El Nido Apulit Island Resort

The Apulit Island Resort is a quiet private island that is surrounded by impressive limestone cliffs. Like all El Nido Resorts, Apulit offers eco-friendly land and water activities.

Apulit has 30 Water Cottages and 20 Deluxe Water Cottages. The rooms are designed with traditional Filipino architecture mixed with contemporary design. The rooms are furnished with custom-made furniture, intercom and complete bath amenities.

The cottages are built on stilts that are perched on the water providing a magnificent view of the Taytay Bay.

For activities, you can go diving, snorkelling, hobiecat sailing or island hopping. Prefer to stay on land? You can play sports or learn how to make coconut hats.

For an amazing discounted price, you get a 3-days/2-nights package for 2 persons in a Water Cottage with full-board meals, boat transfers and standard resort activities.

Email us at reservations@tuggystravel.com now!

Have a Break…

No, it’s not what you think. Well, you can probably do that while staying here:

Discovery Suites Ortigas is the perfect setting for a quick getaway in the city. The malls and nightlife places are only a few minutes away and if you work in the Ortigas area, it’s perfect if you have an office emergency to rush off to.

They offer one, two and three bedroom suites which all have living and entertainment areas, a dining table and a kitchenette apart from the usual bed and bath setting. A Standard Junior Suite without a kitchenette is also available.

If you have meetings but don’t want to go out of the hotel, meet them at Restaurant 5 that has a casual ambiance and offers a sumptuous mix of Asian and Continental cuisine.

Meet your friends after 5 for a game of billiards while enjoying ice cold drinks. Ladies can enjoy the nightly lounge performances all in the midst of a spectacular view of the sunset.

Dinners become special at 22 Prime with its cozy, romantic ambiance. Enjoy good food in the company of those you love while enjoying the beautiful evening skyline.

If you really need to work (although we suggest you skip that while you’re in the hotel), you can avail of Discovery Suites’ business services at 41 BC. But, we still think that going to Balance Lifestyle Fitness Club or to Terra Wellness Spa is a better idea.

If you can’t remember the last time you had a break, we suggest you go now! Play hooky for a day – shop like crazy, go bar hopping, or simply stay in bed the whole day while watching cable TV and order room service at Discovery Suites Ortigas.

For the best rates, email us at reservations@tuggystravel.com.

The Lighthouse is Back!

Love the Lighthouse? Well, Tuggy’s Travel Blog readers can get you amazing rates! Email us at reservations@tuggystravel.com for details. In the mean time, enjoy these photos from The Lighthouse:

Beautiful Lighthouse at night

Relax

 

and have fun!

Discovery Suites Tagaytay

Discovery Country Suites is situated along the Tagaytay ridge. One can literally discover a haven of tranquility and bliss surrounded by beautiful surroundings with cool, crisp air.

There are seven uniquely designed theme rooms at Discovery Country Suites:

• Andalucia
• Ceylon
• Nantucket
• Nara
• Oxford
• Saint-Tropez
• Siam

Each room is completely furnished and offers the ultimate in style and comfort. A different experience awaits you in each room. All the rooms evoke the best of the places they represent.

You will definitely not get bored with the different amenities and activities that the hotel has to offer. And when you get hungry, Restaurant Verbena has got you covered. Named after a lemon herb, Restaurant Verbena serves fresh, contemporary, hearty, generous country cuisine created by Executive Chef David Pardo de Ayala. The menu is complimented by prestigious wines from all over the world. You can start your day with a scrumptious country breakfast then have some wine and cheese for early evening conversations and finally, cap off the night with warm milk and homemade cookies. Now, isn't that perfect?

If you're in Tagaytay to escape the stresses of the city, why not enjoy the luxury and comfort of a spa right in your own suite by the Thalgo-trained resident therapist?

Tagaytay is one of the best destinations for a weekend getaway. Email us at reservations@tuggystravel.com.  

Bellarocca

"With its white Santorini-inspired architecture on rolling terrain contrasted with the azure blue of the sky above and the clear water below, Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa offers a fantastic experience unlike any other place in the Philippines and across South-East Asia."

Bellaroca Island is situated off the southwest coast of Marinduque province. This heart-shaped region boasts of impressive hot springs, waterfalls and underwater flora and fauna. There are caves that await exploration by adventurous travelers. The most famous of these cave systems is Bathala caves hosts a complex network of seven mostly uncharted caves.

For those who wish to travel privately, guests can choose to arrive at the island directly via private helicopters, chartered flights or luxury yachts from Manila to Marinduque.

The rooms are outfitted with hardwood floors, a balcony equipped with table and chairs and a spacious bathroom complete with a tub. The bed is generously fitted with soft sheets and a down comforter. Guests can enjoy their very own entertainment system that includes a Plasma TV with a complete DVD player and stereo system and satellite cable TV. An iPod dock and speakers are also readily available.

