Escape to Paradise: Your Dream 2-Bedroom Lagoon View Awaits in Pico de Loro!
Escape to Paradise: My Honest (and Messy) Tale of Pico de Loro's Lagoon View
Okay, so Pico de Loro. The name alone whispers promises of turquoise waters and sun-drenched bliss. Our destination? The elusive "Dream 2-Bedroom Lagoon View" – the very words conjured images of Instagram-worthy mornings and sunsets painted across the water. Did it live up to the hype? Well, buckle up, because this review might just veer off the perfectly paved path, and trust me, you'll need a GPS sometimes.
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Keywords: Pico de Loro, Lagoon View, 2-Bedroom, Beach Resort, Philippines, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Family-Friendly, Wi-Fi, Clean, Safe, Review, Vacation, Travel, Accommodation.
Metadata:
- Title: Escape to Paradise: My Honest Review of Pico de Loro's Lagoon View
- Description: A candid and detailed review of a stay at Pico de Loro's Dream 2-Bedroom Lagoon View, covering accessibility, amenities, dining, and overall experience. Includes honest opinions and personal anecdotes.
- Keywords (as above)
(Review Begins - Let's Get Real!)
First things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me, and frankly, a major stress point when booking travel. Pico de Loro, thankfully, seems to have put in the effort. Facilities for disabled guests are listed – yes! They have an elevator, a must-have. And I think they have wheelchair access to the main areas, but the layout of the paths… well, let's say it could be improved. Getting around requires some pre-planning. It wasn't seamless, but the staff were generally helpful. I'd recommend calling ahead to confirm specific access points and be prepared for a bit of a workout. They could definitely up their game in this department, but it's a start.
The Internet. Oh, the internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! …Mostly. Let's just say the connection was a bit like trying to catch a particularly slippery eel. You’d get a burst of speed, only to be plunged in darkness. The Internet access – wireless was flaky. Luckily, they also offered Internet access – LAN, which, if you could find the plug, was a slightly more reliable option, though not perfect. The Wi-Fi in public areas was better. Honestly, sometimes I felt like screaming at the router during the slow moments. But hey, you're on vacation. Try to disconnect, right? Easier said than done when you need to book that tour.
Now, the good stuff. The Lagoon View. Sigh. It's genuinely breathtaking. Waking up to that expanse of water, with the sun painting its golden hues…it almost makes the internet woes worth it. Our 2-Bedroom suite – it was spacious, really spacious! Air conditioning worked a treat (thank goodness!), and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver for those late-night movie binges (on-demand movies, baby!). The rooms sanitized between stays. That’s reassuring, as was seeing the daily disinfection in common areas. I felt safe, which is a big deal in the current climate. Kudos to their cleaning staff. The staff trained in safety protocol gave me peace of mind as well.
Cleanliness and safety are clearly a focus, indicated by anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizer stations everywhere (Essential condiments were also a nice touch). The little things mattered. The room sanitization opt-out available gives you a sense of control, should you want it. Safe dining setup – check. Cashless payment service - check. And yeah, they’ve got a doctor/nurse on call.
The suite itself was decent. Additional toilet, yes please! Bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary tea? Sold! Coffee/tea maker was much appreciated. A mini bar – always a pleasure. The refrigerator kept my beers ice cold. The seating area provided a space where we could all relax. The desk was a useful feature. They provided towels, linens, and a hair dryer, so, standard stuff. The bathtub was a nice bonus, although sometimes the water pressure left something to be desired.
Dining, drinking, and snacking…this is where things get interesting.
Let's talk about food. There were several restaurants. The main restaurant offered a breakfast [buffet], a solid option, but I wished for a wider selection of fruit. The Asian breakfast options were pretty good though. The salad station offered some fresh options. The coffee shop was my savior. Coffee/tea in restaurant - yes. I spent a lot of time at that coffee shop, fueling my quest for decent Wi-Fi. There was a poolside bar – perfect for those lazy afternoons (Happy hour was a must!). Also, a snack bar.
I wish I could say the food was consistently amazing. Sometimes, it felt like a hit-or-miss affair. One day, the international cuisine was divine. The next? Meh. I preferred that the restaurant had bottle of water readily available. They had A la carte in restaurant. The service was friendly, but the wait times could be a bit long during busy periods. Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver on a couple of occasions (especially when the internet was down and I didn’t want to move).
