This is our first out-of-town getaway. I waited for my daughter to be travel-friendly until I decided to make this trip for starters.
We headed to Nasugbu, Batangas not knowing where to stay. We ended up at a resort farther down but we liked that it’s very private, which was our idea of an escape. On our visit, there was just one foreign guest and us.
Booking is normally made ahead. We were lucky that the guests for Holy Week will come a few more days after our visit, that they allowed us to stay.
The Sanctuary Spa at Maya-Maya is a reef resort and most of the tourists that come here are either divers or yacht owners. It is the sister company of Maya-Maya Yacht Club.
That being said, they do not offer a long stretch of beach. You just have a rocky but clear small beach corner to enjoy here! My daughter wouldn’t mind though. She’d still enjoy the waters at whatever form or size it is.
We stayed at an air-conditioned cottage with a small balcony where you can enjoy light snacks or have coffee. It was like a typical house setting in a province. It was lusciously green all around, with some dried fallen leaves and the sound of chirping birds. I love the quiet pace.
The bed is enough for us three. It was not well-lighted as to your typical rooms. I guess the owner preferred warm lights to induce relaxation to the guests. There’s no TV inside the room for the same reason. There’s a viewing lounge for guests near the recreation area.
There is a swimming pool just adjacent to our cottage. We spent a lot of time here.
This is their Al Fresco bar where we had our meals. They serve Filipino, American and English dishes.
Across this is the jetty where the Yacht owners dock.
So, what do you do in a place like this?
1. Play with the sand.
It may not be the fine sand but it still made my daughters’ hands busy with her sand rake and hand mold.
2. Play volleyball.
This is the first time my daughter played volleyball and I can say she has “it”. She was not afraid to hit the ball. By the way, she’s only 6 y/o. I may have a future varsity player!
3. Play billiards.
My husband is very good at this sport. And my daughter? She was happy getting the balls from the side pocket.
4. Play scrabble.
How about a couple’s game? My strength this time!
5. Swim!
You have two options: the sea or the pool.
Hit the sea when its calm. From here you can view Punta Fuego across Nasugbu Bay.
You can enjoy the pool at anytime of the day. You can also have night swimming. But there is a curfew, as guests retire early in this place.
6. Play cards.
If you do not want to get out to watch TV, then this can make your night slip away. My daughter enjoyed the Pinoy Old Maid game!
7. Eat a lot!
My family likes to bond with food. The package that we had included breakfast. For the other meals, we just have to order from their menu. Food is a little pricey here (you know, it’s a marina club).
8. Swing away!
The sea wind is so relaxing in the afternoon. I wish there was a hammock instead…a siesta by the sea would be good!
9. Have a body massage.
This being a Spa resort, it is a must! Our couple body massage comes with the package we chose. Take the massage at night for a deep sleep.
10. Walk on the sea wall.
Walking as a family is a great bonding activity where you can talk and appreciate nature’s beauty.
11. Laze around.
The best form of relaxation for Pinoys! And we were guilty too! 😉
12. Throw a tantrum!
Mood swings are still welcome even on a getaway. It comes with traveling with a child!
13. Take a very relaxing sleep.
Sleeping without the worries from my regular life is something I look forward to clear my mind…to rejuvenate.
This is exactly what quality family time is. No frills. This is my kind of relaxation. 🙂
*Travel Dates: April 1 – 3, 2009
We made this trip 6 years ago. I cannot guarantee if the place is still maintained the same way today.
Note: If you have extra money you can rent a yacht to enjoy a sunset cruise to complete the Marina experience!