Even my air conditioner in my room is already in full-mode, here I am in front of my laptop working on my stories while feeling sweaty, and needs to jump-in my bathroom for the nth time to refresh myself.
It’s always summer time here in the Philippines, and this more than 36-degree Celsius temperature is something I hate during night time, and I like it during day time - yes, sometimes I have that love-hate relationship with summer season.
And since I couldn’t fell asleep, I decided to check on my archive folders for my other drafts.
I realized that I haven’t shared you my out-of-town weekend with my crew in Laiya, Batangas.
So our team decided to leave our paper works, and packed our bags for a weekend in Laiya Coco Grove Resort. At first, I’ve no idea where is it – all I asked my crew is that we go to a nice place with coconut trees near the beach. Well I guess my wish was granted when I woke-up from my long sleep in the bus.
You see, I prefer sleeping in the bus or car on the way to the location, especially when they told me that we will spend 2 to 3 hours’ drive. So my apology if I can’t give you the right direction on how to travel to this location.
However, you can always hire a car with a driver who would bring you to this place. Boat transfer is not necessary.
SEE MORE: Estrellas De Mendoza Playa Resort
So we arrived around 11AM, just in-time for our lunch. It was a long drive and my ass is already numbed and I can’t wait to go out in the bus, and enjoy this fresh air from the nature.
As we arrived to our destination and gave our assigned villas – I couldn’t helped admiring these towering coconut trees, swaying their branches and welcoming us – a promise of a good weekend ahead.
Coconut trees are one of the common sights here in the Philippines, particularly in all rural areas and provinces. Believe me, I rarely see this beauty in the city and I doubt if it will survive (because of the unpleasant pollutions). We call it “tree of life” because each parts of it have many uses, especially the coconut fruits! And even nowadays, many coconut tree advocates are continuously discovering the other uses of this awesome tree.
We arrived on our 2-story villa with 4-rooms. You’ll noticed that this villa is unified with this gorgeous tree, and I find it very impressive. We can built houses without cutting the trees, right?!
I like that our villa is well-lit and facing the sea, and have those crystal white sands. I felt the relieve just listening to those many chirping birds, and the sound of waves, inviting us to play.
As I’ve mentioned, our villa has 4 separate rooms with 4 beds inside. The interior in very straight-forward, very simple and I’m glad that we have a functional air-conditioning, and also good toilet (because sometimes, the worst that could happen is staying in a room with non-functional toilet seat).
Our room have shower, a spacious cabinets for our belongings, and these complimentary bottled water, and coffee. No television inside the room, but at least they have good electrical outlet where I could charge my phones.
Though I’m not used to sharing my room with colleagues, I managed to get comfortable enough and think how much fun we can get this weekend. Much better than being in the office, right?!
My crew ready for our summer fun!
After settling ourselves for few minutes, we headed back to the main hall to enjoy the humble meals that was prepared for us. The trip packaged includes the full-board, overnight food and accommodation, so we don’t have to worry, what should we eat that day. Our host served us these humble foods, all Filipino foods which we truly enjoyed.
The resort also have this little outdoor playground for kids
…and a space for adults to enjoy their drinks or anything to relax.
The resort is just a few steps away from the seashore which is gorgeous, and we enjoyed walking in our feet on those white sands. Lots of coconut trees, but I have to admit I couldn’t help to have that anxious feeling what if I accidentally hit by a falling coconut fruit, lol. It is silly but it might happen.
The beach and the sands are gorgeous on our side, but I truly didn’t enjoyed swimming in the sea.
First, the water is too shallow, even I walked far away from the shore, and still the water is up to my waist. Then, there are so many seaweeds growing underwater, which makes the sea looks darker below, and I felt frustrated on that sight. I’m not sure if the sea is naturally like that, however I do know that they can do something about it. I believe the shore and the seas needs to clean-up.
So I have no choice but to enjoy the alternative pool they have, however it is still a frustration (I don’t like swimming in the pool with kids, because shit happens). Yes I’m quite uptight in this situation and I have to extend more patience for that.
The next morning, I decided to wake up early to catch the beauty of the sunrise – the habit that I’ve got each time I’m visiting a rural places. Ahh such a beautiful and magical sight!
