Michi Photostory: Hot Spring

Showing posts with label Hot Spring. Show all posts

April 19, 2024

Day Trip at Villa Esmane Private Resort in Laguna

I know we are experiencing extreme heat all over the country so parang walang naman naghahanap ng hot spring but I would like to share our Day Trip at Villa Esmane Private Resort last March. It was supposed to be a Baguio trip but long travel is not possible so I suggested to my husband, maghot spring na lang kaya. “In life, it’s not where you go, it’s who you travel with” so kahit saan ang importante, may family outing pa rin and matuloy na.

Laguna is known for hot spring resorts so there are so many resorts out there but there are two things we need to consider like time and budget. We were having difficulty finding an affordable private resort in Laguna. We don’t need a big resort naman since 14 pax lang naman kami. Also, paHoly Week na rin kasi so some resorts were already booked and some resorts naman don’t accept day trips, gusto nila 22 hours.

Anyway, thanks sa pagpupuyat ng asawa ko, nakahanap din siya ng pasok sa budget namin. It just so happened na may 12AM meeting siya (following USA time kasi) so hindi siya pwede matulog kaya nagsearch na lang siya ng resort habang naghihintay ng telecon. Hehehe!

Villa Esmane Private Resort was not our first choice pero fully booked na kasi yung first choice namin so ito yung sinuggest ng owner. Also we changed travel date na rin kasi wala talaga pag-asa sa Holy Week.

What I like about this resort is, they have different rates, depending on the number of people. Here are the rates at the time of booking.

Rates for 15 to 20 Persons

Weekends/Holiday: (Friday to Sunday)

• Daytime P 7,000.00 (9am to 5pm)

• Overnight P 9,000.00 (7pm to 6am)

• 1-Day P 14,000.00 (9am to 6am or 8pm to 5pm)

Weekdays (Monday to Thursday)

• Daytime P 6,000.00 (9am to 5pm)

• Overnight P 8,000.00 (Open time, 11 hours)

• 1-Day P 10,000.00 (Open time, 21 hours)

My husband called to inquire pero sa Viber app na lahat ng communication. To confirm the reservation, he paid a 50% downpayment and within the day, he received a confirmation email. The remaining balance is upon arrival at the resort.

What are the amenities?

Adult swimming pool (natural hot spring water) 4 ft to 5 1/2 ft

Kiddie pool “ 3 ft

1-bed room, capacity of 2 to 3 pax

4 Bedrooms with full air conditioning.

Kitchen - Refrigerator + Cooking Utensils

Complete Set of Bedding

4 Comfort Rooms

Barbeque grill

Unlimited Videoke

Tables and Chairs

Pavilion Wifi

If you plan to cook, there is an additional PHP500 for a gas stove but we did not avail this because we brought cooked food na and yung ibang ulam namin is grilled food like BBQ, hotdog, liempo, talong, bangus, tilapia and yung isang fish na parang lapu-lapu (hindi ko alam name, hehehe).

* Do not forget to bring your own dishwashing stuff, toiletries, and towels.

Sharing some pictures, Nagtake lang ako ng pictures ng rooms but my family did not stay here, so I cannot comment kung okay ba yung bed and yung aircon.

Since it was day trip naman, nasa pavillion lang talaga kami, busy sa paggrill and pagswim. Yung swimming pool temperature, hindi siya mainit like yung sa 88 Resort Spa, pero may parang falls so yun ang mainit.

My only concern is the bathroom, need ng konting maintenance especially sa door knobs and doors. But overall, we had a good time here.

It was my Father-in-law's birthday celebration so I also made this cake topper. This design is available on Cricut Design Space.

Villa Esmane Private Resort

Lake Wood Subd, Lalakay

Los Baňos Laguna

November 08, 2022

Day Trip at 88 Spa Resort

If you are a long-time reader of my blog, you knew that my late grandmother used to live in Laguna so we used to visit her every month. On our way to her house, we always passed 88 Spa Resort so when we are planning for a family outing, I suggested this resort because my husband already visited this resort with his colleagues and according to him, the place is good.

So the plan was pushed through but we did not join the family outing because the scheduled trip was just a few days before my son’s graduation, so ayaw ko naman may sunburn ako sa graduation. My family enjoyed the 88 Spa Resort so much that since then, they always go back to this resort, so mga nakailang balik na sila dito, both day trip and overnight but it was only last month, that my son and I were able to visit the resort.

