DoT launches website with balikbayan travel deals
DISCOUNTS and deals from airlines, accommodation establishments, tour operators, and travel agencies await balikbayans who will come home to the Philippines this season as the Department of Tourism (DoT) launches the balikan.ph website; a one-stop site for balikbayan-exclusive promos with discounts of as much as 50% on hotel and resort rates and worry-free, value-for-money vacation packages.
The website is under the DoT’s “Balikan ang Pilipinas” campaign to encourage Overseas Filipinos (OFs) and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to come home for the holiday season and rediscover the Philippines with their loved ones. The page serves as an aggregator of information where different travel promotions and packages are posted for balikbayans. The posts will lead them to the merchant’s websites for the specifics of the deals and discounts. The offers have been curated in cooperation with the various airlines, DoT-accredited establishments, the Philippine Tour Operators Association, Inc., the Philippine Hotel Owners Association, Inc., and the Hotel Sales & Marketing Association International, Inc. The campaign will run until March 2022.
The Pen holds flash sale
THE PENINSULA Manila is holding is 12/12 Holiday Suite Spectacular Flash Sale until Dec. 19, with stay dates from Dec. 12 to 29. For details check out https://www.peninsula.com/en/manila/special-offers/roomsholiday-suite-spectacular. To celebrate New Year’s Eve, book the hotel’s New Year’s Eve Revelry room package which includes a six-course set dinner menu for two at the hotel’s legendary Lobby. To learn more about the room and dining offer, visit https://www.peninsula.com/en/manila/festive.
New World’s festive experiences this season
CHRISTMAS has officially arrived at New World Makati Hotel as it offers an array of experiences for the holidays. The Joyful Stays package lets guests stay in a Residence Club Deluxe room with breakfast for two adults and two kids, early check-in at 8 a.m. and late check-out at 6 p.m. (except New Year’s Eve and Day), a gingerbread cookie decorating kit, Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Lounge for two adults, and a Christmas cocktail drink for each adult. An upgrade to the Director’s Suite is also available.For those staying on New Year’s Eve, the room package has the same inclusions plus a 20% discount to the New Year’s Eve party that evening. The Joyful Stays package is P8,000 net for a Residence Club Deluxe room and P12,000 net for a Director’s Suite. Stay period is until Jan. 9, 2022. For detailed information, view the interactive holiday brochure at www.bit.ly/NWM2021HolidayBrochure or call 8811-6888 ext. 3679.
RWM hotels offer Yuletide specials
RESORTS World Manila (RWM) celebrates the Yuletide season with staycation indulgences fit for the whole family. The special room offers include the Hilton Manila’s “Sweeten Your Stay,” with 25% discount on food and beverage purchases and “Staycation 2.0 Premium Package” that includes fun filled activities and dining adventures for the whole family. A Deluxe package of an overnight stay, culinary offerings at the hotel’s Kusina Sea Kitchens and Hua Yuan is P22,000, while a Premium stay package with upgrades such as a pizza-making activity for kids, three-hour use of the Vega Poolside Cabanas and use of a Polaroid camera to capture each memorable moment is available for P30,000. This promo is available until Dec. 29. For RWM’s 12th year, a special 12th Anniversary Staycation Package is available for P12,000, which includes an overnight stay with buffet breakfast at either the Sheraton Hotel Manila or the Marriott Hotel, or an overnight stay with P1,500 dining vouchers at the Hilton Manila or Hotel Okura Manila, with an additional overnight room only stay at any of the four hotels. Guests who visit RWM can use their RWM points to grab Buy One Take One deals, exclusive discounts, and exclusive gifts with their purchased items from over 12 gadgets, electronics and home appliances brands at The Mega Holiday Sale at The Plaza, Newport Mall until Dec. 19. To view Hilton Manila’s full “Back to a Better Future: Retro Christmas” brochure, visit https://bit.ly/HiltonManilaRetroChristmas.
City Of Dreams’ leisure stays
LUXURIOUS and relaxingly safe respites beckon at City of Dreams Manila’s three luxury hotels — Nüwa Manila, Nobu, and Hyatt Regency — with appealing holiday leisure stay deals perfect for families. Overnight rates start at P6,500++ at Hyatt Regency, P9,400 net at Nobu, and P16,400 net at Nuwa and include a complimentary set breakfast for two adults and two children below 12 years old, complimentary minibar items, a special welcome amenity, voucher for 20% discount at City of Dreams Manila’s operated restaurants and in-room dining and 20% discount on applicable select spa services at Nobu Spa and Nüwa Spa. Booking and stay period is until Dec. 30, and prior reservation is required. Ensuring a worry-free stay for its guests, the three hotels take pride in also receiving from the Department of Tourism the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp of approval the world’s first safety and hygiene stamp certifying the property’s commitment to comply with global health standardized protocols. For inquiries and reservations, call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.
