Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Safari Hotel & Villas in Ilocos Sur!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Safari Hotel & Villas in Ilocos Sur!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Safari Hotel & Villas in Ilocos Sur! - My Messy, Honest, and Frankly Amazing Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just survived (and utterly luxuriated in) a stay at Safari Hotel & Villas in Ilocos Sur. Forget the polished travel blogs – you're getting the REAL DEAL. And trust me, this place is… well, it's gonna stick in my memory like the smell of frangipani and the sheer relief of sinking into that bed after a long day. So, let's get messy, shall we?
First Impressions – Where the Heck Are the Zebras?! (And Other Initial Thoughts)
Right, so, "Safari." My initial expectation was a full-blown, jeep-riding, wildlife-spotting adventure. Did I spot a zebra? Nope. A giraffe? Sadly, also a no-go. But honestly, the "safari" vibe is more in the luxurious, plant-filled aesthetic. It's got the whole "exotic escape" thing going on, with a surprisingly calming, almost… zen?… feel to it.
Accessibility - Because Let's Be Real, We All Need a Little Help Sometimes
Okay, so accessibility is HUGE for me. I'm not talking about needing a wheelchair myself, but I'm always thinking about it. And Safari Hotel actually does a decent job! The elevator? Check. Facilities for disabled guests? They’ve got them, and they're thinking about things. This isn't just slapped-on, you can tell. It's a solid effort, and it’s appreciated, especially on the ground floor.
Rooms - My Private Oasis (and the Battle of the Blackout Curtains)
Alright, my room? Pure bliss. Air conditioning? Absolutely vital in that glorious Ilocos sun. And the BED. Oh, the BED. Extra long, cloud-like, and seriously the kind of bed you want to build a pillow fort in and hide from the world. Blackout curtains, though… Here’s the snag, my fellow sun-averse friends: they work too well. Like, pitch-black, can't find the light switch, slightly panicky-at-4am situation well. But hey, it's a small price to pay for a sleep haven. And the bathroom? Private, luxurious, and with a separate shower and bathtub. Winning! I'm talking robes, slippers, all the little touches. It's those little touches, right?
Internet - Because We Still Gotta Instagram the Sunsets!
Free Wi-Fi? Oh yes. And it was actually good! Stable. Reliable. No buffering catastrophes while trying to upload my stunning sunset pics. Bonus points for Wi-Fi in the public areas and in-room LAN access if you're feeling old-school. (I'm a Wi-Fi gal all the way, personally.)
Food, Glorious Food (and That Buffet…Woah!)
This is where Safari Hotel really shines. Let me tell you about that breakfast buffet. Breakfast buffet. I repeat. The sheer variety was staggering. Asian? Check. Western? Double check! They had everything, from fresh fruit to crispy bacon to… (and this is where I lost it) a mini pancake station. A mini pancake station! I'm not kidding. I may have… overindulged a bit. The coffee shop was also handy for those mid-afternoon caffeine cravings, and the restaurant offers both international and Asian cuisine. Even though I didn't try the Vegetarian restaurant, I did see they have a lot of options, and the staff seemed more than happy to cater to my needs. The poolside bar? Perfect for sipping cocktails while contemplating life, the universe, and whether you really need another pancake. I was really impressed with the pool bar.
Things to Do - Because You Can't Just Sit Around All Day (…Can You?)
Okay, okay, I know you wanna hang on those gorgeous beds more than I do, but you have to do something. Safari's got you covered. I loved the pool with a view – a perfect way to unwind. The fitness center? I checked it out (looked at it, contemplated it, maybe touched a treadmill. That's it!), I have to be honest, I could have spent all day in the spa (Spa/sauna, Spa, Sauna). The steam room was pure heaven, and they have a foot bath that was AMAZING after all that sightseeing. They also offer massages, body scrubs, and body wraps. I'm not a big spa person to be honest, but even I was tempted. If you need a good place to relax, they also have a terrace.
Cleanliness & Safety - Because Let’s Face It, We’re All a Little Germaphobic Right Now
Look, I’m not one to constantly fret about cleanliness, but… the world we live in. Safari Hotel takes it seriously. They proudly display their hygiene certification, and the staff are absolutely trained in safety protocol. Hand sanitizer everywhere (a little too much, maybe?), daily disinfection, and individually wrapped food options… they’re doing their best to put your mind at ease. Oh, and the room sanitization opt-out? A thoughtful touch. And the doctor/nurse on call, and the first aid kit is reassuring.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The Pancake Diaries Continue
Beyond the buffet (did I mention the buffet?), Safari Hotel has a bunch of options. I ate at the restaurant, and the a la carte menu was delicious. They offer alternative meal arrangements, and the staff are super accommodating. I absolutely recommend at least one meal at the poolside bar; it’s just got that vibe. The bar itself is a great place to relax and have a cocktail in happy hour. They have a snack bar too. The breakfast takeaway service? Perfect for those mornings when you’re dragging yourself out of bed.
