Friday, December 14, 2012

Weekend Getaway: Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay

Happy Friday AMW Friends!
The year is almost ending and I believe a lot of you shares the same sentiments as I do --- "I'm suffering from burnout!  I need a break!"

I've been burnt out not because of my regular job plus freelance makeup job, I felt so tired and lifeless after going through 4.5 months of morning sickness!  In between throwing up, I mentioned to Mr. AMW how much I would love to relax and travel, it doesn't have to be by plane but a short trip outside MY ROOM!  *laughs*  

I have mentioned Tagaytay so many times and would you believe I never asked for food?  Just a simple relaxing day at Tagaytay will do!  (Something about the short travel, fresh air and cool breeze.)

Since I'm adorable, super cute....and (the real reason) Pregnant!  *laughs*  Mr. AMW caved in and it was perfect timing as I got an invite to stay at Taal Vista Hotel anyways after missing the Christmas Lighting Ceremony last November!  I happily packed my overnight bag and left my "makeup kit"!  (Darn "forgetful" hormones!)

The weather was on our side when we arrived!  And let me boast for once, I didn't study Tourism for nothing!  Let me tour you around Taal Vista Hotel like a real PRO! *winks*



Taal Vista Hotel isn't a stranger to me as I've stayed here several times but it was decades ago! Today, the most cherished heritage hotel Taal Vista unveiled their newly restored Lobby...


Lobby Lounge and Bar.


The feeling of comfort does not end there!  Once we were done checking in, we were ushered to our Deluxe Room located at the Lake Wing. 

Very comfortable king-sized bed with 3 pillows (4th pillow available on top of the dresser).  A comfortable couch where you can sit back, relax, raise your legs on the round table and watch television as you add some pounds pigging out! :P


The room is equipped with flat screen television with cable TV channels.  Complimentary, water, tea and coffee and a mini bar!


What sets Taal Vista Hotel apart from other hotels nearby?  The spacious bathroom!  2 people can do jumping jacks inside without hitting each other!  Okay, fine!  There's no reason why you need to do jumping jacks inside a bathroom but it's a nice (and weird) "visual" right?  *laughs*


Basic toiletries
2 sets of toothbrush, soap, shower cap, sanitary bag, 
body lotion, bath foam and conditioning shampoo.

You also get a pair of slippers and each room has a safety box to store your belongings.


My favorite part of the room?  The balcony!  Keith and I went on vacation with his family.  His parents and sister stays next door so we can easily chat and take photos even on different rooms.  *Laughs*

See?  You can't stop "camwhores"! :P

Seriously speaking, the best view of Taal Volcano can be seen without me having to leave the room, I can even enjoy my "welcome fruits" and complimentary water as I absorb the warm sunlight and breathe on fresh air that I haven't experience for the past months!


Since I need the exercise after 4.5 months of going up and down on just ONE flight of stairs, we were toured around the other wing called Mountain Wing which was refurbished recently during the hotel's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and 73rd Anniversary Celebration.


Check out the pool area and the cool breeze doesn't stop these people from having fun!



Also located at the Mountain Wing is Asmara Spa.  Different massages and body works are done here for complete relaxation!  *whispers*  They even offer Filipino Ventosa (Cupping)


The spa entrance has a welcoming vibe with a mixture of old and new. 

Various scented candles were on display as soon as you head on to the reception area.

Spa room

Couple's Room
My mom-in-law and sis-in-law enjoyed an hour of Aromatherapy Massage in which I was told puts them to deep sleep as the comfort level was beyond 100%!  They were gushing on how nice their room was and wanted me to take a peek but I can't as another couple was using the room!


Heading back to the lobby, you will also pass by the historic pictures of the hotel.

And to those who pay attention to details, the table centerpiece near the historic pictures changes every 4 days!  On that weekend we arrived, a Sampaguita Foyer Flower Arrangement of Red roses, birds of paradise and button mums were used to create a nice symbol of love, respect, courage and passion.  This was the great idea of the hotel's newest GM Mr. Walid Wafik.


Since baby AMW is still tucked inside my tummy and I can control him anytime of the day, what about families who bring kids with them on a vacation (outside their tummy?).  Well, Taal Vista Hotel itself is a huge playground for kids and kids-at-heart! 


But just in case they want something more, there's a Kid's Corner for your kids to play their hearts' content.


There's also a nearby gym to drain all their energy and game room!

Breathtaking view of the Lake Wing as taken by Mr. AMW after sunset.



Since it's the season to be jolly!  This is my favorite season to visit Taal Vista Hotel as you can feel the Christmas spirit everywhere you go!  A huge Christmas Tree that immediately greets you at the lobby area.




A cute Christmas House on your way to Cafe on the Ridge.

A real Christmas Tree complete with a huge sleigh and 
Christmas gifts located outside the hotel near the parking area.

