Dusit Thani Getaway

We checked in at Dusit Thani hotel on a hot Friday afternoon, 22^nd April.  There’s an interesting scent when you stepped right into the doorway - it could just be the aromatic dishes coming from the café of the hotel or it could just be some scented oil perhaps.  Either way, it sure made such an impression with us! J

The hotel room we took has 2 queen sized beds – it was not as spacious as I expected it to be but it’s all very very good!  Inside the hotel, there’s a gym for guests who wanted to get a good workout, overlooking the swimming pool area. 

The Devarana Spa is also situated inside the hotel at the opposite direction where the gym is.  In my excitement, I went inside and signed up for a massage session.  When I came back to our hotel room after arranging the time with the manager at the spa, I told my husband with a dramatic flair that I was going to try the hotel’s massage services.  I wasn’t imagining the smirk on his face (because it was written all over his face!) when I told him it was ‘Swedish massage’.  Oh well, I got a 15% discount for it while the other types of massage were at their regular prices!  The ladies inside the health spa were very friendly – they were always after one’s comfort.  And when the session was about to start, I was given a selection of scented oils to choose from – 5 pretty little bottles and I chose the one which was supposedly to  relieve stress (hmm, aren’t they all??!).  It was such bliss and I had a great “me” time.  Seeing my bill was a totally different  matter but then again, it was an indulgence!  

My daughter, had a grand time at the kiddie pool – it was in that pool where she literally learned to swim – with goggles on and no life jacket!  What a feat! J

The hotel also housed a Japanese garden which was really charming with all beautiful landscaping and the plants, flowers, shrubs scattered all around, giving it such a relaxing atmosphere.

Breakfast buffet was all serious stuff – chinese, japanese, indian, english and western cuisines were arranged meticulously by the hotel’s kitchen staff at the dining area.  I did try a bit of indian – chana masala and vegetable pakora – they were tasty but I finished 2 glasses of water, too, while eating these dishes!  My favorite was vegetable curry, which was a mixture of broccoli leaves/stems and cauliflower in curry sauce. I went for second helpings! 

We checked out on Sunday, 24^thApr with good hearts and refreshed spirits (and I guess a few more pounds on my weight!) – ready to conquer the world once again. 

Additional Information:

• Internet Connection is available for a fee around 600PHP per day.
• No Signal from Sun Wireless Broadband on our room 6th floor.
• We were able to avail of a deluxe twin-room at a "Songkram Splash" promo rate and because of that, enjoyed a 25% discount from the Dusit Best Rate and receive complimentary buffet breakfast for up to 2 persons (~5k PHP Tax inclusive).
• Songkram Splash is a magical celebration in the middle of April marking the beginning of the solar year (summer?)
• Breakfast is free for children under 6 year old. (contact hotel to for more details/verification)
• Hotel is located near Glorietta 4, SM Makati, MRT, EDSA
• The pool area was great, they have an adult pool, kiddie pool, and a smaller pool for toddlers. 
• Seeing Sydney learn how to swim is priceless
• Tip: Book early to avail of the best/cheapest rate
• Website: http://www.dusit.com/

Map from Website: 

Microtel Mall Of Asia

Photo courtesy of microtel website

We stayed at Microtel Mall Of Asia Manila last 19-20Mar 2011. The room was dubbed the "double city view room" for an affordable rate (3.7k). They offered free breakfast for 2 adults and children 4-12 years old would pay half the price of 165Php.

High tech touch buttons :D

Photo courtesy of microtel website 

Our room had no mini bar and had no refrigerator but they had installed water dispensers on all floors and ice maker on some - a nice simple treat when the elevator doors opened.  The touch screen elevator buttons looked impressively high tech.  There were two queen sized beds inside the room and at the far end near the glass windows was a red leathered divan fronting MOA and Manila Bay.  The bathroom was not that spacious but not small either.  We're not picky with bathrooms, as long as they are clean and have a hot/cold shower, we are happy.  The room could accommodate 2 adults and 1 child in one bed - ideal for a family of 5 to 6 persons.

Roof Deck View

Night swimming

The swimming pool was located at the roof deck (12th floor) but unfortunately quite small, at 4 feet deep and it was encased in glass partitions, one side overlooking Manila Bay.  But hey, a swimming pool is a swimming pool and as long as there is water, kids love it!

The hotel is clean and well maintained and rather new.  It is near Mall of Asia (MOA) so you have an array of activities to choose from - outside the hotel.  The distance to MOA is not that far but if you're not keen about walking, the hotel offers a shuttle service every hour from the hotel to the mall and vice versa.

Internet at the hotel lobby and at the swimming pool area is free, you just need to ask the hotel staff for the login id and password.  There is internet connection at the hotel rooms as well but it is not for free.

The breakfast buffet at Millie's Restaurant was a fine feast - meatballs laced with tomato sauce, sausage, deep fried milkfish that looked like 'daing' and tasted really good when dipped in vinegar, scrambled egg with mushrooms, smoked ham, a simple selection of breads, pastries and fruits on both sides of the main table.

Millie's Restaurant

Hotel Lobby

All in all, the experience was an enjoyable one, providing a quick and easy getaway from the hustle and bustle of domestic and office work and stress.

Website: http://www.microtel-manila.com/ppc/

Welcome to Paradise!

Paradise Island Park & Beach Resort, Samal, Davao

We have been to Davao a lot of times and each time we visit always means a trip to Paradise Island.  But it has been quite recent, Dec29-30, 2010, that we stayed overnight in one of its many charming, clean, air-conditioned and conveniently-furnished cottages.  Ours was situated near the aviary and the children’s playground so it was only a brisk walk in the morning to reach the aviary and the playground.  My daughter had a good time watching the birds and mimicking their sounds.

The beach is another story – a wonderful one.  Clean white sands, clear water, bright sun, not-so-hot weather, what more can you ask for?  There were a lot of water sports to choose from and what my daughter enjoyed a lot was being on the paddle board.  What gave me a little thrill was the fact that I didn’t have to go deeper into the water to see the fishes swimming all over!  

The food at the restaurant, along the beach is good and well-priced. We tried their fried ‘talakitok’ (a saltwater fish), grilled chicken barbeque,’kinilaw na isda’ (raw seafood), grilled pork and we all had second helpings of rice to go with the dishes.

Can’t wait to try other cool fun stuff on our next visit! 

frolicking in the beach

lounging at the front porch

kids will love the paddle board

Additional Information:

Paradise Island DavaoFree Internet via WiFi access all over the resort.
Bathroom/Toilet/CR is clean and well maintained.
SPA, SCUBA Diving, Trekking, Caving is also available.
Best Alternative if you think Pearl Farm is too expensive for your budget.
Budget Projection: 3700PHP per night. 2 adults and 1 child.

Website: http://www.paradiseislanddavao.com/

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