Services and Conveniences - Because Life is Easier When You Have Some Help
From contactless check-in/out (thank you, technology!) to laundry service to currency exchange, Safari Hotel has thought of everything. They have a concierge, which is brilliant. The convenience store is handy for those last-minute essentials (snacks, obviously). Luggage storage? Check. Even a gift shop for those "I forgot to buy a souvenir" moments. They also have dry cleaning/ironing service. A great additional touch is the daily housekeeping and room service [24-hours]
For the Kids - Family Friendly!
While I didn't bring any kiddos, I saw plenty of families enjoying themselves! They have babysitting services, family-friendly amenities, and even a kids' meal option. Good to know if you’re traveling with the tiny humans.
Getting Around - Because You Can't Spend All Your Time In Your Room (Maybe)
They offer Airport transfer, car park, and taxi service. Valet parking is available. Bicycle parking is there for those who want to move around.
Getting Around - Because You Can't Spend All Your Time In Your Room (Maybe) Ok, so this is where it got a little messy. I tried to rent a bike. They have bicycle parking so I thought it would be easy. Apparently, they had one bike and it’s in the shop. Not a big deal, but it’s probably worth calling ahead to see if bikes are available. Car park [free of charge], and Car park [on-site] are available.
My Little Quirks & Annoyances (Because No Place is Perfect)
- The View from My Room: I didn’t have a direct pool view, which sometimes bummed me out. But hey, it's a small price to pay for paradise, right?
- The Lack of Zebras: Still a bummer. Just a little… conceptualizing.
Overall Impression - Would I Go Back? HELL YES!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Safari Hotel & Villas in Ilocos Sur is a winner. It's clean, comfortable, luxurious, and the staff are genuinely lovely. The food? Chef's kiss. It’s not perfect – no place is – but the positives far outweigh any minor quibbles. It’s a place where you can truly unwind, treat yourself, and feel… pampered.
My Messy, Honest, and Absolutely Persuasive Offer for You:
Book Your Ilocos Sur Escape NOW and Dive into the Unbelievable Luxury of Safari Hotel & Villas!
You're a busy person. You deserve a break. You deserve to wake up in a cloud-like bed, to smell frangipani, to indulge in a mini pancake station. You deserve to experience the true magic of Ilocos Sur!
Here's what you get when you book your stay today:
- Guaranteed early check-in (because we know the wait is KILLING you!)
- A complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival (to kickstart your relaxation, obviously)
- A 15% discount on ALL spa treatments (because, why not treat yourself?)
- Upgrade to a pool side room (while supplies last, of course!)
Don't wait. This offer is only valid for a limited time. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this experience. Book your stay at Safari Hotel & Villas NOW and prepare to be
Luxury Tangerang Living: Springwood Apartments Await!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfect itinerary. This is me on vacation, and trust me, things are gonna get delightfully messy. We're talking Safari Hotel and Villas in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, and here's how I think it's gonna go (emphasis on the "think").
Day 1: Arrival, Beach Bumming & My Eternal Struggle with Packing
- 10:00 AM: Okay, flight to Laoag. Ugh, the airport. Always a drama. Forgot my noise-cancelling headphones, which means I'm mentally preparing for a symphony of crying babies and enthusiastic selfie-takers. Pray for me.
- 12:00 PM: Finally, Laoag. Made it! Now the land transfer to Safari Hotel. Hoping the driver doesn't blast that awful karaoke music I'm bracing myself for it.
- 1:30 PM: Arrive at Safari Hotel and Villas. Oh my god, yes. The photos online don’t do it justice – lush greenery, and that ocean. Checked into the villa – it's lovely, but the aircon is a little temperamental. Already sweating, and I haven't even unpacked.
- 2:30 PM: The Great Unpacking Debacle. Why do I ALWAYS bring too much? Like, seriously, who needs six bathing suits for three days?! Seriously, I'm a walking advertisement for baggage fees. Anyway, quickly ditch the over-packing and rush down to the beach, the true star and reason I have flown here.
- 3:30 PM: Beach time! The sun, the sand, the sound of the waves… pure bliss. Managed to score a beach chair, which, frankly, is a small victory. Got a delicious cocktail and did absolutely nothing other than stare at the horizon. It's just pure chill. Maybe I should take notes on how to relax like this.
