The Foodinista: Resort

Buri Resort & Spa, Puerto Galera Review

Monday, November 13, 2017

Welcome Drinks at Buri Sesort & Spa

Boat Ride to Buri Resort

Buri Resort & Spa wouldn’t be considered as one of the best resorts in Puerto Galera if not for its impressive array of 4-star offerings and conveniences.

Swim lazily under the sun, post photos of your vacation online while lounging by the pool,
sample every dish on the menu, and get all the spa treatments you can squeeze in your schedule
during your stay. Settle in any of the resort’s alcoves with a book or a drink and live in a moment
of perfect relaxation. For a more active itinerary, our resort is more than ready to take you to
exhilarating tours and activities in Puerto Galera, Philippines.

Buri Resort & Spa Pool Area

Activities in Puerto Galera
In 2004, Puerto Galera Bay was listed by Club des Plus Belles Baies du Monde as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Aside from the captivating views and calm environment that entice travelers from all over the world, Puerto Galera also features various activities for all ages.

Buri Resort & Spa can arrange tour packages to see the island’s top attractions:

Tour Mangyan Village
Enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful Mindoro countryside and stunning coastal views. It only takes a 20-minute drive to Mangyan Village in Talipanan, the home of around 2,000 Iraya Mangyans.

Buy Mangyan Products
The gentle locals belong to an indigenous tribe — the original inhabitants of Mindoro Island. Here, you can admire their handicrafts and pick up souvenirs which you can share with your loved ones back home.

Discover Tukuran Falls
Hike and weave your way around coconut trees and lush thickets, or ride a buffalo-driven cart before reaching the hanging bridge over Tukuran River. Cross the river, take a refreshing dip under the cool, clear falls, and bask in the spectacular natural pool amidst the forest.

Golfing at the Ponderosa Golf Course
Take the day off and practice your swing at this 18-hole course.

Pool Side and Lounge Area

Buri Resort & Spa - Buri Spa

Experience a state of calm and tranquility throughout your holiday at the Buri Spa. Under the gentle care of our trained therapists, take pleasure in soothing treatments and all-natural, therapeutic-grade essential oils during your stay.

Surrender to the calm surroundings and savor the much-needed relief from stress:

Swedish Massage (60 minutes) – PHP 871.20
Aromatherapy Massage (60 minutes) – PHP 871.20
Hilot Massage (60 minutes) – PHP 871.20
Hilot Therapy with Ventosa (75 minutes) – PHP 1,056.00
Hot Ginger Compress Massage (75 minutes) – PHP 1,056.00

Enjoy pampering treatments that make all other activities seem trivial:

Natural Facial (60 minutes) – PHP 871.20
Revitalizing Coffee Body Polish (45 minutes) – PHP 1,056.00
Forever Young Organic Green Wrap (60 minutes) – PHP 1,320.00

*All rates inclusive of VAT and Service Charge

All these prove that Buri Resort & Spa is not only a place dedicated to the senses, but among the best of Sabang beach resorts in Puerto Galera.

Sunset

Villas

Buri Resort & Spa - Rooms

Experience the laid-back tropical holiday you’ve always wanted in Puerto Galera, Philippines.
They offer stylish comforts and carefree conveniences in they're luxury villas.
These nipa hut-inspired cottages also sustain a serene air that is made more captivating by
countryside charms and spectacular garden views.

The villas come in 3 types, each designed specifically to suit the needs of couples, families, and
roups of friends. In addition to providing simple but deeply rewarding pleasures, our accommodation
gives other hotels and resorts in Puerto Galera a run for their money when it comes to value and quality
of service.

Standard villa amenities and inclusions:

Balcony
Fully stocked mini-bar and complimentary bottled water
LCD TV with satellite channels
In-room safety deposit box
Air-conditioning and hair dryer
Welcome drinks and cold towels upon arrival
Use of infinity pool and non-motorized water sports equipment

Bedroom

Family Villa (We've Tried)

The Family Villa is a modern take on a traditional design with its generous spaces, high ceilings, use of natural light, plus streamlined architecture and decor. Designed to accommodate families and groups of friends, the villa features more beds and amenities that will please even the most discerning of travelers.

