5 Reasons Why We Keep Coming Back to Virgin Beach Resort

Summer is definitely a season for barkada getaway. For me and my college buddies, our way or reuniting with each other is by traveling. We really like exploring places, but since it's the summer season, we decided to go back to Virgin Beach Resort in San Juan, Laiya, Batangas. We actually went to Virgin Beach Resort Laiya last 2018, but an overnight stay was not enough to enjoy the place. So, this time, we booked for a 3D/2N stay at Virgin Beach Resort Laiya. 

Based on googlemap, Virgin Beach in Laiya is between 2 to 2.5 hour-drive from Manila depending on traffic conditions. If you are driving to Laiya, Batangas you can opt to take the Ibaan Exit thereby, skipping the Lipa City traffic. For a newbie driver like me, I find it easier to drive around Rosario-Ibaan road. It might seem like a long route, but it's definitely way better since there are fewer vehicles/jeepneys (just watch out for careless motorists and tricycle drivers).

We've previously stayed in the other more expensive resort in Laiya (check out my Acuatico Beach Resort entry here) but, we just love Virgin Beach Resort in Laiya for the following reasons:

1. It has one of the cleanest beaches in Laiya.

We love how Virgin Beach Resort is strategically located along Laiya beach, but quite far away from the usual "Laiya crowd" since the resort has a long shoreline. I guess that's one of the many reasons how the resort, maintained its cleanliness aside from the diligent resort staff who were always on their toes cleaning the surroundings.

2. It's not that crowded.

This is probably one of the biggest reasons why we love Virgin Beach Resort. Even if they have so many guests, you won't feel that it's crowded because of its great location. They were fully booked when we checked-in and yet, it was still very relaxing, no noisy crowd at all. 

3. It has good accommodation and amenities.

As I mentioned, Virgin Beach Resort has a pretty clean beach compared to others and it also transpires on how well-maintained their casitas and cabanas are. The restrooms are very clean, there's a water station on the beach and they even provide you with ice! There's a chapel for beach weddings. You can just chill, read a book or even take a nap in one of the unoccupied parasols and hammocks. They really go the extra mile just to make their guests comfortable.

chapel

parasols

lounging in one of the hammocks

non-aircon cabana

non-aircon cabana for 4 persons

4. The resort serves good food (buffet style).

If you're staying at Virgin Beach Resort, you are required to avail of the meal package which is P 1,750 per person/night. It includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. I actually think their food tastes better than the food served in other Laiya resorts. It's nothing extravagant like a hotel buffet, but it was delicious (especially when they serve grilled dishes and seafood) and satisfying; and each day, every meal was different. It seems pricey, but definitely worth it.

breakfast buffet

one of our dinner meals

another  one of our breakfast meals

5. The resort has a well-trained, warm and courteous staff.

I also commend Virgin Beach Resort's staff for being accommodating to our requests. It took a while before they get back to us which was understandable because the resort was fully booked during our stay.

But they're always polite and attentive to the details/instructions/requests. 

Overall, I'd still recommend Virgin Beach Resort Laiya to family and friends who would want to have pure relaxation or get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 'til next time! :)

P.S. 

I just thought of sharing this updated resort rates as of March 2019.

Weekend Getaway at Acuatico Beach Resort Batangas

I have been very blessed to travel in different places around the Philippines, more specifically the pristine white beaches. Traveling is even more exciting when it is shared with great people, to catch up and to simply have fun. This trip to Acuatico Beach Resort - Batangas, I must say, is one of the short-distance trips where we splurged a lot. It was a long-planned trip, so we had time to save up for it and enjoy our hard-earned money. 

Acuatico Beach Resort is one of the prime beach resorts in Laiya, Batangas. The moment we set foot in the place, we were able to say to ourselves that every penny we spent was truly worth it. 

                                                                                                                  

This is what will welcome you as you enter the lobby of Acuatico Beach Resort.

                                                                 

Laiya is quite tricky but to reach if you do not have a private transportation. In our case, we took the commute route. There were four of us who travelled from Manila and then, we hopped down at Lipa City. There was this bus and fx terminal just across Robinsons Mall Lipa City. Then, from there take the van going to Laiya. 

In our case we just added a few more bucks as the driver agreed to take us directly to Acuatico Beach Resort. I think we spent around Php 400 to 500 from Manila to Acuatico.

I don't have the full room details but, we got the Php 12,500 room (good for 4 persons). Yes, it was costly for an overnight stay but, as I've said you will just get the total value for your money and the well-deserved relaxation time. Acuatico Beach Resort will make you feel like you are in a really exclusive place, peaceful and employees were friendly. This is one corner of the room. It was like a two-story small house/villa. When you enter the door, it was like a mini lobby, area for drying clothes and  shared bathroom. Located on the second floor is the bedroom. There were 2 double beds, cable tv and air condition. The interior was minimalist and very dainty. You may also check out Acuatico's website for the accommodation details: http://www.acuaticoresort.com.ph/accommodation.php

I think this picturesque view of the pool and villas is the Acuatico Beach Resort trademark. Everything seemed so perfect, if it weren't for the rainy weather. 

the pool

the bar in the middle of the pool (at night)

the bar in the middle of the pool

the view from our villa

The next pictures will showcase the Acuatico Resort restaurant. Take note, everything is buffet. And every buffet meal costs Php 500 per person. They have ala carte meals for children, though. We actually thought it was way too costly but, once you taste the food they serve, you won't regret every single centavo you spent. There were a lot of food options, mostly are Filipino dishes. Desserts were very yummy! It was one of the things I really enjoyed. Excuse my bias for desserts. :) 

The Kare-Kare was exceptional. And they don't repeat the same dish over and over. So, you are guaranteed of an excellent quality, sumptuous meal. 

Overall, Acuatico Beach Resort can be quite far to be reached by public transportation. The room and food can be pricey but, I do not mind repeating it all over again that, you really get your money's worth. The exclusivity, class, luxury and treatment due to a king and queen are all part of this perfect weekend getaway. The resort is very ideal for family, friends and couples. If I had enough money to splurge, I'd stay here perhaps twice a year just to unwind and get a breath of fresh air. Two thumbs up for Acuatico Beach Resort!