There are many beautiful places in the UK to visit that are a little off the beaten track. Places you may not even have heard of or ever thought about visiting could be a little hidden gem away from the typical city or beach break. Outside of the cities in Britain there are many smaller places that are worth visiting; such as Uxbridge in Greater London. This is actually a larger town but away from the well travelled areas of the South East and with many of the houses and scenery looking like it belongs on a chocolate box. There are lots of places to stay there; why not try one of Travelodge's hotels in Uxbridge for an affordable stay.
One of the draws of Uxbridge is its proximity to a number of high class spas and health centres. Staying onsite at one of these spas is expensive however, and a wise option is to stay nearby and travel to the spa for a day for pampering. What to take and what to expect are two commonly asked questions by first time spa goers, so here’s a bit of help.
Find out what they provide
Most spas will provide you with a towel and a robe on arrival, with some even extending this to goggles and pool shoes too; but it’s worth phoning ahead to double check. You don’t want to end up with far too many things, but you also want to avoid getting caught short without a towel, so check the essentials.
Swimwear
Nearly all spas will have a swimming pool, or at least a hot tub for you to relax and enjoy. The question here really is not whether to bring a swimsuit, but how many to bring. If you are to be spending all day at the spa, some people choose to take a spare set so they can put a dry costume on after they stop for lunch. Putting a wet swimsuit back on doesn’t feel very nice and could be a little unhygienic. If you plan on spending any length of time in water, or choose to wear a swimsuit in the sauna, consider bringing a spare set for later.
Change of clothes
Once you are all pampered and feeling scrummy you probably won’t want to put the same clothes on that you rocked up in at the start of the day. Regardless of how clean your clothes are, you will keep your shiny and new feeling for longer if you pop a fresh change of clothes in your bag for after the spa experience.
Toiletries
These and hairdryers will nearly always be provided, so don’t worry about taking them. The only reason you may wish to take your own things, is if you are very particular about what you use on your hair and skin. Rest assured though, if it’s a fancy spa, they will provide fancy toiletries.
Pack your essentials and head for the road less travelled. Suburbs are a haven for spas and treatment centres so have a look around and book in somewhere nearby, giving you more money for luxury treatments.
Coco Beach Resort | Puerto Galera
In my entire employee life, this is just the very first time I joined a company summer outing.
My boss volunteered me to organize the event. Since "places for great company outings" are not really my forte, I extensively searched for beach resorts in Batangas, Bataan, and Puerto Galera which are awesome but not too expensive at the same time. Im just extremely glad I chanced upon Coco Beach Island Resort in Puerto Galera.
Coco Beach Island Resort is a 10-hectare beach resort located in Sabang, Puerto Galera. Yes, it's another beach away from the crowded White Beach. There are daily trips from Batangas Pier to Sabang, but our group decided to rent our own boat for convenience (P5,500 per way). To our surprise, the service boat they provided was really big. It could actually fit 50 people! By the way, we were just 15pax in the group.
As soon as we arrived, the staff welcomed us, gave us refreshment and nice shell necklaces. The ambiance of the resort was peaceful. Lots of Coconut trees and other plants surrounded the resort. The bamboo houses and facilities were all made from natural materials. Every employee was warm and very accommodating.
The Beach
Since the location is isolated, I never worried this place would be crowded even on a weekend summer season. I was right. The beachfront was calm and quiet.
The Pool
The lagoon-shaped main pool is located at the center of the resort and only a few feet away from the beach. Lots of bed lounges were available on the side.
The Food and Service
Since everything was pre-arranged, our dining table and food were prepared ahead. I really appreciated the staff's attentiveness and thoughtfulness. Good Point #1 - as soon as I checked my phone, the lady staff approached me and offered me their complimentary wifi access. Awesome! This kind of service always makes a big difference.
As for the food, they were great! The lunch buffet (P550/pax) they served us was more than we expected. Actually, the servings were generous and we didn't consume even half of the food.
The Rooms
There are 110 rooms in Coco Beach. The beautiful bamboo rooms gave a cozy and natural ambiance of the place. Most of the rooms don't have tv, fridge, and aircon for the total tropical island experience. This really encourages the guests to stay out of the room and try the 101 Activities in the resort.