After having our good breakfast, I had my stroll and visited the nearby resorts with my camera.
I like these green-painted motor boats, which I assumed these are FOR RENT, and not intended as fishing boats. These reminds me of my Mom’s place where motor boats are a common sight every day, because fishing is the main source of livelihood.
The nearby resorts offers day trip guests and could enjoy the whole beach, play beach volleyball, sing the karaoke with kids, eating at few reasonably priced cafeterias, boat rentals, etc.
Such a beautiful day!
But I can’t freely walk barefoot in the beach, because of some occasional items that might hurt my feet (broken glasses, sharp wood, plastics, etc.). It is sad that many guests and even locals are not mindful about their own environment. It is true sad that they don’t care a lot, as much as they care about the daily income that they could get.
Overall my experience was good and memorable, although they are parts that it frustrated me.
I just hope that during my trips, many people would be mindful for their environment, for other people, and for themselves.
Are you on Pinterest? PIN IT!
Check some of our Philippine travel stories here!
Have you been to Laiya Coco Grove Resort, or any other resorts located in Laiya, Batangas? Tell us your experiences here!
xoxo, Blair
I would love to spend a weekend in Laiya Coco Grove Resort in Batangas. I like how to bring up to picture different interesting properties across the world. I always enjoy it. What I loved about this property is the spacious building and its location by the beach - it's a place where I can hang out with my friends and also get some time to work over the Internet.
ReplyDeleteThat is true. A lovely place to be laidback and just enjoy your time.
DeleteIt's absolutely gorgeous there. I think I could live in one of those cabins for the rest of my life.
ReplyDeleteSimple life with gorgeous view everyday!
DeleteThe Laiya Coco Grove sounds like so much fun and it still looks super peaceful - aside from the children; I am with you on that one. Shame that you can't decently swim in the sea. But your hotel "room" (house) looks super comfortable and I am glad that they have functioning A/C as well!
ReplyDeleteYeah, well maybe because they don't have designated lifeguard and always afraid that someone might got accident, hahaha
DeleteLaiya Coco Grove Resort sounds like heaven to me! This is a perfect place for a great family vacation!
ReplyDeleteThat's true! The house that we rented is perfect for family :D
DeleteI haven't been to Laiya Coco Grove Batangas! It's actually my hometown! I hope I can visit soon.
ReplyDeleteOh you must!
DeleteWow....this is my first time hearing of this place! I hope you and your team really had a great time while there. So nice.
ReplyDeleteYes we had so much fun, so much laziness and been relaxed.
DeleteI would love to visit laiya coconut grove. From your description and images it seems fun and exciting! Lavern Moore
ReplyDeleteit's sad if you can't freely enjoy the sands because of constant fear of getting hurt. dapat mindful lagi ang mga tao.
ReplyDeleteWendy
That's true. If not, what's the sense of having this beautiful sands - display?
DeleteWow, What I wouldn't give to be there instead of here right now! It's cold and rainy here lol. Beautiful spot!
ReplyDeleteOMG the temperature here in the Philippines makes you want to stay in the beach area always :D
DeleteLaiya Coco Grove has the perfect island feel to it -- I love the look of the main hall. The water is absolutely gorgeous and the bright green boats are so cool! Looks like the perfect weekend away.
ReplyDelete-Summer
https://travelingsummer.com
Hope you can visit the Philippines soon, and check this resort in Batangas :D
DeleteWow, what a gorgeous place Coco Groves is to relax and even better that it is 2-3 hours from where you live. Since I live a bit further away, I would hope that I can one day enjoy the same type of villa you did. The fact that they built around a tree instead of chopping it warms my heart. Otherwise, the food looks incredible too (especially the breakfast)!
ReplyDeleteYes it was relaxing place. Makes me wish I have my own beach house here.
Delete36 degree that's hot , i like the concept of the villa without cutting the trees, looks clean
ReplyDeleteYeah that's too hot even for us!
DeleteI've never visited Batangas but if I do someday, I would love to stay at Laiya Coco Grove Resort. I definitely wouldn't mind spending a few days over there. It looks like my kind of place. Just checked the prices online and it costs lot less than I expected. Thanks for the great recommendation
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Daniel, and Batangas will always wait for your visit!
