Celebrate Easter in the city with these luxurious staycations to choose from.
An aerial view of EDSA Shangri-La's lagoon-like pool
The start of Holy Week falls on March 29 (Palm Sunday) and concludes on April 5 (Easter Sunday). For a predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines, it's high time for beach trips and mid-year breaks. While many will have packed their bags for Japan's Sakura Season or Boracay's three-kilometre stretch of paradise, however, a good number of city folks will be relishing the few days Manila will be free of traffic jams and noise pollution. Luxuriously spend the few days of city peace with these relaxing staycations.
Makati Shangr-La, Manila
Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City +632.813.8888
Executive Room
Makati Shangri-La, Manila embodies the luxury hospitality of the Shangri-La brand from the impeccable service of its people down to the signature scent that permeates the property. While many miss the classic Conway's or Red, the recent addition of Sage Bespoke Grill to its repertoire of fine restaurants invites the modern chic to the iconic hotel.
Circles Event Cafe
From March 27 to April 5, the Easter holidays are filled with relaxation and comfort at Makati Shangri-La. Local residents may enjoy a stay in a Superior Room at rates beginning at 8,200 pesos per night or 15,800 pesos for two nights, complete with a breakfast buffet for two at Circles Event Cafe. Lunch or dinner at the celebrated restaurant can be added unto the package starting at 11,800 pesos per night or 18,800 pesos for two nights. For guests whose Lenten days were marked by religious abstinence, an all-day dining package for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for two persons and up to two children under 12 will sate all cravings for 13,800 pesos per night or 23,800 pesos for two nights.
The Peninsula Manila
Ayala Avenue cor. Makati Avenue, Makati City +632.887.2888
The Lobby
The Peninsula Manila is a beacon of grandeur and a stay at its well-appointed rooms and suites is definitely a luxury. Dining has remained at the highest of standards over the years; its signature restaurants Old Manila, Spices, Escolta, and The Lobby true favourites across generations of its patrons.
Escolta
The Pen Days of Easter room packages start at 6,800++ pesos per occupancy in a Deluxe room, with a minimum stay of two nights. Two persons may enjoy breakfast at Escolta and up to 1,000 pesos in dining credit at The Lobby. A special Easter gift awaits, as do a number of activities for the end of the Lenten season. An Easter Sunday brunch buffet at Escolta (1,300 pesos for children under 12; 2,400 pesos for adults; 3,500 pesos with free-flowing Champagne) leads up to two children under 12 to The Great Easter Egg Hunt at the Rigodon Ballroom or the Easter Playground with Hamleys toy store at the Garcia Villa room. Or, indulge in a three or four-course menu by the chef de cuisine at Old Manila for 2,400 pesos or 2,950 pesos respectively.
EDSA Shangri-La, Manila
1 Garden Way, Ortigas Centre, Mandaluyong City +632.633.8888
Tower Premier Room
EDSA Shangri-La, Manila boasts a resort setting in the middle of the city. A lush oasis of greenery, a sprawling lounge pool, and a top-of-the-line spa are just some of the features of the icon of hospitality in Ortigas Centre. Dining at EDSA Shangri-La ranges from authentic Cantonese cuisine at Summer Palace and Japanese specialities at Senju; rustic Italian delights at Paparazzi; a splendid buffet at HEAT; and sought-after traditional Afternoon Tea or Filipino merienda at the Lobby Lounge.
CHI The Spa
The Easter staycation package starts at 8,000 pesos per night for two nights, or 7,000 pesos per night for three consecutive nights in the newly renovated Tower Deluxe Room. Families with little ones will be thrilled to know that Dibo the Gift Dragon will also be in residence, entertaining children from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Isla Grand Ballroom on Easter Sunday. Look forward to brunch at Summer Palace and HEAT, or plan a whiskey flight at Paparazzi. All through April, CHI The Spa features an indulgent Chic Party for a minimum of four persons at 2,800 pesos net person, inclusive of cocktails, signature body treatments, a personal butler, and private transport.
Nobu Hotel at the City of Dreams Manila
Asean Avenue corner Roxas Boulevard, Entertainment City, Paranaque +632.866.9888
Deluxe Room
Nobu Hotel at the City of Dreams Manila is the only Nobu Hotel in Asia. After opening in December 2014, it has attracted locals and foreigners alike for its celebrity brand of hospitality. It lives up to its standards and offers a spectacular resident experience. Modern Japanese-themed rooms with a view of the Fortune Egg, the Nobu restaurant interiors and al fresco cabanas, and the Shops at the Boulevard's variety of retail and dining establishments are just some of the reasons to stay at the hotel.
Cabanas at Nobu restaurant
The Nobu experience can be had with rates starting at 7,000 pesos for an overnight stay for two in a Deluxe Room. The Nobu Premier accommodation begins at 8,000 pesos per night; Nobu Executive at 10,000 pesos per night; and Nobu Suite at 15,000 pesos per night. Breakfast for two is served at the Nobu restaurant.
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City +632.551.5555
Imperial Residence
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila keeps its French luxe but manages to bring in a sense of Filipino hospitality. The charm of its fine interiors with a backdrop of the Manila Bay sunset proves this.
Spiral
Enjoy the Easter weekend with rates beginning at 5,500++ per night, inclusive of breakfast for two adults and up to two children. The famous 21-atelier buffet spread of Spiral awaits on Easter Sunday with rates for lunch and dinner beginning at 2,088++ pesos per person. The Easter Bunny is scheduled to make an appearance while children enjoy a number of activities at the Grand Sunset Pavilion. From April 2 to 5, guests may partake of a special chocolate Afternoon Tea affair at Le Bar between 2 to 6 p.m.
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