Samantha Nature Farm Morong Bataan: Refreshing Accomodation with Natural Spring Water Pool and Jacuzzi

Looking back, there were many blessing that I have failed to appreciate and have taken for grandted in my life.  One of those are our regular out-of-town wellness retreats such as this wonderful staycation in Samantha Nature Farm in Morong Bataan. 

In my previous work, whenever we feel overwhelmed physically, emotionally or mentally, my officemates would organize a wellness retreat to restore us back to full health. 

With full support of our superiors, we would find a potential place to rent and vote over which one to select.

Although we've seen photos of Samantha Nature Farm during our screening process, we were still awed upon arrival.

It was a whopping 5-hectares of land that was filled with greeneries.  

It even had a bird house.  

Natural Spring Water Pool 

Because my workmates are very considerate with my prevailing health condition (with sudden outburst of eczema), they always suggest places with beaches and natural springs so I can recuperate my skin condition.

My skin can't stand the harshness of chlorine so I really appreciate that Samantha Nature Farm offers a well-maintained natural spring water pool.

Natural Spring Water Jacuzzi

It also has a Natural Spring Water Jacuzzi which is even lit at night.

Aside from having a spacious dining area and kitchen near the pool, 

it can also accomodate up to 14 guests with its 4 bedrooms and 4 bath rooms.  I stayed in this room for 4 with 2 bunker beds.  The other rooms have queen-sized beds.

It has a spacious indoor and outdoor area.  During the day, we had cooked some barbecued meals by the grassy area by the pool.  By night time, we continued to devour our cooked food, cold drinks as we sang our hearts out.  We are so happy that they had a videooke machine available for rent.  

At the back, you can soak in the natural spring.  

I enjoyed a peaceful moment here, listening to the gentle flow of spring water and taking in the refreshing air. 

There's also a fish pond for those who are fond of fishing. 

Overall, we had a memorable time at Samantha Nature Farm in Morong Bataan.  The staffs are also courteous and happy to be of service.  You can conveniently book via airbnb here.

Samantha Nature Farm in Morong Bataan
Hotel Address	Gov. J.J. Linao National Road, Sitio Palayan Bayan, Brgy. Nagbalayong Morong, Bataan,  Philippines
Contact	maila@starlasercorp.com	Reservation Required	Yes
Payment Options	Cash	Public Transport	N/A
Room Types	Room Amenities		Price
4 Bed Rooms	• Good for 14 persons • Multiple Queen Beds • Multiple Bunker Beds • Hot/cold water shower • 24 hrs. cable TV / In-house movie channels • Air-conditioned • Free Wifi • Ref. • Barbecue grill • Kitche with cookwares • Toiletries (without towel)		15,000 php
General Amenities	•Natural Spring Water Pool  •Natural Spring Water Jacuzzi	Parking	Yes
Travel Tripsters Hotel Review Rating		Samantha Nature Farm in Morong Bataan Map
Location	★★★
Room Comfort	★★★
Cleanliness	★★★
Service	★★★★
Price	★★★★★

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Sunset Bay Beach Resort: Featuring Elyu's Beautiful Sunset (San Fernando La Union Philippines)

It has been awhile since we wrote about La Union.  La Union has evolved so much and is now coined as "Elyu" by millenials.  But, there are some places that remain the same just like Sunset Bay Resort. 

Sunset Bay Resort has been awarded as Tripadvisor's Traveller's Choice from 2015 to 2019.  Upon our arrival, we could already see why.  It is located just a few kilometers away from Thunderbird's Resort Poro Point.  

The resort was well-maintained with lush greens mixed with indigenous artifacts. 



There were potteries everywhere.

There were many spots to sit and relax. 

Each room also has its own patio area.

At night, the entire place is even more enchanting with all the yellow lights. 

Deluxe Room

We availed of the Deluxe Room.  This room can cater from two to four persons (with added cost).  Our stay included free WiFi access but is exclusive of breakfast.

Although the furniture and interior of the rooms looked dated, it didn't have a negative effect on the overall room comfort because the room was tidy.

It offered the basic amenities like a wall mirror, electric kettle, desk, cabinet and...

air-conditioning.  The air-conditioning required room keys for activation which was a brilliant way to conserve electricity.

The bathroom was also clean.  The shower is also equipped with heater. 


Beach

The sand isn't the best there is but the beach front was clean.  During our visit, it was not crowded too. 

You could simply spend your time sitting under the shaded trees, enjoying the sound of the waves and the soft caress of the sea breeze. 

We weren't fortunate enough to witness the full sunset.  But, the purple hue caused by the scattering phenomenon in the atmosphere was still evident. 

It left us quite a romanticized scene of our beach experience.