DeleteWow ! Looking at your photos, I can really use a beach holiday now !! Haven't been to the Philippines yet, but I have only heard good stuffs, especially the extremely friendly people !
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned you can't walk barefoot on this beach ? That's kinda sad, cause I kinda like the feeling of warm sand under my feet. This goes to show the importance of sustainable travelling, i.e. wherever we go, we must always take nothing away, and leave nothing behind !
That's true, you have to be extra cautious of not walking barefoot or you might get an accidental wound.
DeleteOh my gosh, yes. What a beautiful spot. I need to get here one day. I love being by the water.
ReplyDeleteYour kids will enjoy it too!
DeleteSuch a beautiful resort and I really appreciate you sharing your genuine review of your experience at this place. The views of the seashore are truly amazing. Thanks for the informative post.
ReplyDeletethank you for appreciating my review :D
DeleteOh my goodness that place looks absolutely amazing. And that FOOD?! Yes please!
ReplyDeleteYes, foods are good so the experience is good too.
DeleteI always wanted to visit Philippines. It reminds me so much about South India. Coconut trees are known as the tree of life in India too. They are the best part of any tropical destination. The Laiya Coco Grove resort looks like a great find. The cottages are so cosy and perfect for a beach destination.
ReplyDeleteYeah we have many coconut trees too! Perfect support along the seashore especially during high tide season. Coconut roots are very powerful!
DeleteGorgeous photos! It is really impressive that this villa is unified with the tree. Love that!
ReplyDeletethat's true! They are impressive so much.
DeleteThis place looks so relaxing. I could enjoy relaxing on that beach all day.
ReplyDeleteI wish everyday is a vacation.
DeleteIt's a pity the water is shalow and there are sea weeds. Other than that would really like stayin in the coco grove. It looks cute.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, there is alternative - swimming pool!
DeleteI'm glad you shared both your favorite parts and not so great experiences (ie the shallow waters) It looks like true paradise overall and I can't wait to visit!
ReplyDeleteThank you and am just here to deliver unbiased and true experiential review.
DeleteI have never been to the Philippines but would love to visit one day. It's a shame that people would not care about such a beautiful country and litter.
ReplyDeleteIt is still not yet too late and people still can change for the better.
DeleteI’ve never been to this part of Laiya! Coco Grove is stunning! 😍
ReplyDeleteOh you should visit when you got time, Kath!
Deleteoh the place is paradise and the food looks so amazing!!! I would love to spend a week or two there...
ReplyDeleteA week of relaxing vacation here would be awesome :D
DeleteThat looks like a seriously beautiful resort! I would love to spend all day laying on that beach. Too bad you didn't like the sea! I don't like seaweed either so I get that!
ReplyDeleteEating seaweeds (when its ready to eat) is fine, but seeing the floating seaweeds scares me :D
DeleteThe food in your pictures look amazing. Do you have any tips for trying to get used to the heat? I plan on visiting the Philippines but the heat has me hesitant with a baby in tow. It's sad so many people do not care about the amazing natural wonders we have. Tourist and locals are treating beaches like trash cans and it breaks my heart. Looks like youhad a great time.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Philippines experience heat as high as 36degrees Celsius, mostly the heat is higher when you stayed in the city. That's why it is better to visit the nearby resorts to cool down. Most of the business and malls here have full air-conditioning, so many locals visit the malls just to cool-down (and eventually shop and dine, etc.). Travelling with a baby would be not too difficult coz many things that you need and for your baby are accessible.
DeleteOhh always bring a foldable fan everywhere you go, this is the cheapest way to cool down.
Wow thanks for the detailed info and pictures. Looks like a lovely place.
ReplyDeleteso much fun to write about this review because of good experience.
DeleteI also love coconut trees! Seeing them puts me in the summer mood instantly. I love reading your stories, by the way. Keep sharing ��
ReplyDeleteThank you Camille.
DeleteLike you, I also make sure to watch the sunrise whenever I'm in a rural area. It's peaceful and there are no photo bombers! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's true. A little luxury in the morning during out-of-town travels.