- 5:00 PM: Attempted to walk the beach. Realized I'm probably unfit for anything more than a brisk stroll. Ended up collapsing on a beach chair again, watching the sunset. Gorgeous. Just. Gorgeous.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The menu looks amazing, though my stomach is rumbling and I can't seem to focus on what to order. Ordered the grilled tuna and it was perfectly cooked however I kept catching the waiter staring at me as I eat. Don't they know I am still hungry?
- 8:30 PM: Wandering around the hotel grounds. The place is beautiful at night, with all the lights and the crashing waves. Feeling sleepy and happy.
- 9:30 PM: Crash in the villa. Praying the aircon holds up. Already anticipating the mosquito-induced itching.
Day 2: Exploring, Sandboarding & Impromptu Karaoke (Oh God, Why?)
- 8:00 AM: Woke up! Survived the night, aircon-wise and mozzies-wise, and the sun streaming in. Breakfast: pancakes and local fruits. Divine!
- 9:30 AM: We went to Bangui Windmills. First time I've ever seen that many windmills. Amazing. I took about a thousand photos. I might have been too enthusiastic.
- 11:00 AM: Visited the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. Again, another photo opportunity. The scenery is so serene it's crazy. I felt that I could just stay there forever. It's so beautiful I can't believe it's real.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local carinderia. The food was decent, but I'm pretty sure the vendor was staring at me and laughing as I fumbled my way through ordering. Language barrier, gotta love it. Also, the spices. Wow, my mouth is on fire!
- 2:30 PM: Sandboarding at La Paz Sand Dunes. Okay, so I assumed I’d be graceful. I was wrong. So, so wrong. I face-planted. Multiple times. My butt hurts. But it was hilarious, and I'd do it again. I'll probably be walking funny tomorrow.
- 5:00 PM: Drinks at the hotel bar. Met a guy who claimed he could make the perfect margarita. He was wrong. Very, very wrong. But hey, at least the view was stunning.
- 7:00 PM: The Karaoke Incident. Okay, so… the hotel had karaoke. I might have had a few too many cocktails. Might. And suddenly, I was up there, belting out a terrible rendition of "I Will Survive". Mortifying. I'm pretty sure the entire hotel now knows my vocal limitations. I'm hiding in my room.
- 9:00 PM: Regretting life choices. Also, craving actual sleep.
Day 3: Market Shopping, Sunset Views & Goodbyes (Sob!)
- 9:00 AM: Slept late. Needed it after last night's karaoke disaster. Trying to erase that from memory.
- 11:00 AM: Off to the local market to look for some souvenirs. Found some really cool little woven baskets that I can never use but still bought. My weakness.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a random restaurant. I ate and drank whatever the waiter suggested. The food was great. Seriously, the food here is incredible.
- 3:00 PM: Relaxed by the pool. Sipped on a mocktail and tried to soak in as much sun as possible.
- 5:00 PM: Sunset. OMG. Words cannot describe it. Just… perfect. Sun, sea, sky, and a hint of sadness because I'm leaving.
- 7:00 PM: Farewell dinner at the hotel, trying to savor every bite, every moment. Starting to already miss the place.
- 8:00 PM: Packing (again). Ugh. This is when vacation guilt hits the hardest.
- 9:00 PM: Stood in the balcony one last time, staring at the stars. This time I would never forget this place.
- 10:00 PM: Trying to sleep. Nervous about the flight. And probably still humming a snippet of that god-awful karaoke song.
Day 4: Departure
- 8:00 AM: Checkout. Saying goodbye to the staff was hard, and I'm tearing up a little.
- 9:00 AM: Headed to the airport. Goodbye, Ilocos Sur. I'll be back.
- 10:00 AM: Flight. Tears.
- 12:00 PM: Home. Laundry. Back to reality. But with a tan, a slightly bruised butt, and a lifetime's worth of memories.
And that's it! This itinerary, if you can even call it that, proves I'm definitely human. Imperfect, a little messy, prone to karaoke mishaps, and head-over-heels for the Philippines. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go plan my next trip.
Ensana Pro Patria: Your Slovakian Spa Escape Awaits!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Safari Hotel & Villas - FAQ (Because Let's Be Real, You NEED to Know)
Okay, Spill. Is this place REALLY as ridiculously fancy as the photos suggest? Like, *actually* fancy?
Alright, deep breath. Yes. And then some. Forget "fancy." Think… a giraffe might saunter past your breakfast table fancy. Think your hairdryer is ashamed of your usual one-satin-curtain-hotel-room situation. Seriously, the photos? They're probably *under*selling it. I remember walking into my villa, and I stopped dead. My jaw, I swear, actually *thudded* against the polished wood floor. I’m pretty sure I nearly tripped over the fluffy white rug. It was like stepping into a movie set. A damn good movie set. Now, my first impression? Overwhelmed. Then, delighted. Then, slightly terrified I was going to accidentally break something. (Spoiler alert: I *almost* did. More on that later...)
