Destination Philippines.
Contributed by Jens Hoffmann.
Arrival at Ninoy International Airport Manila, Philippines.
The Republic of The Philippines, as the country is officially known as, consists of more than 7000 islands which are mostly covered by rainforest and volcanic in origin.
This and its remarkably long coastline, considered to be the fifth longest in the world, make for an abundance of outdoor activities and adventures. No matter what you are after or what your idea of a perfect holiday is, the Philippines will probably have it.
It features great dive spots, a number of volcanoes, some of them still active, you can relax at amazing beaches, you can surf some insane breaks, hike the most impressive rice terraces or you can explore some of the islands by motorbike. The opportunities are endless and the good thing is, that it is still pretty affordable. With so many different things to chose from, it can sometimes be hard to decide and making an itinerary is definitely recommended compared to other countries where you can just go with the flow.
For us it was a bit of a luxury experience, after a happy landing, we were driven to the hotel, a chauffeur was already there. Of course with a friendly smile.
On the way to the hotel he was talking about the city and the sweet things of life, this is how it should be by Shangri-La. We enjoyed this pickup. This is how elegant perfect relaxation can be: the sophisticated Makati Shangri-La.
I have stayed in several Shangri-La hotels and each times it surprises you with something special. Something totally unique, like the nice flowers, Zen energy, exotic surrounding, that’s why the beautifully done Shangri-La may very well win the award for Makati’s most aesthetically stunning interior.
The limousine stops in front of the hotel, the staff takes the carries upstairs to room 2109. Entering the lobby and lounge you feel great, our paradise for two days. The world-class Asian restaurants and mini-waterfalls on every floor greatly contribute to the overall Zen energy. This is a oasis in downtown. The door to the big room opens, we felt instantly at home. On the table a welcome card and fresh fruits. The well-laid-out, spacious, and comfortable guest rooms have domed ceilings and Asian-inspired decor. Downstairs the Circles Event Café offers an unbelievably breakfast buffet that caters to every nationality. We tried from Sashimi, Indian cuisine, french food everything was fine. At the Lobby Lounge, a pianist tickles the ivories each afternoon. Staff go the extra mile perfect hospitality, personally greeting each guest by name. They are passionate about giving great service. The beautiful hotel has received international accolades for its distinct services and facilities. So the 696 guestrooms and suites provide luxurious, spacious accommodations with a contemporary Asian touch, our room on 21floor offered breathtaking views of the cosmopolitan skyline. For guests who prefer a higher level of personalized attention, the Horizon Club provides exclusive benefits such as a personal concierge and full access to the Horizon Club Lounge on the 24th floor.
We enjoyed that very much. Each hotel room is tastefully designed with sleek blonde-wood paneling and modern elegant accents and inter. The bathroom was large and luxury, my wife enjoyed the L’Occitane amenities.
The Spa, the Hotel’s Health Club and the outdoor pool is an oasis of relaxation at the heart of Manila, it offers an extensive range of gym facilities for fitness enthusiasts. Other facilities to be enjoyed include a cold plunge, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, aerobics and dance classes, two large floodlit tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool with a pool bar, and Spa, the hotel’s very own spa. The range of well being offers leaves no wish unfulfilled.
Furthermore it was the forefront of exciting food and beverage offerings, each of the hotels restaurant is a meeting point for gourmets.
An award-winning, internationally culinary team is at the helm of the Hotel’s restaurants, leading in culinary innovations and service excellence.
We tried the „Sage Restaurant and Bar“, the hotels latest dining destination with a tapas bar that serves originally crafted concoctions.
We tried all kind of tapas, fish, crabs, later on we went up the winding staircase that leads to the main restaurant which offers modern European cuisine in an intimate setting on the second level. Finally a nice ice desert, beautiful served.
A culinary experience of the highest standard. Do you feel good? Certainly, right at home and just perfect. We enjoyed fantastic tenderloin steaks, many of fresh ingredients and a delicious passion fruit soup for dessert.
Later on we had a final gin tonic in the lobby. We were in paradiese. The grand space of the lobby is the ideal setting for an intimate tête-à-tête, in the afternoons, a 14-piece orchestra plays amidst a backdrop of lush greenery and cascading waterfalls.
As fabulous as the hotel is, guests should neverless leave it from time to time the spectacular city.
We did that and went to the great Makati „Art in the Park“ festival, which was beautiful and very nice.
The Philippines are obviously a paradise for lovers of culture and art.
It brought us back to James Hilton and his novel „Lost Horizon” – „Shangri-La had been all that I could have wished – certainly more than I have expected“.
It really encapsulates the serenity and hospitality for which the brand is renowned worldwide.
A fantastic journey and a magical stay in the Makati-Shangri-La.
Good night by James Hilton.
It was an unforgetable memory.
Paalam, ba-bay.
The presstrip was supported by Stromberger PR / Munich
