Unbelievable Ilocos Sur Getaway: Your Dream Home Awaits Near Calle Crisologo!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of the Unbelievable Ilocos Sur Getaway: Your Dream Home Awaits Near Calle Crisologo! - which, let’s be real, is a mouthful. But hey, if it's unbelievable, sign me up! I’m not usually one for flowery titles, but hey, maybe it lives up to the hype. Let’s find out, shall we? I just got back from the Ilocos Sur, and I'm pumped to unload all my thoughts, good, bad, and hilariously embarrassing.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, but Mostly Okay!
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. Because, you know, life. This is where things get a little… nuanced. The website claims to have facilities for disabled guests. Okay, cool, but specifics are key! Elevator? Ramp access to the lobby? I’m a stickler for details. I didn’t have any specific mobility issues on this trip, but I did see some folks struggling with the cobblestone streets of the nearby Calle Crisologo. So, my advice? Call ahead, ask specific questions. Don't just take their word for it. You want to make sure it truly is accessible.
Internet: Bless Up! (And Maybe Bring a Backup)
Alright, Internet, internet, internet. The most essential of modern-day comforts. They promise "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" - praise the WiFi gods! I need my social media fix and want to upload those selfies with gusto. And they also have Internet [LAN] and Internet services. Good to know for the digital nomads. Now, here's the thing… I actually found the Wi-Fi a little spotty in the rooms. Keep it real, I'm a blogger, I need to stay connected. Let’s just say, I saw more buffering than I’d like. However, the Wi-Fi in the common areas? Absolutely fine. Blazing fast. So, if you're a serious workaholic like me, or just need reliable internet, maybe bring a mobile hotspot or a backup SIM. Just a thought. You've been warned. 😉
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure?
Okay, so safety in the pandemic era? Gotta be asked! They really go all-out on the hygiene. Seriously, I'm talking "Anti-viral cleaning products", "Daily disinfection in common areas", "Rooms sanitized between stays," and "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.". They had all that, plus enough hand sanitizer to bathe a small army. Felt safer than my local supermarket, which is a major plus. And the staff? They were all masked up, and clearly trained in safety protocol. I'm one of those germaphobes, so I really appreciate that extra thought. Felt pretty safe to me, even when I did accidentally touch the elevator button with the inside of my wrist.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food!
Okay, onto what I really care about: FOOD! This place is not messing around. Restaurants? Plural! With "A la carte," "Buffet," and even "Asian cuisine in restaurant." And the best part? "Room service [24-hour]" – yes, please! This is the kind of commitment to comfort I crave.
The Asian breakfast was incredible. The buffet itself was a work of edible art. And I'm not just saying that because I was starving. They had so many choices, I lost count. I probably ate way too much. And the coffee was actually good. I'm a coffee snob, so that's saying something. Seriously, give the buffet a try. It's worth it.
There's also a pool-side bar. I'm sure you can picture me, lounging in the sun, pina colada in hand. And that's exactly what I did.
Oh, and don’t get me started on the desserts. Pure, decadent bliss. I had some pastries on a plate, and I swear, they were looking at me! Made my day.
Ways to Relax: Spa Day!
Okay, my absolute favorite experience – hands down – was the spa. They offer "Body scrub", "Body wrap", "Foot bath", "Massage", "Sauna", "Spa", "Spa/sauna", "Steamroom". Yeah, I went to town!
The massage was seriously the best massage I've ever had. I literally melted into the table. I was so relaxed, I think I might have snored a little. (Don't judge me! I'd been walking around the beautiful city all day!). The aromatherapy was divine, and the masseuse was incredibly skilled. I felt like a new person.
That massage saved my entire trip. I'm not even joking. By the end of the day, I was able to walk, think, eat, laugh, all the good stuffs.
Things to Do: Beyond Your Pillow
While I did spend a fair amount of time inside the hotel, there’s stuff to do. They don't directly mention tours, but the location near Calle Crisologo is amazing. You're right there in the heart of the action! Shops, old architecture, historical sites. It's a photographer's dream – if that's your thing. It was mine of course; all my Instagram followers can testify to that.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
This place offers everything! Air conditioning in public areas, concierge, daily housekeeping, a doorman, dry cleaning, elevator, facilities for disabled guests, food delivery, a gift/souvenir shop, luggage storage, meeting/banquet facilities, safe-deposit boxes, smoking area, terrace, Wi-Fi for special events. Seriously, it’s like they thought of everything! I never had to worry about a thing. I just let them take care of it.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly?
