safety box, TV, a mini-fridge and complimentary kettle and coffee.

If you’re traveling with a larger group of people you can opt for a Mixed Dorm Room which comes with eight bunk beds so you can enjoy time togather yet retreat into your private space, thanks to privacy curtains and reading lights. Other amenities include: shared bathroom with towels and toiletries, as well as a wardrobe with lockers.

Do more at The Space

Besides providing you with a space to rest your head for the night, Lub d also provides you with venues for other activities and to meet new friends. Its second floor houses The Space which has meeting rooms for conferences, a WiFi-equipped co-working space for remote work as well as common area where you can hang out and play games with fellow guests.

Taste global flavors with Pinoy flair

Of course, you wouldn’t want to miss the great eats that Lub d’s roodeck bar and restaurant, Essential goodness for Pilgrims, has in store for you.

You can have your meal at the deck where you can enjoy the amazing view of the Makati skyline…

…or you can enjoy your meal in the lush comfort of its posh interiors.

As Lub d’s Cluster General Manager Reycie Gutierrez puts it, the restaurant is guided by the philosophy of food being essential as the nourishment that fuels everyday lives and provides the feeling of satisfaction.

Helming the kitchen is Chef Jinggoy Fernando who translates this philosophy through an updated menu for the restaurant that introduces Filipino food to foreigners. His team achieves this by adding a Filipino twist to typically western dishes or ingredients.

This is also a great way to introduce Pinoys to new ways to enjoy old favorites, such as in the restaurant’s latest offerings:

Mushroom Chicharon. Crispy oyster mushrooms served with a tangy ranch sauce.

Nachos. House-made nacho chips with a side of fresh gracamole, pica de gallo and calamansi crema.

Garlic Bread. A new experience of spreading roasted garlic on buttered toast and sprinkling a bit of flaky salt for an explosion of flavor.

Bicol Express Wings. Chicken wings covered in a spicy coconut milk sauce served with charred lemon for a bit of zest with each bite.

Bistek Tagalog Sliders. Grilled 100% beef patties with calamansi mayo and topped with caramelized onions and local cheese in fluffy toasted buns.

Soft Shell Crab Palabok. Thin rice noodles covered with palabok sauce and topped with a soft shell crab, served with a charred lemon for zest.

Sisig Fried Rice. A variation of the Pinoy staple sinangag (garlic fried rice) mixed with house-made sisig (chopped pork cheeks sauteed in chilis and onions), topped with scrambled egg.

Salted Egg Tostada. House-made crispy flat tortilla topped with bits of salted egg and cucumber salad with citrus dressing.

Corned Crispy Pata. Brined pork trotters which are deep-fried then served with soy vinegar dipping sauce.

Desserts include Pandan Cheesecake with mango coulis and Tres Leches Bread Pudding with vanilla sauce.

Refreshing drinks include house-made Four Seasons and Iced Tea.

No matter what kind of traveler you are, make Lub d Makati one of your stops for a truly extraordinary and memorable adventure here in the metro. After all, you didn’t come for the normal, did you?

Lub D Makati is located at 7820 Makati Avenue, Brgy Poblacion, Makati City, Philippines.

For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 85416358 or email contact.makati@lubd.com.

Know more about Lub D Makati at its website or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held here. Food items mentioned in this post were served free of charge to facilitate this feature.

A family #StaycationByTheOcean at Hotel H2O

And just like that, we’re right-smack in the middle of summer, folks!

I’m sure that the sweltering heat and humidity of the city has got your family longing for a bit of rest ‘n relaxation surrounded by the refreshing and calming waves.

Well, the good news is that you won‘t have to travel far to get your dose of #VitaminSEA, because right here in the metro is a place where you and your family can immerse yourselves in the beauty and peace of the ocean: Hotel H2O!

