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c h i k k a
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MAYA O. CALICA
Coming soon
in Xiamen
The Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel in Batangas
gets a cool makeover
An old favorite
TRAVEL AND
GOURMET PERKS
IN HONG KONG
Explore a more modern
Matabungkay resort
Hullett House
is the place to stay
in Hong Kong
HULLETT HOUSE
— the “jewel in the
crown” of Hong Kong’s 1881 heritage
lifestyle complex — has had a victorious
year. The recent addition to the prestigious
Leading Hotels of the World garnered a
spot in
Condé Nast Traveler’s
“Hot List
2011” (UK, USA and Spain) and
Travel
+ Leisure’s
2011 “It List” of 50 favorite
new hotels around the world. What’s
more, its fine-dining establishment, St.
George, was named one of Asia’s top
restaurants and awarded a prestigious
Michelin star in the Hong Kong and
Macau 2012 Michelin Guide for the second
straight year. To celebrate, the hotel is
offering its “Gourmet Treasures of Hong
Kong” package until May 25, 2012. For
HK$11,800 (PHP64,878) plus 10%, you
get a two-night stay with a complimentary
upgrade to a Corner Suite, and HK$4,000
(PHP21,993) dining credit. For inquiries or
bookings, visit
LHW.com
IT MAY BE
30 years old — ancient as far as
Philippine resorts go — but Matabungkay
Beach Resort and Hotel shows no signs
of fading. The iconic 1980s resort in Lian,
Batangas recently underwent a major
renovation, and now boasts a full-service spa
and spiffy modern Asian look reminiscent of
Bali properties.
Smile
talked to resort president
Charley Antonio about more cool things to
inspire you to visit.
It’s family- and
barkada-
friendly
Space is one thing Matabungkay Beach Resort
and Hotel’s rooms have in abundance. “We
have family rooms that have two bedrooms,
living and dining areas, and a veranda that can
fit up to eight people,” says Antonio. There are
also cottages by the beach designed for groups
of friends. “Each has a loft for a bedroom that
can fit up to six people, a veranda overlooking
the beach; and an inner garden courtyard.”
Next summer, the resort will unveil its cottages
on stilts — like those in Palawan and Davao.
The classics remain
The clubhouse, designed by National Artist
Leandro Locsin, still stands as the resort’s
centerpiece. “The grand Maranaw design of the
roof, the wooden floor planks, the beams of
the high ceiling, the columns made from coral
stone — all are original and give the place a
classic look and feel,” observes Antonio. “We
upgraded our lobby and restaurant furniture,
and added a sports bar and music lounge.”
Also still on the menu is the popular MBC Soup
— a creamy chowder with fresh ingredients.
Sunset views and simple
pleasures
The club has been voted as one of the top 10
places in the Philippines to watch the sunset.
“Since our beachfront is shallow, it’s nice to
walk along the shore as the sun sets. We enjoy
the view, and the kids have fun looking at sea
creatures like starfish and hermit crabs,” he
adds. Blue tents are also “perfect for catching
up with friends over wine and tapas.”
Friendly faces
“A lot of the employees began working for the
resort when they were young and still remain
loyal, continuing to serve the next generation
of visitors who want to create new memories,”
he says. Even the bartender, Mar Roxas (no,
not the politician) has been tending the bar for
20 years. “He sure has a lot of stories to tell!”
www.matabungkay-batangas.com
SET TO OPEN
in late 2012 is
Langham Place, Xiamen. With 330
stunning guestrooms and suites, the
new hotel will offer lots of meeting
spaces (such as the Star Room on
the 22nd floor overlooking the city),
a grand ballroom and extensive
facilities with breakout areas. The
property will also feature Langham
Place’s signature elements: the
unique Portal – Work & Play,
where guests can grind or unwind,
and the relaxing Club L lounge.
langhamhospitalitygroup.com