My mom like this place so we had a Day Trip at 88 Spa Resort last month; my sister-in-law called the resort to reserve but was advised that there is no need for a reservation kung day tour lang.

Day Tour is 8AM to 10PM

PHP1500 - Adult

PHP1,150 - (3-12 yrs old)

PHP1,071.43 - Senior and PWD

Inclusions:

Access to all swimming pools

Consumable for food (lunch or dinner)

- Worth PHP450 - per adult

- Worth PHP350 Pesos - per child

Open cottages

Lockers and shower rooms

Note: Foods are allowed to bring inside the resort.

FREE OF CHARGE: Bread, water, and fruits.

CORKAGE: PHP100 per head: Cooked food, chips, sodas, and juices.

We arrived at the resort before 8AM and after payment, they gave us the keys for lockers and vouchers for food. There is a separate locker for men and women but we did not use the locker so I have no idea how big it is.

The 88 Spa Resort is huge, the lot area is more than 7 hectares at the base of Mount Makiling. It has 10 outdoor pools surrounded by palm and coconut trees. We did not bother to check the whole resort, we just stayed in one place and tried the nearest swimming pool. During our trip, there are also pools that are not working, ito yung nasa taas ng stairs. It is better to get the flyer to serve as your guide.

The resort has Octagon Pool, this pool has 8 mini pools with different water temperature ranges from 37 to 43 degrees Celsius. It is recommended to dip in the pool for 5 to 10 minutes to improve blood circulation and metabolism. If you want to relax your muscles and release physical tension, you can sit on Taeguk Pool. There are also pools with slides located in different areas. Aside from that, you can also take advantage of their healing packages, massage services, and food trip.

When you enter the resort, feeling mo nasa South Korea ka kasi may Korean vibes, as far as I know, Korean ang owner nito. So even sa restaurant, offers both Filipino and Korean dishes. I thought the PHP450 consumable per head is enough for our lunch but I was wrong, ang mahal pala ng food, drinks, and even the ice cream.

I was craving Korean BBQ pero hindi ko maenjoy kasi hindi pala unlimited ang Korean BBQ dito and may minimum order pa. So for our table, we ordered Pork Belly PHP900 (ilang piraso lang), Bulalo PHP700, Rice PHP60 per cup, Softdrink PHP90 and Ice Cream PHP120 + 12% VAT. They also have a set menu good for 4 persons ranging from PHP1900- PHP2000.

Even though the day tour is up to 10PM, we left past 3PM since dumadami na rin ang guests. Overall, we enjoyed our experience here and the only thing that I don’t like is their shower room, it really needs renovation. I did not take photo of it kasi madilim din naman.

Watch the video here.

Read: City of Springs

Update: March 2023

After our visit to 88 Spa Resort, we knew that we are going back because my husband wanted to bring his parents here so before November 2022 ends we went back. This was my husband’s treat for my Mother-in-law’s birthday. Hot spring is good for senior citizens so my in-laws enjoyed their visit to 88 Spa Resort even just for a few hours.

We left the house past 6AM and fetch my in-laws in Laguna. We arrived at the resort at half past seven. The rate is still the same and they allowed us to enter even though it is not yet 8AM.

Our consumable voucher is PHP2,250 so for lunch, we decided to order from the Set Menu, we chose Pinoy for PHP2000, which includes special bulalo, boneless bangus, chopsuey and garlic rice. They also serve side dishes. This menu is good for 4 persons pero nagkasya naman for 5 persons. We added rice and sodas and paid the balance after check-out.

After lunch, we did not go back sa main pool, doon na lang kami sa pool na malapit sa restaurant. We bravely tried the 41C degrees pool. After trying that pool even for several minutes, parang ang lamig na noong ibang pool tuloy. Hehehe!

Before we left, we explored the other parts na hindi ko napuntahan during our last trip. By the way, mas maayos yung comfort room na malapit sa restaurant kaso daanan ng tao.

January 18, 2018

Discover the Wonder of Blue Lagoon in Iceland

They say that your trip to Iceland won’t be complete without visiting the famous Blue Lagoon. Blue Lagoon was formed in the year 1976 during the operation of Svartsengi Geothermal Power Plant. People began to bathe in the lagoon and apply silica mud on their skin. Those people notice that it has great effects on their skin and even people with psoriasis notice an improvement in their skin condition too.

