(SPOT.ph) With summer now in full force, the only way to escape is to go for a weekend getaway. There are so many new resorts and hotels popping up in our top tourist destinations—just waiting for travelers to enjoy their laid-back tents or luxurious beds.
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Whether you’re looking for a quick drive or a remote island destination, here are a few new accommodations worth booking:
Timmy in the Woods
3 Mount Everest Avenue, Goldenhills Subdivision, Antipolo, Rizal
Contact: 0915-328-4800
E-mail: timmyinthewoodsph@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/timmyinthewoods
Day rates start at P16,000; opened in January
Timmy in the Woods, a "tropical modernist" guest house, features "natural elements of plants, bricks, and woods with the sophistication of black and gray color," says owner Timothy de Dios. This Instagram-worthy two-storey villa has a couple of rooms: one with a queen-sized bed and another with three double deckers, making its total capacity to 20 people max. It's most famous for its pocket gardens, infinity pool, picnic area, and veranda. It's just a short distance from Manila, which makes it a tempting spot for an impromptu getaway.
Lampara Siargao
Sitio Tuason, Catangnan, General Luna, Surigao Del Norte
Contact: 0956-427-8540
E-mail: lamparasiargao@gmail.com
www.lamparasiargao.com
Rates start at P1,050 per person; opened in February
Traveling alone? Why not head to the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, in Surigao del Norte, and stay at Lampara Siargao, a beachfront hostel that has dorm-type accommodations for budget travelers and air-conditioned glamping tents for aesthetically conscious wanderers. The rustic vibe and communal areas also encourage visitors to meet with other travelers staying at the hostel.
Bai Hotel Cebu
Ouano Avenue corner C.D. Seno Street, City South Special Economic Administrative Zone, Mandaue City, Cebu
Contact: (032) 342-8888
E-mail: info@baihotel.com.ph
baihotels.com
Rates start at P6,000; opened in November 2018
If you feel that Cebu City is a little too urbanized for a summer vacation, why not head to Mandaue City? Located a few minutes away from the Queen City of the South, Bai Hotel Cebu is a great place to come back to after a long day of traveling around Cebu’s tourist destinations. It is also the biggest city hotel in the whole Visayas with 668 guest rooms in its 23-storey property. The outdoor infinity pool on the 21st floor boasts a view of Mandaue.
North Zen Villas
Barangay Doljo, Panglao Island, Bohol
Contact: (038) 502 8453
E-mail: info@northzenvillas.com
www.northzenvillas.com
Rates start at P6,880; opened in January
If you’re flying to Bohol, North Zen Villas is a charming place on Panglao Island to rest after a long day’s exploration. The beach resort and spa features lounge areas, a tempting lagoon pool, a 500-meter bamboo boardwalk, and mangrove hut spa cabanas within its one-hectare property. Its in-house restaurant offers fresh seafood and organic dishes, for those who want to eat healthy during their vacation.
Casa Bianca
Barangay Catangnan, General Luna, Surigao del Norte
www.instagram.com/casabiancasiargao
Rates start at P4,000; opened in January
Want to experience Siargao with a large group of friends but not sure where to stay? Casa Bianca in General Luna is “probably the biggest available guest house for rent” on the island, according to the owner’s daughter, Bianca Manalang. The two-storey house, which features Balinese-style exteriors and cogon-thatched roofs, can accommodate up to 10 people. But you can also book individual rooms, which has a maximum capacity of three.
Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu
Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
Contact: (032) 888-1388
E-mail: dtmc@dusit.com
www.dusit.com/dusitthani/mactancebu
Rates start at P7,000; opened in March
If you’re looking for a new place for a luxurious stay in Cebu, Dusit Thani Mactan is a good option. It features the Namm Spa, which is Dusit’s signature wellness zone that takes its name from the Thai word “nahm” (water); D-FiT Fitness Center, which is perfect for travelers who don’t want to miss out on their workouts; and rooms with a stunning view of Magellan Sea. The resort also boasts a 100-meter long infinity pool, which is beside a boardwalk promenade and white-sand shores.
Seda Lio
Lio Tourism Estate, Barangay Villa Libertad, El Nido, Palawan
Contact: (032) 956-8888
E-mail: lio@sedahotels.com
lio.sedahotels.com
Rates start at P15,500; opened in December 2018
If you’re splurging on a trip to the best island in the world, why not give yourself a treat by staying at Seda Lio? As the first Seda resort—and an eco-friendly one, at that, it offers green spaces, rows of coconut trees, and accommodations spread out in four three-storey buildings. It also has a two-level infinity pool divided into three sections: A lap pool at four feet, a kiddie pool at three feet, and a wading pool at two feet.
Dahun Villas Siargao
Barangay Malinao, General Luna, Surigao del Norte
Contact: (0917) 138-1251
E-mail: dahunvillassiargao@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/dahunvillassiargao
Rates start at P2,000; opened in December 2018
Dahun Villas Siargao’s claim-to-fame is its bahay kubo-inspired accommodations with a modern twist. How’s that for a home away from your home in the city? The chic architecture gives off a chill and laid-back vibe that’s just perfect for a beach trip or a surfing weekend. Accommodation options range from a bunk room for solo travelers to a villa that can fit up to six people.
Twin Lakes Hotel
Tagaytay – Nasugbu Road, Dayap Itaas, Laurel, Batangas
Contact: 0917-846-1389
E-mail: reservations@twinlakeshotel.com.ph
www.twinlakeshotel.com.ph
Rates start at P7,500; opened in December 2018
Looking for accommodations that are only a drive away? Twin Lakes Hotel in Batangas has a castle-like façade, a heated infinity pool with a view of Taal Lake, and a grape vineyard. Their in-house café serves Twin Lakes’ own version of the Tagaytay favorite: bulalo.
Happy Beach Cebu
Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu (near Angasil Port)
Contact: 0917-174-2878
E-mail: hello@happybeach.ph
www.happybeach.ph
Rates start at P8,000; opened in December 2018
Happy Beach on Mactan Island is another Instagram-worthy attraction from the people behind Asia's biggest floating playground—Inflatable Island in Subic. Like its predecessor, the resort has a massive floating playground that kids and kids-at-heart would enjoy. Interesting additions include a swimming pool, a pool bar, and a 16-room one-storey accommodation—all colored pink, of course.
