I got my tanning at Estrellas De Mendoza

Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila

Hello Girlfriends and welcome back to my blog!

The weather here in the Philippines are starting to get naughty – you will enjoy the glare of sunshine in the morning, then by noon time you will see the sky starting to shame everyone, clouds in gray (too dark) covering the clear sky… then ooh ooh here comes the rain!

Then we start worrying about what would happen next – that some of us forgot to bring our umbrellas, some worrying about the traffic it will cause later after work, some of us might not get home in time because we can’t get a cab (most cabs are already parked somewhere, and deny passengers due to heavy rains), and others (including me) worrying about damaging my shoes later in the rain (lol).

While contemplating with this heavy pours watching outside this high glass window in my office, I wish it was always SUMMER.

Geographically wise, the Philippines is a tropical country and thus we enjoy most of the summer getaways of the country – easily, no passport required, not worrying about crossing-the-borders-kind of problem, except the crossing the island and other destinations locally which not much a problem actually (is you know what I mean).

So while I’m sitting here in front of my laptop, I thought I should share with you one of my recent summer getaways (this time along with my colleagues at work, and not a luxury getaway, compared to my other travel posts) while I’m somehow learning to enjoy this gloomy day.

As part of the yearly bonding-and-recreation moment of our company, our team decided that we go visit the South in San Juan, Batangas. I’m not good at planning trips carrying groups so I let them decide, and I enjoyed going with the flow.


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila



So the last 22nd of April, we packed our overnight bags and head to Laiya, Batangas – the nearest summer destination for us from the city, for around two (2) hours drive (if you drive much faster, I think you will reach it for 1 hour, 45 mins). Our event organizer rented 3 van vehicles for us.

As usual, when we travel in groups – I like staying at the back of the van and allow myself to take care of their bags, in return for letting me sleep for the whole two (2) hours.

Yup, I enjoyed it!

Some of you find it annoying that one or two of your friends are just sleeping for the entire journey, while the rest of you are laughing with your stories, singing together like it is a high school camping trip, etc.

But I’m happy to say that I belong to the introvert group. Here’s why:

I sleep not because of none enjoying their stories – I choose to sleep because I know it will be a long drive, and it is tiring (my body plus my skin is feeling stressful for that), plus I woke up very early to join the trip – so I know that I deserve to rest for a while. I put on my favorite facial mask and told my colleagues that I’m gonna sleep and don’t mind me for that (actually they already knows it). I also don’t mind them singing, laughing, and sometimes laughing harder coz I’m already used to them. We call it the respect of privacy.

Another thing: I sleep because I’m saving some energy for the moments that are waiting for us at our destination. I don’t want to end up feeling sleepier when I put down my bags, and see that bed waiting for me. Nope. Not Me.

But ALWAYS happens with my colleagues. Thus, they missed some FUN!


****


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


Well actually, it didn’t take two (2) hours of drive – in reality, it took longer.

We leave our building (located at Bonifacio Global City) at around 6:00AM and reached our destination at 11:00AM

That’s five (5) hours!!!!!

I know right… we leave on Friday – and we got caught with heavy traffic going out of the city.

Hahaha. Now tell me I shouldn’t be sleeping! :D


*****


We arrived at our destination at Estrellas De Mendoza at around 11:00AM.

It was sunny and the weather took 34degrees (oh yeah!) and some of us are started to panicking about how hot is it and it hurts our skin. Okay, for the sake of my non-Filipino readers, to tell you bluntly more Filipinos are not huge fans of Mr. Sushine. Very ironic, hahaha


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila



Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


Estrellas De Mendoza is a seven (7) story hotel and beach-front resort owning its Mediterranean-inspired architecture. Currently, it is the largest resort in Laiya, San Juan Balatas with 83 fully furnished superior rooms and 15 cabanas. Rooms are spacious enough and with clean bathrooms and complete toiletries. Each room is equipped with amenities like LCD flat-screen cable television, fully air-conditioned rooms, safety deposit boxes, mini bar, kitchenette for cabanas, coffee and tea making facilities, complimentary bottled of water, etc.


