By Nathan Allen

This was different – a whole new ballgame. It was massive…and oh so swanky!

For the first time in my life, I felt a bit…presidential.

For the sake of promoting tourism in my beloved Philippines, I returned from the jungle and endured 3 days of pampering, just  so that I can share the experience with you! Yes, I make these sacrifices for you.

Now that I’ve got my daily dose of sarcasm out of the way, let’s get on with the show!

Of course, I have featured luxury hotels previously, but somehow, looking out the window at your own private plunge pool adds another dimension to things. So does watching HBO on your flat screen TV…while taking a hot bath.

Honestly, I thought to myself: “What did I do to deserve this?”

Sleek, Warm, & Refined

To say I was impressed with the design and decor of my villa would be a drastic understatement. Of course, it had everything you would expect from a high-end property…private entry, kitchen, dining, and living room areas, along with a separate bed and bathroom.

However, what really struck me was the level of quality and attention to detail – at every turn. The space planning, the fabrics, the furniture design – it all felt quite deliberate. It was so elegant, but thankfully, not at the expense of being warm and inviting. I felt comfortable – not like I was tiptoeing around a museum or something.

From my calculations, the bathroom could accommodate a moderately-sized elephant or two, and comes equipped with a luxurious tub, oversized glass shower, and 2 soft, cotton bathrobes. As mentioned before, there is a TV in the bathroom, but there is also a much larger one in both the living room and bedroom.

The Kind of Sleep You Dream of…

Speaking of the bedroom, this surely was the highlight of the villa for me. Just look at that heavenly 4 post bed! Getting up in the morning has never been more difficult.

Somehow, this room reminded me of the scenes from “Out Of Africa”, which I watched as a kid. I always dreamed of visiting an exotic location and sleeping in a room like this…though I never imagined it would be this fancy:)

The “plunge pool” is just outside this window, though the door to the patio is located in the living room, not the bedroom.

Personalized Service

The staff was very kind to drop by the villa from time to time and ask if there was anything I needed. That was a nice touch. They would also deliver a note with a bowl of fresh flowers to my doorstep each morning…that’s what you see at the top of the page.

The Resort IS the Destination

Crimson is just 20 minutes from Mactan International airport, but once you arrive, you quickly realize how isolated you are there. However, I realized that being isolated in a place like this is a good thing! You see, the resort has everything needed for a perfect couples or family getaway. Actually, if you want, they do have a daily shuttle going to the shopping mall in Cebu City:)

Activities & Amenities

While it may not have the largest beach, the resort more than makes up for it with amenities galore. Of course, there’s the usual spa, gym, restaurants and bars, but add to that a game room + badminton court, music rooms, and countless activities such as diving, banana boats, and jet skis. That’s just a start – each morning guests receive a schedule chock-full of activities for the day. Have a look at the “foam party” above – what a blast!

The best part is the resort also has a well-qualified child care facility, so mom and dad can get that coveted alone time if they need. Oh! Another nice touch is the mini bar – everything in it is free on the first day of your stay! Free child care AND a free mini bar? These are the kinds of perks that will resonate well with overworked and underappreciated parents. Haha.

Check Crimson Resort rates.

Interiors

Breakfast Buffet

Due to the fact that it was a holiday, it was a bit crowded when I stayed at Crimson. When I finally saw a break in the breakfast buffet crowd, I snapped the picture below. The offerings were varied and plenty…special mention goes out to the pancakes, though they were so good that I wish they were a bit larger! Haha.

Various Night Shots

The 3-tier infinity pool is quite impressive, as is the lighting around the property at night.  

Azure Beach Club (Dinner & Drinks)

I was quite fortunate, because the restaurant’s renown chef, Godfrey Laforteza, prepared a mouthwatering assortment of menu items for me. Not only that, but he took the time to personally present each beautiful dish.  It was certainly a feast fit for a king! Azure even serves craft beer from Cebu City – and it’s brewed especially for them!

A note to international guests: Tastes in the Philippines are generally on the flavorful side ( I hear this from a lot of visitors, and I agree). I find that everything is more sweet, salty, or creamy than we are used to back home. Of course, restaurants are just catering to local tastes, but If you would like to tone down the flavor, just let the server know when you place your order.

