Sitting beside the foothills of Mt. Makiling, surrounded by the calming sounds of chirping birds and whispering breeze is a nature resort, aptly called Gloria Maris Entertainment Villa Los Baños by Olarfe Resorts.
Named after gloriamaris—a rare and possibly the most luxurious shell in the world that is endemic to the Philippines—the resort seamlessly melds the beauty of the natural world and modernity. Its Scandinavian design is the perfect complement to the breathtaking view of the verdant lands of Laguna.
Gloria Maris is located inside a secure subdivision at the heart of Los Banos City, a place nicknamed “The Science and Nature City of the Philippines.” Accessible via the popular navigation app Waze, it is 15 minutes away from the vacationer-favorite Pansol, famous for its hot springs.
While this new haven is highly accessible to other tourist destinations and vital facilities, like universities, restaurants, malls, and hospitals, this cul-de-sac property boasts of a quiet, exclusive environment away from crowds, traffic, and the hectic atmosphere of the city.
For those who are aching to take a break from their fast-paced lives, the Gloria Maris is the perfect respite. It offers, among others, fully air-conditioned, attached family rooms (each can accommodate four to five persons), that have their own living room, toilet and bath (with heater), kitchen, dining area, and balcony with a view of Mt. Makiling.
There’s also a choice to get the master suite, which is furnished with the latest 65-inch Sony Android TV and a temperature-controlled indoor jacuzzi for two.
The two swimming pools (adult and kiddie pools) are actually hi-tech temperature-controlled natural Makiling Spring swimming pools meant to prevent accidental burns that usually happen in traditional hot springs. The resort only uses premium DE pool filters that eliminate most bacteria and viruses so that guests can enjoy safe and worry-free dips in the pools.
Inside the villa is the 24-seater Smart Dolby Atmos Cinema, equipped with the latest laser movie projector for that gigantic Ultra HD cinema experience. If the need arises, this space can also be converted into a private conference theater. The villa also has an arcade game station with indoor game bar that has four player arcade machines, imported driving simulation games, basketball machine, and a karaoke machine.
As an added touch, the property is built with special white sand tiles simulating the relaxing sandy barefoot beach experience.
For the guests’ fitness needs, the resort is equipped with a commercial grade indoor gym with fully rubberized floor and Life Fitness machines.
Guests can use the pavilion if they want to host parties. The wide area has an imported wood plastic composite (WPC) pool deck, a pool bar, imported Vulcan bricks, a grilling station, a dining area, and kitchen, made with premium German white granite.
Bigger events can be held at the fully air-conditioned function hall, which can accommodate 80 to 100 people.
Gloria Maris Entertainment Villa Los Baños by Olarfe Resorts takes the guests’ safety and security seriously, as well. Several 24/7 online CCTV cameras are installed within the vicinity.
Other amenities that guests will appreciate are the two powder rooms, four poolside showers, a changing area with a centralized heater, a staff room with its own toilet and bath, and a five-car garage—although the side street can be utilized if the parking spaces are full.
When guests are not basking in the comforts of their rooms, they can visit the popular places around the area: the Makiling Botanical Gardens, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), UPLB Museum of Natural History, ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, The Flat Rock and creeks frequented by bikers, the mud springs, Peak 2 (the highest peak of Mt. Makiling), an eco-tourism site called Pook ni Maria Makiling, Damplit Falls, and the Yamashita Shrine, among others.
Initially by invitation only, Gloria Maris Entertainment Villa Los Baños by Olarfe Resorts is now open for private guests to enjoy. For bookings and other inquiries, you may contact the resort's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GloriaMarisVilla or its landline number (049) 536-9938.