Hello! If you’re new here, my name is Gretchen and welcome to Greta’s Junkyard! This is basically a dump site of my favorite things — mostly about beauty, travel, and lifestyle.
September 2022 marks a lot of milestones for me and my little family. Apart from my blog celebrating its 9th birthday, my husband Cayo and I also celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary last September 13. To commemorate the occasion, we decided to book at Acuatico Beach Resort. It’s a beautiful and quiet luxury resort in Laiya, Batangas, which is a 3-hour drive from our house in Quezon City. It’s actually my second time here. The first was during an overnight event with Banana Peel in 2018. Coincidentally, we stayed in the same room as before — Casa de Playa A!The last time Cayo and I hit the beach was in January 2021 at my grandmother’s private beach house in Cabangan, Zambales. We spent the new year with my whole family. However, as a couple, I think our last trip was a month prior to the lockdown. We spent two nights in Vivere Azure to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Since then, so much has happened — from moving out of our temporary home in Legazpi Village, Makati, building and moving into our forever home (the #FraggyHome) in Quezon City, getting new jobs that allow us to work from home, and giving birth to our baby girl, Cambria.
Staying at the Casa de Playa of Acuatico Beach Resort
During our stay at Acuatico Beach Resort, we booked the Casa de Playa, which is located on the Main Wing. Rates start at P10,500 per night. It’s one of their premium beachfront rooms and if I’m not mistaken, there are only two of these rooms. Though slightly smaller than the others, the room has a private veranda and a stunning view of the sea. You can watch my IG Reel so that you can see a glimpse of it!
It features a queen-sized bed and is right beside both the pool and beach. It comes with amenities such as toiletries and towels, too. When we arrived, we were given welcome drinks. The room had complimentary fruits, coffee, tea, and water as well.
Convenient for Families
Check-in was at 2 in the afternoon but we left Manila a little before 8 in the morning and just had breakfast on the highway. We arrived around lunchtime and ate at their restaurant in the Main Wing called Oceano while waiting for our room to be ready. Oceano offers buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner but you can order ala carte.
During lunch, when Cambria wanted to nurse, the restaurant manager offered for us to stay in the playroom (also located on the Main Wing) for comfort and privacy. Beside the playroom was a small store where I was able to buy tampons (for myself) and insect repellant (for Cambria) because I forgot to pack some. It was little yet convenient things like these that made our stay at Acuatico Beach Resort much more memorable.
Enjoying the Peace and Quiet
We booked from Friday to Saturday so the resort was very peaceful and quiet. Apart from this, they had the most wonderful and hospitable staff who were extra attentive to each guest. They couldn’t stop gushing over and playing with Cambria.
After lunch and settling in our room, we swam right away. It was Cambria’s first time to feel sand on her toes, experience the beach, and swim in a big pool. It was such a fun and amazing thing to witness as a first-time parent.
When she took her last nap for the day, my husband and I enjoyed a merienda date on our private veranda. We just ordered from room service. Then for our dinner, we booked a buffet for two at Oceano. Cambria joined us and helped herself to soft rolls and watermelon.
The next day, we had a buffet breakfast at around 8 in the morning. Between Oceano’s buffet dinner and breakfast, we enjoyed the breakfast selection more. Perhaps because Cayo and I love eating breakfast food! Again, Cambria had soft rolls and dragonfruit, which is her favorite. After breakfast, we swam again before resting and getting ready to check out.
If you’re ever looking to go on a quick getaway, I highly recommend Acuatico Beach Resort. It’s quiet and romantic enough for couples. Meanwhile, there are plenty of activities for families and big groups. I had so much fun that I’m already looking forward to planning our next getaway as a family.
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