The Manor at Camp John Hay has always been my go-to refuge whenever the burden of my daily grind reaches alarming levels. As in the past, when I feel the pressure of work becomes an unbearable load, I drive up north, 5,000 feet above sea level, to unload all the negative vibes amidst the relaxing, fresh smell of pine trees wafting through the cool mountain air.
Most of the 185 rooms in the hotel have balconies, and I make sure that the room I get has one because that’s where I stay for hours on end, enjoying the happy sound of people in the garden below, as I watch the fog caress the trees and the mountains in the distance. It’s a magnificent antidote to stress.
In fact, I have a favorite spot at The Manor. After I partake in the bountiful breakfast buffet at the hotel’s restaurant, I walk towards the far end of the garden. There is a solitary bench facing outwards, towards the valley and the mountains, and on a sunny day, the view is glorious. It has such a calming effect on me that I stay there practically the whole morning. It’s the best relaxation therapy I can ever get.
It has the same soothing effect on me as when I sit on the patio of my favorite hotel in Santorini, gazing at the awesome sweeping caldera below. I don’t think of anything. I just let the magnificent view take over my psyche and yield to the overwhelming feeling of relaxation.
The Manor’s old-world charm and elegance, blending with the amazing elements of nature, is another reason why I prefer this mountain refuge to other types of accommodations in our country’s Summer Capital.
As far as facilities are concerned, it has everything I need in a mountain resort hotel – a restaurant with a calming view of the garden, the Piano Bar kept warm by a fireplace, and a musician playing my favorite old-time hits, the Le Chef Delicatessen where I buy things I bring back home, a Sundry Shop, The Spa and a Gym with the latest fitness instruments and gadgets. It even has a Bonfire area where groups can get together and enjoy chats in the cool evening with finger food and drinks.
Of course, for those into more exciting activities, the hotel offers Horseback Riding; and for those who enjoy more thrills, there is the Tree Top Adventure where you hang-glide across tree tops.
But most gentlemen guests of the hotel go for the very popular Camp John Hay Golf Club, the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-design golf course that prides itself on having the only Bentgrass Greens in the country.
But what I enjoy the most during my stay at The Manor is the service of the wait staff in the restaurant and the caring attitude of the Front Office personnel. One day, while having breakfast, despite a full house, the restaurant servers were always alert, providing me with everything I needed to enjoy my meal, even before I asked for it. Simple things, like when I asked for fresh orange juice, it was served quickly in a tall glass, accompanied by a separate glass containing lots of ice cubes “in case I wanted ice in my orange juice,” the server said. I found that quite charming because, in other restaurants, I always have to wave again for a waiter to bring me some ice.
One time, I approached the Front Desk and asked for directions to a friend’s house. It was in one of those subdivisions far from downtown, but the hotel staff, after looking it up on the map, offered me several routes to get there and offered to book me a taxi or private car, including information on how much it would cost by taxi and by private car. I had everything I wanted to know in a jiffy.
I have to congratulate General Manager Ramon Cabrera for the flawless and seamless operations The Manor delivers, which we, guests, always look for in a hotel. I guess people troop to this hotel not only to enjoy the comfortable warmth of the de luxe accommodations but also to feel the warmth of the Filipino brand of hospitality and service that we, as a people, are known for all over the world.
To many, going to Baguio is enough, when they want to rid themselves of stress and anxiety but, to me, relaxation wouldn’t be complete if I don’t stay at The Manor at Camp John Hay. This mountain resort gives me such a magical experience that I always hanker for it when I think of de-stressing and energizing myself to be ready to face more work-related entanglements.
Now you see why The Manor at Camp John Hay will always be my haven in the sky.
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com
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