Was it all worth the hype (and the price?)
I'd have to say it was... This year (2022) was the second time I've visited the resort and I feel like I enjoyed and appreciated it more than the last time. The communication between the representative that I exchanged emails with went very smoothly. Although it took sometime for the email responses due to the time difference, all the questions and concerns I had were answered. the booking and transaction all went well and I couldn't wait for my trip to begin.
When we arrived, we were greeted by the guard who asked us for our reservation, and from there headed straight to the parking lot. In a way, it did add that feeling of security. While being checked in, we were greeted with extremely friendly staff and some really refreshing drinks. After that, we were given a tour of the resort and then led to our rooms. I want to just add that there were six of us and I really wanted all of us to stay in the "Estancia" because it accomodate all of us, but unfortunately, they were both unavailable so we had to book both "Infinity" rooms (2 beds in each room.)
The rooms were great. I'm not the boujee type... I can honestly say that all six of us can fit in one room, but I don't think it would've been allowed. If you're going to stay in resort like that, you would want to spend as little time as possible in the room. The bathroom was spacious, clean and had everything you could ask for in a bathroom. The rooms were great.
After settling in, we decided to have lunch at the Oceano Restaurant which was a staircase away. They had an array of different Filipino dishes to choose from. The prices were a little up there, but you really can't expect anything else. Some of the dishes that were ordered included both the chicken and tofu sizzling sisig, buffalo wings, calamaris, kare kare, binagoongan, baked caldereta and of course two choices of rice. For six people, it was definitely a feast and most were wrapped up and was eaten for dinner later on that night. They also had the option of them reheating it for you, so that was definitely a very hospitable touch.
Now, the resort itself. I'm not a pool person, but it's definitely a really gorgeous pool. Whether you're eating at the restaurant and looking out or by the poolside or in the pool itself, every angle was instagrammable. The bar in the middle of the pool was a *chef's kiss* for the adults.
The beach was kinda like a private beach... but not really. Most of the people who were out there, were guests of the resort so you really don't have worry about it getting crowded. Please don't hate me for saying this, but the locals who are trying to sell you souvenirs, they kinda got a little annoying. There were times when all I wanted to do was relax but not even five minutes after laying down, you're being asked if you want to buy a "pearl" jewelry, keychain, knives, etc. You can't help but feel bad for saying no, but please let me relax! They were all very respectful, but were annoying...
Late October was when we were there, aka hurricane season. We were fortunate to have an amazing two days. The sun felt amazing during the day and the water was very refreshing. The sunset in the evening, I've no words really. It was truly breathtaking. You really feel like you're on vacation. The sunrise the following day, equally as beautiful.
After spending the early morning at the beach, the complimentary breakfast started at 7 am. It was a buffet style breakfast that included everything you can think of to have for breakfast. They had both Filipino dishes and, well, non-Filipino dishes. After breakfast, it was more beach and pool time for the family and then we checked out at noon.
All in all, we had a great experience. From the staff to the amenities to the magic of mother nature, we were treated very well and enjoyed our stay very much. I would definitely go back given the opportunity.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.