It can be difficult to squeeze in a vacation into your schedule, especially if you’re overseeing a business. While you can always block off a week on your calendar, booking tickets is another step that requires time and patience. Save yourself from added stress and delayed flights by spending a weekend in must-visit destinations that are only a few hours away from Manila. You can still commune with nature, forget your to-do lists, and soak up some sun — without hopping on a plane.
Bookmark these 5 summer destinations:
1. Lago De Oro Hotel & Cable Ski Park (Northern Lights Agri Aquatic and Resort Development)
Taking pride in being the first wake park in the Philippines, Lago De Oro in Calatagan, Batangas is the perfect stop if you’re looking for a getaway that’s equal parts thrilling and relaxing. Learn the basics of wakeboarding on your first day and let the activity release some happy hormones to fight stress away. After, you can treat yourself to a comforting massage in your own room.
To make the most of your stay, you can also check out the island hopping and fishing activities offered or simply spend hours lazing by the beach. Learn more when you visit their website.
Lago De Oro is located at Bo. Balibago, Calatagan, Batangas
2. Redwood Waterpark & Resort
On a good day, Laguna is only less than an hour away from busy Manila, making Redwood Waterpark & Resort an ideal destination for a quick vacation, whether it’s on your own or with family. There are big pools you can explore during your stay — the Raging River, the Overflow Pool, and the Wave Pool — which will surely bring out the kid in you. If these aren’t enough to satisfy your quest for fun, young ones and those young at heart will have a grand time finishing the inflated obstacle course! Once you’re done conquering Redwood’s pools and attractions, you can take a breather at the Arcade or belt out some tunes at the KTV Room. Don’t forget to have a taste of classic Pinoy dishes at the Beanyan Café and Restaurant before calling it a day and settling in your room at its Citadel Hotel. For more details, follow them on Facebook.
Redwood Waterpark & Resort is located at Carmona-Timbao Main Road, Brgy. Langkiwa, Binan City, Laguna
3. Matabungkay Beach Hotel
Batangas has a ton of options if you’re looking for a dose of sun, sand, and sea. Matabungkay Beach Hotel has been around for years, but it has amenities you’d love to come back to every weekend. Whether you’re bringing a few close friends or planning a solo trip, you may want to reward yourself by booking a stay in the Beachside or Water Villa. These accommodation options can bring you closer to nature, letting you admire the sunrise and the sunset from a breathtaking distance. Of course, waking up to the calming sound of the ocean is a huge plus!
Once you’ve gotten the rest you need, make sure you try at least two of the aqua sports being offered by the hotel, such as beach cove hopping, kayaking, and snorkeling, to name a few. Swing by to their website to learn more.
Matabungkay Beach Hotel is located at Brgy. Matabungkay, Lian, Batangas
4. Ban-aw Resort
If you feel like driving up north for some fun and adventure, Ban-aw Resort has gigantic slides and swimming pools that will make you look forward to beating the summer heat. Since Ilocos is hours away from Manila, it’s best to book a villa where you can spend a night or two in between swimming. The resort offers a variety of accommodation options, depending on your preferences or if you’re visiting with a big group. If you’re looking forward to some quality “me” time, you can look into staying at either the Standard Queen, the Deluxe, or Superior Queen room. Follow the resort on Facebook for details.
Ban-aw Resort is located at Candon, Ilocos Sur
5. Sundowners Vacation Beach Villas
Save yourself the hassle of driving through traffic and get on full tourist mode by taking a bus to Bolinao, Pangasinan. Nestled within the town known for its pristine beaches is Sundowners Vacation Beach Villas, a paradise-like escape that will remind you of Santorini, Greece. After around five hours of traveling to get to Bolinao, you’ll be greeted by the beach and the beautiful villas where you can rest and recharge.
Pro tip: Before heading to Sundowners, make sure you visit the website so you’ll have an idea which villa to choose. Trust us, it can be difficult to choose between a private pool villa, a marina villa, or a cliffside villa! Once you have that detail sorted out, you can look forward to hours lounging by the beach and dishing on Mediterranean cuisine offered at NYKōS Kitchen+Bar. Working on last-minute pre-vacation errands? Save time by booking your stay through the Sundowners website.
Sundowners Vacation Beach Villas is located at Luciente 1, Bolinao, Pangasinan
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