My favorite part as of the moment, the hotel's iconic stone fireplace brings warmth and intimacy.  This area is photogenic both day and night!

**photo taken night time


**photo taken daytime
Do you believe me now?  :D 

Lucky me, I was able to meet the recently appointed GM of Taal Vista Hotel Mr. Walid Wafik.  He is responsible for the hotel's daily operations and special projects and I see him around the hotel making sure everyone's having a great time!  He's definitely doing a wonderful job making every guests feel special!

P.S. I was tip-toeing when this photo was taken!  Such a tall man! :D


That weekend, I also met new friends!  Other bloggers who visited the hotel and wonderful friends from SM Investments.

L-R Richie Zamora with his wife and super cute daughter, Ms. Celine Arenillo, 
Joanne Tan, me and Ms. Ana Carissa Daez.

I also want to thank Ro Manalo (farthest right on photo below) whom I met early this year at the Orly Feel the Vibe launch at Pico de Loro, Batangas.


It was definitely a memorable weekend and Mr. AMW and I plan to go back for another get-away before I pop!  As for the rest of you, this is the best time to treat your family and friends for a mini vacation!  Check out the activities lined up this Christmas Season.
  • December 15-16, 22-24 (12:00nn-2:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm) - Meet Santa
  • December 24 (Christmas Eve) room rates include Christmas Dinner for 2.  Price starts at Php10,000.
  • December 25-30 room rates starts at Php8,300.
  • December 31 Bubbles and Bling: New Year's Eve Countdown Party (7:00pm-2:00am) at the Grand Ballroom.  Tickets are Php3,000 per person includes dinner buffet with live musical entertainment and entrance to the hotel's countdown party featuring an open bar, live DJ and bands and fireworks show.
  • Guests who check in on December 31 will be given 2 complimentary tickets to Bubbles and Bling.  Room rates start at Php10,300 and include a complimentary buffet breakfast for 2, one round of cocktail drinks by the Lobby Lounge fireplace for 2 and food & beverage dining credit worth Php500.00 and a special turn down amenity.
Taal Vista Hotel
Kilometer 60, Aguinaldo Highway,
Tagaytay City 4120
Tel nos: (632) 917-8225/ (6346) 413-100/ (63917) 809-1254
Website: www.taalvistahotel.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/taalvistahotel
Twitter: (@taalvistahotel)

And to those who are on a budget, GREAT NEWS!
I will be giving away an Overnight Stay in a Premier Room with Breakfast for 2 to ONE LUCKY AMW READER!

Are you excited?  I am very excited to share this great gift from Taal Vista Hotel!  Please visit me back this weekend as I continue my post on the food I had at Taal Vista Hotel!  


Have you visited Taal Vista?
How was your experience?


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Keep smilin'
Stay happy!






(Service received for PR purpose.  Opinions and reviews 100% mine.)

21 comments :

  1. ayyy looks so relaxing nikki! u deserve dat

    beautyholygrail.blogspot.com

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  2. oh please..let it be me...*cross fingers...

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  3. i love small getaways like these! can i win it too? :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Of course Xin and you have to come down here to enjoy your winning! :P

      Delete
  4. i am looking forward for the weekend :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Goodluck! You can join anytime, the contest is up :D

      Delete
  5. I hope I win this time! I'll be celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary this December! :))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, congratulations! 20th wedding anniversary! That's great! :D

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  6. Thanks so much for your post, Nikki! And you are gorgeous even without makeup! :) So happy to have seen you again. See you again soon! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. awww thanks Ro! Thanks for the invite and it was great to catch up :D Hope to see you again!

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  7. Replies
    1. of course, gusto ko din nga mag join sa sarili kong contest! hahahah :D

      Delete
  8. Thanks so much for the post, Nikki! :) Makeup or no makeup, you are gorgeous! See you again soon!

    ReplyDelete
  9. yay! looking forward to the weekend! thanks for the generous give-away! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, thanks for commenting and you can join anytime as the contest is up! :D

      Delete
  10. Looking forward to enjoying the holidays in Taal Vista. :)

    elaine_atrillano@yahoo.com
    Elaine Atrillano

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  11. I love Tagaytay! ;) I love everything about this post ;)

    LOIS ALEXANDRA REY
    alex_s_rey@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi, Ms. AMW!

    I was just browsing about Tagaytay; looking for tips to enjoy the place best and fate brought to your page.;-) I hope this also means that I stand a strong chance of winning the free stay Taal Vista!

    By the way, the best part of the post is dreamy room and the romantic sight of the Taal volcano from the window pane.:-)

    LIEZL E. RIOSA
    lizzie0801@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Liezl, thanks for joining and commenting, but unfortunately, contest is over! Do visit back for more contests soon!

      P.S. You can join my ENJOY KIT Giveaway.

      Delete

I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to comment your questions, suggestions and just anything you may want to say! Keep smiling and stay happy!