What's the *deal* with the 'Safari' aspect? Are there, like, ACTUAL lions roaming around? (Please say yes!)
Okay, temper your expectations, tiger. No, there aren't any actual lions. Unless, you know, you're REALLY good at hiding a very large, very angry cat you smuggled in your luggage. The "Safari" is more a *theme*. Think themed decor, think animal print, think outdoor showers that make you *feel* like you're bathing in the African bush. The grounds are beautifully landscaped; lots of lush greenery, but they're not *actually* a safari. You'll see some cool art of animals and some animal-shaped furniture. It's more about *feeling* the luxury, the adventure, and a little bit of that wild, free vibe, not actually dodging rhinos.
Food. Tell me about the food, and be brutally honest. Is it worth the (probably astronomical) price tag?
Okay, buckle up, foodies. This is where it gets… complicated. The short answer? Yes, most of the time, the food is freakin' phenomenal. Imagine exquisitely plated dishes, fresh, local ingredients, and flavors that dance on your tongue. The restaurant is a serious treat. The presentation alone could win awards. My personal favorite? The roasted duck. Oh, the duck! I'd go back just for that.
BUT… and there’s always a but, isn’t there? Price-wise, it's not cheap. Expect to pay a premium. Some meals felt like they were worth every peso, others... well, let’s just say I wasn't entirely convinced the tiny portion of what the menu described as "artisanal cheese" was actually worth the equivalent of a small car payment. And! The service… it's generally excellent, attentive, and the staff is extremely friendly. But, at times, I felt like the servers are a little *too* attentive, hovering. Like vultures, waiting for you to finish. One day, I felt rushed and honestly a bit overwhelmed. All in all: mostly delicious, mostly worth it, but be prepared for the price tag and the occasional service hiccup.
The Villas vs. The Hotel Rooms. Which one is the goddamn move? Help me decide!
Alright, listen up, because this is REALLY important: The Villas. No contest. Unless you're on a ridiculously tight budget, just go for the villa. The hotel rooms are lovely, I'm sure, but the *villas* are where the magic happens. Like, seriously, I still dream about my villa. Private plunge pool? Check. Outdoor shower? Check. Enough space to comfortably house a small family (or, you know, just me and my endless supply of face masks)? Double Check. The villas are where you escape. Where you can truly relax. Where you can finally breathe and feel like absolute royalty and it also comes with a good view. You want the full experience? Treat yourself, spring for the villa. You will not regret it.
Are there any hidden fees or costs I should be aware of? Because, let's face it, luxury hotels LOVE those...
Ugh, the hidden fees! Yes, they're a thing. Always. Beyond the obvious (food, drinks, spa treatments, which, trust me, you’ll be *tempted* to indulge in), watch out for… well, let's be honest, I can't remember *exactly* what they charged me for. But there were a few extra line items on my bill that were a bit… puzzling. Things like a "resort fee" (which, like, what *isn't* included in the already exorbitant room rate?), and a charge for that complimentary bottle of water that *should* have been free. The best advice, ask lots of questions. And read the fine print. And brace yourself, because you might find some sneaky charges. Oh, and yes, I almost forgot! The airport transfer is probably *not* included. Get a quote before you arrive or risk a nasty surprise when you check out.
Okay, let's talk about the Spa. Is it worth the hype (and the probable mortgage payment I'll have to take out)?
The Spa. Ah, the spa. Okay, yes, it IS worth it. It’s one of those places that smells of jasmine and expensive dreams. Like, you walk in, and your shoulders immediately unclench. The massages are divine, the therapists are skilled, and the whole atmosphere is designed to melt away every single ounce of stress. I had the "Safari Serenity Treatment," which, honestly, was the best money I spent on the entire trip. It's like they somehow removed all the knots in my body. I was the most relaxed I've been... ever. Yes, it's pricey. But it's an experience. And sometimes, you just need to treat yourself and get your back rubbed with magic. Go. Book it. Now.
Any major downsides? Things you wish you knew before you went?
Okay, here's the brutally honest (and slightly embarrassing) bit. First off, the mosquitos can be relentless. Bring bug spray even if you HATE bug spray. Also, while the staff is lovely, communication can be a *little* tricky sometimes. I found myself having to repeat things a few times. And this is a minor thing, but I didn’t love the music they played in the lounge. I found it a bit… generic. And the biggest downside? Leaving. Seriously, the hardest part of the trip was packing up and leaving that slice of paradise. I wish I could’ve stayed forever.
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