 Guests staying in the Intimate and Luxurious Hotel Rooms, Junior Suites and Suites experience the following comforts and conveniences:

• Beddings and pillow selections
• Individually-controlled air-conditioning
• Skype – enabled Belkin telephone
• Personal bar and refrigerator
• Coffee and tea service
• Private balcony / verandah with view of the sea and Mount Malindig
• Modern bath and shower facilities including Jacuzzi and/or bath tub
• Complete range of bathroom amenities (All natural—L’Occitane, AVEDA, REN, Molton Brown)
• Plasma TV with complete DVD Player and home theatre stereo systems, satellite TV, Ipod dock and hifi compact sound systems
• Private balcony or garden
• Golf cart service
• Complimentary Internet connectivity (cable) in the room and in general public areas (WiFi)
• Electronic safe deposit box

Bellarocca has 1, 2 and 3-bedroom Casas that can accommodate up to 6 adults. They are scheduled to open in late 2010. On the other hand, all Terrazas are 2-bedroom accommodation. The Garden and Cliff villas offer a fantastic view of the mountains, the clear blue skies and the emerald seas.

You might think just because you're in an island, all you can do is look at the sky and the sea. Think again. Just look at these facilities, amenities and services in store for you:

"Hotel Lobby ∙ Piano lounge ∙ Cigar Room ∙Food and Beverage Outlets for all-day dining – Hotel Pavilion, Seaside Pavilion, Marina Cafe and Bar ∙ Wi-Fi satellite internet connectivity ∙ Library ∙ Meeting Room (complete business and meeting service available) ∙ Outdoor venues for weddings, banquets and special events ∙ Boutique ∙ Entertainment Room ∙ Fully-equipped Gym and Fitness Center ∙ Bellarocca Spa (opening late 2010) ∙ Meditation Sanctuary ∙Tea House ∙ Medical Clinic (resident doctor on call) ∙Hotel Lap Swimming Pool ∙ Seaside Swimming Pool ∙ Natural Hot Spring Pool ∙ Aqua Sports Center ∙ Picnic Grove ∙ Pristine white sand beachfront ∙ 9-hole Par 36 Golf Course and driving range."

They also offer different activities for the adventurous traveler, the sports enthusiast, the weary mind and spirit who wants to rejuvenate and couples who just want a romantic getaway.

For great prices at this exclusive resort, email us at reservations@tuggystravel.com.

The Mandarin Oriental Manila

The Mandarin Oriental Hotels are known worldwide for their luxurious amenities, legendary service and exquisite facilities. The hotels are perfectly located in the world's most prestigious destinations. The Mandarin Oriental Manila, located in premier city of Makati, is no exception.

All the rooms and suites are completely furnished with all the amenities that you need to make your stay effortlessly luxurious - from the fastest high bandwidth Internet service in Manila to soft-touch mood lighting you can control without even getting out of bed.

Whether it's for leisure, relaxation or business, The Mandarin Oriental has got you covered. They have a spa, a fitness center, activity bookings and function rooms.

The Mandarin Oriental has several restaurants for the distinctive palate. The Tivoli offers contemporary continental cuisine. Tin Hau evokes the warmth and tranquility of an old fashioned Chinese home with authentic culinary creations. Paseo Uno offers all day dining with an open kitchen view. Mandarin Deli offers fresh breads and salads, perfect for busy people who still want to eat healthy.

Kipling's Cigar Bar is open from lunchtime to 2 am, perfect for cigar lovers. For some after-work fun, head over to Martinis which offers live music every night or The Captain's Bar. 

The Mandarin Oriental is perfect for you if you want a haven in the city. It's perfect for family gatherings, special events and memorable occasions. For the best rates, email us at reservations@tuggystravel.com.

The Picasso Makati

Art marries fine living at the Picasso Makati. At Picasso, the features of a boutique hotel are combined with serviced apartments. You can truly lodge in style at the heart of Makati. Chic and unconventional, The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences showcases the famed painter's philosophy and artistic senses.

All rooms feature large windows that stretch from floor to ceiling and wall-to-wall for unrivaled views of the city.

 

The rooms have been designed to evoke the artistic sensibilities of Picasso's design philosophy. The interior design team used a different color for each floor and brought these inside the rooms in different contrasting and harmonious combinations. All the rooms are fitted with a kitchenette and basic amenities.

Choose from the Malaga Studio, Barcelona Suite, Madrid Studio, Montparnasse Suite and of course, the Picasso Suite. You might want to reserve the 93-square meter Picasso Suite early as there are only two of these exclusive luxury suites, both located in prime areas on the 8th floor.

