Thursday, November 8, 2012

Contemplating: Booking all inclusive family holidays and Majorca


I've been hearing some of my friends who frequently travel outside with their families talking about their experiences going around. Couldn't help but butt in and share my stories as well since I usually travel around with mine anyway. What struck me was that of us four talking, it was only me who never mentioned ever considering all inclusive family holidays. The other three who fly out at least three or four times each year with their parental units and/or siblings say they have always relied on package trips or booked trips through travel agencies. 

I guess that's the fun thing about travel for me: toiling before experiencing the relief one gets from traveling. 

One of the three guys mentioned that he's going on another trip with his family soon, somewhere in the Mediterranean, a Majorca holiday as he called it.

Of course I'd understand the convenience that booking through travel agencies offers people (trust me, I would know). Plus, my friend's still in school. He's probably too busy doing schoolwork and has been yearning for that much needed time off, lounging on a beach recliner, with a good view of the surf just a few meters away. Sounds awesome but it's actually quite a long trip getting there and back. 

Just a little info about Majorca: it is actually the largest of the Balearic Islands, within the territory of Spain. 
So you're best bet is to take a trusted international carrier to get you to Spain. Luckily, there are some flights that can take you directly there, to Palma Mallorca (PMI). Palma, by the way, is the capital of Majorca or Mallorca (which you would've guessed by now). 

Took the initiative to look around the net for holiday suggestions and came up with a number of things, depending of course on what style of Majorcan/Mallorcan holiday you have in mind.

Staying clear of the vibrant nightlife in Magaluf, Palma Nova is an excellent choice of destination for families looking for an active break away.

As well as three blue flag beaches, Palma Nova is conveniently close to the attractions and water parks of its neighboring resort. Marine life centers, evening cabaret shows and water parks, are all just a short walk away.

To the north of the island, on the east coast, Alcudia is a much more laid back choice of resort. Safe waters and soft sands make this a favorite among families with really young members.

Although Alcudia remains popular with tourists, and has a number of visitor attractions (including a water park, a fun maze, and a nature reserve) the general ambiance is much calmer and makes for a more relaxing retreat.

An even calmer option would be Ca'n Picafort. The turquoise waters here are met with soft golden sands; perfect for parents who fancy catching up on a good book, and children who love digging for treasure and building sandcastles.

I already have my targets for next year but if my mom's going to talk to us about traveling again together next year, maybe Majorca's going to be in the shortlist of choices. But of course, I still have to prioritize my trip to Peru...

Friday, September 28, 2012

Fun and Relaxation at Resorts World Manila


I haven’t been to Resorts World Manila for the longest time, but whenever I go there, I make sure I check out what’s new. The last time I was there, I watched a movie at the cinema area up at the topmost level. But what really piques my curiosity about Resorts World Manila are the casinos and the hotels within the vicinity. 


Not sure if it was last year or two years ago when I first visited the Resorts World area. Around that time, there wasn’t really much to see: construction work here and there, a McDonald’s building, a gas station (that offers free Wi-Fi at its convenience store at that!), and a vast expanse of empty space. Of course, there was Resorts World and the nearby Marriott Hotel, but it wasn’t until last year that another hotel opened its doors to the public.





Resorts World Manila


Currently the largest casino resort stop in operation in Manila, Resorts World Manila is a joint venture product between Genting Hong Kong and the Alliance Global Group. As a resort, it boasts of world class hotels, a spacious casino, and a shopping mall. 


The Hotels

Staying within the Resorts World Manila area offers several hotel options to travelers, gamers, and general guests. Depending on a guest’s preference, he may choose from any of the three hotels in the vicinity. I have labeled the three hotels according to how they are perceived by most guests who frequent the area. 



Business: Marriott Hotel



The Casino

A center for world-class gaming experience, Resorts World Manila’s casino is spacious at 30,000 sqm. The facility has three floors, each with different casino games to choose from: table games, slots, etc. The crowd and staff are non-discriminating, so first-timers are just as welcome as frequent guests.


First-time visitors to Resorts World Manila can sign-up for a Resorts World membership card for free. There are registration kiosks at different parts of the mall, as well as at the entrance points of the casino. 






Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Celebrate Independence Day with Starbucks' newest treats!

June 12 on the Philippine calendar marks the national day for independence. This 2012, at Starbucks, the day marks the availability of Starbucks' newest food items! 

An assortment of treats just for you! From savory to sweet, there's one for every Juan.

Starbucks' new food items ranges from savory to sweet, from pie to cake. Surely, celebrating Independence Day this 2012 will be more enjoyable with these treats.

Personally, I enjoyed their Bacon and Cheese on Italian Country Bread as it reminded me of my other favorite, Starbucks' Ultimate Grilled Cheese. But do expect something extra as you dig in as the two aren't exactly identical. 

Feel free to try their other items.

If you prefer something savory, try their Beef and Mushroom Pie, the Chicken Parmigiana Wrap (careful as the wrappings tend to undo themselves sometimes), and the Bacon and Cheese on Italian Country Bread. 

However, if you'd like to indulge in sweet goodness, you can choose from the two new cakes: Green Tea and Berry Cheesecake (extra thick!), and the Purple Yam Cake with Macapuno and Red Bean (reminiscent of the popular Ube Macapuno that we Filipinos grew up loving, but with a twist!)

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Taipei? FX Hotel, of course!

Just recently, I stayed in Taipei for a bit of work and was billeted at the FX Hotel in Nanjing East road. The hotel is quite new and sports a rather interesting vibe both inside and out.

Cozy. I always love having my own couch--to put my used clothes in, of course! :))

The hotel is housed inside a mixed-use building, where in one side you can find offices of China Airlines, other offices, and with the other side you'd see the hotel lobby and service elevators leading to offices in the upper floors and the hotel rooms.

I would say that having only a few floors to accommodate its guests, the FX Hotel in Nanjing East road is fully equipped and has a staff that knows how to deliver stellar service to the hotel's guests.


Spacious. The photo doesn't do it justice, but the rooms are quite big considering the limited floors FX Hotel Nanjing East have for its business operations.

The rating of the hotel in most websites is 4-stars, but the experience is sure to give you a 5-star one. Just don't go looking for a pool as I don't think they have one.




The hotel is a good option for business travelers who intend to stay for a few days. There's also a nearby coffee shop, convenience store, and just a few minutes walk from the Nanjing East Road MRT station.

Miscellaneous   

          

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Happy Lemon is now in Robinsons Place Manila!

Happy Lemon fans in the Malate area can now have their favorite Happy Lemon drinks at Robinsons Place Manila, after the beverage chain opened its newest branch to the public last April 18, 2012. 




The Happy Lemon booth can be found on the 2nd Floor of the Midtown Wing, right next to Mary Grace.


Happy Lemon started its business in 2006, in Hong Kong, and has expanded to more than 100 branches in Hong Kong, China, and other parts of Asia.