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila

Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


Hotel’s lobby and the staircase up to the 7th floor. Oops! Don’t worry because they have an elevator too :D


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


The resort also has its restaurant for all the guests – but asking me about their food. I never enjoyed it at all. It wasn’t enjoyable.

{By the way, I don’t have photos of the rooms of hotel units, because we occupied the cabanas for our team.}




Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


And since we are in groups, we reserved some cabanas. And this is the cabana unit for my group. Not expecting much, but this unit is quite spacious – we are 10 people sharing this unit with two (2) bedrooms both fully air-conditioned and each room has its own bathroom furnished with toiletries. So no bathroom problems!

The cabana is equipped with flat-screen cable television, but we still asked the help of the resort staff to fix the channels. By the way, the channels available are too limited. Gladly they have HBO. Installed with a sliding glass door, and a sliding door-screen so that the fresh air can come in easily especially during a hot afternoon. We are disappointed with the air-conditioned unit in the living area because it seems not functioning, and we just rely on an electric fan.


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila



The cabana is also has its own kitchenette and complete dining set, and refrigerator that contains our complimentary bottled water, 10 bottles for each person, 1 bottle per day. So if you are planning to visit here, better bring your own jugs of drinking water (though they also have stores available here, with hefty prices), I’m not sure if the water flowing in this faucet is drinkable so just to be safe, I didn’t dare drink of it.

They also have a mini-microwave oven and coffee-and-tea facilities but when we tried making our coffee, there’s no sugar available and we need to request it. There is also a wide space at the back where you can hang out with your friends and enjoy the fresh air, or a place to hang your wet clothes and towels.


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila
Don’t worry that’s not her checking for her pregnancy result, hahaha. She’s just checking if her contact lenses are in-safe.


This is our room being shared with five (5) persons. Gladly this is fully air-conditioned and has decent bed and linens. It also has a decent wardrobe space.

This place is perfect if you are traveling with your family and friends.


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila

Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


Outside the cabana is the infinity pool, the pride of this resort. I couldn’t wait for my colleagues to join me (as they are feeling tired and don’t like the noontime heat of the sun) so I put on my bikinis and jumped in!

The pool is cool-and-deep enough and it is really good. So always watch your kids swimming coz it might be dangerous. Anyway, there is also a mini kiddie pool at the side. A shower area and lounge chairs are also available.


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


Would you say NO to this beautiful and very inviting pool under the sun?


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


My Instagram-wifey Lyn, hahaha she's really cool!


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila

Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


Next to the infinity pool is Laiya’s beachfront where we enjoyed the long stretch of white sands and salty water. At night, this area is stationed with live bands and performances, and different food options plus drinks – partying until dawn!


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


It was such a beautiful place, I admire it a lot and I asked my Instagram-wifey/friend Lyn to take some photos of me. I don't mind the heat of the sun, because I LOVE IT! That’s where I got my tan. My boyfriend said my naturally tan complexion suits me well, and I like it too!


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


Some of my travel essentials – my beach hat, quirky sunglasses (I’ve got from HK), a good book written by Kevin Kwan (ohh I recommend this to you!), and one of my favorite sunscreen lotions DermaPlus.


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


Yey! I love the beach!


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


But one thing I don’t like about it… Laiya beach is very shallow. In order to reach your desired depth, you have to walk all the way to that end (I guess another kilometer) just to reach the water up to your waist. You can’t dive into it.

But the sands underneath are soo soft and have no rough stones. Those there are some seaweeds (I don’t know if it’s edible), it doesn’t pollute the sea. It helps to make the sea fresher.


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


I also brought this NIVEA Sunscreen lotion (for kids) which was a gift from PR friends. I like it because it is not sticky and very easy to spread to my skin. Anyway, I’m always a kid-at-heart!


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


The resort also offers some aqua sports activities such as riding a jetski, use of the banana boat with your friends, snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat rentals.