This prime destination remains to be the only marine-themed urban resort in the country. As we can gather from its name, Hotel H2O has a deep affinity for the wonders of water, and its proximity to both the Manila Bay and Manila Ocean Park provide its guests with sea-themed options for entertainment and sight-seeing.

Want to know what makes Hotel H2O your fam’s best bet for summer fun and relaxation in the metro? Take your pick from these reasons:

1. You can enjoy a unique stay in your marine-themed room

Given the hotel’s proximity to the sea, it’s only fitting that Hotel H2O’s stylish, contemporary rooms would showcase the ocean’s resplendent beauty, particularly its Premiere Classic Bay Room.

This posh accommodation opens to a receiving area furnished with a spacious desk as well as a comfy sofa (that transforms into a day bed) and a large-screen LCD TV, making the option for family members to work remotely, then transition to relaxation and entertainment quite seamless.

The receiving room links to an opulent bedroom furnished with a king-size bed and an elegant en-suite marble bath with free-standing bath tub with a separate shower.

Of course, the room’s piece de resistance is the wall-to-wall window showcasing the scenic Manila Bay so you can enjoy that beautiful sunset view with the fam right in the comforts of your room.

On the other hand, Premiere Classic rooms that do not face the bay showcase an aquarium wall where guests can gain some serenity while watching the graceful dance of colorful fish against brilliant corals.

2. You have enjoyable options for physical activity

You can take advantage of the hotel’s Fitness Center to do some yoga, cardio or strength training. A few minutes here can get your blood pumped up and energized for the day.

Before the day’s end, you can indulge yourselves with a relaxing massage, a hot bed treatment or a mani-pedi session at Zenyu Eco Spa.

3. Gourmet food choices are within easy reach

Even the most discriminating foodies in your family will find something to tempt their taste buds as Hotel H2O gives them easy access to sumptuous culinary creations curated and managed by Hotel H2O’s executive chef Ranuka Hettiarachchi. Be sure to check them out!

Breakfast Buffet and Chinese-Filipino cuisine at Makan Makan Asian Food Village.

Handcrafted coffee and designer pastries at Garden Cafe.

Asian and Filipino dishes with a twist in an al fresco setting at Garden Dining.

Bar chows and refreshing cocktails at White Moon Bar.

4. You can enjoy a full day of fun at Manila Ocean Park

Since Manila Ocean Park is literally next door to the hotel, it would be a shame not to take advantage of its fun, educational and interactive attractions within easy reach.

Manila Ocean Park Reopening — Jellies Exhibit

Manila Ocean Park — World of Creepy Crawlies

So if the fam’s game for a lot fun in by the sea, treat them to a #StaycationByThe Ocean at Hotel H2O.

From April 29 to August 31, 2022, you can book your staycation at Hotel H2O at these promo rates:

Park View Room: Php3,200 nett on weekdays | Php3,700 nett on weekends (from published rate of Php12,200 nett)
Aqua Room: Php3,800 nett on weekdays | Php4,300 nett on weekends (from published rate of Php13,420 nett)
Bay View Room: Php4,000 nett on weekdays | Php4,500 nett on weekends (from published rate of Php14,640 nett)
Aqua Supreme: Php4,400 nett on weekdays | Php5,300 nett on weekends (from published rate of Php17,080 nett)
Aqua Jellies Room: Php4,400 nett on weekdays | Php5,300 nett on weekends (from published rate of Php17,080 nett)
Bay Deluxe: Php5,300 nett on weekdays | Php6,000 nett on weekends (from published rate of Php20,740 nett)
Premiere Classic Bay: Php6,200 nett on weekdays | Php6,800 nett on weekends (from published rate of Php24,400 nett)
Premiere Classic Aqua: Php6,200 nett on weekdays | Php6,800 nett on weekends (from published rate of Php24,400 nett)
Executive Suite: Php9,500 nett on weekdays | Php10,000 nett on weekends (from published rate of Php36,600 nett)

Weekday rates are applicable for check-in dates between Sunday to Thursday. Weekend rates, on the other hand, are applicable for check-in dates on Fridays, Saturdays and during public holidays.