Our 3 Family Villas all have:
1 queen bed and 3 single beds in the upper floor's sitting area
1 bath with complete bath amenities
Flat-screen LCD TV
Maximum Capacity: 6 Persons including Children
Bed set-up - 1 queen size bed
3 Single and 1 extra matress

Traveller's Kit

View from the Room

Bathroom

Dining Area

Restaurant

Breakfast Food - Egg, Sausages and Bread

Island Recreation at Its Finest

Animasi Restaurant – A convenient and romantic gourmet hub where guests indulge in breakfasts for champions, lazy lunches, intimate dinners, and everything else in between. The restaurant also offers special meals for children.
Blue Bar – Enjoy refreshing drinks and fresh fruit shakes while chilling in the pool. In the evenings, the candlelit views of the resort grounds serve as a lovely backdrop to guests sampling a variety of our potent creations.
Buri Spa – Free the senses of daily stresses with our holistic massages and treatments courtesy of trained professional therapists.
Boutique
Infinity pool
Exclusive beachfront area
Water sports
Venues for parties, weddings, and other social gatherings

Paradise Has Its Perks

Private pier and boat transfers
Room service
Sightseeing tours
Babysitting
Baby cots
Full-service housekeeping
Laundry service
Baggage hold
Fire-safety compliance

Beach

Buri Resort at Night

Almalin Beach Resort

Almalin Beach Resort, Lobo Batangas (Photo Diary)

Thursday, May 04, 2017

Lobo is one of the municipalities of Batangas which lies at the province’s Southeastern coast. Its boundaries are Batangas City on the west, the town of Taysan and Rosario on the north, San Juan on the east and the Verde Island Passage on the south.

Lobo has a distance of approximately 135 kilometers from Manila and 35 kilometers from Batangas City, the Provincial Capital.

Lobo is a Third Class municipality in the Province of Batangas. The national highway passes through it connecting Lobo with Batangas City. It is commutable by private vehicles within 45 minutes and by commercial vehicles within an hour.

Lobo is composed of 26 barangays, 9 of which are coastal, ten are hilly and mountainous and the rests are built-up.

The municipality has a total population of 38,908 of which 13,427 belong to urban area and 25,481 belong to rural area.

The economic activities of Lobo include agriculture, trade, manufacturing and commerce. These are the prime movers for the socio-economic mobility of the municipality.

Lobo is one of the tourist destinations in the province of Batangas. The coast lines of Fabrica, Masaguitsit, Olo-Olo, Malabrigo, Soloc and Sawang is a haven for scuba divers, surfers, tourists, foreigners and Filipinos alike who want to unwind and get away from the suffocating heat and dust of Manila.

Lobo has many ecological sites including Faro de Punta de Malabrigo which is one of the 24 lighthouses erected in the Philippines during the course of the Spanish Colonial period.

The century old lighthouse can be spotted at the top of a cliff in the town of Lobo, Batangas. It is overlooking Verde Island and Mindoro from afar. It is worth a short drive from Lobo town proper to get to see this historical landmark.

Another site is Cape Malabrigo or Malabrigo lighthouse. It is a suitable place for a photography session. Need a charming seascape photo to test your camera skills? There is a concrete stairway which leads you to the seashore so you can shoot some lovely seascape and high wave images. If by chance you happen to come across the town of Lobo, it is a good idea to drop by and see this century old lighthouse.

The Submarine Garden is located at Barangay Sawang, Lobo. The garden consists of living corals near the shore of one of the beaches. It can be clearly seen during the early mornings when the water is clear and the tide is low. It has been acknowledged to be a fish sanctuary by the municipal government in their declaration in 2000. The Submarine Garden is among the province’s aquatic attractions.

The roads leading to Lobo have been fixed and are now in good condition so one should consider visiting Lobo, Batangas as a perfect haven for beach lovers who wants a quiet break.

