BEST HOTEL IN CENTRAL LUZON

Costa Pacifica Baler (Most Delectable Filipino Treats in the East)

80 Buton Street, Sitio Labasin, Sabang Beach, Baler, Aurora

Costa Pacifica is considered to be the best hotel in Baler. Take advantage of a wealth of unrivaled services and amenities at this Baler hotel. To name a few of the hotel's facilities, there are 24-hour security, daily housekeeping, gift/souvenir shop, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service. Guests can choose from 106 rooms, all of which exude an atmosphere of total peace and harmony. The complete list of recreational facilities is available at the hotel, including hot tub, private beach, fitness center, outdoor pool, massage. Guests driving their cars will enjoy the available parking spaces. And while surfing is the main attraction, nothing is best shared with the sound of the crashing waves than a plateful of Filipino treats made just for you. Their binaliktad na dilis and suman dipped in peanut Lola Pacing’s peanut butter and coco jam is a must-try.

Rates: P5,422+/room     Website: www.costapacificabaler.com

Kamana Sanctuary Spa Resort Zambales (Most Captivating View of the Mountain) Nabasan Beach Ilanin Forest West District, Freeport Zone, Subic

Nestled between an old growth rainforest and the gentle Nabasan Bay, Kamana Sanctuary offers shelter from the hectic noise and the frantic pace of the city. Every modern comfort has been thoughtfully provided in each room, to ensure only one thing- that you leave refreshed, recharged. Kamana Sanctuary offers the most stunning views of the majestic Zambales mountains. The ambiance of the balconies as they sit behind a small forest, perched right on the water’s edge, also offers a certain Zen feel, which makes it perfect to have sunset toast.

Rates: P6,770+/room     Website:  www.kamanasanctuary.com

Harvest Hotel Cabanatuan (Best Countryside Chill)

1179 Pio del Pilar Street, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

Offering hotel guests superior services and a broad range of amenities, The Harvest Hotel is committed to ensuring that your stay is as comfortable as possible. A selection of top-class facilities such as free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, facilities for disabled guests, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas can be enjoyed at the hotel. The hotel is located in a seven-hectare property, with 81 spacious rooms and other facilities and services that are not found in other hotels in the city, from a bakery and coffee shop found at the lobby, and outdoor swimming pool right outside the lobby, a fitness gym with spa, and a business center for working travellers.

Rates: P2,330+/room     Website:  www.theharvesthotel.com

Zambawood Zambales (Best Rustic Resort)

Fernandez Compound, Purok 1B, Barrio La Paz, San Narciso, Zambales

Zambawood is a sprawling ranch estate where guests can spend their days exploring the mystical qualities of the shores of Zambales. Rife and ripe with adventure in its environmental genealogy, the area is full of potential energy, from the volcanic origins of the land, to the whimsical pine trees on the beach, one would never think they are in the Philippines. 

With a gorgeous backdrop like this to explore, even the movie studios have found their settings, and thus the name was born, Zambawood. As with all things Filipino, you will find the unique twists and flavouring added by the intrinsic creative nature of our people, steered by the unique vision behind Zambawood. Part resort, part haven, part creative think-tank, part organic, part movie-esque, take your best shot at allowing yourself to be swept up in the embrace of this magical place. 

Rates: P45,000/house (up to 10 guest)     Website:  www.zambawood.com

Abe’s Farm Pampanga (Tastiest Kapampangan Cuisine)

98 Livestock Village, Barangay Ayala, Magalang, Pampanga

Abé’s Farm is owned and managed by the LJC Restaurant group which has been in the business of running restaurants for more than three decades. Abé’s Farm is a lifestyle destination nestled on the foothills of Mt. Arayat. The farm is definitely a way to go if you want to experience Kapampangan cuisine. It is the perfect place to unwind and also serves elevated versions of Pampanga’s dishes. Their Paco Salad, a combination of fresh paco, tomatoes, onions, and spicy salted egg, is one thing you should not miss. You should also try their garlicky and perfectly-cooked pork adobo with fried bamboo rice.

Rates: P2,990+/hut     Website:  www.abesfarm.com.ph

Balesin Island Quezon (Most Immersive Experience)

Polillo, Quezon

A destination of unmatched natural beauty located off the eastern coast of Luzon in the Philippines, Balesin Island Club, Alphaland Corporation’s flagship project, is a 500-hectare tropical island paradise with 7.3 kilometers of pristine white-sand beaches. Located 21 kilometers southeast of Polillo, Quezon Province and just 60 nautical miles east of Manila, Balesin is approximately a 20-minute plane ride from Manila, yet is a world completely unto itself. Alphaland Balesin Island Club is your unique, members-only, private leisure getaway-today and for generations to come. Consider yourself lucky if you have friends or family that are members of Balesin Island Club.

Balesin Island Club offers villas and amenities patterned after some of the most luxurious beachside resorts around the world. With a main clubhouse and destination spa as the centerpiece, Balesin has seven themed villages with numerous villas and suites. These include Balesin, Bali, Phuket, Mykonos, St. Tropez, Costa del Sol and Toscana. In each village, everything from the architecture, interior design, landscaping and food is authentically recreated.

Rates: P12,000+/villa     Website: www.balesin.com

Prado Farms Pampanga (Most Kid-Friendly Resort)

Prado Siongco, Lubao, Pampanga

A sanctuary for nature-lovers and an eco-friendly haven perfect for children. Prado farms offers a wide range of options to keep the little ones engaged. There’s a whole lot of space on the farm where they could go around freely, be it on foot, on bikes, or on carabao-drawn carts. They can swim, wade, climb, fish, check out farm animals and even explore hidden spaces and pathways for more adventure while their parents enjoy their tranquil merienda at the veranda.

Rates: P1,000/room   Site:  www.facebook.com/pradofarmslubao/

Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar Bataan (Best Hotel to Relive your Filipino Childhood) Barangay Pag-asa, Bagac, Bataan

Situated in Bagac of Bataan, where the famous heritage houses in Luzon were restored in this Spanish colonial village, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Hotel is only a three to four hour drive from Manila. The property is located next to the beach where guests can enjoy swimming. Currently boasting 17 guestrooms, all are decorated in a mixture of Filipino-Spanish style. Each villa has its own story and is equipped with modern amenities for guests comfort. 18^th Century design mansions can be viewed and rented at Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar. With matching cobblestone streets and kalesas to complete the ambiance of an authentic heritage village, the experience in Las Casas is a step-back in time. Some 30 bahay na bato have been transported brick by brick from their old homes in various parts of the country to this 400-hectare estate.

Rates: P3,931+/room     Website: www.lascasasfilipinas.com

Source: Travel Now