Rates are inclusive of overnight accommodation, complimentary breakfast for two, Manila Ocean Park tickets (6-attraction package) for two and welcome drinks for two.

Hotel H20 is located at The Boardwalk Luneta, Quirino Grandstand, Ermita, Manila.

For bookings and inquiries, you may call (+632) 7238- 6100 ext. 6172 and 6180 or send an email to reservation@hotelh2o.com. Reservations are accepted from 9am to 6pm only.

For more details about Hotel H2O, visit its website or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about Manila Ocean Park:

Manila Ocean Park's Francis Low — Profile: Manila Ocean Park’s Francis Low

6 reasons to staycation at Bayview Park Hotel Manila

With the loosening of quarantine restrictions, we Metro Manila denizens are now able to venture out of our homes and explore more of the metro.

If sight-seeing in Manila is in your itinerary, why not eliminate the hassle of long drives and traffic jams by booking a staycation at Bayview Park Hotel?

Let me share with you six reasons why this would be a good idea.

1) You can situate yourself in its historic and happenin’ backdrop

Situated along Roxas Boulevard, the hotel is at the hub of the action, with rows of restaurants and scenic attractions only short distances away.

2) You can relax and unwind in comfort in one of its well-appointed rooms.

Whether for a short visit or a fairly long stay, Bayview Park Hotel’s rooms are furnished and stylishly designed to keep you happy and comfortable.

Its 30sqm Superior Room, for instance, comes with either a queen-size bed or two single beds and is equipped with airconditioning, cable TV, WiFi access, NDD/IDD telephone, 110/120V electric outlets, a safety deposit box for your important items and a coffee and tea maker.

Bottles of mineral water and daily newspapers are also provided.

The rooms also comes with full toilet and bath equipped with tub and shower (hot and cold water available), and provisioned with consumables such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, dental kit and tissue paper.

When you look out from your window, you can take in the view of the stretch of Roxas Boulevard, overlook the US Embassy and survey the expanse of the glittering Manila Bay.

3) Staying inside the hotel also affords you with opportunities for physical activity.

There’s no need to feel cooped up in your hotel room in between your sight-seeing adventures. Take a revitalizing dip in the hotel’s roof deck swimming pool, or workout some sweat in the fitness gym equipped with a treadmill, stationary bikes, a stair climber and strength training equipment.

Your little ones can also enjoy some fun play time in the Children’s Activity Center which is open on Saturdays and Sundays.

4) You can feast on great eats in the area!

Foodies will definitely get their fill of gustatory delights from restos easily accessible from the hotel.

Bayview Coffee Shop

The hotel’s cafe, located at the lobby, serves international cuisines as well as local favorites. It’s perfect for breakfast or quick snack breaks during your staycation.

It is open daily to serve hotel guests from 6am to 10pm.

Ilustrado Restaurant

For a taste of Filipino cuisine, carefully crafted with European influences, check out Ilustrado Restaurant.

It is located at 5440 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, open daily from 11.30am to 2.30pm and from 6pm to 9pm. For queries and reservations, call +63 2 5273674 or +63 939 9206822, or email catering@ilustradorestaurant.com.ph.

More information on Ilustrado Restaurant here.

Garden Dining by White Moon Bar

For Asian fusion dishes and a distinguished wine menu that you can enjoy al fresco, drop by Garden Dining by White Moon Bar.

It is located at The Barnyard, Manila Ocean Park, Luneta, Manila, open for outdoor dining Thursdays to Sundays from 11am to 8pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 85677777.

More info on Garden Dining by White Moon Bar here.

390 Degrees

For imaginative takes on Western dishes served in generous portions while in a luxurious setting, hop on over to 390 Degrees.

