Caysubic Beach Resort

 

Paniman Beach

 

Casa Kalinaw

The annual summer family outing started out in the early seventies when we were still kids.  It was either the beach or the mountain, and by early February, we'd already be arguing about where to go.  This year we decided early on to make a booking for a house in San Juan, Batangas; after all, the extended family has slowly morphed into what can be named "a clan."  Having a big group of 20 people just needs advance planning.

We were lucky to find Casa Kalinaw online.  It's got enough room for all of us.  The interiors are spacious and the vibe is certainly relaxing.  Parking was secure and the place was easy to find.  While the house was a big hit, the beachfront area was disappointing though.  I found several plastic bags and soda cans littered about, and it made me stop to wonder why some other visitors don't bother to clean up.  No wonder there were a few packs of stray dogs loitering around the area, scrounging for food scraps.  Other than that, it was a good 2 night stay, and the the bonding time needed to recharge with the kids was well worth the effort of the 3 hour drive!

Sol y Viento

Aqua Planet

Laiya Coco Grove

The Tides

My hotel hopping tour wouldn't be complete without looking for a place where Vicky, Monique and Andie would agree to stay for a 3 night vacation.  The hotel would have to be at the center of the commercial places, yet near enough to the beach.  A friend of mine recommended The Tides, and I took some time to inspect the facilities.

Simple elegance, not bad at all.  Prices are a bit on the high side, but understandable given that it's right at the center of D' Mall.  The swimming pool, however, is located at the rooftop, which made me feel that I was checked in at a city hotel.  That was the big letdown--the kids will be there for a well-deserved summer vacation; they want to enjoy the view and they look forward to drinking cold coconut juice at a spacious outdoor pool.  I've gotta scout around for other viable spots!

Patio Pacific

I remembered that one of the resorts that opened in the early nineties was Pink Patio resort, and since my last visit to Boracay was more than twenty years ago, I decided to take a look at the place out of curiosity.  Now renamed Patio Pacific, the resort has blossomed and seems to be a popular lodge at the Station 2 area.

The hotel occupies property on both sides of the main street, and is very accessible via tricycle.  However, the White beach itself is some 50 meters from the hotel gate, so you have to walk a bit to get to enjoy the sea.  The interiors are clean and pleasing, nothing fancy or luxurious but definitely well-maintained.