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


At 3:35PM the water is started to get low, and you could see the wide stretch of beach.


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


Local kids are also enjoying playing the sands and don’t mind the heat!


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


It was 5:00PM and we decided to have a stroll. We admired how natural this beach is and how it forms some kind of hollows, just like this photo below.


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


There are also some little creatures who seem happily running around the beach. Then I found out they are hermit crabs, digging their homes under these sands.


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila
Having fun it LYN!


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila

Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


Around 6:00PM and look at the beach stretch! This was captures on the 7th floor of the hotel. That is also the time when my colleague's get up and started to have fun at the poolside.


Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila


This time I didn’t join them swimming at the pool because the water is getting cooler and I easily catch a cold with that. So I enjoyed being their photographer instead :D After some bonding and dinner, we decided to just relax and enjoy movie time, while some of them enjoyed partying with board games and drinks. It was simple and fun.




*****




How much are the hotel and cabana rates?
For the accommodation, premier rooms (good for 2 persons) costs Php6,800 per night and for cabanas it's Php16,800 per night. Quite expensive actually considering the foods are not appealing, trust me.

Is the Estrellas de Mendoza a pet friendly resort?
No matter how much you imagine your pet would enjoy the trip, sad to say that this resort is not pet-friendly. Pets are not allowed. So if you can’t leave your furry babies at home with their sitters, better you choose another resort.




Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila

Estrellas de Mendoza Resort, beach destination in Batangas, nearest beach resort in Manila




Do I recommend this resort? Would I come back?

I would definitely come back to visit and explore more Laiya, Batangas. But definitely, I would prefer to stay at other resorts or hotels. Resort per se, it doesn’t please me much and with its hefty price, I would rather spend it for an overnight stay at the luxury hotel in Manila.

The Laiya beach stretch undeniably has its own beauty. I will share more photos of it in my next post.




Estrellas De Mendoza Playa Resort
Brgy. Laiya, San Juan, Batangas
(02)664-7110 / (043)575-8335 / 0917-884-3677 / 0998-983-9768



xoxo, Blair



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92 comments :

  1. I see you have a lot of holiday articles in many places.
    I also like to go to many places.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting! Yeah and I'm excited to travel more.

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  2. There are better beaches in Batangas, but Laiya seems to be an old standby for company outings. :) Beach looks alright, but the pools looks amazing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. you are right. Probably because it is very accessible and convenient, less cost and you can easily come back to the city anytime.

      Delete
  3. Beautiful beach! Looks like you guys has tons of fun. The pools and cabana are a nice break for a bit of shade and more relaxing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. would definitely going back to Laiya, Batangas and explore nearby beaches

      Delete
  4. I am dreading the traffic already as I am planning our trip to the Philippines. But it looks like it was all worth it as Batangas looks so beautiful! Wish I was enjoying in that sandy beach right now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hop in! Don't mind the traffic, it will be worth it :D

      Delete
  5. The place looks like paradise, lovely place to relax and just chill out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ... or just hang a hammock and enjoy reading a good book while enjoying the fresh sea breeze, heaven!

      Delete
  6. Sleeping is the smart choice :D I would've done the same. That pool is GORGEOUS :O and your bikini is so cute! I'd love to stay there and get my tan on :P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Tae!

      Sleeping is the best option during long jammed-packed traffic... plus less stress and wrinkles

      Delete
  7. Looks like you had a great time in your tanning adventure. Unfortunately this year I am so worked up that there is no free time for tans.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ... no worries coz we ladies always have alternatives (tanning spa or tanning lotion perhaps)

      Delete
  8. Wow the Estrellas de Mendoza hotel is so beautiful, I love the architecture of it!
    It really looks like your trip was so much fun, I'm happy to hear that. It's been so long since I last went to the seaside and I'm really missing it ..

    However, I must say that I kind of belong to the introverted group too and during long trips I'd rather sleep to be energized for what's going to come next as well! High five! :)

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  9. It seems like a nice place to disconnect and relax. Also being in a resort is very convenient as you actually have access to many things without leaving the place!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ... not 100% - just like in this trip, I didn't enjoy the foods they serve..

