I recently indulged in a staycation at Okada Manila, one of the few times I got to escape the salt mines that is the newsroom. As I was with my mom, who is already a senior citizen, I was hyper-conscious of whether the facility and the staff would be friendly to “millenniors” like her.
The Forbes 5-star destination for six straight years spans 30 hectares, which means it can be quite a challenge for seniors to walk from one wing to another. (Pro tip: Know which wing you are checking in to avoid having to transfer between the two entrances.)
We stayed at the Pearl Wing of the hotel, and our well-appointed Executive Suite was perfect. It was a pleasant gesture that the hotel has shifted to using Nordaq bottled water to reduce single-use plastic waste. This mindful initiative has eliminated the use of at least 2 million single-use plastic bottles annually at Okada Manila for a truly responsible and sustainable hospitality.
Of course, what is a staycation if there is no spa experience to go with it? So off to The Retreat Spa I went, a sanctuary that boasts of wellness and body care rituals and even touchless therapies such as reiki, crystal healing and guided meditation. I chose the Indayog Ng Duyan – a hilot-inspired therapy that uses warmed banana leaves soaked in virgin coconut oil. For two hours, my therapist kneaded my body like dough, with the occasional “Ang dami ninyong lamig ma’am” comment.
“Ginhawa” is how I would describe the feeling after the therapy. I was ready to report for work, but before that, I was ready to eat my way through Okada’s restaurants.
The Medley Buffet is probably one of the most extensive breakfast buffets in Metro Manila, featuring a wide variety of cuisines, live cooking stations, and roving taho and balut vendors. It is a fantastic and delicious way to start your day.
Those looking to indulge in a fresh and authentic Korean barbecue experience should head off to Goryeo for its All-You-Can-Eat KBBQ Feast. From high-quality meats to a delightful spread of traditional banchan, and with innovative smokeless grills, an elevated and authentic Korean experience awaits customers.
And finally, Okada’s gateway to Italy is the gorgeous La Piazza. With an unobstructed view of The Fountain, guests can leisurely savor Italian flavors perfectly complemented by the restaurant’s selectin of premium wine.