Perhaps one of the most distinct features of The Picasso is the Art Cabinet. This in-house gallery features Filipino contemporary art. Art Cabinet is proud to present new and daring visual artists offering fresh inspiration.

"Art Cabinet envisions the participation of contemporary Filipino visual artists in critical exhibitions and interactions, and their achievement of international artistic acclaim. To this end, the gallery will work with visual artists to explore new concepts and ideas about art-making, to enable them to articulate these through unique forms and various media, and to expose these articulations to as wide an audience as possible."

The Picasso also houses Brasserie Boheme that offers a sumptuous mix of French, Continental, Spanish and Filipino cuisine with its own unique twists, many of the dishes featuring products from their own organic farm in Cebu.

 

Other amenities include a salon and a spa, a function room, a gym and a wifi lounge. The Picasso is also home to the Elan Modeling Agency. 

If you would like to experience artful living at an affordable price, email us at reservations@tuggystravel.com.

Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila

This hotel is strategically located in the heart of Quezon City with businesses, malls and other amenities surrounding it. Crowne Plaza is just 15 minutes away from the Makati CBD and about 15 kilometers from the airport.

The Asian Development Bank and the Philippine Stock Exchange are just a few minutes away.
The rooms are fully furnished and include a telephone with IDD, a private bathroom and high-speed Internet access.


For activities, you can cool down in the swimming pool or enjoy a revitalizing workout at the fitness center. They also have a spa and a salon for those who want to relax and rejuvenate their senses.
For events and gatherings, Crowne Plaza Hotel has an assortment of meeting rooms, ballrooms and restaurants to suit your every need. 

If you want to indulge in some shopping, the hotel has direct access to Robinsons Galleria shopping mall. A few minutes away is Megamall and Shangri-La Mall. If you want great finds at bargain prices, Greenhills Shopping Center is just a taxi ride away.

If you want to explore the nightlife, El Pueblo and Metrowalk are also a cab ride away. For the golf enthusiast, Wack Wack Golf and Country Club is just 3 km away whereas Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club is just a stone’s throw away.

And if you want a vacation in the city, email us at reservations@tuggystravel.com for the best rates.

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa, Cebu

   
Imperial Palace Cebu is a Greek-Mediterranean inspired architecture that allows guests to indulge in both luxury and leisure. In this resort, each room is different from the other. Amenities within the rooms are exclusively manufactured for the hotel and chosen for its quality and beauty.




For accommodation, they have the Deluxe & Suites for the businessman, the Pool & Jacuzzi Villas for a romantic getaway and the Spa Suites for a most relaxing and tranquil stay.







For food adventures, Imperial Palace has a wide range of cuisines to offer. There is the Chinese Restaurant Cheonsan that offers authentic Chinese dishes from the different regions of China. Familia is a buffet-style restaurant where one can sample different flavors from all over the world. Korean Restaurant Maru offers authentic Korean dishes while Coral is a seafood restaurant. If you just want to chill out, go to Delmar, the resort’s lobby lounge. For light dishes, head on over to Cafe Amiga and for some karaoke, go to Bel Ami.












The resort offers golf and water sports. It is also an ideal venue for weddings and banquets. Other facilities include the Arcade, the Kid’s Club and the Business Center.

The Waterpark is the first of its kind in Cebu. Bring the family to a day of fun, fun, fun!

Discover what Imperial Palace Cebu has to offer! For great rates, email us at reservations@tuggystravel.com

Dos Palmas Island Resort & Spa

 Dos Palmas is located among a group of islands and sandbars in Honday Bay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. There are daily direct flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa via Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific so getting there is not a problem. Flight time is only 1 hour. If you’re coming from Cebu, there are direct flights twice a week to Puerto Princesa via Cebu Pacific.



For accommodations, choose between the Bay Cottages and Beach Villas. The Bay Cottages are perched above the sea, allowing the soft waves to be your lullaby. These cottages can comfortably sleep two adults and one child. On the other hand, the Beach Villas can accommodate three adults. Handicapped-friendly rooms are also available upon request.






Each room is air-conditioned with its own toilet and bath with hot and cold running water. There’s also a mini bar, a personal refrigerator and an intercom-telephone with NDD/IDD access. All the rooms have private verandahs that offer a view of the magnificent sunset and morning mists over Honday Bay.

The Kara-enan Restaurant is an Al Fresco dining hall that can seat 250 people. You can enjoy breakfast buffets with your family, feast on native specialties on a white sand atoll or dine under the stars while enjoying a cultural show.

The Paranarian Spa offers Filipino style treatments and massages. Read more about Dos Palmas on www.tuggystravel.com.

For special rates, email us at reservations@tuggystravel.com.

