A Breathe Of Fresh Air at Green Canyon Leisure Farms

I have always been on a lookout for a nice family "staycation".  Whether it could be just within Metro Manila or a few hours away from the city.  

Why?

Because I have extremely busy schedule traveling for long period of hours is considered a waste of precious time for me!  I'd rather travel 2-3  hours 1 way and spend the rest of the time enjoying some nice activities with the family.

That said, Green Canyon Leisure Farms located at Clark Pampanga fits the bill!  

It was also perfect timing since it is Kyle's SEM break and me and my husband's 12th year Anniversary!  I accepted the invite without much hesitation and preparation and just let our senses lead the way!

Green Canyon Leisure Farms is a nature getaway and a relaxing destination. The resort is a sustainable environment that offer its guests to explore and find themselves outside with nature. Conveniently located just north outside of Manila, guests can spend quality time with families and groups of friends — with the resort's facilities, beautiful landscape and amenities to help them de-stress and shed off the clutter of the busy week.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a guard who got all our information and ID before letting us in.  Security is very strict in this resort which we appreciate a lot!  Upon parking the car near the gate, a golf car was there with Resort Staff willing to lend us a helping hand with our luggage!  I appreciate the hospitality of the staffs and Kyle enjoyed his first cart ride!

Why You Should Book A Family Staycation at Novotel Manila Araneta Center

If you browse my blog, you'll find that I have quite a number of hotel stays in the past!  Due to my extremely busy schedule, instead of traveling outside the Metro for a local trip, I'd rather book a weekend staycation at hotels because I find it the easiest way to relax without the hassle of long drive.  

Families with active kids, I'm sure you understand why I dislike the long drive!  *winks*

After Kyle's 2nd quarter examination week, it was perfect timing for my family to be invited by Novotel Manila Araneta Center to spend a weekend there!  

My husband used to live at the area and told me loads of stories on how busy the area gets!  From Araneta Center BusPort to Gateway Mall, SM Mall, Ali Mall, Farmers' Plaza to Araneta Coliseum.  No wonder this area is nicknamed the "City of the Stars".  As much as Makati and BGC is the "it" place for hotel staycations, I find myself loving the vibe Novotel Manila Araneta Center offers and let me share to you the reasons why!

BEDROOM
There are a total of 401 rooms divided into 5 categories - Superior Room, Deluxe Room and Executive Room, Executive Suite, Presidential Suite with 1 Premier Lounge (which is the highlight of this Staycation as well!  Will talk about it soon!)

We were booked at the Executive Room and upon entering, we were greeted with such warm welcome!  

Personal note from the hotel staff.  Thank you!

Family Staycation at: Tagaytay Wingate Manor

2 weekends ago, without plans, we've decided to have a short staycation in Tagaytay.  It was Holy Week so I wasn't expecting to be able to book an overnight stay there.  Thankfully, I have a friend who recommended me Tagaytay Wingate Manor so we've decided to give this place a try!  Thanks Travis and Dee for helping me book!  It was last minute but everything goes smoothly.

Located right at the heart of Tagaytay were you can do activities, dine in restaurants and a whole lot more, I like how it is tucked inside a road where there are more trees and fresh air.  Tagaytay Wingate Manor is a two-storey property with a total of 24 rooms.  Because it was peak season, the place was packed but thankfully, I don't feel like the place was crowded.

We originally wanted the Premier room but since it was full, we went for Standard Queen Room and went for extra bed because we want our hardworking #yayatab to be on vacation with us too!

Somerset Millennium Makati

What is my idea of a "rewind" and "reset" from all my busy schedule?

Spending time with the family for sure!  No, it's not completely "relaxing" per se but I like spending time with them with a "staycation" or just be anywhere as long as it is with them.

As I worry about me and my son's "separation" before my Bangkok trip, it was a perfect timing to spend that weekend (before I leave the country) with him, letting him explore new places, new environment.  Just because, I want him to know there are so much more in this world!

Again, it wasn't as completely relaxing (as moms can relate) BUT, Somerset Millennium Makati was able to reset all the tired buttons --- will let you know how they were able to manage it.

Let me start by talking about the property first.  Located at the heart of Legaspi Village in Makati City, it is walking distance to Legaspi Park, Restaurants, Greenbelt Mall and you can even join Legaspi Sunday Market (which I always wanted to visit but my house is quite far!)

I will be very direct with the requirements of the room.  I used to be "Okay" with any rooms, but since turning into a mom with an active toddler who has a lot of preference, I am very particular with the "cut" of the rooms.  I prefer bigger space, lots of sunlight and of course, a bed big enough for a kid who prefers to lie down horizontally.  Most importantly, it must have "homey" feel so my son won't go screaming his head out shouting: "Let's Go Home!" if the place looks too "stiff".

Ang daming requirements no?  I KNOW....but thankfully, Somerset Millennium Makati passed our standards and actually gave us so much more!

The room we stayed in is a One-Bedroom Premier.  The room has undergone renovation giving the room a more contemporary-feel.  I love the extra jazz of modern furniture.

Somerset Alabang Staycation Review

I have a thing for "staycations", I don't have the luxury of time to go out-of-country or even out-of-town, so my most relaxing state would probably me and my family staying in a hotel or serviced residences.

So it was a HUGE blessing when I was invited for a Staycation at Ascott's First Property in the South - Somerset Alabang Manila.  It was perfect timing because it was the ONLY weekend this October that's free!

That's me being excited to stay at Somerset Alabang and to be IN THE SOUTH for the weekend!  I've heard so many raves from friends who live within the area on how "family-oriented", "laidback" south is.  So it was a big pleasure for me and my family to experience that!  

Somerset Alabang Manila is a 150-unit development that offers prime apartment choices --- Studios, One-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.  Upon entering the lobby, you see a gorgeous "Dragon" artwork done using abaca.

Weekend Staycation at: Ascott Makati

The last time we stayed at Ascott Makati was for my mom and dad's surprise Golden Wedding Anniversary Party.

In just a year's time, there are so many changes in this property and I'm glad to be invited to check out their new facilities and offers.

I was invited with fellow Bloggers and Media Friends over the weekend with our respective families!  Thank you so much Ascott Makati and Fuentes Manila for the warm welcome.

We all met at the new Executive Lounge located at the 6th Floor of Ascott Makati for check-in and welcome snacks and drinks.  I had the chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.

The Executive Lounge is open for guests who are checked in at the suites of the hotel.