Bellini Suites' extravagant pool area

Just a few kilometers away from Makati and NAIA is another hidden gem of the South: Bellini Suites. Located in Presidio, Lakefront, Bellini Suites is a luxurious condo-hotel (condotel) that offers a private escape for yuppies looking for a weekend getaway.

Bellini Suites in Presidio, Lakefront resembles a peaceful neighborhood

Condominiums in Presidio

Rooms
We stayed in the two-bedroom suite of Rembrandt, one of the buildings under the Bellini management. Featuring a contemporary room design and warm earth tones, it didn't take long for us to feel at home in the space. The suite also has a full-service kitchen, a dining area, a living room, two bathrooms and two bedrooms.

Comfortable interiors with refreshing neutral colors

The living area is a great place to sit back and enjoy a flick

Personal TV in the bedroom with queen size bed

Twin beds in the second bedroom of the suite

Queen-sized bed of the suite in Rembrandt

Five star hotel ambiance and comfort in Bellini Suites

Amenities
Aside from cozy living spaces, Bellini Suites also offers basic amenities that are essential for guests such as a gym and swimming area. The entire compound is also Wi-Fi enabled, which perfectly suits the tech-savvy yuppy lifestyle. While a few areas look worn out, we don't doubt that a few renovations here and there will restore Bellini's former splendor.

*Shuttle service is also available for free within Lakefront's vicinity. Should you wish to go beyond, a rental fee would be required depending on your destination (e.g. P400 going to ATC). 

Gym area in Bellini Suites for active yuppies

The pool area is a great place to unwind and feel the south breeze

Cerulean blue waters of Bellini's mini paradise

Overall, Bellini Suites is a captivating sanctuary that has truly won us over. People looking for a breather without leaving the city can find solace in Bellini's beautiful suites—it will surely lift your spirits and give you the push you need to take on another work week. If you live anywhere near Makati, you'll definitely want to check this place out.

For those who want to know more about Bellini including its rates, you may check out their website here - Bellini Suites

Have you tried staying here in Bellini Suites? What's the best part of your stay? 

Photos by Splash Island Facebook Page & @dioooosa

Let's face it, when you were a kid on a trip down SLEX you’d always and only recognize Enchanted Kingdom and Splash Island. Those are the two iconic landmarks your little head will turn for on the long trip down South.

Who wouldn't gaze at the huge Ferris Wheel on the left then turning your head to the right to look for Splash Island just to get a glimpse of the slides? Nostalgic? Yes, and we're lucky enough to still have them around today.

Enchanted Kingdom: The Filipino’s Disneyland

A photo posted by Rhonalyn S. Encarnacion (@rhonz777) on Feb 3, 2017 at 4:05am PST

Your childhood isn’t complete if you haven’t visited Enchanted Kingdom or more commonly known as EK. Located at Sta. Rosa Laguna, it was every child’s dream to visit the closest thing we had to Disneyland. The theme park opened in 1995 and has since brought smiles to not only children but also to teens and adults, it’s definitely a place for everyone.

You can’t help but think of happy thoughts when you are reminded of EK and always think of the last time you were there. From time to time, it is still worth visiting this exciting place as they always have something new to offer. They have expanded quite a bit from the previous years and added new rides along with their trademark attractions.

Splash Island: The Granddaddy of all pools

A photo posted by ㅤㅤㅤㅤ (@har_deep14) on Jan 14, 2017 at 2:32am PST

Summer is not complete without swimming to cool off the blazing heat in Splash Island. It was the best destination everyone traveled to every summer vacation.  This sprawling water park located in Binan, Laguna is always crazy full during the months of April and May and a hot spot for team-buildings and company outings.

You’d be so giddy seeing the famous wave pool since Splash Island takes it into another level. As a kid, seeing all those pools, salbabidas, slides and a more pools makes your tiny self crazy hyper. Slides fear you at first, but then it gets addicting and hard to leave at days end. Indeed, summer was never complete without splashing through this amazing amusement park.

WHERE ARE THE FOLLOW-UPS?

A photo posted by Enchanted Kingdom (@ek_philippines) on Jan 29, 2017 at 8:21pm PST

Having both been established in the 90’s, these amusement parks have stood the test of time yet we can’t help but question why there haven’t been new crazy parks that followed their suit. Sure there is Star City in Pasay, 8 waves in Bulacan, and Island Cove in Cavite. Nevertheless, both Enchanted Kingdom and Splash Island will always have a special place in our hearts.


What's your best childhood memory in these parks? Share them below! And don't forget to like our page!

1. Air is cleaner

You don't have to worry about inhaling those dusty Manila smog. Air in the South is much more cleaner thanks to more green spaces and trees!

A photo posted by Rox Halasan (@rxnnhlsn) on Jan 20, 2017 at 1:48am PST

2. We have beaches, resorts, and hot springs

There's a lot of perks living near the beautiful beaches of Batangas, dozens of breathtaking resorts in Cavite and of course, the relaxing and private hot springs in Laguna!

A photo posted by FK (@faz5678) on Jan 16, 2017 at 7:27am PST

3. There's a greater sense of security

We have hundreds of gated communities. I mean, have you ever seen a village within a village? Only in the South. Oh, and did I mention that most high schools are inside these villages?

A photo posted by Gerone Tolentino (@gerone_t) on Oct 1, 2016 at 2:35am PDT

4. Quick access to nature and the big city

Tired of the busy city life? Laguna's home to a lot of beautiful nature parks and attractions! Feeling the need to party? Makati is one UV Express away! This is why we love the South!

A photo posted by @places_that_give on Jan 20, 2017 at 9:13pm PST

5. We have stars

Yep, we have 'em. Especially in the Extreme South where there are less light pollution. Stargazing time!

A photo posted by Sherlo Yvan Cantos (@sycantos) on Jan 21, 2017 at 4:39am PST

6. We still use bikes

A lot of Southies still use the bicycle for a lot of purposes, especially when inside villages. We don't have to worry about getting hit by a car!

A photo posted by Cathy Wong (@chinaconnect) on Jan 14, 2017 at 3:22am PST

7. People are more chill

Seeing people wearing shorts and slippers in the mall is normal. We even sometimes wear rubber shoes or walking shoes to work and change afterwards. And we tend to be more patient (we're pretty used to the commuting-stress life everyday).

A photo posted by Anna Melissa (@annamelissa8) on May 21, 2015 at 7:44am PDT

8. Cozy coffee shops and uncrowded food stops

Due to the South being a suburban paradise, a lot of coffee shops and food joints require a bit of traversing. But it's definitely worth it.

A photo posted by Steep & Grind Cafe (@steepandgrindph) on Jan 4, 2017 at 1:25am PST

9. We're culturally blessed too

Sure there are a lot of places to visit in Manila and the whole North, but the South is definitely not lacking. Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Bamboo Organ in Las Pinas, Aguinaldo and Bonifacio Shrine in Cavite, Japanese Garden along Lake Caliraya, and so much more!

A photo posted by jameson (@wanderographer) on Sep 14, 2016 at 9:16am PDT

10. No matter where you live, you'll always find yourself wanting to go back to the South

The South will always have a special place in your heart.

A photo posted by Gerone Tolentino (@gerone_t) on Jun 20, 2015 at 7:13am PDT

*Photos are credited to the wonderful owners. You guys are awesome.




Did we miss something? Share your experience below! And don't forget to like our Facebook!