I didn't travel with kids, but they do have "Babysitting service", and "Family/child friendly", plus "Kids meal." So, if you're bringing the whole family, this place seems like a good bet.
Available in All Rooms: The Usual Suspects
Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Double-check. Bathrobes? Oh yes! I felt like a celebrity! They also have those little things you expect: hair dryer, mini-bar, safe box and cable channels.
Wrapping It Up: My Honest Take
Look, the Unbelievable Ilocos Sur Getaway is pretty darn amazing. It’s not perfect, but where is? The location is fantastic, the staff is lovely, and the food is incredible. The spa? HEAVEN! Yes, the Wi-Fi could be better, but honestly, that's a small price to pay for the overall experience. I would go back in a heartbeat.
Now, let's get you booked!
STOP SCROLLING!
Ready to say YES to Unbelievable Ilocos Sur Getaway?
Here's the deal: Escape is the name of the game, and this your ticket. Imagine this. Picture yourself…
- Walking into the historic Calle Crisologo: Feeling the pulse of Ilocos Sur. It feels like you actually are living in a movie!
- Indulging in that insane buffet breakfast: Fueling up for a day of exploration or simply lounging by their gorgeous pool.
- Melting away stress with a massage: Ahhhh, all your worries just disappearing.
- Having your own dream home right near Calle Crisologo. You can get the "Dream Home" feeling, no matter what it is, hotel rooms, luxury suite - you're the star of the show.
We promise…
- Impeccable service: Someone will be at your beck and call.
- Relaxation guaranteed. We're serious, you'll be renewed.
- Memories that will last a lifetime. Your family and friends will be jealous!
Click the link below and book now! Don't wait, the spots are limited!
[Insert Booking Link Here]
You deserve this. And trust me, you'll thank me later! Treat yourself to the holiday of a lifetime!
Escape to Paradise: METT Hotel Beach Resort, Bodrum, Turkey
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to go on a whirlwind tour, a disorganized adventure, a beautiful, messy, hopefully-not-disastrous exploration of… the VACANZA HOME near Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur! This isn’t your perfectly curated Instagram feed. This is the REAL DEAL. My honest, probably-over-caffeinated, experience. Let's do this!
Day 1: Arrival, Chaos, and the Promise of Sipping Cocktails (Mostly)
- 10:00 AM - Manila to Laoag (via Philippine Airlines - pray for smooth skies!) Okay, so the flight itself was, predictably, a chaotic dance of crying babies, questionable air quality, and the ever-present fear that my suitcase was experiencing a full-blown existential crisis in the cargo hold. But hey, we landed! Praise the travel gods!
- 12:00 PM - Arrival in Laoag & The Rental Car Fiasco: We land, collect all our things (thankfully my suitcase survived), and then attempt to wrangle our rental car. I say attempt because, well, let's just say "car" and "Philippines" aren't always the best companions. Instructions in broken English? Check. Questionable air conditioning that could barely muster a puff? Check. Me, sweating and muttering about needing a VERY strong margarita? Double-check.
- 2:00 PM - Drive to Vigan & The Great Navigation Debate: The drive to Vigan is an adventure in itself. Google Maps is a liar. The roads are… let’s call them “character-building.” My co-pilot, bless her heart, may or may not have been a tad too enthusiastic with the directions, sending us down random dirt paths that felt suspiciously like we were being led straight into a rice paddy.
- 4:00 PM - VACANZA HOME Check-in & Initial Panic!: Finally! We arrive at the Vacanza Home. It's gorgeous, all exposed brick and antique charm. The internet, however, is about as reliable as my ability to resist a plate of empanadas. Cue the minor existential crisis. ("Will I ever actually update my social media?")
- 4:30 PM - Unpacking, Inventory, and a Deep Breath (And Maybe a Tequila Shot): Okay, clothes are unpacked. Bathroom essentials are identified. But wait… where are the toiletries? Oh well. The important thing is to unpack first and maybe drink margaritas later. Or now. The time is always perfect for margaritas!
- 5:30 PM - Quick Tour of Nearby Places, And The Craving for Food: Okay, so we just checked-in and already we feel like we would be able to visit lots of nearby places but we are so hungry that we will just pick one for now. Crisologo Street is around the corner so we can have dinner there so we can chill and save energy.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at Calle Crisologo & The Empanada Revelation: Dinner at Calle Crisologo. It's a sensory overload in the best way possible. Lanterns, cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages trotting past… and then, the Empanadas. Oh. My. God. I'm not even exaggerating when I say it was a religious experience. Crispy, savory, perfect. I think I ate, like, five. Do I regret it? Absolutely not. Worth every calorie, every single one.
