Author: Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco

We spent the last long weekend in Balesin and stayed in its newest villa—Regency Private Villas (Villa A). The villa’s location is fairly peaceful and it stays consistently quiet with a laid-back atmosphere. We came in a group of more than 20 people, so it’s just a good fit as it houses 20 bedroom suites with a Pan-Asian architectural style similar to the existing Balesin Private Villas. Going to the other seven themed villas in Balesin Island is pretty convenient and fast, thanks to the free shuttle service, vans, jeepneys, and other transfer vehicles. The Regency Private Villa A is only around 5 minutes away from the main clubhouse by car.

Review of Regency Private Villa (Balesin Island Club, Philippines)

The spacious contemporary lobby features tall ceilings, comfy couches, a lush indoor greenscape, and a fully equipped kitchen that makes guests feel just right at home and welcome. In contrast with other villages, Regency has no restaurant but guests can request food and order from the in-house cook, who will prepare full meals in the villa. I had my first breakfast in Balesin here. Food and service were good and satisfying.

Tasteful interiors have a strong local feel. There’s plenty of space to sprawl out, making this villa a great accommodation and hangout place for groups of friends or families, though there aren’t any kid specific facilities. There are eight two-bedroom suites and four one-bedroom suites, located on the upper floor and main floor.

At the back of the ground floor is a veranda where you can watch the sunset and enjoy a stunning view of the Lamon Bay. For those who want to swim, the spectacular 400-sqm infinity freshwater swimming pool with an integrated saltwater whirlpool is easily accessible as well. I especially like the infinity pool here as it offers a quiet spot for sunbathing and swimming, as well as some shade. It’s like the piece de resistance that can make you feel like you’re staying in an oasis. By the beach and pool area are four chic cabañas for dining, drinking, and leisurely lounging.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B18G58Tn8HR/

Only the ground floor near the reception area has free Wi-Fi connection, which has both pros and cons. In the room and other parts of the villa, it’s probably recommended to connect more with nature, engage in meaningful and social activities, and do other stuff offline. 😉

Five of us stayed in Room H on the upper floor. Interior design is straightforward, with some artsy wall art decor exuding an elegant touch of native Filipino work. Large windows add a sense off airiness and fill the room with light. The furniture is made from handsome solid wood, embracing rustic-chic with enthusiasm and style. The first floor has two single beds and a sofa bed on the side, while the second floor has a queen-size bed and also a sofa on the side. In-room amenities include all the basics expected of a luxury hotel. Both floors are equipped with flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers.

The bathrooms have separate contemporary shower areas and toilet areas. Toiletries include shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. At the far end are cabinets for wardrobes with hangers, towels, and bath robes. The bathroom is also complete with “his and hers” style vanity. While hairdryers are provided, they are small and not very powerful. Timeless lighting keeps the area bright, modern, and understated.

There’s a common area outside the room, with a balcony overseeing the ground floor. It’s simply decorated with natural colors and ligh walls. The minimalism makes it feel really clean and spacious. There’s nice accents that bring a pop of color and warm wood tones throughout.

While my roommates (husband and brothers-in-law) were sleeping, I went ahead to see the lower ground floor, which happens to be a large entertainment area. It’s enough for families to lounge all day, play board games, work out in the gym room, play mahjong or poker, sing karaoke in the karaoke rooms, play table tennis, play billiards, or have a nice massage. There’s also ample space for late-night cocktails in the bar. This place is just…wow!

Wrap Up

Regency in Balesin, Philippines is like an all-inclusive private villa that offers a host of extra property features. Eating, drinking, and activities are all part of the plan, including meals, snacks, and hospitable room services. With an array of options for indoor entertainment, it’s also a nice spot to hang around when it’s raining outside. Overall, we had a convenient and comfortable 3D2N stay here. It’s highly recommended for a comprehensive family vacation, team-building, or just a quick r&r from the city.

After Balesin Regency Villa A, Balesin will be completing Villas B, C, and D within the next several months. After the completion of the Regency Private Villas, there will be a total of 52 bedroom suites in four different Regency Villa structures.

