Escape to Paradise: Manila's Most Romantic Zen Garden Awaits
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Escape to Paradise: Manila's Most Romantic Zen Garden Awaits! Forget those sterile hotel reviews – I'm here to tell you the real deal, the messy, beautiful, and sometimes slightly bonkers truth. This won't be a perfect, templated review, because life, and especially travel, rarely is. So, let's get this show on the road!
First Impressions (and a bit of a panic attack, if I'm honest)
The website promises a Zen Garden. Zen Garden. I pictured serene monks, perfectly raked gravel, and… well, me, utterly failing to achieve inner peace. My usual idea of "Zen" involves a large pizza and Netflix. But hey, gotta try new things, right? Plus, the photos looked gorgeous. This immediately raises the stakes, because if it's anything close to the picture quality… I'll be overjoyed.
Getting there was relatively painless – airport transfer (thank goodness!) was available. After a long flight from the UK, the last thing I wanted to face was haggling with a taxi driver in 30-degree heat. The car park is on-site (bonus points!), no bicycle parking as I understand it and no car charging station - which is fine by me.
Accessibility – The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Confusing
Okay, so the website claims accessibility, so I checked. I'm not actually disabled, but I have a friend who uses a wheelchair and I always look out for this sort of thing. I think the general approach is there, but there's room for improvement. An elevator is listed, which is vital. Facilities for disabled guests are mentioned, but the specifics aren't super clear. More detail on room features and navigating the grounds would be welcome.
The Room: My Little Slice of (Possibly Chaotic) Heaven
My room! Let me tell you, the first thing I did was fling open the window. A window that opens! This is a HUGE win for me. I can’t stand stuffy rooms. The air con was fantastic, but the fresh air was a game changer. The bed? Let's just say I slept like a log. Extra-long bed too – appreciated. They also had bathrobes. Yes! (Cue internal squealing). The blackout curtains were a godsend too; I HATE being woken up at dawn.
The bathroom was well-appointed. Separate shower and bathtub, and all the toiletries you could want. They even had a scale. (Existential dread intensifies… but then I ate the complimentary cookies in the welcome basket). The room was well-equipped with Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathroom phone, black out curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, desk, extra long bed, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens.
Now, the internet situation. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! But it’s the little things, isn’t it? The free Wi-Fi was fast and reliable, which, let's face it, is essential for modern travelers. I needed it for work, to keep in touch with family, and, let's be honest, to watch cat videos at 3 am.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Foodie's Field Day
Okay, food. This is where it gets really interesting. The restaurant, the "Zen Eatery" (I’m not making this up), had all sorts of options. Asian cuisine, International cuisine, a Vegetarian restaurant… I was in heaven. They offered a breakfast buffet, which always gets me excited, because there's nothing like starting your day with a mountain of pancakes. But what I REALLY went for was the A LA CARTE menu in restaurant - and I ended up having a bit of a salad - because balance! Breakfast in room was an obvious choice one day, for a lie in. Asian breakfast was the second choice from the a la carte menu!
The Poolside bar looked tempting, but I had more serious business to conduct – namely, devouring the dessert menu. And the happy hour? Well, let's just say I saw more of the sunset than I'd planned.
Spa Time – Or How I Found My Inner……Chill
Okay, here's where I confess: I'm not a "spa person." I tend to get antsy. But even I could relax at this place. The Spa/Sauna area was immaculate. I indulged in a Body wrap because, why not? And then, the massage. Oh. My. Goodness. Worth every penny. They really listened to my preferences, and it was the perfect balance of relaxing and rejuvenating. They have a Pool with view.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Escape the Ordinary
This is a "Zen Garden" after all. I spent an afternoon chilling by the outdoor swimming pool – stunning views, perfect temperature. They have a steamroom. I also made use of the Fitness center. The whole idea is to chill out and they really deliver. I was tempted to try, and eventually did, a foot bath!
Cleanliness and Safety – Because We Can't Ignore Reality
Let's be honest, safety is a big concern these days. I was impressed. They have:
- Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Room sanitization between stays.
- Physical distancing when possible.