It is located at the Ground Floor, Sequioa Hotel Manila, Aseana City Business Park, Entertainment City, Paranaque, open daily from 10.30am to 8pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 82845110 or +63 921 2446502.

More info on 390 Degrees here.

5) There are so many exciting sights to see!

Manila is the site of many historic, cultural and entertainment attractions that can be easily visited from the hotel.

Rizal Park, for instance, houses the Rizal Monument (to commemorate the execution site of national hero Jose Rizal) as well as an Open-Air Auditorium, Independence Flagpole and the Central Musical and Dancing Fountain, along with the National Museum Complex which, in turn, houses the National Museum of Natural History and National Museum of Anthropology.

Within its grounds, you will also find Manila Ocean Park, the country’s first world-class marine theme park and premiere educational entertainment destination.

More info on Manila Ocean Park here. Click here to book your tickets.

With just a short drive separating Bayview Park Hotel and Rizal Park, checking out these attractions is a breeze!

6) Enjoy an exciting deal when you book your staycation online!

Book your stay in Bayview Park Hotel’s Superior Room for just Php2,222/net. This promo will run until January 31, 2022 (with stay period until June 30, 2022, and is exclusively available at its website.

With this awesome deal, you can enjoy a comfortable stay in the hotel with great savings, plus all the interesting sights and delicious foodie adventures that the area has to offer.

Clearly, exploring the delights that Manila has to offer is even more enjoyable if you do so from #YourHomeByTheBay, Bayview Park Hotel.

Bayview Park Hotel Manila is a 3-star hotel located at 1118 Roxas Boulevard corner United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila. With a 75-year history as the preferred destination for both leisure and business travelers, it provides unparalleled service and exclusive privileges for its guests at affordable and friendly rates.

To know more about Bayview Park Hotel’s offers, visit its website or follow it on Facebook and Instagram. For bookings and reservations, contact the hotel via:

+63 2 85261555

bookings@bayviewparkhotel.com

Photo Credit: Photos of Rizal Park and National Museum of Natural History by Erykah Rose Raton on Unsplash

Pictures of the hotel were taken during my stay before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Basking in Bali: Our sojourn at Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort

Bali, located between the isles of Java and Lombok in Indonesia is said to be the island of gods. From its towering mountains covered with lush forests that give way to verdant rice paddies and glittering shorelines, Bali is definitely blessed with nature’s wonders.

Its populace is no less unique; while most of Indonesians are Muslims, the Balinese are predominantly Hindu, and are expressive of their spirituality, not just through prayer but also in the form of structures and iconography that provide interest their surroundings as well as through other vibrant works of art.

Bali’s premier resort area, Nusa Dua, is located in the southern part of the island. Its name translates to two islands which refer to the two headlands found just off the peninsula’s coast.

Within this 350-hectare upscale enclave are twenty-plus resorts catering to tourists and visitors, one of which is Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort.

This award-winning hotel is one of Courtyard by Marriott’s 1360 properties across 65 countries. This upscale brand caters to business and leisure travelers by providing quality comfort.

This is where Hubby and I stayed during our trip to Bali to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

A luxurious hotel stay

Everything about Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort speaks of luxury in touch with nature.

Upon entering its driveway, we were welcomed with verdant green grass dotted with statues.

Its sprawling lobby is cool, airy and surrounded by water, adding to the relaxing atmosphere hat welcomes the resort’s guests.

Its lagoon-like swimming pool meanders along the outdoor seats of the resort’s on-site restaurant, Momo Cafe. Here, guests can lounge while enjoying their meals or taking a dip in the pool.

Our air-conditioned deluxe room is furnished with a king-size bed topped witu plush pillows and a comfy duvet.

It is also furnished with a sitting area for resting as well as a desk bureau for working (which, thankfully, were few and far between during our vacay).

The marble bathroom is equipped with a shower and toilet, as well as a hairdryer, robe, slippers and Nirvae bath products for our use during our stay.

