That about sums up how I felt yesterday when our party of six wrapped up our 3-day, 2-night getaway in beautiful Hamilo Coast, Pico de Loro in Nasugbu, Batangas.
Here are 5 reasons why this fambam escapade felt particularly bitin.
1. Cozy, fully-furnished, 2-bedroom 2-bathroom condo unit just a stone's throw from the beach
We especially enjoyed cooking our meals indoors. Not only did we save a lot of money (average meal price per head in the Lagoa Resto in the Country Club is P300), we also bonded big time! The kitchen had electric stove, microwave, electric kettle, rice cooker, water dispenser, pots and pans, plates and bowls, glass and cups, spoons and forks--the works! Just make sure to bring all the ingredients you need for that specialty dish that you want to whip up for your fambam.
Tip: Bring enough bigas, especially if yours is a family of rice eaters! About 2 to 3 kilos covered our 7 meals. Also, bring gallons of drinking water!
The St. Therese of the Child Jesus Chapel is by far the most serene prayer space I have ever seen in my life.
Tip: Best time to spend quiet time here is sunrise or pre-sunset (5:30ish AM/PM).
3. Active bonding with nature at its finest
You can interact with the sprawling scenic space on foot (mountain hiking/trekking, jogging) or on board (biking, free shuttle service). Of course, don't miss the chance to take a dip in the pool and the sea. Water activities (for extra charge) include banana boat (thankfully without drops), paddle board (not as easy as it looks), kayak, snorkelling, water taxi, jet-ski.
Too bad they don't have wind surfing anymore though. Also, the sea water in the swimming area is a bit murky. If you want to waddle in clear waters--go into the deep (with supervision, of course). Life guards on duty are alert and armed with vinegar sprays for jellyfish stings (nothing to worry about, really).
Tip: Bring kite and frisbee--great beach activities on windy early mornings and late afternoons!
4. Plenty to play
There's just so many things to do that you won't feel bored even if there's no wifi in the condo! Billiards, bowling, dart, basketball, badminton, table tennis, tennis, squash, video games, and karaoke--Take your pick!
Tip: Bring your own socks to save P110 pesos on your bowling game!
5. Cheerful and courteous staff all over the beach resort
These wonderful people seem to really be "happy to serve--YES!" They don't even need to do "the clap" to convince us. Even when I was disappointed with my Margherita pizza and yoghurt in the Lagoa resto, I was not entirely pissed off because the attendant was just the nicest lady ever! Special mention to Dona (at the main reception), Jane and Leriza (at the Miranda B reception), Recia (caretaker of the condo unit), and Faith (at the Lagoa restaurant).
It wasn't perfect but it was a pleasantly convenient and relaxing experience overall. According to my dual citizen parents, it is "the best" vacation destination we've been to in the Philippines! That's a pretty big review! Clearly, we're going back for more of this mini-paradise.
How much for all this? A well-spent P7,000 per head (including door-to-door transportation, guest fee upon entrance (for beach and pool use, and free shuttle service), accommodations, water and sport activities, food/ingredients). I'd say that's a pretty reasonable price considering that my grown-up brother is teary eyed over this amazing escapade. Pure joy is priceless after all.
P.S. Message me if you'd like to get the details of my contacts for the transpo and condo.
I wish you and your fambam a happy escapade in this patch of paradise only 2 1/2 hours away from Paranaque.