There were many photo and video enthusiasts who caught such a scenic moment as well. 

But, don't be intimidated by their camera setup because the place is so well-lit, we ourserlves just you our pocketable point-and-shoot camera.

The place was really photogenic. 

At night, you can chill by the bar, restaurant or enjoy a night swim at its infinity pool.

Overall, we Travel Tripsters, were surprisingly pleased with our stay at Sunset Bay Beach Resort. 

Sunset Bay Beach Resort
Hotel Address	Airport Rd, San Fernando, La Union, Philippines
Contact	(6372) 607-5907	Reservation Required	Yes
Payment Options	Cash	Public Transport	Bus then Tricycle
Room Types	Room Amenities		Price
Upper Deck Superior	• Good For 2 Persons • 1 Queen-size bed • Hot/cold water / shower • 24 hrs. cable TV / In-house movie channels • Air-conditioned • Free Wifi • Patio area		4,250 php
Upper Deck Suite	• Good For 4 Persons • 1 Masters Bedroom with Queen-size bed •  2 Single Bedrooms with Single bed •  Hot/cold water / shower • 24 hrs. cable TV / In-house movie channels • Air-conditioned • Free Wifi • Patio area		5,050 php
Poolside Suite	• Good For 4 Persons • 1 Masters Bedroom with King-size bed •  2 Single Bedrooms with Single bed •  Hot/cold water / shower • 24 hrs. cable TV / In-house movie channels • Air-conditioned • Free Wifi • Patio area		4,850 php
Deluxe	• Good For 2-4 Persons • 1 Matrimonial bed [add-ons: single bed (500 php) and pull-out bed (600 php)] • Hot/cold water / shower • 24 hrs. cable TV / In-house movie channels • Air-conditioned • Free Wifi • Patio area		2,700 php
General Amenities	•Infinity Pool •Beach Front	Parking	Yes
Travel Tripsters Hotel Review Rating		Sunset Bay Beach Resort
Location	★★★★
Room Comfort	★★★
Cleanliness	★★★★
Service	★★★★
Price	★★★★

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Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle: Convenient Four Star Hotel Stay (Manila)

De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde Manila is one of the top institutions in the country for its The School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management.  What many do not know however, is that it also has its own four-star hotel:  Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle.

Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle is located in Arellano Avenue, Corner Estrada St, Malate, Manila, Metro Manila.

The hotel is strategically located that it is only a few minutes away from:

• Malate - tourist center of Manila
• Makati - Philippine's central business district
• Airport - NAIA terminal 1, 2 and 3
• Convention Centers: World Trade Center, PICC, SMX 
• Malls: Harisson Plaza, Mall of Asia, Robinsons Place Manila, SMManila, Greenbelt, Glorietta, Century Mall, SM Jazz Mall and A Venue Mall

Although it is a big building with many floors, the hotel area only occupies the 1st, 11th, 12th and roof deck.  The rest is dedicated for labs.

All rooms are equipped with an advance proximity card door lock system, electronic doorbell, DO not disturb (DND) and make-up room indicator.   For added security, the proximity card is also required for elevator use.

Deluxe Queen

As you can see the room is very nice.  The queen size bed comes with a soft duvet bed linen, two super soft pillows and two extra pillows.  There is an extra loft which is even softer than the bed.  The carpeted floors are clean.  There are multiple lamps with appropriate switches.  There is even a minimal night light which I really appreciate.

There's a work desk with lamp, telephone, tea and coffee with electric kettle.  For laptop use and gadget charging, their electric socket is compatible for 110v and 220v so no need for adapters.

I find the TV as an important aspect of a hotel stay.  I like turning it on just for a more comfortable vibe especially when I'm alone so it doesn't feel too quiet.   The 40-inch LED TV gives a superb viewing experience.

There's a fridge, more than adequate drawers, a huge closet with an electronic safe and iron with ironing board and hangers.

The bathroom is also spacious.  I found the sliding door with mirror to be innovative and functional.

The towel rack has a complete set of hand, face and body towels for two.

There is also a complete set of toiletries.

Roof Deck

One of the best hotel facility you can avail is the swimming pool at the roof deck.  It has a scenic view of the sun set and Makati City.

Also located at the roof deck is Vatel Restaurant - a French restaurant run by students.  This is required by Institut Vatel since it has a tie up with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management.

Complimentary Breakfast

At Cafe Romancon located at the ground floor of Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle is where you can claim your welcome drinks and the sumptuous complimentary breakfast buffet.  It also provides a free daily news paper so I did my morning routine of reading the newspaper after breakfast.

Although choices are limited, they are filling and satisfying.  There's the usual Filipino breakfast fare like hotdog, other items including a soup dish, fresh fruits, pastries and cheese.