Our room has a balcony that overlooks the pool area. I found it a perfect spot to read a book or enjoy the Bali evening breeze.

The room is also equipped with high-speed wireless internet, a 32-inch LED TV with cable channels, as well as a radio.

Other amenities provided to make our stay nice and comfy include:

Alarm clock
In-room safe
Iron and ironing board
Complimentary bottled water
Coffee maker and tea service

Should we wish for some work off a few pounds, the hotel’s gym is equipped with treadmills and other exercise machines.

The hotel’s C Spa offers a wide range of Balinese massage and beauty treatments, administered by expert therapists.

Well, Hubby and I didn’t travel all the way to Bali just to stay indoors, right? So off we went to Nusa Dua Beach to enjoy the sand, surf and the sun.

Here, the resort operates a Beach Club that provides beverages and snacks to guests.

With these comfortable and luxurious amenities, as well as the excellent service of its staff, our stay Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort helped make our anniversary sojourn of #BaskingInBali one of the books!

Nearby tourist attractions

Being a resort hub, Nusa Dua is filled with sites and establishments that appeal to tourists which are all within a short and easy walking distance from the hotel (or an even shorter and easier ride in the shuttle!)

Strolling around is no problem for Hubby and myself, thanks to Nusa Dua’s comfortable walkways lined with lush greenery and tastefully graced with Balinese architectural structures and mythic sculptures.

We also got a little dose of retail therapy at the Bali Collection. It is a commercial hub enveloped with touches of nature, housing an extensive collection of outlet stores and local merchants that offer great finds and exciting deals.

We were also pretty lucky that our stay coincided with the Nusa Dua Light Festival.

Organized by the Indonesia Tourism Coincil, it is the biggest lantern festival in Bali, featuring a spectacle of lights and lanterns to be enjoyed by tourists and residents alike.

Good eats in the vicinity

Nusa Dua is also home to great restaurants so epicureans will be able to go on a gastronomic adventure without having to venture far from the hotel.

Momo Cafe

Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort’s on-site restaurant’s offers convenient all-day dining with indoor and al fresco seating.

For the duration of our stay, Hubby and I started our day with a scrumptious fusion continental and local cuisines through our complimentary breakfast buffet.

On our last night, we treated ourselves to a Babi Guling buffet dinner, highlighting Bali’s version of the suckling roast pig, the Babi Guling.

Other Balinese delicacies that we were able to try include the Ayam Betutu (Balinese Spice Chicken), Tambusan Be Pasih (Baked Snapper in Base Genep), Be Sampi Menyayat (Slow Simmer Balinese Spiced Beef), Sate Lilit (Balinese Minced Seafood Sate), Lawar Kacang (Green Bean Salad) and Jujut Urab (Balinese Cold Tossed Vegetables with Coconut Dressing).

While eating, we were also serenaded with live acoustic music.

Spicy Geg Indonesian Kitchen

Hubby and I found a restaurant in a commercial hub just outside the hotel that serves light Indonesian fare.

The tropical feel of Nusa Dua was brought indoors, thanks to the wood and rattan furniture and the vibrant palm print walls and lush hanging plants with a bit of contrast from the restaurant’s marble bar and gold fixtures.

At Spicy Geg, we continued our exploration of local cuisines with our delicious orders of Nasi Goreng Rendang (Beef Rendang with Rice), Ikan Tuna Bakar (Tuna dish from North Sulawesi) and Sate Rembige Lombok (Beef and Chicken Skewers).

Kagura Authentic Japanese Cuisine

Hubby and I also discovered a piece of Tokyo right in the heart of Nusa Dua.

We took a breather from our explorations ny having lunch at the trendy yet cozy Kagura Authentic Japanese Cuisine.

We wasted no time ordering our Japanese food faves such as Tuna Sashimi, Salmon Maki, Katsudon and Ebi Tempura.

