Date of Stay: November 2022
-----------------
We spent a weekend at Awari Bay Resort in Mabini, Batangas. Awari Bay is one of many resorts in Anilao, Mabini which is famous for its beaches and one of the top diving destinations in Luzon or probably in the Philippines. Because of its proximity to Manila, Mabini is a perfect weekend getaway for someone who wants to enjoy the sea and the rich marine resources.
We arrived just in time for the check-in and received the card keys to our rooms, including password internet access to 3 devices. The check-in was smooth. We presented our vaccination card as a requirement. The view from the reception area is breathtaking. You can get a nice view of Balayan Bay and the mountain ranges of Calatagan, Balayan, or Calaca across the bay.
We reserved a family room close to the pool area which has a nice view of the pool and overlooking Balayan Bay. Our room consists of 2 beds and an extra mattress. The room is spacious with a flat TV with a cable connection, hot and cold water supply, and complimentary drinks. The bathroom needs a little bit of upkeep. The curtain rod is rusty and the floor metal strainer there are visible water stains on the wall tiles.
We got ourselves settled while waiting for the sun to come down so we take a dip in the infinity pool.
 |
| view of the pool area from our room |
 |
| view of the pool at night illuminated by capiz lights |
The pool area is clean and a lifeguard is always on duty. A free towel is also available. The pool is divided into two. The smaller one is deep and is used for practice diving. After swimming, we went to explore the place. They have an Ifugao-like room on the hills and they also have a huge aviary with exotic birds and a small chapel in the resort. The bar is also open until 8 pm if you want to have alcohol.
 |
| Chapel in Awari Bay |
For our dinner, we booked a private place under a huge tree and my brother arranged a mixed grill dinner for all of us. But the thing is we have to grill ourselves. Which I think was fun. We had tilapia, chicken wings, hotdogs, prawns, pork belly, and talong. We enjoyed the dinner while enjoying the cool breeze from the sea.
The next day, we tried the kayak which can accommodate 2 people. It was free for the hotel guests. We also played beach volleyball in their activity area which can accommodate bigger groups like company activities. I am sure there are other activities available that the resort can offer like diving and island hopping.
We ate our breakfast in the elevated gazebo that can sit around 8 people. They offer different choices but we chose American breakfast. The bacon and hash brown was a little bit oily but I am satisfied, but I could have chosen a simple Pinoy breakfast of Tapa+Fried rice :)
We are all satisfied with our stay. The hotel staff were all polite and always greets with a smile. It's a well-maintained resort wide range of activities to choose from. I am sure you will never run out of things to do during your stay in the hotel. For me the resort is expensive but it's worth the price. I highly recommend the place for someone who wants a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
How to get there:
The resort is about an hour away from the Star Tollway exit in Batangas City if you are coming from Manila by car, passing by the towns of San Pascual and Bauan. The fastest route is taking the Star Tollway extension right after the Toll exit in Batangas city which will lead you straight to Bauan. From the end of the tollway extension turn left then first right going to Mabini.
If you are taking public transportation, there are jeepneys plying the route of Batangas City- Mabini from Grand Terminal in Batangas City.