- Anti-viral cleaning products.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
It's not just about sanitizing – it's about feeling safe, and that's important. They have a Front desk [24-hour], CCTV in common areas, Front desk [24-hour], fire extinguisher, security [24-hour] and smoke alarms.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Make a Difference
Concierge service? Check. Daily housekeeping? Check. Laundry service? Thank goodness, because I'm a messy packer. Food Delivery? Excellent. All that, and more, made me feel like Royalty.
For the Kids – Family Fun?
While I don’t have kids, I did see they have babysitting service. Family/child friendly is another one, which is great, but I can't comment on the quality.
The "Escape to Paradise" Moment (And the Slightly Embarrassing Anecdote)
So, here's my real escape. I was sitting on the terrace, with a glass of something bubbly, watching the sunset. Birds were chirping (yes, really!), and a gentle breeze was whispering through the trees. I felt… peaceful. Genuinely peaceful.
And then, I tripped over a rogue garden gnome.
Yes. A garden gnome.
I nearly face-planted, but somehow managed to regain my balance.
The point is, even in the midst of Zen, a little bit of chaos is okay. It's human. It's real. And it made the whole experience even more memorable.
The Verdict: Should You Book Escape to Paradise?
Absolutely.
Here's the deal: Escape to Paradise is a haven. It's not perfect, but that's part of its charm. It's a place to unwind, recharge, and yes, maybe even find a little inner peace (even if it's interrupted by a rogue garden gnome). It's beautiful, well-maintained, and full of little touches that make you feel pampered and cared for. It's romantic, friendly, and even the imperfections add character.
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Call to Action & Persuasive Offer:
Stop dreaming, Start escaping!
Tired of the same old routine? Craving romance, relaxation, and a little bit of adventure in Manila? Then Escape to Paradise is calling your name!
Here's what awaits you:
- Breathtaking Zen Garden: Designed to sooth your soul and ignite your inner peace (or at least give you a pretty backdrop for your Instagram photos).
- Luxurious Spa Treatments: Melt away stress with massages, body wraps, and all the pampering you deserve.
- Delicious Dining: Savor Asian and international cuisine, and sip cocktails by the pool.
- Stunning Views: Wake up to sunshine, and end your day with breathtaking
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Romantic Zen Garden in Manila. And trust me, it's gonna be less serene garden and more "me stumbling around, accidentally ordering something with fish sauce I can't stand." Here's my chaotic and utterly subjective itinerary:
Romantic Zen Garden Manila: My Attempt at Serenity (and Probably Failure)
Day 1: Arrival – The Honeymoon Phase (Kinda)
1:00 PM: Touchdown in Manila. The airport? A glorious, sweaty, symphony of chaos. Taxis honk. People are everywhere. Initial thought: "This is…intense." (And the air? Thick enough to chew.) Grab a Grab (that’s the app, for those of you not hip to Southeast Asia) and pray to the gods of traffic. My driver, bless his soul, immediately starts telling me about his family, which, by the end of the ride, felt like I was part of his family.
3:00 PM: Check-in at a hotel near the Zen Garden. Choose a place with a pool. Necessity. Because heat. Immediately, I'm fighting the urge to just collapse into a bed and never leave. But, duty calls! (And Instagram expects.)
4:00 PM: The actual Zen Garden. Okay, here's where the "romantic" part should kick in. I envision quiet contemplation, maybe some perfectly raked sand, a gentle breeze… reality? Well, it was pretty. The Japanese-inspired architecture was gorgeous. The plants? Lush. But… there's this incredibly loud power tool seemingly dedicated to trimming small hedge. My "zen" was shattered quite quickly. I tried to focus on the koi pond, but a particularly aggressive fish kept eyeballing me. Is it judging me?!
5:30 PM: Attempting to recapture the vibe at a local teahouse. Ordered a Matcha latte (because apparently, I'm that person now). It was…fine. Not transcendent. Slightly bitter. I spent more time swatting away mosquitos, which totally killed any remaining zen. Still, the place was pretty.
