Palm Beach Resort

Bo. Hugom, San Juan, Batangas +63920 9516051

It is well known that San Juan, Laiya, Batangas is one good choice for those in Metro Manila who wanted to experience the sun, sand and sea. The place boasts of various beach resorts that are approximately around three and a half (3½) hours from Manila.

After negotiating several rough roads and passing by La Luz Beach Resort, Palm Beach seemed to be at the edge of the Laiya Coastline.  A spectacular view of the Batangas seafront greeted us when we reached this resort.  Visitor’s parking is literally at the edge and a shuttle from the resort would take you down to your "casa or casitas" or how the rooms here are called.

As we alighted from the shuttle, resort staff was there to greet us. There were no welcome drinks but, as expected, she helped us with our bags and other kinds of stuff to our room. We really felt welcome. It is here that I remembered my first visit to "Pearl Farm" in Davao. Immediately upon our arrival at Pearl Farm, smiling resort employees and drinks welcomed us. Of course, I do not expect the same reception here at Palm Beach, but it just reminded me of the good old days.

Our "casa" or room has a veranda facing the beachfront.  We can hear the very relaxing sounds of the waves. It has a very nice view of the whole expanse of the Batangas sea. By just looking out at the veranda, I can say that I am really on a vacation.  The change in the scenery from the usual urban landscape to something different like the view from the beachfront is really soothing to the senses. After the difficult struggle to earn and survive in the office, even a quick vacation escape is mentally and physically rejuvenating. 

The staff made us sign a document or "receipt" of the items inside the room. I really found this peculiar but I think this should be a matter of procedure both for the benefit of the resort and the guests. The room is complete with all the amenities. There is a flat screen TV, refrigerator, air conditioning, hot and cold shower and the usual bathroom toiletries. The bed sheets are clean including the towels. Generally, our room given its price tag is reasonable. It is not of five-star-quality but it is enough for a relaxing overnight stay. 

"Nipa huts" adorn the beach of this resort.  By just looking at those huts, it is easy to imagine how relaxing it would be to just sit down, be lazy, read a book, while away time or do anything with your gadget.  I have tried their massage at one of the Nipa Huts and it was beyond my expectation. The massage was extraordinary.  I consider it extraordinary to experience a massage while listening to the waves. I just closed my eyes and submitted myself to the soothing hands of the masseuse. The cover of the night added to the very quiet surroundings.

Guests at this resort are required to avail of the breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet. I enjoyed the buffet. The dishes served, while simple, are well prepared. It is not a gastronomic treat but it is a well-balanced meal. I am sure that families and friends would enjoy the buffet at this resort.

In the morning, we heard mass at this resort. There is a really different kind of feeling after hearing mass. We should never forget to thank God for all the blessings He has given us. At Palm Beach, you can fully appreciate the beauty of the Lord’s creation. The whole expanse of the sea and the stunning setting of this resort reminded us that everything is God-given. It is Him who created everything.

I enjoyed night swimming at the resort’s infinity pool. The water was warm enough for a night dip. The cool breeze and the bright stars coupled with that placidness is a dream vacation package. I swam from end to end of the pool. It was perfect timing. Most of the guests have called it a night. We were the only ones to enjoy the infinity pool.

Time moves fast in beautiful places. An overnight stay is not enough to fully experience the beauty of Palm Beach Resort. What can be learned here is that communing with nature takes time. It cannot be rushed.  With the beauty of the place, I was contented spending most of my time at one of the "Nipa huts" enjoying what nature has given us.  The place is tranquil enough for that much sought after relaxation.

Indeed, life seems perfect in places where nature appears to be within your grasp.