The “Tulay na Busog” is located in Barangay Nagtoctoc. This is known as “Biak na Bato” and has a giant foot print on the mountain behind the river. It is well known for its cold water which continues flowing all over the year. It is good for barkada’s/family outing or picnic.

Finally, the Ulopong Falls is located in Barangay Sawang. This is known for its cold spring water which continuously flows all year around. During the summer months, the place is bustling with activity when vacationers from Manila and nearby provinces and barangays visit the place to take a dip in the cool water of the falls.

All these amazing ecological destinations are a few minutes away from Almalin Beach Resort!

Facilities and Amenities

Golden Fine Sand Beach
Pool (Children & Adult)
Fishing Lines
Barbecue Pits (As we currently do not offer food, our staff will be happy to provide the fire, pots and pans for your cooking).
Nipa Beach Umbrellas
Beach Volleyball
Frisbee
Badminton
Mahjong Tiles w/ Mahjong Table
Chess
Play Cards
Kayak, Canoe and Paddle Board

Other Services:

Full Body Massage (Php 300.00/hour) - upon request/availability

For rent:

Bangka Tours - Php 1,000.00 per hour, maximum of 6 persons
Jet Ski (Small) - Php 4,000
Jet Ski (Big) - Php 5,000

*Please note that concerning the above activities, it is COMPULSARY to wear a buckled Life Jacket.

Laguna

Villa Sofia Private Resort, Laguna

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Villa Sofia Private Resort

Calamba Laguna or Pansol Laguna known to many is one of the most sought after place for quick getaways and overnights during holidays or during the summer season. There are numerous Private Resorts here which are affordable and family-friendly, it's also just an hour drive away from Manila. I've been going here back and forth when I was young cause most of my relatives prefer spending staycations than adventures when travelling so we often end up staying in Pansol. I have discovered this new private resort in Laguna - Villa Sofia Private Resort which is pretty decent place to relax and unwind during weekends or just when you want to chillax.

Villa Sofia Private Resort

We rented the place during a non-peak season for around P20,000 for a night - 22 hrs. It can accommodate 30 pax so it's also a good venue for small parties and events.

It has two pools which is filled with hot spring water. One is the big pool for adults and the other one is a mini pool with Jacuzzi. They also have lounge pool chairs where you can relax and have a drink - I love staying here during the night time and just look up to the stars while doing my muni-muni sesh. Haha!

By the way, the pool now has a basketball ring so you can actually play basketball while swimming. The photo I have attached is not updated, sorry about that! They also have 2 parking spaces within the area.

Villa Sofia Private Resort - Pool

They have a Karaoke Machine on the Receiving Area/ Sala where you can sing-along all night and chitchat with your friends!

Villa Sofia Private Resort - Karaoke

The place is really spacious which I liked and made it presko during the evening.

They also have a billiard table with complete set of billiard balls and sticks - good thing they added this one which made everything less boring during the night.

Billiard Area

This is the dirty kitchen where we cooked our prepped meats and barbecues. They also have a refrigerator where you can store your food, alcoholic drinks and so forth. Bring Utensils or Disposable Utensils, Cups and Plates to lessen the hassle of washing dishes. You can cook and bring your own ingredients but for us we just ordered delivery meals during lunch and dinner cause we want to avoid the stress in cooking and thinking of what ingredients to buy. None of us also cooks well so we knew we just had to order outside!

There are convenience stores outside which is around 15 min. walk from the resort.

Dirty Kitchen

For the rooms on the other hand, Villa Sofia has 3 rooms with different types of bed per room.

Two Rooms had a Queen/Kind size bed with pullouts under the bed and extra mattress.

I just want to commend how clean the rooms are. I have been here twice and the place is neat as my first visit.

Bedroom

Some rooms have double deckers which is really friendly for barkada trips especially if there are a lot of you who will stay.

Double Deck

I really love the air-conditioning of their rooms. :) Super lamig sa gabi, it's just so cozy at night.

Bedroom

Lastly, the pool. I really love the warm temperature of the pool cause I can swim at night without having to worry about freezing to death. It's just so calming plus they light the pool at night which gives it a different vibe! Will definitely go back here if I get the chance again!