DeleteThis looks like the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. The beaches look beautiful, it's too bad that there is so much litter left behind from visitors though. That's becoming such a huge problem everywhere nowadays.
ReplyDeleteThat's true. They are very lousy on following the rules, thinking that they can do freely whatever they want. This is the side effect of having too much democracy (its getting abused though).
DeleteI am badly in need of a weekend getaway. This could be a great slot to just chill and unwind.
ReplyDeletePack your weekender bag now :D
DeleteThis is so my kind of vibe. I would love to visit the Philippines the area looks so eco friendly and beautiful
ReplyDeletePhilippines will always wait for your visit, Kiwi!
DeleteThe Philippines never fail to surprise me, they are filled with amazing places and this resort just adds to the list :) The beach looks gorgeous and I love that it surrounded by so much green! Plus those colorful boats are so pretty!
ReplyDeleteThose oats looks like work of art.
DeleteI'd be glad to have functioning air conditioning too in that heat. The resort sounds like it is a great location, right next to the sea. It must have been lovely there.
ReplyDeleteit was so amazing, very relaxing, foods are good, how I wish we stayed longer!
DeleteBeautiful photos. It seems that you had a great time. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting Sarah!
DeleteWow, that place looks like paradise! Now is in my bucket list! I'll save this post once I'm there!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lina!
DeleteLaiya Coco Grove Resort looks really lovely! A nice place with coconut trees near the beach seems like my kind of place. It's sad that you could not walk barefoot to the beach due to the bad behaviors of the visitors there. I think I would not enjoy swimming if there're lots of seaweed as well.
ReplyDeleteYeah it is just nice to enjoy the water near shore.
Deleteyour villa looks so pretty! it reminds me of a villa disney world offers at saratoga springs resort with treehouses.
ReplyDeleteJoy at The Joyous Living
Ohh that's awesome!
DeleteLooks like you guys had so much fun on your vacation. The Laiya Coco Groove looks perfect for a fun weekend getaway and your pictures speak for itself!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ana, how I wish it is always a vacation.
DeleteBeautiful! It is really big in space. Nature around is refreshing.
ReplyDeleteThat's true. When we take care of the nature, the nature gives us beautiful morning!
DeleteThanks for the indepth travel report. The colorful images are the best part!
ReplyDeleteOhh thank you for visiting!
DeleteIt looks like this is a beautiful spot to spend a little time and relax! I'm jealous of your adventures!
ReplyDeleteOhh just a humble one. I want to explore more beaches nearby.
DeleteI was here 5 years ago for a company outing. It was just a day trip so we were not able to try the accommodation. The beach is quite good-looking but it was a bit rocky and had a lot of seaweeds.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if those seaweeds can be eaten?
DeleteLooks like a tropical paradise! And the food looks delicious too :)
ReplyDeleteThat's true. Good food makes a lot of difference.
DeleteSuch a beautiful place to visit! The pictures are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteHow I wish this place is my office, hahaha
DeleteI have heard Batangas has some great beaches/resorts, and this must be one of them! Looks good from afar, never realized they needed to do some cleanup. But the villa is awesome.
ReplyDeleteEveryone should be responsible for clean-up including the guests.
DeleteYour photos looks wonderful .Love the villa - it looks cozy. It's summer in the West, makes me want to go to the beach now
ReplyDeleteVisit the Philippines soon!
DeleteThis sounds like a fantastic resort. I love that your villa was surrounded by coconut trees and located so close to the sea. What a beautiful place! And the food looks amazing- even if it was humble. I am like you - I hate it when people leave their garbage on the beach!
ReplyDeleteEveryone is responsible on making sure the beach is always clean.
DeleteThe resort looks really nice and comfortable. I can definitely see myself having fun there.
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful Lili!
Deletethis place looks magical! I wanna go and stay here now!
ReplyDeleteBatangas will always be welcome to you!
DeleteI want to bring my family there but that's just very far for us since we are here in the north and we have an infant and a toddler. But that's a nice place I can consider in the future.
