The Laiya strip of beach resorts is very popular for company or family summer outings, even quick getaways since it is just about 2 1/2 hours drive from Makati, Metro Manila.
Not my first time in Laiya, but my first in Palm Beach Resort.
Palm Beach Resort is at the far-end of the strip. So don't get too excited when you start seeing the resort signs all over, because you are NOT there yet. There is even a short uphill, rough road that you have to traverse to reach the resort. But once you reach the resort, you will not get disappointed.
I travelled with my mom who is already a Senior Citizen (SC), my brother, his wife and their 4-year old daughter, Amara. With an SC and a kid on board, there are things that you should consider on a road trip. Restroom pit stop
s (emphasis on the "s'), music to be played in the car (Frozen soundtrack), snacks and water handy at all times, Bonamine for biyahilo purposes.
We left at around 8:30am from QC, took C5, SLEX, STAR until finally exiting Ibaan to get to San Juan, Batangas. It was a 3.5 hours drive for us. I used to take Lipa exit, but maybe to avoid heavier traffic in Lipa City, the suggestion was to take it from Ibaan. But we were not spared from any traffic. Coming from Ibaan exit, some roads were being repaired en route to Rosario, causing a little bit of traffic here and there, but was bearable. As we reached Rosario proper, it was bumper to bumper, probably spending some 15 minutes in that intersection. After which, drive to San Juan was OK. There are a lot of resort signs along the way that you will not feel lost, if this is your first time to go to San Juan area.
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| AMARA |
So you won't feel the "are we there yet?" kind of thing, manage your expectations regarding the distance. But for an SC and a kid in the car ... well, you just have to contend with it.
As we reached the entrance to the resort, Security checked for my name then radioed it to front desk. Parking is atop, you will be fetched by a golf cart to take you to your lodging. My brother heard over the radio that front desk is being alarmed that I have arrived, so he asks, "bakit kilala ka nila dito?!" I said they don't, they just know that my party has arrived and such is good service ! Treating all guests like VIPs.
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| on the way to our lodging |
As we reached Casita Royale, we were welcomed by a lady who ushered us to our designated room (Room 10 that is). It was at the 3rd floor, topmost so a bit difficult for the SC to climb up the stairs. But being on top, means, you get to enjoy the most view too from your own veranda. It was a small room that I got because it was the only one available. I booked quite late and was just lucky that one tentative guest cancelled. (
TIP: for summer outings or other peak months weekends, book 2 - 3 months ahead)
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| from the room to the veranda |
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| from the veranda to the room |
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| Mom, me and Amara |
The Junior room was "small" for a party of 4 adults and 1 kid. There is 1 double bed, a daybed and just an extra mattress. Room cost is at Php 4,800/night then Php 800/extra pax, so it cost me Php 6,400. If I booked sooner, I would have gotten the Suite room with 2 double beds, it will cost just the same (Php 6,300/night) . But mindless of the size of the room, the important thing is it is clean, as well as the shower room. It has a mini ref, cable TV, wifi. 8 fresh towels welcomed us, 2 hygiene kits ( toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo and conditioner). There were only 4 pillows as I remembered, didn't bother to ask room service for extras.
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| view from veranda |
There is the mandatory meals at P 1,540/pax. Starts off with lunch, PM snack, dinner then breakfast the following day. Others are turned off at this mandate, because it is pricey and yet the food is "regular." Well, to me, " hell, were you expecting fine dining?" My party did not complain about the food, in fact, they enjoyed what was served in the buffet. Bulalo is always good (at least for me), they served it during lunch. There was also grilled tuna, pancit canton. Particularly, the buko pie that was served for dessert was addicting. It was served warm and you will always go for the second, third, fourth bites.
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| the path to the dining pavilion |
Since Amara was so giddy to take a dip in the pool even it was scorching hot at 1:30pm, I went with her to the Infinity Pool.