El Rio y Mar

El Rio y Mar Resort, located in San Jose, Coron, Palawan offers charming accommodations and resort facilities nestled in a beautiful bay with a breathtaking view of calm waters and rolling hills. The resort is an intimate and tranquil setting. All rooms are on the beach offering the best view of the sunset right from your own verandah.

Choose from 3 types of accommodation – Casa, Cedar Cabana and Native Cabana.

After taking a dip in the infinity pool, explore the resort’s other facilities such as the Sports House, Gift Shop, the Dugong Dive Center, library and video room or just surf the internet through WIFI. Feeling a little bit under the weather? Visit the in-house resort doctor in the resort’s clinic.

If you want to unwind, have something to eat or drink, head on over to Port Caltom’s Reef Bar or enjoy the cool ocean breeze in the al fresco restaurant.







You will definitely not get bored in El Rio Y Mar. They offer Coron Island Tours, Island Hopping, Island Escapades, Bottom Fishing, Water Sports, Hiking and Snorkelling.

For divers, you can visit a number of sites such as the Ship Wreck “Kyokuzan Maru” which is a Japanese freighter that measures about 152m long and lies almost upright. The main structures remain intact. It carries in one of its holds a car and truck. This wreck provides shelter to batfishes and substrate for the ubiquitous bivalves. Fusiliers, trevallies, barracudas and rays are occasionally seen.

You can also just relax and watch the 20 resident dugongs. For more adventurous types, visit the Apo Reef Natural Park which drops down to about 400m. The steep walls are well covered with corals, sponges, tunicates, nudibranchs and slugs. The coral formation at the plateau is magnificent. Green and hawksbill turtles, and a multitude of fish including damselfish, butterflyfish, batfish, surgeonfish, snappers, fusiliers and trevallies are common.

Another site worth visiting is Tara Island with its 7 new dive sites that are great spots for micro life and soft corals.

Finally, there’s Club Paradise House Reef with a depth of 3-17m. This meandering reef features different species of tunicates, sponges, sea stars and sea cucumbers. An aggregation of giant clams (Tridacna spp., mostly endangered) is located at 12 m.

Email us at reservations@tuggystravel.com for the best rates.

The Peacock Garden Luxury Resort & Spa

The peacock is a symbol of love, royalty, kindness, prosperity, elegance and compassion. That's exactly what you'll get from The Peacock Garden Luxury Resort & Spa in Bohol and more.

The Peacock Garden is a blending of cultures. You get the best of both East and West, old and new.

Here's a glimpse of the rooms:

You can choose from Superior, Deluxe, Premier and The Peacock Suite. All rooms are air conditioned and feature either a King Bed or Twin Beds, a cable TV with DVD player, a mini-bar and Wifi. The Peacock Suite has an indoor lounge area, spacious bathroom, a magnificent view of the sea, a living room and a dining table for 4 making your stay in The Peacock Suite a very luxurious one.

There are a lot of things to do in The Peacock Garden. For starters, you can relax in the infinity pool:

If food is your passion, dine in style at The Old Heidelberg Restaurant where a gustatory delight of Eastern and Western Cuisine await you. Experience a dose of history in this restaurant inspired by the Philippines's National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Old fencing memorabilia adorn the walls while the original living room set where Dr. Rizal once sat are displayed.

The Hemingway Lounge is a tribute to famous cigar-loving personalities throughout history and is named after one of the most famous poets of all time, Ernest Hemingway. Here, you can enjoy a fine selection of international and local cigars and liquor.

Wine aficionados must visit The Bacchus Wine Cellar where the finest selection of wines from all over the world are offered. The warmth of the old-world inspired cellar is complemented with live performances and dishes to bring the best out of your favorite wines. 

Party on the dance floor or belt out your favorite Karaoke tunes at Pim's Pub. Start the night right with a glass of the famous house drink, Pim's Number One then follow up with a couple of delicious German beers then party the night away.

After a night of partying and recreation, wind down at the Fontana Aurelia Spa. Fontana Aurelia is Latin for "golden fountain"

Feel like a god or goddess with their full body massages, body treatments and masks; and spa facials aptly named Helen, Zeus, Hera, Venus, Apollo and Eirene. The spa only uses all-natural Pevonia Botanica luxury products. Clients may also choose to upgrade to the Spa Suite, which has a private Jacuzzi tub that overlooks both the forest and the ocean.

The province of Bohol is known worldwide for its famous Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier which is the world's  smallest primate. Want more? Cruise down the Loboc River while enjoying a leisurely lunch. See the beaches of Panglao, go island hopping and marvel at snorkel and dive sites teeming with marine life. 

Can't wait to go there? Send an email to reservations@gmail.com to book your holiday.