Each house consists of 4 rooms. The rooms on the seconds floor are more spacious so we asked the staff if we could be transferred to the bigger rooms. Good Point #2 - They granted our request, immediately!
The Deluxe Room (P4,000) we reserved could fit 4 guests. These rooms have 1 queen sized beds and 2 day beds. To our surprise, the rooms are arranged like this:
It's actually very nice but we're not on a honeymoon. Actually, this room aint good for a honeymoon because the walls are not soundproof! hehe
Anyway, the interior is very native and nice. No wonder, foreigners loved this local bedroom setup. Just a little complain, mahina ang tubig sa shower.
101 Activities
Coco Beach Resort offers 101 activities! Awesome! This includes complimentary island hopping. Anyway, we had our own team building activities in their very spacious playground. Good Point #3 - While we were playing, two employees approached us. They asked us if we still need anything for our games. Fantastic! They even offered to arrange the race track for the obstacle course.
After the games, it's swimming time in the pool!
At this time, the employees were already preparing for the New Moon Party Barbecue Buffet.
The New Moon Party
Lucky us, there was a New Moon Party event that night. The barbecue buffet dinner with unlimited weng-weng and rhum coke (P750) were served all night. This also includes fire dancing performance which was stunning. Most spectacular was the Here Now band. They played awesome music all night! Mahusay!
What's a nightout in Puerto Galera without a fire dancer?
After the fire dancing performance, this band delivered good music all night.
The ladies called it a night, while the guys drank all the weng weng and rhum coke! Haha
Island Hopping
The complimentary buffet breakfast was served from 6:45am to 10:00am. The choices were good, and as always, the service was excellent. Good Point #4 - Someone broke a glass and the staff just rushed to the scene, smiled and immediately said "It's okay, don't worry." Nice no?
At 8:30, the boatman was already waiting for us. This island hopping is a complimentary activity of the package we availed. Two boats were provided for our group.
Actually, we only went to the Long Beach island. But it's okay, afterall we didn't pay for anything. Hehe
Overall, we had a great time in this secluded Coco Beach Resort. The food is very good. The servings were generous, we never consumed even half of the food. The prices are reasonable too for a private place like this. The beach is not spectacular but it's okay. The New Moon Party, the band, and the firedancer were all awesome. I am truly happy to know that there are 13 service families who were given jobs in this resort. The service is excellent! Staff are very helpful and attentive to the guest's needs. I am happy and satisfied with the choice I made for our company outing. =)
My boss volunteered me to organize the event. Since "places for great company outings" are not really my forte, I extensively searched for beach resorts in Batangas, Bataan, and Puerto Galera which are awesome but not too expensive at the same time. Im just extremely glad I chanced upon Coco Beach Island Resort in Puerto Galera.
Coco Beach Island Resort in Puerto Galera
Coco Beach Island Resort is a 10-hectare beach resort located in Sabang, Puerto Galera. Yes, it's another beach away from the crowded White Beach. There are daily trips from Batangas Pier to Sabang, but our group decided to rent our own boat for convenience (P5,500 per way). To our surprise, the service boat they provided was really big. It could actually fit 50 people! By the way, we were just 15pax in the group.
this service boat can actually fit 50 people!
As soon as we arrived, the staff welcomed us, gave us refreshment and nice shell necklaces. The ambiance of the resort was peaceful. Lots of Coconut trees and other plants surrounded the resort. The bamboo houses and facilities were all made from natural materials. Every employee was warm and very accommodating.
The Beach
Since the location is isolated, I never worried this place would be crowded even on a weekend summer season. I was right. The beachfront was calm and quiet.
the isolated beach
clean, maintained, and uncrowded beach front
The Pool
The lagoon-shaped main pool is located at the center of the resort and only a few feet away from the beach. Lots of bed lounges were available on the side.
main pool of Coco Beach
kiddie pool with slide
greens, blues, and a touch of pink!
the restaurant beside the pool
The Food and Service
Since everything was pre-arranged, our dining table and food were prepared ahead. I really appreciated the staff's attentiveness and thoughtfulness. Good Point #1 - as soon as I checked my phone, the lady staff approached me and offered me their complimentary wifi access. Awesome! This kind of service always makes a big difference.
the revolving restaurant
the Carabao restaurant
As for the food, they were great! The lunch buffet (P550/pax) they served us was more than we expected. Actually, the servings were generous and we didn't consume even half of the food.
some of the dishes for the buffet lunch
complete meal with sinigang na hipon, salad, chopsuey, adobo, gilled squid, laing, unli rice and iced tea
the golden rule: always make room for dessert!