- 9:00 PM - Stumbling Back "Home" & The Mosquito Wars: Feeling pleasantly full, we stumble back to Vacanza Home. The first full night sleep is coming, but before that, fighting mosquitoes. Yes, it's a real thing!
Day 2: Exploring the Old Town, The Vigan-like Experience and Trying to Stay Sane
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast & The Great Wifi Hunt: Breakfast! (Eggs, rice, and the lingering scent of empanadas). Then, the wifi hunt begins. I swear, I'm pretty sure the signal is stronger in the rice fields. But hey, at least I can disconnect, right? (But I really need to check my emails…)
- 9:00 AM - Exploring Calle Crisologo: Ok, time to go back to the Calle Crisologo. Day time is completely different than the night time. The shops, the old houses, all kinds of souvenirs. I am pretty sure I am in heaven right now.
- 10:00 AM - Vigan City Plaza and the Church: The Plaza is truly something. The church is gorgeous. I am completely lost into this place. The history, the culture, everything is just perfectly in place.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch & The Quest for the Perfect Halo-Halo: I am kind of hungry again so, obviously, I will search for the best Halo-Halo in Vigan. I did not find the perfect one yet but I will never stop looking for it. I swear.
- 2:00 PM - Exploring Around: We're getting a little more adventurous. We are going to explore a little bit of some other nearby towns and places. It's the Philippines, so obviously some of these roads are NOT going to be what you're used to.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at Calle Crisologo (Again!) & The Karaoke Temptation: Okay, so we're back at Calle Crisologo. Empanadas are calling my name (again). But tonight, there's a karaoke bar. And, well, everyone knows how I sing… I feel like I could be a local superstar right now, haha!
- 9:00 PM - Back to the Home: So relaxing with all the food and the experiences in the day, I am feeling sleepy and ready to sleep.
Day 3: Coastal Wonders & The Sweet Sadness of Departure
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast & the Last Stand for Wifi: Okay, let's see if the wifi is acting up. We are ready to have breakfast and prepare for the trip to coast.
- 9:00 AM - Heading to the Beach: It's time for a drive to the coast! The thought of endless sea and sand fills me with a mix of excitement and a twinge of sadness because I know that, at the end of the day, we are going to leave.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at a Coastal Restaurant and the Perfect Beach Day: Ok, lunch is served! I'm already feeling nostalgic. The food is delicious, the view is stunning, and I'm just trying to soak up every last moment. This place is a tropical heaven!
- 3:00 PM - Some Last Minute Souvenir Shopping & the Departure Prep: We are planning to go to the airport so that we can catch the flight so we have to prepare. The last minute's shopping might be some help too.
- 5:00 PM - Back to Laoag Airport & the Tears of Farewell: This is it. Goodbye to Vigan. Oh, how I love this place! The flight is ready and then, we are finally going back to Manila.
And that, my friends, is the (mostly) unfiltered, utterly imperfect but hopefully unforgettable adventure! It wasn't perfect. There were hiccups. There were moments of sheer frustration. But there was also joy, wonder, and enough empanadas to fuel a small army. And that, in my book, is the definition of a good trip. Until next time, Vigan! I'll be dreaming of those empanadas… and maybe practicing my karaoke skills.
Escape to Paradise: Thaba Tsweni's Unforgettable Blyde River Safari Awaits!
Unbelievable Ilocos Sur Getaway: Seriously, Is This Real Life? (FAQs & Rants!)
So, "Unbelievable Ilocos Sur Getaway"... What's the *Unbelievable* part? Is it, like, aliens?
Okay, okay, no actual aliens (disappointing, I know). But the "Unbelievable" comes from the sheer *charm* of the place. Picture this: you're strolling down Calle Crisologo, the cobblestones practically whispering tales of centuries past. Then you roll your eyes, do all that touristy stuff, and start to think, "Okay, I'm *over* this."
Then BAM! You turn a corner and you realize you *could* live here. No, like, actually live here. And you wouldn't mind that *at all*. That's the "unbelievable." The peace, the history, the food (oh, the food!). It's the feeling that you're stepping into a postcard... but you could unpack your bags and make that postcard your life. Still, it's a lot of responsibility to do it. Thinking about selling the place is a real headache. Ugh.
