Acuatico Beach Resort Review -- Is It Worth the Php100,000+ for a Family Getaway?

ABBEY: Our recent family trip to Aquatico Beach Resort in Batangas was filled with fun, relaxation, and plenty of memorable moments. The journey took us almost three hours, but despite arriving before the official check-in time, the resort staff were kind enough to welcome us. They set us up in their playroom, where we could cool off and unwind, keeping us comfortable in the sweltering heat. About half an hour later, we were escorted to our villas, and that’s when our adventure at the resort truly began. The welcome drinks followed shortly after, adding a refreshing touch to our start.

While the resort has its charms, there were a few quirks. Due to space limitations, we found ourselves needing to visit my sibling's room for coffee and access to a fridge. The bathroom, though functional, had no shower door, leading to splashes that were beginning to take a toll on the doorposts. As for the Wi-Fi, it was a bit of a hit-or-miss, with connectivity being intermittent at times. However, these minor inconveniences didn’t stop us from creating some truly happy memories.

Most of our days were spent between the infinity pool and the beach, especially after meals. And speaking of meals, the food at Aquatico did not disappoint. I indulged in a variety of dishes, including beef tapa, roasted pork, pancit, tacos, and chicken. They also offered taho and an assortment of desserts. For drinks, hot chocolate and kapeng barako were on the menu, perfect for a comforting treat. During our two-night stay, my wife and I enjoyed leisurely evenings with servings of margaritas, red sangrias, and mojitos—quality time well spent.

All in all, despite a few minor hitches, our stay at Aquatico Beach Resort was a delightful experience, leaving us with wonderful memories of family bonding and relaxation.

Acuatico Beach Resort Review

Acuatico Beach Resort Review

Acuatico Beach Resort Review

WILL: When choosing a luxury resort like Acuatico, expectations naturally rise, especially when the price tag is steep. After seeing photos and reading rave reviews online, I couldn’t wait to experience Acuatico for myself. So, what is Acuatico really like? Let’s dive into the details—both the highlights and the letdowns.

Rooms and Accommodation

We booked two accommodations for a family reunion and were assigned to the Masters of Casita. The bed was incredibly comfortable and spotlessly clean, which immediately put me at ease. The TV offered a good selection of channels, providing some much-needed entertainment during work breaks. Our room was just three steps away from the beautiful infinity pool and offered a fantastic view of the sea. The staff was attentive, checking in on us and offering to refresh our room on the second day, which added a nice touch to our stay.

But then there was the bathroom. The showerhead was in dire need of replacement, and the faucet’s water pressure was so intense that it turned the bathroom into a splash zone. It’s these small details that make a big difference in a luxury stay.

Dining at the Resort

I have to commend the resort on the food. The ingredients were fresh, and the meals were included in our package, which was a nice touch. However, dining was far from a relaxing experience. The flies were relentless, turning every meal into a battle to protect our plates. It was exhausting and definitely detracted from the overall experience.

The Pool Area

The pool is one of the standout features of Acuatico Beach Resort. It’s divided into three sections, which is ideal for families with young children, as it allows them to play safely in a designated area. The pool area is beautifully designed and offers a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view.

Is Acuatico Worth the Price?

Despite the luxurious price tag, there were some noticeable lapses in quality that made us question whether the resort is being properly maintained. There’s a sense that it’s starting to show signs of wear and tear, which is disappointing for a place that promises so much.

As for the cost? Our 3-day, 2-night stay in two rooms at Acuatico set us back a hefty Php 117,000++. Given the experience, I’m left wondering if it was really worth it.

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Acuatico Beach Resort: Resort in Laiya Batangas

(W) https://acuaticoresort.com.ph/

(A) Laiya, San Juan, Batangas, Philippines 4226

Sakura Private Villa - Serene Getaway in Angeles Pampanga

ABBEY: It’s always a good idea to catch up with friends so we did that. Not only did we had dinner but sleepovers, yes with an “s” at Sakura Private Villa Angles for 3 days and 2 night. The private house is at Angeles, Pampanga but you can get there via Waze. There could be a slight hiccup finding it when you’re nearby but with a couple of asks with the locals and intuition you’ll get there. 