Contact Info

Overall, as you can see, I had an incredible experience at Crimson. I want to thank the property for hosting me, and providing the opportunity to share the experience with all of you. The Philippines is my adopted home, and this resort is truly representing Philippine tourism in a world-class fashion. For that, I am grateful, and happy to support it.

Enjoy your stay, and please say hello for me!

Check Crimson Resort rates.

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– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

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By Nathan Allen

Yes, from the outside, the building itself is a bit sparse. It has a simple, plain white exterior with no accenting. That’s because Momo leaves nature to provide the accenting! The vibrant green plants and coconut trees on the property beautifully compliment the blue hues from the pool, sky, and the sea…which is literally just a few steps away. 

Momo Beach House is a few kilometers away from the busy tourist-mecca of Alona Beach. Just getting there feels like an adventure, because the last stretch is a dirt road leading to a jungle beach! I love it. Here, you’ll find a quaint, charming refuge from the cookie-cutter hotels that pepper much of Panglao Island.

My Momo Beach House Review – It’s All in the Details

The artistic and “beachy” touches around the property were much appreciated – like this creative solution for sandy toes!  Yes, Momo has a lot of character. It is at once bright, cheery, and yet somehow….rustic. To me, right down to the music, everything about the ambience was just right. Known as an “eco-chic boutique hotel“, you’ll notice their environmentally-friendly soaps and shampoos in the bathroom. Nice!

They were also very kind to create a hand-drawn welcome sign for me before I arrived. I thought it might be something they do for invited guests only, but the next day I realized that everybody gets the same treatment. That is a great way to make your guests feel welcomed and special.

A peak inside the rooms reveals a bold splash of design and color. The space feels light and airy, but not in a whimsical way. It’s tasteful, without being kitchy or cheesy (in my opinion, anyway).

Check Momo Beach House rates.

Initially, the beach itself may not wow you. It’s not the most perfect white sand, nor is it the ultimate beach for swimming. However, it still has something that Alona Beach mostly lost decades ago – local flavor. If you take a short walk down the beach, you can ease into the real Philippines here; local children play in the sun while their fathers return with fresh-caught dinner from the sea.

As you can see below, I did swim, and tried my hand at snorkeling as well. I must say – I was pleasantly surprised! You need to bring your own gear (for now), and I recommend wearing a life jacket, because the good stuff is 2 or 3 meters deep. Some of the best snorkeling can be found along the reef wall near the concrete pier on the left side of the beach. That pier is also a great spot to watch the sunset, by the way.

Note: Sunblock can kill coral reefs, so please try to wear a reef-friendly variety!

The Tastiest Restaurant Menu Options in all of Bohol

I know that’s a bold statement, but it’s just my opinion! I got my first taste immediately on arrival, with my refreshing and delicious pandan juice “welcome drink”. I thought that the restaurant at Momo had more solid dishes than anywhere else on the island. The lightly-crisped chicken and vegetables were delicious, as were the marlin, salad, and breakfast sausage in the morning.  Speaking of which, I’m very particular about coffee, and apparently, they are as well.

Oh! I almost forgot. The beer was really, really cold. That is soooo important. Nobody wants warm beer on their vacation, right?

Put Quite Simply, Momo Feels Like Home

Yes, that is the best way to describe it. Well, I wish I had a home like this! Momo is relaxed and unpretentious, yet very “clean and crisp”, as I saw it described somewhere. That really is a great way to put it!

Is it the fanciest resort in Bohol? No. Does it have the most stunning views? Maybe not…but it is lush and beautiful. Momo has heart and soul; I love the feeling that being there gave me, and I want more of it. That is not easy to capture, and I tip my hat to Momo for pulling it off.

I stayed with some amazing properties in Bohol, but this is the one I consider home. I would come back in a heartbeat, and I would like to thank the very generous and accommodating staff for hosting me. I’m so pleased to be able to share this wonderful experience with you! Tha’s it for this review, see you soon!

Check Momo Beach House rates.

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– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

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By Nathan Allen

 
This beautiful hotel, located in the cool, mountain region of Tagaytay, has a history stretching back to 1939. It was actually converted to officers’ quarters for the Japanese during their Philippine occupation in WWII. In 1945, a U.S. Army Airborne division parachuted down to Tagaytay ridge to help liberate Manila.