Safe events at the Farm at San Benito
ECO-LUXURY destination and a pioneer in green weddings and events, The Farm at San Benito has created a perfect place to hold safe events. Located in Lipa, Batangas, The Farm uses a multi-modal approach against COVID-19 to protect guests and employees at all times. It has set up its onsite COVID testing center (RT-PCR and antigen nasal swab tests) administered by integrative medical doctors and licensed health professionals. In addition, the employees are required to undergo COVID testing regularly. The Farm also has an ichromaII immuno-analyzer diagnostic machine which determines the level of antibodies against COVID. All facilities at The Farm are sanitized by Sanivir Smoke Disinfectant, which is proven by international laboratories to effectively eliminate all types of viruses including coronavirus on surfaces and in the air. The Farm is also the first in the country to use BetterAir solution that disperses environmental probiotics in all its enclosed spaces to create a clean, pathogen- and allergen-free healthy indoor environment. With all these safety measures in place, The Farm was certified by the Healing Hotels of the World with Healing Certificate and safety seal from the Philippine Department of Tourism and World Tourism Council. These recognitions are a reflection of the highest level of excellence in safety, sanitation, and commitment to healing on a holistic level. Nestled in a 48-hectare property, The Farm has beautiful scenery to capture memorable moments with its picturesque background and stunning spots. The Farm partnered with event planner La Belle Fete Weddings & Events company that transformed five spots on the grounds venues made of organic and sustainable materials built around the five elements of nature. These event venues within the resort, each designed by top event stylists, are: The Lagoon: A Breath of Fresh Air (Ginger Event Styling); Secret Garden: Wonders of Water (Blooms Event Styling); Amphitheater: Eternal Flame (Dave Sandoval); The Mango Tree, Earth’s Enchantment (Gary Dacanay); and, Labyrinth, Ethereal Space (Randy Lazaro). Overall concept, planning, and coordination was done by La Belle Fete. Table setup and centerpieces are by the official inhouse supplier, Tablelove by Pinky. When it comes to food, The Farm offers its wellness cuisines — vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian menus focusing on a plant-based, locally sourced, organically grown, and farm-to-table philosophy.
Richmonde Hotel Iloilo offers staycation packages
STARTING Dec. 16 to Jan. 16, the Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is offering discounted room rates for family staycations. Room rates start at P3,700 net with holiday welcome drinks for two, a 10% discount on food and beverage orders (except pastry items, Room Service menu items, and special offerings), Wi-Fi access, and complimentary use of the swimming pool and fitness center. At P4,000, breakfast for two is added to the reservation. On Dec. 24, 25, and 31, room rates start at P4,000 net (room only) and P4500 net (room with breakfast for two) with all the perks. Blackout dates apply on the Festive Holiday room rates. For inquiries, reservations, bookings and orders, call +6333-328-7888 or contact stay@richmondeiloilo.com for room accommodations. Bookings may also be made online at Richmonde’s official website, www.richmondehoteliloilo.com.ph.
Agoda shares ideas for local family getaways
FILIPINOS are optimistic about resuming traveling with their families before 2021 ends. According to digital travel platform Agoda.com in its Philippine Travel Sentiment Survey, almost 50% of Pinoys are keen to travel domestically within the year together with their partner and kids.
Health and safety protocols continue to be a must for Filipino travelers when booking accommodations, with 48% saying it’s imperative even when restrictions ease out. That said, Agoda has a long list of HygienePlus properties, so travelers can feel confident they will find safe family getaways without the hassle and worry. Agoda has come up with a vacation cheat sheet for fun and safe family destinations be it by flight or by road based on booking data for the Philippines in 2021. For family road trips, the suggestions include Tagaytay, which is just a two-hour drive away from Manila. One spot Agoda suggests is the Twin Lakes Hotel, a palatial hotel surrounded by lush greenery and fully equipped with a spa, fitness center, café and poolside bar for parents, plus a game room and kids’ corner. The hotel is pet-friendly. Another destination is La Union, the “Surfing Capital of the North.” Avail of AgodaSpecial Offers’ clubbing Golf packages as well as early check-in and check-out at the Thunderbird Resorts & Casinos – Poro Point. The resort combines Mediterranean-inspired architecture with tropical nature. With its water sports, recreation, golf facilities, and casino, it was awarded as a top choice of Agoda travelers in 2021. Then there is Baguio, a Filipino family favorite when it comes to road trip-friendly destinations. One favorite spot is The Manor at Camp John Hay, which, aside from its classic charm and elegance, also gives a unique bonfire experience for families. The hotel also offers inclusive tour packages to nearby attractions such as Burnham Park, Museo de Baguio, and Mines View Park. For fly-away weekends that fit a family’s budget, the first on the list is Palawan. For a unique experience, check out the Nacpan Beach Glamping in Nacpan Beach 45 minutes away from El Nido. This Agoda HygienePlus-approved destination is nestled under hundreds of palm trees and shrubs next to the beach. Families can enjoy private sailing trips, campfires at night, join island-hopping tours, or simply curl up for story time in their cozy tents under the stars. Then there is Bohol, another family-friendly spot that offers an array of adventure activities — be it seeing the famous Philippine tarsier, experiencing top diving spots, or the sceneries of the Chocolate Hills. For those looking to have a mix of everything, Bohol Bee Farm Resort is a good option. With a rustic atmosphere, it has a great view of the Bohol Sea while providing organic offerings for the whole family, including healthy menus and an herb garden. A farther destination is Siargao best known for its many surfing spots. Another HygienePlus property, Retreat Siargao Resort fits the bill for what families are looking for in a getaway. Near Malinao Beach, it provides facilities for water sports such as paddle-boarding, diving, fishing, and boating.