The Rooms
There are 110 rooms in Coco Beach. The beautiful bamboo rooms gave a cozy and natural ambiance of the place. Most of the rooms don't have tv, fridge, and aircon for the total tropical island experience. This really encourages the guests to stay out of the room and try the 101 Activities in the resort.
path leading to the rooms
plants dominated the place
this one's my favorite.
Each house consists of 4 rooms. The rooms on the seconds floor are more spacious so we asked the staff if we could be transferred to the bigger rooms. Good Point #2 - They granted our request, immediately!
rooms on the second floor are always bigger
our own veranda and duyan
The Deluxe Room (P4,000) we reserved could fit 4 guests. These rooms have 1 queen sized beds and 2 day beds. To our surprise, the rooms are arranged like this:
tadaaaah! pang-prinsesa ^_^
It's actually very nice but we're not on a honeymoon. Actually, this room aint good for a honeymoon because the walls are not soundproof! hehe
queen sized bed
day beds
Anyway, the interior is very native and nice. No wonder, foreigners loved this local bedroom setup. Just a little complain, mahina ang tubig sa shower.
101 Activities
Coco Beach Resort offers 101 activities! Awesome! This includes complimentary island hopping. Anyway, we had our own team building activities in their very spacious playground. Good Point #3 - While we were playing, two employees approached us. They asked us if we still need anything for our games. Fantastic! They even offered to arrange the race track for the obstacle course.
the longest line
the guys won in every single game
but sometimes you dont need to win to get the prize ^_^
After the games, it's swimming time in the pool!
no araw, no worries!
great tasting mango and banana shakes
sunset time by the beach
At this time, the employees were already preparing for the New Moon Party Barbecue Buffet.
majestic sunset view from our room
The New Moon Party
Lucky us, there was a New Moon Party event that night. The barbecue buffet dinner with unlimited weng-weng and rhum coke (P750) were served all night. This also includes fire dancing performance which was stunning. Most spectacular was the Here Now band. They played awesome music all night! Mahusay!
dinner by the beach
this plate didn't give justice on how good the food was, specially the fish and the asparagus soup!
What's a nightout in Puerto Galera without a fire dancer?
the fire dancer's performance was really good
actually it was so good, era and i were convinced to take firedancing lessons. haha!
After the fire dancing performance, this band delivered good music all night.
superb performance by Here Now band
The ladies called it a night, while the guys drank all the weng weng and rhum coke! Haha
Island Hopping
The complimentary buffet breakfast was served from 6:45am to 10:00am. The choices were good, and as always, the service was excellent. Good Point #4 - Someone broke a glass and the staff just rushed to the scene, smiled and immediately said "It's okay, don't worry." Nice no?
breakfast at Coco Beach
At 8:30, the boatman was already waiting for us. This island hopping is a complimentary activity of the package we availed. Two boats were provided for our group.
island hopping - free!
Actually, we only went to the Long Beach island. But it's okay, afterall we didn't pay for anything. Hehe
on our way to the Long Beach
the sand in the Long Beach is a bit whiter and finer
Doms playing (double) dead in the clear water of Long Beach
thank you Coco Beach
Overall, we had a great time in this secluded Coco Beach Resort. The food is very good. The servings were generous, we never consumed even half of the food. The prices are reasonable too for a private place like this. The beach is not spectacular but it's okay. The New Moon Party, the band, and the firedancer were all awesome. I am truly happy to know that there are 13 service families who were given jobs in this resort. The service is excellent! Staff are very helpful and attentive to the guest's needs. I am happy and satisfied with the choice I made for our company outing. =)
Coco Beach Island Resort
Behiya, Sabang, Puerto Galera, Mindoro Oriental, Philippines
Li Li's Dimsum Buffet | Hyatt Manila
Just like my Market Cafe buffet experience in Hyatt, I didn't expect Li Li's Chinese buffet to be awesome!