We were welcomed warmly by the staff as they began to handover the place to us. The rules are printed and make sure you read and adhere to them. We got five rooms, three toilets and two baths, a large swimming including a bubble jet one. It is clean, spacious and relaxing. We played darts, billiards, and even karaoke’d. You can bring your own food. The utensils and cookwares are provided. Or you can order and cook them for you. Internet connectivity is fast. No problem with the heat as well. Where should our next catch up be?

Sakura Private Villa - Serene Getaway in Angeles Pampanga: Pool

Sakura Private Villa - Serene Getaway in Angeles Pampanga

Sakura Private Villa - Serene Getaway in Angeles Pampanga: Bathroom with Tub

Sakura Private Villa - Serene Getaway in Angeles Pampanga

WILL: During our high school days, we made it a tradition to go on annual out-of-town getaways. Now, with most of us living abroad, our reunions have become rare and typically limited to simple dinners. However, we always felt that a few hours over dinner wasn't enough to make up for the lost time. This year, we were thrilled that almost everyone managed to find the time for a 3-day, 2-night vacation. Our friend Denise, the perennial organizer, chose Sakura Private Villa for our much-anticipated reunion.

The accommodations at Sakura Private Villa are modest; don't expect hotel-like mattresses or pillows. However, the inviting pool, karaoke, dartboard, and billiards table ensure that there's never a dull moment, even without televisions (a welcome change, indeed).

Downsides:

Insects: Expect mosquitoes, ants and flies.

No Basic Things: Toothbrushes and towels are not provided.

Hard to Find: The villa's location can be difficult to locate.

Cost:

We spent Php 28,500 for our stay + Php200 per towel. 

Sakura Private Villa provided us with a perfect backdrop for reconnecting and creating new memories. Despite a few minor inconveniences, the time spent together in such a peaceful setting was priceless.

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Sakura Private Villa Angeles

(F)https://www.facebook.com/p/Sakura-Private-Villa-Angeles-61557800871581/

(A) Purok 2 Sitio Radar Brgy.Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Philippines

Citadines Roces Quezon City : Have You Stayed in an Apartment Hotel?

ABBEY: Due to appointments left and right we opted to book a hotel for a couple of nights when we landed at Metro Manila. It was at the newly-built Citadines Roces at Quezon City. We got the one-bedroom unit and I can say that made a lot of difference. After all the guests that had come you can still have your clean, pristine and private space to enjoy. 

The unit has larger fridge, microwave, and dishes and utensils. I hope they can look on ways to improve internet connectivity to be faster and to be more thorough in cleaning the pool as we found cockroach at one of the edges. 

There is a complimentary barista coffee but only once in your whole stay and only for one guest; would be better if it’s per day and per hotel guest that is checked in. Front desk staffs Krystle and Vanie really ensure that we are taken care off specially for the rush printing of the document I needed. 

Citadines Roces Quezon City : Living Room

Citadines Roces Quezon City : Bedroom

WILL: Another year and another vacation for us in Philippines. Yay!! To tell you frankly — we do not have a home to live in Manila. My parents’ house have 4 rooms and it were all occupied by my sister and her sons. Abbey’s parents house is way too far and time consuming for us to commute daily for our business affairs. So we make it a point that we budgeted our stays in hotels. For this year our first stay is Citadines Roces Quezon City. 

We chose Citadines One Bedroom Deluxe. Why? Since we are always holding a business meeting, a living room equipped with TV with HDMI is a good fit. After the meeting, we do not need to hail a taxi for a dinner since a lot of restaurant and cafe is around the hotel. 

The comfort? The location is perfect and away of everyday noise of traffic; on that you will be ensuring that you have a good night sleep. Breakfast is included in our room which a good thing that we wonder around the city for a quick bite. They have a covered pool that which I do not get a chance to dip in. 

Overall, this is a hotel that I will be considering to book again. Not only for me and Abbey but also for our next family staycation! 

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Citadines Roces Quezon City

(W) https://www.discoverasr.com/en/citadines/philippines/citadines-roces-quezon-city

(A) 100 Don A. Roces Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila, Philippines