Cereal lovers especially kids will be delighted with their cereal selection.

Sneak Peak of Other Rooms

Presidential Suite

I was also able to check out the other rooms available.  Out of the hotel's 49 rooms, there is only one Presidential Suite.

Aside from the spacious bed room and walk-in closet with dresser, it has a huge bath tub.

One Bedroom Suite

The special feature of this room is the glass-walled bathroom.  Don't worry, there are blinds if you prefer privacy.

Superior Twin

Apart from the Presidential Suite and Dormitory area, the room sizes are standardized at 30 sqm.  Only the beds varied.

PWD Standards Compliant

There are also two rooms allocated for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Dorm Room

One thing I found unique is the dormitory.  For as low as 1,500, dorm guests can enjoy in this bed with work space and also avail of the complimentary breakfast.  This is the female dormitory.  I found the male dormitory to be a bit spacious.  To avail, it requires a minimum of 8.

For this 64 sqm. room specially made for groups there's a twin toilet and shower area.

Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle
Hotel Address	Arellano Avenue, Corner Estrada St, Malate, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Contact	(632) 230-5230	Reservation Required	Yes
Payment Options	Cash	Public Transport	Jeep, Taxi
Room Types	Room Amenities		Published Price
Superior Twin	• Complimentary Buffet Breakfast • Complimentary Mini Bar • Complimentary Welcome Drinks • Complimentary In-room tea & coffee facilities • Complimentary Daily Local newspaper • Free Hotel-wide WIFI access (200mbps) • Free local calls • Complimentary use of Gym and Swimming Pool • 40" LED Smart Cable TV • In-room safety deposit box • Hair Dryer • Electronic Bell, DND and make-up room buttons • Duvet bed linen • Built-in bedside reading lights • Waffle design bathrobe and slippers •  Advance proximity card door lock system		3,500 php
Deluxe Queen	• Complimentary Buffet Breakfast • Complimentary Mini Bar • Complimentary Welcome Drinks • Complimentary In-room tea & coffee facilities • Complimentary Daily Local newspaper • Free Hotel-wide WIFI access (200mbps) • Free local calls • Complimentary use of Gym and Swimming Pool • 40" LED Smart Cable TV • In-room safety deposit box • Hair Dryer • Electronic Bell, DND and make-up room buttons • Duvet bed linen • Built-in bedside reading lights • Waffle design bathrobe and slippers • Advance proximity card door lock system		3,500 php
Deluxe King	• Complimentary Buffet Breakfast • Complimentary Mini Bar • Complimentary Welcome Drinks • Complimentary In-room tea & coffee facilities • Complimentary Daily Local newspaper • Free Hotel-wide WIFI access (200mbps) • Free local calls • Complimentary use of Gym and Swimming Pool • 40" LED Smart Cable TV • In-room safety deposit box • Hair Dryer • Electronic Bell, DND and make-up room buttons • Duvet bed linen • Built-in bedside reading lights • Waffle design bathrobe and slippers • Advance proximity card door lock system		2,100 php
Dormitory	•  Complimentary Buffet Breakfast •  Free Hotel-wide WIFI access (200mbps) •  Complimentary use of Gym and Swimming Pool •  Electronic Bell, DND and make-up room buttons •  Built-in bedside reading lights •  Advance proximity card door lock system		1,800 php per bed (minimum of 8)
One Bedroom Suite	• Complimentary Buffet Breakfast • Complimentary Mini Bar • Complimentary Welcome Drinks • Complimentary In-room tea & coffee facilities • Complimentary Daily Local newspaper • Free Hotel-wide WIFI access (200mbps) • Free local calls • Complimentary use of Gym and Swimming Pool • 40" LED Smart Cable TV • In-room safety deposit box • Hair Dryer • Electronic Bell, DND and make-up room buttons • Duvet bed linen • Built-in bedside reading lights • Waffle design bathrobe and slippers • Advance proximity card door lock system		6,000 php
Presidential Suite	•  Complimentary Buffet Breakfast • Complimentary Mini Bar • Complimentary Welcome Drinks • Complimentary In-room tea & coffee facilities • Complimentary Daily Local newspaper • Free Hotel-wide WIFI access (200mbps) • Free local calls • Complimentary use of Gym and Swimming Pool • 40" LED Smart Cable TV • In-room safety deposit box • Hair Dryer • Electronic Bell, DND and make-up room buttons • Duvet bed linen • Built-in bedside reading lights • Waffle design bathrobe and slippers • Advance proximity card door lock system		12,000 php
General Amenities	•Gym •Pool	Parking	Yes
Travel Tripsters Hotel Review Rating		Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle Map
Location	★★★
Room Comfort	★★★★
Cleanliness	★★★★
Service	★★★★
Price	★★★★

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