7:00 PM: Romantic Dinner. A restaurant near the Zen Garden, with "ambiance" (read: dim lighting and hushed conversations, a complete opposite of my mood). I requested seafood hoping for some fresh flavors. My order came and I ate it fast. Then I realized it had small things of fish sauce in it. Ugh. I hate fish sauce. I didn't realize it at first, but the taste was a lingering reminder of my mistake all night. The waiter was attentive and kind, but the lingering fish sauce taste was my eternal companion that night. The only good thing: At the hotel, I found a mini-fridge full of snacks (yay!) and fell asleep to the sweet comfort of air conditioning.
Day 2: Embracing the Mess (Maybe?)
8:00 AM: Woke up feeling groggy and regretting that one extra cocktail the night before. The breakfast buffet at the hotel? A glorious, slightly overwhelming spread. I ate way too much.
9:30 AM: I'm now determined to experience some REAL immersion. Went to a local market nearby. Oh. My. God. The smells! The chaos! The mountains of fruit I have no idea how to eat! I bought a rambutan because it looked cool. And they are COOL! Even though I spent the entire time, I tried to eat it. It got all over my hands.
11:00 AM: Spa Experience. Okay, this is what I came for. The massage was amazing. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I almost fell asleep and got a crick in my neck from how hard I was trying not to snore. It was a long, indulgent one-hour journey into relaxed.
12:30 PM: Lunch. Found a tiny, slightly dodgy-looking cafe. Ordered something with chicken. It was spicy. Really, really spicy. I may have cried a little. But the staff was so incredibly friendly, I couldn't help but smile. It was an experience, for sure.
2:00 PM: Back to the Zen Garden. I can't help myself. This time, I walked around the garden again, and there was a ceremony going on. It was beautiful. The chanting? Hypnotic. I'm starting to understand…I think.
4:00 PM: Retail therapy at a local souvenir shop. Okay, maybe not therapy, but I got some trinkets. And a t-shirt that says something incredibly cheesy in Tagalog.
7:00 PM: Dinner. Some place on the waterfront, where the boats are so cute. The view was beautiful. My dinner was incredible. I finished every bite, and I didn't regret it.
Day 3: Departure – A Bit More Zen, Maybe?
9:00 AM: One last breakfast buffet, because, why not? I've embraced the gluttony. Maybe I am becoming a Manila local?
10:00 AM: One last walk around the Zen Garden. This time, the power tools were silent. There was a sense of peace, I finally understood. I'm starting to get it, that stillness.
12:00 PM: Goodbye, Manila! Farewell, chaos, and heat, and mosquitos! (and fish sauce, ugh). I leave, slightly more cultured, slightly messier, and definitely with a newfound appreciation for the simple things.
Final Thoughts:
This wasn't the perfectly curated, Instagram-ready vacation I'd envisioned. It was messy, imperfect, and sometimes hilariously awkward. But it was also incredibly real. And maybe, just maybe, I actually found a little piece of "zen" in the middle of all the chaos. Or, at the very least, I ate some decent food, avoided complete sunburn, and survived. Manila, you're a wild ride. I'll be back.
Luxury Smithfield Getaway: Hampton Inn & Suites Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Manila's Most Romantic Zen Garden Awaits - FAQ (and My Inner Ramblings)
Alright, so "Escape to Paradise"? More like a *potential* escape to paradise, am I right? Manila, romantic Zen garden... sounds dreamy, right? Well, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (probably jasmine-infused, knowing the place) on what you *really* need to know. Prepare for some questionable tangents. You've been warned.
1. So, is it *actually* romantic? Like, can I bring my date, or is it more "awkward meetup with the aunt who's obsessed with bonsai trees" kind of romantic?
Okay, the romance factor... it's complicated. I went with my partner, and, look, he's a *practical* man. Didn't get the "ooh, ahh" vibes you see in those cheesy Instagram ads. I, however... I'm a *sucker* for pretty things. The lighting is *key*. Think low, ambient, maybe a few strategically placed lanterns. If they get that right, major points. If it's, like, harsh fluorescent bulbs? Run. Just RUN. But the layout is good for whispering sweet nothings. Or, you know, arguing about where to park the car. Depends on your relationship dynamics, really. I'd say, yes, potentially romantic, but depends on the *execution* and your ability to manufacture romance even when surrounded by, say, a slightly grumpy bonsai tree (again, speaking from experience).