You mentioned Calle Crisologo. Is this *actually* near the heart of it all? Like, stumbling-distance from that delicious empanada stand?
Listen, I'm a carb enthusiast, so let's be clear: proximity to empanada heaven is *crucial*. And yes, yes, a thousand times YES! We're talking a comfortable walk, a leisurely stroll, maybe a tipsy shuffle depending on your level of *tasting* (kidding, mostly!). Think of it as your daily exercise. You'll be burning those calories just dreaming of the next empanada. And, well, being in the heart of the "old town" is great until you are tired of it. The noise, the crowds, the heat... I sometimes felt like I was *in* the empanada, not eating it.
What's the catch? (Because there's *always* a catch…)
Alright, let's be real. Nothing is perfect. The "catch"... well, it's not a major one, but consider these things. First, I'm not exactly a real estate agent. It's just my place. My little slice of heaven (and hell, when the AC conks out). Second, you will be dealing with the local government. Good luck! And in our case, the neighbors. They're lovely, truly. But they DO like to… sing. And sometimes, at 3 AM. (And it wasn't even a *good* singing voice.) But the biggest "catch" is probably this: You'll fall in love. And then you'll have to decide if you can ever leave.
Describe the Home Itself! Give me the juicy details! (And also: how’s the Wi-Fi?)
Okay, okay, fine, the house. Picture this: a blend of old-world charm (think high ceilings, maybe some exposed beams, a *gorgeous* wooden door that creaks like a pirate ship) with modern comforts. It's not a palace. It's not minimalist chic. It's *home*. It's got a decent kitchen (crucial for midnight snack runs), a comfy living area for Netflix binges (because history is exhausting), and bedrooms where you can actually sleep (or at least *try* to sleep through the karaoke next door.)
And the Wi-Fi? Look, it's the Philippines. So… it’s… adequate. Actually, okay, let's be honest: It’s spotty. Sometimes it's blazing fast, like the national anthem at the end of a Pacquiao fight. Other times, you'll be staring at a spinning wheel, contemplating the meaning of life. Embrace the digital detox. You're in Ilocos Sur, not Silicon Valley. Seriously, the lack of internet helped me realize how much time I was wasting.
What's the best part about owning a place there? What makes it worth the hassle?
Okay, here's the real answer. I swear, my heart actually *aches* thinking about it. The best part isn't the house itself, it's the... *feeling*. It’s waking up to the sounds of the rooster, even if it's annoying. It’s strolling through the market, haggling for the freshest *pakbet* (vegetable stew!) and then realizing you're a LOCAL. It 's knowing the neighborhood kids' names, and the smell of the rain on the cobble streets after the humidity of the day. It’s the peace, the quiet, and the sense of belonging. It's like... finding a missing piece of your soul. I guess not for you, since you don't own the place! Now that I really think about it, I am not sure I even want to sell. Maybe I will just list a for sale by owner. That's what I will look into tomorrow.
What's the biggest pain in the butt about living in Ilocos Sur?
Okay, I alluded to it before: the government. Dealing with the local beaurocracy can feel like wrestling an octopus made of red tape. Permits, paperwork, patience… you'll need it all. Also, the power grid is not the greatest. Blackouts happen. Frequently. But hey, bring a flashlight! It's an adventure, right? And the ROACHES. Oh god the roaches. Especially during the rainy season the roaches were everywhere! I swear, I killed a GIANT one once and I still had nightmares. You know, you're supposed to roll those nightmares off. But I couldn't.
Okay, you've sold me. How do I... buy this place?
Alright, alright, settle down, eager beaver. First: contact me. I'll give you the details, arrange a visit (prepare to be charmed!), and walk you through the whole process. Be prepared for a bit of a wait though. The market isn't exactly booming with houses like mine, you know. And I have a sneaking suspicion I'll start to drag my feet a bit. Because, you know... selling my dream is a little scary. But hey, at least you’ll be eating empanadas in paradise. More on that in my final offer.
Is there something specific I should look out for when I visit?
Yes. Three things: 1. The "Friendly" Street Vendors. They are nice, but they're also *very* persuasive. Prepare to stock up on souvenirs you don't need. 2. The Traffic. Okay, in Ilocos Sur? Okay, don't. The traffic is light but the drivers are... enthusiastic. Be careful. 3. Yourself. You will fall in love with the place. You will change your mind. Prepare yourself for that.
