The Day of Hearts may have already passed, but it doesn’t mean one cannot plan a super special, post-Valentine weekend getaway! Here’s one you and your loved one will surely enjoy.
There are many places that cater to couples looking for a romantic weekend to reinvigorate their relationship. A lot of these boast great views and wonderful accommodations, but if you’d like to give your relationship a taste of timelessness, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar may just be the right place for you! Here are some activities you can choose to do to relax, refresh, and set the right mood for romance:
Getting There
Set the mood of your weekend getaway with a nice drive to the idyllic town of Bagac, Bataan, where Las Casas is situated. If you’d like to enjoy your vacation without worrying about parking or the drive back, you can also take an express ferry from the port in Pasay to Bataan.
Arrive at Las Casas
The front gates of Las Casas feels like a portal to the past. At the entrance, security personnel dressed as guardia sibil greet you “Magandang umaga!” and usher you into the resort.
The reception area is an American-era style house that has been transported from its original location in Quezon City to the Las Casas property. The reception staff will help you settle in and greet you with a cool welcome drink to beat the heat outside. The second floor of the reception area is also home to Café Marivent, a restaurant serving delicious Filipino food and picturesque spots.
The patio beyond the reception area boasts of breathtaking views of the river that runs around the resort and offers a sneak peek to the rest Las Casas has to offer.
Settle Down
Las Casas is famous for transporting you back to the past with their refurbished casas. These casas were painstakingly transported to the property from where they were originally built – brick by brick, column by column.
Each private casa is a perfect romantic retreat for couples who love treating themselves to the finer things in life. Every premier casa is different, but all of them come equipped with breathtaking interiors, ornate beds, antique furniture, and a giant clawfoot tub perfect for a relaxing, romantic night in.
You can choose to stay at a private casa, or their newer hotel rooms called accessorias.
Hotel de Oriente
Modeled after the first luxury hotel in the Philippines, Hotel de Oriente is one attraction that you cannot afford to miss. It serves as the function area of the resort where they host weddings, conferences, large parties, and other beautiful celebrations. The interior of the hotel is decked out in wooden fixtures. Everything inside – from the wooden tiles and murals, to the crown molding – is all made by hand with help from the in-house craftsmen and women employed by the resort.
Hotel de Oriente has a lot of beautiful hallways, archways, nooks and crannies that are perfect for romantic photos!
If you’d like a tour of Hotel de Oriente, you have to be quick! Las Casas requires guests to check availability and make reservations before you can visit.
Beach It Up
Strut your stuff and have fun under the sun! Las Casas is situated right on the seafront and offers great beach activities and watersports. The beautiful, powder-soft, black sand shoreline faces the Philippine Sea and is great if you’re looking to tan under the sun or just relax and breathe in that fresh ocean air.
Spa Date
Amp up the romance on your weekend getaway with a visit to Las Casas’ in-house spa! The Napiya Spa boasts of decadently Filipino treatments, such as the traditional hilot – a uniquely Filipino massage experience that will surely put your mind and body at ease. City weary travelers can opt to avail of hilot haplos, a deep-tissue version of the traditional hilot that will surely soothe your sore muscles and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Balsa Ride at Sunset
After your relaxing spa date, take a sunset river cruise tour via balsa around the resort. Much like the canals of Venice, the Umagol River runs around the houses, islands, and buildings of the resort. The guided river balsa ride is the perfect way to see the property from another perspective.
The balsa rides are available all day long, but the most romantic way to enjoy this river cruise is during the golden hour. Next to nothing can be as breathtaking as cruising on the river as the sunlight touches the sea with your special someone right next to you. So romantic!
Dine at La Bella Teodora
After a full day of fun and relaxation, wine and dine in style with your significant other at La Bella Teodora, an authentic Italian restaurant named after Dr. Jose Rizal’s mother. La Bella Teodora serves woodfired pizza straight from their brick ovens among other sumptuous dishes. The cozy brick and wood interiors with candle-lit tables provide a great ambience to a wonderful meal. On weekends, patrons are serenaded with live music to really set the mood.
Walk Around the Islas
If you think Las Casas looks stunning during the day, you’ll be amazed at how beautiful the resort looks at night! Cap of the perfect day with your special someone with a romantic stroll around the resort. The cobblestone streets lined with glowing street lamps and beautiful houses is the perfect setting for a post-meal walk. Visit the beautiful bridges that connect the islas and make a wish in their wishing well right before retiring to your room for a blissful night’s rest.
Breakfast at Hotel de Oriente
Cap off your spectacular weekend getaway with a hearty breakfast care of the chefs of Las Casas! Load up for your trip home with freshly baked pandesal, pan de coco, and other delicious pastries. Don’t forget to try their special arroz caldo and other delicious Filipino fare!
If you have a free weekend one of these days, this is a wonderful opportunity to try something new out with your special someone. Make time for one another and be sure to have fun!
Andreiana Yuvallos is an Editorial Assistant at Familywise Asia. She loves reading, writing, theatre, and baking on the weekends.