2. How much is "Escape to Paradise" gonna cost me? Because my bank account is basically a bonsai tree – small, delicate, and constantly threatened by… well, everything.
Price? Oh, the eternal question! Check their website. Seriously. I'm not good with remembering numbers. But I *do* know it's probably a bit of a splurge. Think of it this way: it's a "treat yourself" kind of expense. Or, you know, a "begrudgingly agree to spend money because your partner is giving you 'the look'" kind of expense. Either way, budget accordingly. Factor in potential impulse purchases (think: that overpriced, but *adorable* little stone lantern) and drinks. Because, let's be honest, you're gonna need a drink after battling Manila traffic just to get there.
3. What can I *actually do* there? Is it just... sitting? Because my butt isn't exactly zen-ready.
Okay, the activities. Yes, there's a lot of sitting. But it's *intentional* sitting. Meditative sitting. Contemplative sitting. Sitting with your partner, awkwardly trying to make meaningful eye contact while a koi fish stares judgmentally. (Okay, the koi fish thing might be a projection). There's usually something like a massage offering. Some places offer classes. Check their website. They should provide options. The food menu, you better not even look into the pricing before hand, it probably will add up to a lot. But honestly, the main activity is *being present*. Easier said than done in Manila, trust me. And maybe, just maybe, finding inner peace. Or, you know, finding a comfortable enough position on the cushions to avoid back pain. I'm still working on the 'inner peace' part, myself. Let me know if *you* crack the code.
4. What's the vibe? Is it like, peaceful and quiet? Or is it "screaming children and selfie sticks everywhere"? Because my "inner peace" is fragile. Like, *really* fragile.
Vibe check! This is CRUCIAL. Ideally, it's peaceful. Whispering breezes, gentle trickling water, the distant sound of... well, anything *not* screaming children. Reality? Depends on when you go. Weekends during peak season? Prepare for a crowd. I went midday on a weekday, and it was *mostly* chill. But a toddler did, on one occasion, run directly into a meticulously arranged rock garden, resulting in a mini-crisis of my own emotional stability. Seriously, I almost *lost it.* My advice: book a weekday, early in the morning, and cross your fingers. Or, you know, invest in some noise-canceling headphones and a strong anti-anxiety cocktail (just kidding... mostly).
5. The food, tell me about the food! Expensive? Healthy? Instagrammable? Give me the details!
Okay, the food. Ah, yes. One of the most important things. Let's be honest, it's a big part to any date. First, it is expensive, very expensive. Like, consider yourself warned. Next, its probably considered healthy. They'll probably serve organic salads and green juices. And finally, its Instagrammable. Everything will be perfectly plated, and there will be an aesthetic that makes you want to take pictures. That's the marketing strategy! The food is almost secondary. If you are a foodie, expect to be disappointed. But if you're just looking for a quick snack to hold you over, its probably okay. I would definitely eat before going, just saying.
6. Okay, I'm convinced (or slightly masochistic). Any insider tips? Things I *absolutely* need to know?
Insider tips! YES! Okay, pay attention:
- Book in advance. Especially if you're going on a weekend. Seriously. Don't be *that* person who gets turned away at the door. That would be a downer, for real.
- Bring bug spray. Because mosquitoes. Manila. Enough said. I speak from painful experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You'll probably be doing some walking (though hopefully not *too* much). You'll be spending a lot of time on a cushion, but getting there could hurt.
- Embrace the awkwardness. Look, even the most romantic places can have awkward moments. The key is to laugh it off. Because honestly, life's too short to take a Zen garden *too* seriously.
- Lower your expectations (Just a little bit). Its Manila. It's going to be crowded. It's going to be hot. It's probably not going to be *exactly* as perfect as the Instagram photos. But that doesn't mean it can't be enjoyable. Go in with a realistic view, and you just might walk out feeling at least a little bit more relaxed (and maybe even with a slightly less judgmental koi fish).
7. Would you go again? Be honest.
Hmm... That's a tough oneRoaming Hotels