Things to do, ways to relax… Ah, the promised paradise.
The Swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous, a real highlight. The Pool with view was spectacular, especially at sunset. They have a fitness center, which I sadly didn't utilize as much as I should have. They offer a spa services, which felt like a bit of a luxury. I did treat myself to a massage – and let me tell you, after the stress of the internet and the slightly bumpy accessibility, it was pure bliss. The Sauna, Steam room, and Foot bath were also available.
There were plenty of Things to do with the family, and you could relax and do nothing. The grounds themselves are beautiful.
Services and conveniences – here’s the practical stuff.
They have currency exchange and cash withdrawal which is useful. The staff are friendly and helpful. The concierge was great for getting around (they offer Taxi service). The luggage storage was useful. Daily housekeeping kept everything sparkling clean. The car park [free of charge] was a bonus too, and they also have a car park [on-site]. They offer dry cleaning and laundry service. They have a gift/souvenir shop if you forgot to bring something home! There is a convenience store if you need anything.
For the kids
They are Family/child friendly which explains the variety of children's activities. They also have a babysitting service.
Getting around…
You can get a car park [free of charge], or use the taxi service. Airport transfer can be arranged.
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (because no place is perfect!)
Look, this isn’t a luxury resort. It’s good. But there were some downsides.
- The layout can be confusing. Getting around to restaurants, especially when pushing a wheelchair, requires some planning and some stamina.
- The internet. (I keep coming back to it!). It's improving, but it's not always reliable, especially for anyone who needs to work or stream entertainment.
- Some of the public areas felt a bit tired. A little freshening-up wouldn't go amiss.
Final Verdict (and My Honest Emotions!)
Would I recommend Pico de Loro's Dream 2-Bedroom Lagoon View? Yes. With a few caveats. It's a beautiful place, with stunning views and a generally great atmosphere. The cleanliness and safety standards are high, which is a crucial comfort. The staff are mostly wonderful.
However, don't expect perfection. Be prepared for potential internet frustrations and some accessibility challenges. But the lagoon view? That's the real deal. That’s why you're there. And if that view, and the chance to relax, is what you're after, then book it. Just pack your patience, a good book (for those inevitable Wi-Fi blackouts), and prepare to be wowed by the beauty. Don't forget the sunscreen! And maybe a backup internet plan.
Score: 4 out of 5 stars. (Could be 5 with better Wi-Fi and accessibility!)
Escape to Paradise: San Clemente Cove Resort Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously curated Instagram travel guide. This is the raw, unfiltered, "I-need-another-coffee-before-I-face-the-day" version of my Pico de Loro adventure. Buckle up, it's a wild ride.
Pico de Loro: Two-Bedroom Lagoon View – Expect the Unexpected (and Maybe Panic a Little)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Luggage Hunt
- 8:00 AM: Wake up – or rather, be jolted awake by the infernal alarm. Packed, checked, ready to flee Metro Manila! I'm clinging to the promise of blue water and a real vacation (not the kind where you spend eighty percent of it glued to your laptop).
- 10:00 AM: Blast off! Traffic in Manila ate us alive. I swear, those jeepneys are sentient, and their only goal in life is to make you question your sanity. I'm so glad our driver is used to the hustle and bustle on the road.
- 12:00 PM: Finally, after a journey that felt longer than the Titanic's maiden voyage, we arrive at Pico de Loro. The lobby is breathtaking. Lush greenery, sunlight flooding in… it's like stepping into a postcard. A very expensive postcard. After what seems like an eternity, my partner and I finally found the luggage.
- 1:30 PM: Check-in. They gave us a golf car to take us to our villa - the two-bedroom lagoon view. And, YES, people, it is as good as it sounds. We were greeted by a lovely lady, who had helped the golf car driver carrying our bags and she gave us a tour of the place. Now, that is what I call a welcome!
- 2:00 PM: Unpack. Or, attempt to unpack. I swear most of my clothes are going to stay in the suitcase. I decided to hang out on the veranda to chill and think about the good things in life, like sunsets and not having to cook for at least a few days.
- 3:00 PM: Lunch! We try the restaurant near the beach, and I ordered the fish and chips. The food was good, no complaints.