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| Infinity Pool and Beyond |
Because of the unholy hour, Amara and me were the only ones in the pool for a good 45 minutes or so. They have the adult pool, kids pool and the jacuzzi. (
TIP: you have to call on an attendant to switch on the jacuzzi. I asked one when he passed by, then he told me, there is no switch in the pool area, because it was a secret)
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| Amara and me having fun |
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| when you have all the pools to yourselves |
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| aahhh... this is the life ... |
Several minutes later, we were joined in by another family, mostly teeners. Amara being herself, chatted with the teens and was adored. When the teens had to leave because they will go boating, another kid came with the yaya and a driver in tow. We thought, poor kid, she has to enjoy the resort with Ate and Kuya. Again, being naturally friendly and chatty, Amara befriended the kid, her name is Carmen and is 5 y/o. They hit it off well and good and almost inseparable. Later we met the parents of Carmen, who were at the resort for some yoga seminar. We took Carmen into our care as Amara and her were now BFFs.
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My brother Pipo, Amara, Carmen and Carmen's dad, David
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| mi familia con Carmen |
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PM snack time came. It may be "just regular," on the buffet table were; suman with home made coco jam dip, puto, hot chocolate and iced tea. But honestly, everything was good and it really did fill my tummy.
More swimming and playing for Amara and Carmen.
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| inseparable tots |
Mom and I explored the shore a bit. Yes, it was rocky alright. The resort readies several aqua socks for the guests to borrow, for free. It was already almost sunset, so we did not take a dip in the beach anymore.
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| mom is exploring the shore and the view |
In an open area, the yoga class was happening. This is the group of Carmen's parents. Ha ! I wish I have the toned body like one of the ladies.
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| yoga class |
After sunset, we had to go back to our room to shower and get ready for dinner. Of course, it was difficult for the two little misses to part, so they made "promises" to meet up and be together for dinner.
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| night swimming is fun |
Dinner buffet was: molo soup, Sicilian pasta, Korean beef stew, chicken and something else. Dessert was palitaw and choco crinkles. Gosh, even if others say that the charge of P 1,540 is too pricey for the kind of food they serve, to me, it was worth it. I loved the palitaw and crinkles ! Beverages, btw, are free flowing - coffee, iced tea, juice. Soda and beer, you have to pay.
While the adults were happily eating dinner, we were now joined by the family of Carmen, the two little misses were busy with books, crayons, stickers at the other table. The dining area is spacious so it was OK for the kids to occupy another table on their own.
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| the little misses |
Time to call it a night. Again, even if the misses' eyes were droopy and you know they are dead-tired from all the playing, it was difficult for them to let go again. But no one was a brat or a whiner, they both agreed to let go, with another meet-up in the morning agenda.
Pipo and Coykee took time to have a beer or two at the cabana downstairs, while Mom, Amara ane me stayed in the room and called it a night,
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| night at the cabana |
Back into our small room for the night, we fit ourselves into what was available. A/C was functioning well, I even had to raise the temp in the middle of the night as it got too cold. A downside to this was the extra mattress. It was no more than 4 inches thick, I am sure my brother was the most uncomfortable sleeping, but he survived.
Waking up early to a wonderful view ! No one was cranky and everyone was ready to explore the rest of the shoreline and have some pictures taken.
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| look-alikes |
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| Coykee, Amara, Pipo |
Breakfast buffet was ready ! Resort attendants would also remind their guests about this, so we went. It was a good buffet of fried rice / steamed rice, longganisa, scrambled eggs, salted eggs with tomato and onion, champorado. For the last time, I did not feel robbed for the P 1,540 mandatory meal package.
So after breakfast, we still had time to dip in the beach. Amara spent her time playing with Carmen in the sand. Mom did not bother and just stayed in the veranda and read a book.
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| Best Friends Forever |
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| mom at our veranda |
To sum the expenses for the overnight stay in the resort, it was P 3,000/pax. Amara being just 4 y/o, was free of charge.
It was a good overnight stay at this resort. The place is well-kept, staff were accommodating. We met new friends.
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| bye Palm Beach Resort ! |
My travel dates: March 29-30, 2014
Check out resort info and more details at www.lafrondosa.com