And because of that, public bathing facilities where opened, followed by a special clinic for psoriasis patient and now they are also offering skin care products. Blue Lagoon is one of the 25 wonders of the world so there is no doubt that this is a popular tourist destination in Iceland.

Since it would be my first time in Iceland, I also wanted to visit this place but after reading a lot of reviews and blog, I did not include this anymore. I’ve read about the “Shower without Bathing Suit” and wala daw cubicle or curtain so open bathroom. I told my mom that I’m not comfortable in taking a bath na walang cubicle and I don’t like wearing a swimsuit because I have psoriasis so she agreed with me, even though I know that she likes to go there.

The rates of Blue Lagoon is not cheap, the cheapest rate is more or less PHP3000 per person. My son (2-13 yrs old) is still free of charge but like his mom, he was not interested.

Standard ISK6100
Comfort ISK8100
Premium ISK10200
Luxury ISK53000

* Free entry for children is limited to general admission. No additional services or products are included. But it's possible to purchase add-ons upon arrival – towels, bathrobes, meals, etc. Blue Lagoon has an age limit of 2 years old. Guests from 2 to16 years old must be escorted by guardians while visiting the Blue Lagoon.

They also offer a guided tour for 40 minutes but it can only be booked by group of 11 a or more. So hindi kami pwede dito. Price is ISK2000 per person.

Day 1 in Iceland

Upon arrival, my aunt (cousin of my mom) told us that we are going to Blue Lagoon but my mom said, that we are not interested anymore since I have psoriasis. But my aunt told us, na mas okay nga daw yun because the unique water of Blue Lagoon is good for psoriasis patient. To be honest, I already knew about that information because they have special rates for psoriasis patient pero maharlika ang presyo. You can choose from Introduction Treatment or Out-Patient Treatment and the price is ISK25000 for one day, so PHP12k+.

And ayaw ko nga maghubad at swimsuit. Hehehe! So day before our trip, my mom and I were contemplating if we will go or not. But prior to our trip, my aunt already informed her contact about us so her contact already reserved for us. Yes, pre-booking is required, you cannot just go there because they also limit the number of people inside their facilities.

Day 2 Blue Lagoon

To make the long story short, we still went to Blue Lagoon. Of course, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see one of the wonders of the world. So after breakfast, off we went to Blue Lagoon. Travel time is more or less 20 minutes from my aunt’s house. It is also near the airport so if you want you can go straight here before going to Reykjavik.

Watch my video here.

Distances From Keflavik International Airport to Blue Lagoon: 23 km
From Reykjavík to Blue Lagoon: 47 km

When we got there, they are trying to convince me to try it but I’m stubborn so hindi nila ko napilit. I told my mom na siya na lang magtry ng Blue Lagoon but she was hesitant kasi mag-enjoy siya tapos kami nasa labas. But I told her, that we’re just okay and I knew na bucket list niya yan. Hehehe! So grab the opportunity and enjoy, kukunan na lang namin siya ng pictures. The contact of my aunt works in Blue Lagoon, so the Pinay accompanied my mom inside. She said she reserved four persons, sayang daw.

As I mentioned before, we did not include this in our itinerary so my mom did not bring any swimsuit. But don’t worry because you can rent swimwear, towels, and bathrobes there. I just have no idea about the rates.

According to my mom, she was given a wristband which serves as the key for her locker. The wristband acts as an in-water credit card that you can use to buy drinks and of course pay before check-out. My mom said, there is a separate area for men and women. And sayang daw kasi may cubicle naman yung bathroom so may privacy. Shower gel and hair conditioner are already provided in the shower area. A Silica Mud Mask was included in the package too.

My mom did not stay that long because the Pinay needs to go back to work, she has a meeting that day. My mom was also surprised because she did not pay anything, the Pinay told her na since she is working in Blue Lagoon, meron daw sila mga free passes. Wow! Thanks for the treat, it is really nice to have kababayans abroad noh? Kaya pala sabi ng Pinay, sayang naman when I said, I don't like to go inside, treat pala yung nireserve niya sa amin. But anyway, my mom enjoyed her time in Blue Lagoon.

Before exit, you will pass their souvenir shops where you can buy skin care products like the silica mud mask. Anyway, if you are planning to visit Iceland. Take note of this.

1. Pre-booking is required.
2. Open all year round.
3. Opening hours depend on the season.

Even I was not able to try the unique water, I’m still happy seeing Blue Lagoon up close and personal.