Incredible, Sweeping Views of Taal Lake and Volcano

Of course, the first thing you notice when you walk into the property are the beautiful views through the giant windows. I was lucky to have perfect weather on arrival, and as a photographer, I knew I should go outside and enjoy the clear view as soon as I could. You never know how quickly the weather will change.

It turns out that, in terms of weather, early February is a great time to visit. Whew! The grounds are beautifully kept, and there are views of (and an entrance to) Sky Ranch next door. There is a ferris wheel and some amusement park rides there.

My Room – Spacious, and With a Beautiful Balcony View

The rooms are very clean and updated. They seem to take a “less is more” approach to artwork and wall design here. I appreciated the oversized safety deposit box…anybody who follows this blog knows how important it is for me to fit a 13 inch laptop into. In my opinion, that should be a standard requirement in hotels these days.

I also appreciated the little details, things like remote-control sleeve with printed instructions on how to operate the TV and cable box. The lemongrass soap in the bathroom adds a nice, fragrant touch, too. Speaking of the bathroom, it’s huge, and I love a hotel that provides a bathtub (and plenty of hot water)! A hot soak in the tub was just what I needed after a full day of travel to get here.

Then of course, there are these views out my window. The veranda is sooo beautiful. I’m happy I woke to catch this sunrise!

(Continued below)

Various Interior Shots – Taal Vista Hotel Review

Taal Vista has long corridors that lead to the rooms. I noticed a cool breeze blowing through as I walked from my room, and I loved it! I realized that it’s natural, due to the high elevation and open-air design at certain parts of the building.  If you spend a lot of time in the sweltering heat of Manila, you will especially love coming here for an escape.

Check Taal Vista Rates and Reviews HERE

The flooring in the dining room has an art deco type design to it, and I loved that, too. There is a grand piano in the lobby lounge, and it is occasionally used for dinner performances. You really can’t escape the beautiful views in this place! No matter where you go, you have expansive views of Taal Lake below. I especially loved the lush, tropical plants used in the landscaping right outside the windows.

The hotel has a few gift shops for local crafts and souvenirs…and there is also an ATM machine on the premises! I thought that was a nice touch.

The Food @ Veranda Restaurant – Just as Good as the Views!

I was impressed by *nearly* every single dish I tried. This burger means business…I mean, just look at it! I was also pleased to see Taal Vista offering some of the exceptional new Filipino craft beers. This one is from Pedro Brewcrafters – called “Procrastination Pale Ale”.

The buffet options were fresh, delicious, and plentiful. I especially enjoyed my sour green mango shake! Don’t worry, sweet mango fans, the yellow option is also just as good:)

Also worth special mention was their fresh baked “pan de sal” (local bread rolls), as well as their cheese bread and French Toast. Oh, great. Now I’m getting hungry.

Oh! How could I forget Bulalo? This Filipino favorite is beef bone-marrow soup, and eating it in the cool climate of Tagaytay seems to be somewhat of a tradition. Honestly, I don’t always like bulalo, but Taal Vista’s version was really delicious!

Veranda Restaurant has an entire dedicated dessert bar, and even a cotton candy machine (they call it candy floss here)! There is a large assortment of chocolates, cakes, and cookies also available.

There is another dining option pictured above (Taza Fresh Table), but unfortunately I wasn’t able to try it due to a scheduling conflict.

One of the real highlights during lunch @ Veranda is the acoustic band that comes to the table and serenades you. They are really good, and they can take almost any request! I especially loved their versions of “Besame Mucho” and the Filipino classic “Dahil Sayo”.

Contact Info, Reviews & Rates

From start to finish, the experience at Taal Vista was quite memorable. The service and staff are operating at about 98%, I would say. Quite impressive. I have a few of them I’d like to specifically thank: Kim, Erika, Martin, Jayrome, Lawrence, Shiela, Joyce, and especially Mark and Jonathan.

Thank you for taking such good care of me, and providing the opportunity to share this experience with my readers. I hope to see you all again someday.

You can check rates and read reviews HERE

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

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