ReplyDeleteWait for few years until your baby is good enough to travel. But I can't promise that this beauty still look the same.
Deletethis looks fabulous!! I want to go here
ReplyDeleteYes and bring your friends!
DeleteWhat a beautiful place!Also seems peaceful
ReplyDeleteWow this place looks stunning. I haven't been to this resort although I explored Laiya a lot. Would be checking this place out soon.
ReplyDeleteNow I wonder how many beach resorts does Laiya have?!
DeleteLooks like a great place to stay for a long weekend. So much things to do and nature really speaks its beauty in many ways. Thanks for the beautiful photos you shared!
ReplyDeleteYOu are always welcome Agnes!
DeleteThat’s a bummer about the sand but it still looks like a gorgeous oasis
ReplyDeleteYeah that's true. Well they can still change to better.
DeleteWow Picture PERFECT place !! wana visit for sure !! thank you sharing dear!!
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic, I bet you will love this place!
DeleteIt certainly is beautiful there! The beaches look so nice. Too bad some selfish people littered the beach. But I appreciate a complete and honest review, so thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking time to visit our page.
DeleteThis looks like an amazing resort,and glad you have the luxury of air conditioning. I need to visit here one day x
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome, please visit the Philippines soon!
DeleteThese are really beautiful place I love shallow waters, looks like great place to have vacation.
ReplyDeleteGreat place to escape the busy city life, even just for overnight.
DeleteBeautiful place to reset and recuperate. And the food looks yummy!
ReplyDeleteFoods are humble but enjoyable :D
DeleteOMG! It looks dreamy. If I could, I would totally make a visit.
ReplyDeleteOh save one of your weekend for Batangas!
DeleteThe villa looks like it would be a great place for a girls getaway. Those coconut trees look gorgeous, we don't have them here.
ReplyDeleteOhh where are you currently stay, Valerie?
DeleteBeen a while since I have been there in my mother's hometown! Miss that place!
ReplyDeleteMaybe its a sign that you should pay them a visit soon.
DeleteMy mom was looking a nice place to spend a night or two in Bantangas. Sayang, this is such a nice place to visit. Next time, though/
ReplyDeleteThere will always a next time! Bring your fam!
DeleteSuch beautiful photos! This is completely and utterly spectacular!
ReplyDeleteI would love to travel here so much. Thanks for sharing
That will be wonderful, Alexandra!
DeleteI enjoyed reading your blog post & also to see the photos you took of that place! I'm originally from a tropical destination myself. I'd love to have a taste of this one for a summer vacation sometime!!
ReplyDeleteWhich tropical you were?!
DeleteLooks like a really amazing resort - it's great its so close to such a beautiful beach!
ReplyDeleteThat its true! OOhh I miss the beach so much!
DeleteOh my! This is fun Blair! Makes me feel the hot months (it's so cold over here apparently). Anyway, the entrance to that resort is so welcoming and the whole vibe just screams of summer fun! I feel like joining you now!
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried staying in a place with winter season. I love the tropics so much I still feeling not enough :D
DeleteI am loving this post and I appreciate you sharing as I am definitely adding this as a must place to visit for myself and my husband! This is glorious and I am so overdue for a vacation! Looks like an amazing time and hope you had a blast :)
ReplyDeleteSave this place Melissa!
DeleteWow! This place looks like a piece of paradise! I've haven't visited the Philippines yet but I've heard a lot of beautiful spots to visit there. Can't wait to go here.
ReplyDeleteOh I do hope you will soon! Plus it is a cheap place to explore the paradise.
DeleteI wish I could live in a place where is always summer! Preferably very close to a very nice beach :)
ReplyDeleteIt would be a living dream!
DeleteOh thank you for enjoying my post and photos :D
ReplyDeleteI have not been to that resort or really I haven't been to many resorts honestly. But this looks amazing there. I would definitely like to walk on those sands as well. Although I probably wouldn't be worried too much about the coconut fruit.
ReplyDeleteYou can enjoy many coconut delights here!
DeleteThat's a breath taking place to pamper. Who wouldn't love the heat and a wonderful view like this? Laiya is such a paradise
ReplyDeleteI miss this kind of vacation!
Delete