Easily go on an Ubud Tour

We took advantage of Nusa Dua’s proximity to many well-known tourist spots by hiring a van to take us on a tour around the Ubud region.

Highlights of this tour include watching the Barong and Keris Dance, a visit to enclaves of batik and jewelry artists in Batuan, lunch overlooking a cliff at Batur Sari Resto, coffee and tea tasting at Alam Bali Agriculture, exploring the Sebatu Temple, viewing the Tegalallang Rice Terraces and, finally, a seaside dinner at Ayu Bali Resto.

More deets on our jam-packed day trip to Ubud here.

Want to have a similar adventure of #BaskingInBali? Book your stay via Klook today!

Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort is located at Kawasan Pariwisata Lot SW1, Nusa Dua, Bali 80363 Indonesia.

Disclosure: Our Bali trip happened before the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to know more about what to expect at Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort.

Experience Prime Dining at B Hotel Alabang

Getting lost in the south isn’t such a bad ordeal when wandering leads to the quiet streets of Madrigal Business Park because there stands B Hotel Alabang, a premier 4-star hotel managed by The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts.

“What is there to do?” one may ask. Aside from an undisturbed staycation in the comfort of a cozy room, guests can also enjoy the first-ever outdoor hot tub in the area. With perfectly warm water for the rainy season, and refreshingly cool water during the summer! And while fitness junkies spend time in the hotel gym working out, the foodies can go ahead and start eating their hearts out at the hotel’s dining outlets.

Foodies everywhere will agree that it takes more than just picture-perfect plating or unique food concepts to make a dining experience memorable and worth going back for. With an exquisitely prepared mix of fancy and familiar flavors, coupled with the 4-star hotel’s dedicated 5-star service, one can only expect a dining experience at its prime, every time. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or anything in between, B Hotel Alabang has the perfect plate!

“Our mission is to give our guests the best of Filipino hospitality and that includes proudly representing our heritage in our menu. That’s why we always allow culinary innovation while preserving the integrity of our country’s traditional dishes,” says Chef Ricky Galon, B Hotel Alabang Sous Chef. Prime Café offers a diverse selection of traditional local dishes from across the different regions of the Philippine islands such as the bestselling crispy Sizzling Sisig from Pampanga, perfectly char-grilled Chicken Inasal from Bacolod, and tender Beef Salpicao. The hotel’s main dining outlet also features Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Italian, and Mexican cuisines among others. Craving a classic American favorite? Chef Ricky’s special creation is the answer—a flavorful patty and fresh vegetables in a soft sweet bun. And if you’re craving a different kind of meat, no need to go far! Get your steak fix and enjoy perfectly grilled prime steaks from Johnny’s Steak and Grill at Prime Cafe.

Those who simply cannot do without a sweet ending (or beginning) to a sumptuous meal can head on over to sweet tooth heaven—Pastry Corner. This little nook is where all the freshly baked goodies and barista specials are! Must-try includes moist and indulgent Belgian Chocolate Cake, and German Chocolate Cake, and Leche Flan, Ube, Chocolate, Plain, and other limited edition flavors of the coffee shop’s signature ensaymada.

Prime Café puts the “happy” in happy hour with some San Valley wine for only Php800 nett per bottle, or unlimited beers, mojitos, or sangria for only Php550 nett person, available daily from 6:00PM to 10:00PM. Booze and live entertainment? Enjoy it at Prime Café’s Bistro Nights every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:00PM to 11:00PM.

Get a taste of all these exciting dishes and activities at B Hotel Alabang’s Meet and Eat exclusive foodie event, in partnership with Don Revy, Monkey Eagle, Alliance Crafts, Instamug, and Eco Verde.

For more information on B Hotel Alabang’s exciting dining promotions and other offers, visit www.thebellevue.com, or call (+632) 828 8181.

Thanks to Eboy Donato for serving as my correspondent during B Hotel’s Meet & Eat Foodie event.

Details and images provided by B Hotel in A recent press release.