      Delete
  10. WOW! An amazing time and experience you had here and all the pictures! They are great because they really show off the destination and resort! Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks Sheri! Yeah, the only little downside is I have to capture first all those pretty sites, before jumping with my friends to have carefree fun :D Anyway, I guess they do understand, hahaha

      Delete
  11. That looks like you had a lot of fun at this hotel. I wish I could be like you and take naps. I agree that it's smart. But I just wake up so cranky!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha sometimes I'm cranky too.. but when I suddenly woke up along the road, I would take this an opportunity to snaps some photos.. then back to sleep. I'm an introvert, but I also know how to have a blast - but a no no when I'm dead tired.

      Delete
  12. I've never used a tanning studio but I must say that it looks very natural and the photos of you on your holiday are FABULOUS too, with lovely blue skies and rippling water, it looks fun but idyllic! Karen

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    1. Thanks Karen! I love the summer and wouldn't mind staying under the sun, as long as I've guarded with tons of sunscreen lotion, LOL.. I was raised near the beach!

      Delete
  13. This resort is my kind of place to go to. You have shown the most important features that I also look for when checking out resorts like the rooms and amenities as well as the over-all layout and feel of the place. I'll be seriously considering this one when we might ourselves in your country.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. got to check everything coz I wouldn't know when will come back.. and also my basis if something has change since my last visit (that is if I come back).

      Delete
  14. Lovely trip! You must have truly enjoyed it. So how would you rate your overall experience with the hotel? Was it worth staying in?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn't stayed in the hotel per se, but in the cabana.. overall it was 3.5 / 5 the place is very nice... except for the food :D

      Delete
  15. The resort looks majestic with that pool which would be a great idea to spend some quality time with friends and family. The beach too looks awesome with shallow waters.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like the shallow waters in the afternoon, and kids would enjoy it too

      Delete
  16. Great story.
    I was trained to sleep in transit since birth so staying awake with the kids kills me every time lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How about train your kids to sleep in-transit :D

      Delete
  17. I haven't been in a resort in a very very long time. But this place looks quite good. And as always, beaches in Philippines are just too lovely too miss. Great that you had fun :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should come and enjoy your vacation too! But it's already rainy season here in PH, high tides and stronger waves sometimes not pleasing :)

      Delete
  18. Gorgeous photos, that's a stunning place and it looks like you had lots of fun! I also noticed your book that you were reading was by Kevin Kwan! x

    www.twentysomethingmuddle.com

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    Replies
    1. Yeah thanks dear! I love reading his book over and over. It's like being with the opulent, and its fun!

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  19. This beach looks SO amazing! I'd love to be there right now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you dear! I am planning to visit this beach again this summer :D

      Delete
  20. This destination looks like pure paradise! I would much rather be soaking up the sun than in cold, snowy ohio.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I haven't tried spending time in a cold countries but a 19degree Celsius temperature makes me feel cold, lol. I love the beach and the sun!

      Delete
  21. I'm that friend who falls asleep on road trips, I try but it's so hard. Looks like you had a lot of fun, I wish I could dip my toe in that deep blue water, looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah better sleep, that have a headache while on the road. Thanks for dropping-by!

      Delete
  22. Love your adorable pink dress! Is it a dress or a top that you converted into a dress? This resort looks heavenly! I always love going to beach-y places. It reminds me of home <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Divya,

      Its actually my Dada's long sleeved shirt that I stole from his closet :) I told him I need a pink dress, and since his shirt is soo biggie, I've thrifted it to fit my size.

      Zero cost!

      Delete
  23. This looks like a beautiful resort. I can't wait to visit. Thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. you are always welcome and thanks for visiting my blog! Cheers!

      Delete
  24. Oh, I'd love to visit here! The pool looks amazing! I'd love to get away and enjoy some naps.. and books! :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. This looks like an amazing getaway! I wish I could lay on the beach and get a tan lol. Have a tropical getaway is going to be added to my list for this year.