- 5:00 PM: The first glimpse of the lagoon view. Honestly? Spectacular. The photos don’t do it justice. The water is that impossible shade of turquoise, with the light catching the water, the mountains behind, and the little boats bobbing. Instant bliss.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset drinks on the balcony. Okay, this is the life. We made a mistake of not buying snacks at the grocery. Ugh.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at the restaurant. I think I was so exhausted, I cannot put my finger on what I ate. It was good, I remember that much.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. The air con is bliss. Sleep.
Day 2: Beach Vibes, Misadventures, and Chicken Adobo Fixation
- 7:00 AM: Wake up, motivated to run a 10K but then realized I’m on vacation. Good excuse to stay in bed.
- 9:00 AM: Beach time! We found a spot under a palm tree and planted ourselves there. The sand is… well, it's sand, but that water! The clearest stuff I've ever seen. Spent the morning swimming, splashing, and generally acting like a kid again. Pure, unadulterated joy.
- 11:00 AM: A minor crisis. Turns out, sunscreen is a necessity. I forgot the importance of it. My face is now a vibrant crimson. Lesson learned: reapply the sunscreen, even if you think you're safe.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the beachside restaurant. Chicken Adobo. The best I've had in years. I'm pretty sure I could live off of it. I am obsessed with the Adobo.
- 1:00 PM: Nap time. Glorious, sun-drenched nap time. Woke up feeling refreshed, which is a rare and beautiful thing when you're an adult.
- 3:00 PM: Water activities. Tried kayaking. I am terrible at kayaking. Kept veering off course, bumped into a few innocent bystanders, and nearly capsized. It was less "serene glide across the water" and more "awkward flailing with a paddle.” But hey, at least I got a good laugh out of it.
- 5:00 PM: The sunset. Again, amazing.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner (you guessed it: chicken adobo again). I told you, it's an obsession.
- 8:00 PM: I swear, the stars have never been so bright.
- 9:00 PM: Bed. I'm already dreaming of chicken adobo.
Day 3: The Hike (and a Meltdown)
- 8:00 AM: The plan was to hike. I, being the optimist, had envisioned a morning of invigorating exercise, but the trail just looked daunting.
- 9:00 AM: We started.
- 10:00 AM: I am dying. Seriously. This hike is like walking into an oven. The sun is beating down, and the humidity is trying to kill me. I had to stop every five minutes. I'm pretty sure I saw a ghost. A blurry, sweaty ghost.
- 11:00 AM: We made it to the top. The view? Incredible. Worth it? I still can't decide. I'm mostly just focused on not throwing up.
- 12:00 PM: Reward! Had a well deserved lunch. I deserved that meal.
- 1:00 PM: I’m currently in the pool, trying to dissolve the memory of the hike out of my brain.
- 3:00 PM: Attempted to read on the balcony. Distracted by the view. Can’t really complain.
- 5:00 PM: Packing. I don’t want to leave. I am not ready to leave.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner - Chicken Adobo.
- 8:00 PM: Last glimpse of the Lagoon. Goodbye.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 4: Departure and the Bitter Sweet Goodbyes
- 8:00 AM: Packed and had breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: Checked out and ready to go.
- 12:00 PM: Arrived home. Tired and happy.
Final Thoughts: Pico de Loro, you were amazing. Flaws and all. I’m already planning my return. Chicken Adobo, I'll be back for you. But next time, I'm bringing a cooler full of sunscreen and maybe an oxygen tank for the hike. Anyway, all good. Worth it.
Kenting's BEST Kept Secret: Shen's Unforgettable Homestay!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream 2-Bedroom Lagoon View Awaits in Pico de Loro! - You Know, If It's Your Thing
Okay, I'm intrigued. But seriously, what *is* Pico de Loro like? I've seen the pictures...
Alright, picture this: It's *gorgeous*. Seriously. Like, postcard-worthy gorgeous. You’ve got the lagoon, the lush greenery – the whole nine yards. Think of it as the Instagram filter "Paradise" come to life. But BUT! It *is* Manila-adjacent. Let's be real, that trip in can test you. Traffic is soul-crushing. We spent four hours in bumper-to-bumper once, and I swear, I aged a decade. My husband, bless him, started humming the entire soundtrack to *Cats* to cope. Made me want to claw his eyes out (just kidding... mostly). But once you're *in*... it's pretty special. Seriously.
The 2-Bedroom Lagoon View – what's the actual *view* like? Is it as good as the photos? I'm a skeptic.