Li Li is the signature Chinese restaurant of Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila.
Li Li's lunch dimsum buffet is offered at the price of P888 net per person. Actually it's not all dimsum, this buffet also includes Barbecued Pork Belly, Fried Rice with Pork and Veggies, and Stir Fried Veggies.
Steamed Fish Shaped Dumpling with Cod Fish
Li Li also offers ala carte servings of these dimsums. But if you're a big eater of dimsums, it's just much better to avail the buffet instead. Mas sulit!
And since this an Eat-All-You-Can session, I never felt guilty ordering for more dumplings!
For dessert, we had these items for a sweeter ending.
Im very full and satisfied as we left Li Li's. No wonder, Chinese and Chinoys frequent this place for an authentic Chinese buffet experience. The restaurants in Hyatt Hotel and Casino are great, I can't wait to also try The Fireplace, their steakhouse restaurant.
Li Li is the signature Chinese restaurant of Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila.
Casino, The Fireplace, and Li Li on the 5th floor
lovely and modern display at the hotel lobby
dining setup at Li Li's
a classy, intimate, and impressive place
Li Li's lunch dimsum buffet is offered at the price of P888 net per person. Actually it's not all dimsum, this buffet also includes Barbecued Pork Belly, Fried Rice with Pork and Veggies, and Stir Fried Veggies.
Food Porn | Li Li's Buffet at Hyatt Hotel and Casino
Tea Ceremony
the geisha-like ladies served us Oolong tea. super like!
Guava Iced Tea
i never like guavas, but this iced tea with guava puree is excellent! unfortunately, this is not included in the buffet but - if you mention my name when you dine here, you'll get this guava iced tea for free!
Hot and Sour Soup with generous amount of Assorted Seafood
a good way to start the buffet
Appetizers
actually I used these as side dishes ^_^
Steamed Fish Shaped Dumpling with Cod Fish
fish are friends, not food.. ^_^
Baked Barbecue Pastry Puff
Deep Fried Mashed Taro Puff with Chicken
Steamed Crabmeat Dumpling with Black Mushroom
Deep Fried Becho-Becho Shrimp with Wasabi Mayonnaise
Steamed Pork and Shrimp Dumpling with Fish Roe
yes, it's the classic siomai.
Pan Fried Spinach Dumpling with Shrimp
..and the bird-shaped piece is edible!
My Favorite 3
Top 3 - Steamed Shrimp Dumpling
it's always a delight when a good tasting hakaw is included in a buffet.
Top 2 - Steamed Fresh Scallop Dumpling
heavenly! i love hakaw, but i love scallops more!
Top 1 - Steamed Shrimp, Dried Seaweeds Roll, Asparagus, Fish Roe
this is the most ultimate dimsum i tasted - like ever! (arte much)
seriously, the combination is excellent! i will come back at LiLi's for this one.
Li Li also offers ala carte servings of these dimsums. But if you're a big eater of dimsums, it's just much better to avail the buffet instead. Mas sulit!
on my plate: the spinach dumpling, xiao long bao, my favorite asparagus and seaweed dumpling, siomai, and crabmeat dumplings
my favorite scallop and asparagus roll dumpling, with baked pastry and taro puff
And since this an Eat-All-You-Can session, I never felt guilty ordering for more dumplings!
For dessert, we had these items for a sweeter ending.
Sesame Balls with White Belgian Chocolate
omg, this is really very good! i never liked buchi, but this one's to die for!
Chilled Mango Sango with Almond Jelly
very refreshing
Im very full and satisfied as we left Li Li's. No wonder, Chinese and Chinoys frequent this place for an authentic Chinese buffet experience. The restaurants in Hyatt Hotel and Casino are great, I can't wait to also try The Fireplace, their steakhouse restaurant.
1588 Pedro Gil, Malate, Manila
Li Li's Buffet Rate: 880 net, Mondays to Saturdays 12:00PM to 3:00PM
Reservations: 245.1234 / manila.casino@hyatt.com
Sweet note: mention my name when you dine here and
you'll get the Guava Iced Tea (originally priced at P200) for free!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