    Isaly Holland | http://www.memoriesbyisaly.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh you must have it Isaly. You perfectly deserve it after spending months in the cold places.

      Delete
  26. Wow, the resort looks fabulous and so do you! I would love the visit your part of the world one day. I've heard it's unlike any other.

    Beth || www.TheStyleBouquet || www.TheSuccessDesign.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And too many adventures at the super fraction of costs! Visit Philippines sometime :D

      Delete
  27. Oh Blair I want to go. It looks like so much fun. I love that dress and your tennis shoes. Very cute.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Valerie! The shoes ahh I got it from a thrift store for only $3

      And my shirt was my Dada's shirt that I've stole from his wardrobe :D

      Delete
  28. That pool looks so amazing! OMG i want to go!

    ReplyDelete
  29. So glad you took a book--beach reading is ESSENTIAL. I loved that one, too. He has a new one coming out this year and I cannot wait.

    I really like the look of this resort. I have heard good things from coworkers about the Phillippines, I think it may need to happen. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This summer hope you could visit one of the beautiful resorts and beaches in the Philippines. You'll never regret it :D

      Delete
  30. The resort looks absolutely amazing and the infinity pool is calling my name! I bet, you have had so much fun on this group trip!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did! And each time am seeing these photos, it make me want to drive to the nearest beach again.

      Delete
  31. Wow, that sounds like an amazing resort. I want to be in that pool right now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah it was so much fun and I want to visit again next summer.

      Delete
  32. I wish I could be here! This place looks amazing. I'd love to take a dip in that pool.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If I could live here, then I would be more happy!

      Delete
  33. That looks like a great time! The resort looks beautiful! Reminds me that I need a vacation ASAP!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Jessica, better have a vacation because you deserve it babe :)

      Delete
  34. I've never been to a resort before. This resort looks amazing I always love traveling.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Jay, oh you should visit any resort and have fun!

      Delete
  35. Such a great idea for weekend trip! It always happens, GPS says 2 hours but it always takes longer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hahaha yeah always happens, so better to sleep while travelling.

      Delete
  36. It looks like you had a great time! We deserve a little break from work and if it's in a place like this then I'm always up for it. The resort is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Elizabeth! Am actually getting addicted to summer and am loving it.

      Delete
  37. That's really lovely! I like that the rooms/cabanas are very spacious, you can take a lot of people with you if you wanted to. The pool is so beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, this cabana is perfect for a family trip!

      Delete
  38. I like the fact that aside from the pool, you can simply walk to the beach. The water looks clear and the sand is nice as well, perfect for an afternoon of sunbathing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. And it was very relaxing. I could live here and be happy :)

      Delete
  39. Looks like it was a beautiful time and a great time with all of your co-workers. And yes it is sad that they missed some fun because they were exhausted by the time they arrived. You looked amazing as always.

    ReplyDelete
  40. What a beautiful resort, the pictures are stunning. I am definitely overdue a holiday and some sleep for that matter too lol x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Ana,

      Dear you better have your vacation now or suffer getting sick!

      Delete
  41. It looks like a great place to visit! Summer is exciting because of the beach and fun :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree! This 3rd week of May am going to Boracay for a week of relaxation :)

      Delete
  42. Looks like you guys had so much fun! The resort looks perfect for friends getaways. Also, the view from the pool is quite splendid!

    ReplyDelete
  43. wow!Beautiful photos and moments.Seems you enjoyed your trip to the maximum! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Amila!

      Yeah I enjoyed the most of it. Next week I'll be in Palawan for the weekend.

      Delete
  44. That pool looks so amazing! OMG i want to go!

    ReplyDelete
  45. What a beautiful pool and hotel front. That beach is not bad as well. Will definitely check the rates of this place.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Its this rain that has kept me from visiting. I made plans two years ago but a huge storm came up. Every week I had the opportunity to go, the weather didn't look good. I'm hoping to put t on a higher priority in a couple years so I can make the trip during the best weather.

    ReplyDelete

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