Okay, okay, you're right to be skeptical. Those photos *are* professionally taken, let's be honest. My first time seeing this place, I thought "Oh great, another bait and switch." But, the Lagoon view? It's pretty darn legit. We stayed there, oh, a year ago. We had a small kid with us, very demanding. The balcony, though? Amazing. We spent most mornings there, kid-free while he was still asleep. You could see the lagoon; it's shimmering. And sunsets? Chef's kiss. We saw some families, a few couples, some even doing yoga! Seriously good. Just... be prepared for the occasional squawking bird. They love that view too. Just embrace it.
How's the unit itself? Is it modern? Clean? (And what about the Wi-Fi?!)
Modern-ish. Clean-ish. It's definitely not falling apart, so that's a plus. Our unit was... cozy. Plenty of space. It *is* a condo, remember. The decor is... well, think "functional tropical." Not sterile, but definitely not designer. The important thing is, you're there to be comfortable and have a holiday, not to judge the interior design! Wi-Fi? Don't get your hopes up. It's there, technically. It works. Sometimes. It's like the shy kid at school. You know he's there, but he doesn’t really participate. I managed to upload a few photos, eventually, though, so it's doable. Just bring a book. Or, you know, actually talk to your family. The horror! (I still checked my email constantly. Old habits die hard.)
What is there *to do* at Pico de Loro, other than stare at the view? (Please tell me there's more…)
Okay, let's break this down. First, there's the beach. Pretty good, but could get crowded. Sometimes, you can easily be elbow-to-elbow with other people. It’s a good beach. Good enough. Then, there's the pool, *always* crowded but a great place to waste a couple of hours. The Lagoon itself is great for boat trips. My kid loved that! There's a clubhouse with restaurants. They’re okay. It is not gourmet food, and it's very pricy. You'll find more affordable options. Basically, there's enough to keep you occupied. But... here's the thing... be aware of this, ok? I spent the whole time there, dreaming about a good burger. They have burgers, don't get me wrong. But the ones I tried, they were just…wrong. Not worth it. My dreams were crushed, basically. They were expensive, and just didn't satisfy the craving. It nearly ruined the trip for me. I can't stress this enough. Pack your own snacks! Or just prepare to suffer a low-burger experience. My recommendation? Save the space in your luggage to actually bring your own deliciousness in.
Is it kid-friendly? I'm traveling with a small, adorable (read: chaotic) human.
Yes and no. The pool is great. The beach is sandy. Kids *sort of* love that stuff. There's a playground, which is a lifesaver. But – and this is a big but – things can get expensive. Dining out with a tiny tornado is a financial commitment. You can cook some of your own meals, and that is a huge win. Also, be prepared for crowds. Little ones can get overwhelmed. Oh, and stairs. There are always stairs. So, bring a good stroller, or be prepared for a workout. Mostly, it's doable, but it requires some planning. And lots of snacks. ALWAYS the snacks.
What about food and drinks? Are there restaurants on-site? Are they any good? (Again, I have burger dreams.)
Yes, there are restaurants. And the answer is… it depends. They’re *there*. The variety is okay, and the views are good. You’re paying for the convenience, though. My advice? Pack snacks! The convenience store is also expensive, and the selection is limited. The burger issue, again. It haunts me! Do your own research. Read the reviews. Lower your burger expectations. Or bring your own buns. It’ll save you money, and possible emotional trauma.
Any hidden gems or tips to make the trip smoother? Anything you wish you'd known?
Okay, here's the real dirt. 1. **Traffic is a beast!** Leave EARLY, even if Google Maps lies to you. Pack snacks (duh), water, and good music. Or, you know, the entire soundtrack to *Cats*. 2. **Bargain for everything, especially at the grocery. ** This is true everywhere. 3. **Bring mosquito repellent.** Seriously. Those little buggers are ruthless after dark. 4. **Pack your own sunscreen.** It's cheaper, and you'll need a lot. 5. **Embrace the crowds.** It's a popular place. Learn to share the pool. 6. **Pack the good burgers.** 7. **Lower your expectations about the Wi-Fi.** Accept the digital detox. Read a book. Talk to your family. Look at the view. Enjoy. 8. **Relax and enjoy!** It's a beautiful place, despite the minor quirks. 9. **Just... be prepared for the crowds** You will be crowded and that can take away from the experience.