Read: Icelandair Experience
Reykjanes Peninsula Tour

Read: The Great Geysir in Iceland
Gullfoss in Iceland
The Golden Circle Tour
Bridge Between Two Continents
Thingvellir National Park

September 28, 2017

2 Days Trip in Camiguin

My son will be celebrating his birthday soon and I remembered our trip in Camiguin. We decided not to have a birthday party since we are not fond of a big party and off we went to Camiguin to celebrate my son’s second birthday. This was our first family trip via plane and my son’s first plane and boat experience.

We were supposed to go to Boracay but we did not like the available flights so we decided to go to Cagayan De Oro and Camiguin instead. There’s no regret because we enjoyed our CDO and Camiguin trip. We booked a CDO flight and rode a ferry boat to Camiguin Island.

At that time, I thought we needed to reschedule our trip because my hubby would be in Shanghai, China, fortunately, he was able to go home the day before our flight. Thank God that we were able to make the trip. Our 5AM flight was moved to 6:05AM because of PAL issue, I was a bit worried because we needed to catch up on our 8:30AM boat trip to Camiguin. Our plane touchdown is 7:45AM, so it is like an Amazing Race game just to reach the port. We took a cab and haggled for a P300 and not a P350 trip.

There was a bit of traffic so I really prayed hard that we could make it because I do not want the second option. We are so happy that we made it on time. We rode, Para Sea Cat Ferry but I’m not sure if they are still operating. It is a two-hour travel time before we reach Camiguin Island.

Rates (2011):
Deck Php. 400.00
View Deck Php. 400.00
Business Class Php. 600.00

Alternate route (2011): Go to Agora Market, P350 asking price of a taxi driver. Travel time is 30-45 mins. In Agora market, ride a bus bound for Butuan City. (Rural Transit-Yellow buses) going to Balingoan (pronounced as balingwan) port (P130) Travel time is 1hr 45mins - 2hrs. In Balingoan bus terminal, walk or ride a multi-tricycle (P7) to the port proper. (multi-tricycle can carry up to 7pax); port is 100meters away. In Balingoan port, take the ferry going to Benoni wharf (P135). Travel time is around 1hr 20mins.

Where to stay in Camiguin:

We stayed in Secret Cove Resort, which is fifteen minutes away from Camiguin White Island. If you are going to Camiguin, finding accommodation is not difficult because there are a lot of guesthouses. The tough part is choosing where you will stay.

I booked our accommodation one month before the trip. Reserving an accommodation is not difficult, I just emailed them and that’s it. No reservation fee. I chose Secret Cove Resort because

1. Affordable price.
2. Proximity to White Island.
3. Food. I’ve read so many good reviews and they did not fail my expectations. The food is yummy, they have big servings and the price is very reasonable.

During our trip, I was surprised that there were so many tourists in Camiguin maybe because of the approaching Lanzones Festival. I was glad that I booked a tour guide a month before our trip so we had no problem exploring Camiguin Island. Our tour guide also suggested the boatman for our White Island trip.

Secret Cove Resort
Yumbing, Mambajao, Camiguin, Philippines
Telephone #: (+63) (88) 387-9084
Fax #: (+63) (88) 387-9184 E
Email: tomsolski@fastmail.fm

We only had two days in Camiguin and here are the places that we visited.

Day 1 Camiguin Tour

We did not waste our time, we just took our lunch, and off we went for our tour. We visited Tres Marias Volcano, Walkway to the Old Volcano, Ruins of Gui-ob church, Sunken Cemetery, Sto Nino Cold Spring, Soda Swimming Pool and Ardent Hot Spring.

Day 2 Camiguin White Island

Your trip won’t be complete without visiting the Camiguin White Island. As early as 5:30 we’re on our way to the island. It is a 15-20 minute boat ride from the resort. There is no shade or trees on the island so we did not stay that long at baka masunog kami.

Camiguin Tour Part 2

After our breakfast, we checked out already and we continued our Camiguin Tour. We visited Katibawasan falls, Camiguin Animal Breeding Center & Ostrich Production Center, Giant Clam Culture.

J&A Fish Pen

After our half-day tour, we ate at J&A Fishpen. Do not leave Camiguin without trying this restaurant. The restaurant has their own fish pond where you will choose your seafood and they will cook it according to your preference.

Pasalubong

For pasalubong, don’t forget to buy lanzones or pastel. When we went there, it was “Lanzones Festival” month so we bought lanzones and boxes of yummy pastel.