If a getaway with indulgent meals and breathtaking views sounds like your idea of an exquisite vacation, then Balesin Island Club in the Philippines is a great option. You can tour the entire island in a day, but a day isn’t enough to experience everything that it has to offer.

Why go? A destination of unmatched natural beauty located off the eastern coast of Luzon in the Philippines, Balesin Island Club is Alphaland Corporation’s flagship project. This 500-hectare tropical island paradise is only less than an hour away from Metro Manila by plane. Balesin Island Club features seven internationally-themed villages each having beautifully landscaped swimming pool and specialty restaurants that attract tourists not only with their yummy food, but also with their exclusive themes and design.

We stayed in the Regency Villa last weekend for three days and two nights and had a short stop in every village in Balesin. In this post, I’m sharing about the highlights and my personal take on the seven villages. 😉

Balesin Island Tour: 7 Themed Villages and More

Our flight was scheduled at 6:00am last Saturday. We boarded the plane on time and, without delay, we arrived in Balesin after 27 minutes! We checked in and snoozed off as we prepared for our island day tour and other activities afterwards.

Right after lunch, our tour guide took us from one villa to the next via a coaster. Balesin’s villages and amenities are nicely patterned after some of the most alluring cities in the world: Balesin, Bali, Phuket, Mykonos, St. Tropez, Costa del Sol, and Toscana. The villas are elegant, stylish, artistic, and well-equipped with premium entertainment rooms, bars, and other convenient amenities.

1. Balesin (Philippines)

Our first stop was Balesin. Only a walking distance from the welcome hall, it’s the first village we came across upon arrival at the island and it was also where we checked in. Balesin features beautiful Filipino architecture, craft, and design with a modern twist. What’s amazing is that the pieces of furniture here are all made in the island by the indigenous group. Every piece really looks unique and special.

The front of Balesin is the best beach on the island. It can be both a romantic and a family-friendly spot where guests can just hang out and relax or make use of the water sports available. With its long stretch of pristine white sand, you can take a serendipity walk leisurely. Another great privilege is a massage by the beach. There’s also an infinity pool where you can spend some time floating between the water and the sky. The main clubhouse provides easy access to the Balesin Spa, the Aquatic Sports Center, the Balesin Sala, and its surrounding villas. Everything is walking distance away.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1imuM2nbX4/

2. Bali (Indonesia)

Drawing inspiration from Indonesia’s native hat or the “salakot,” Bali Village is a tranquil choice for families and couples. The center of attraction here is the secluded water villa located near Nusa Dua Bar, which has the the most captivating panoramic view on the island. The bar was closed when we got there but the ambiance was enough for us to appreciate its marvel. It almost looked floating as it’s set above the water. From Nusa Dua Bar, guests have a 360-degree view of Balesin’s sparkling waters and twinkling island lights at night.

3. St. Tropez (France)

One of my personal favorite locations in Balesin is St. Tropez. I haven’t been in France, so this was the closest opportunity I could get to experience French Riviera. Surrounded by lush lawns and gardens, Saint Tropez Village was inspired by the vibe of Côte d’Azur, offering luxury in a traditional setting. Outside, there’s a large tiled swimming pool with sun loungers and parasols that dot the terrace as well as the beach. Our main agenda here was to try the famous crêpes at Crêperie. It was lovely, indeed! ❤️

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1m-QP0nohQ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1lq-R_ni15/

After dining, we took a respite in the Nirvana Lounge. It’s like an intimate and quiet “secret room” or a hideaway area located on the ground floor of St. Tropez. The interior design takes inspiration from the sophisticated French bar scene, but the amusingly, it’s Asian-themed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1nOyZIHiSE/

4. Toscana (Italy)

Another one of my favorites is Toscana Village that’s inspired from Tuscany. In front of the building, I really felt like I was somewhere in Italy! There’s a fountain and a huge balcony overseeing lush gardens, all visually reminiscent of an Italian country estate. Other key pieces that remind of Italy are the arched doorways, terracotta accents, textured stone walls, tiled finishes, and the extensive use of natural wood throughout the complex.

The facade of the Toscana Village presents the rich variety of earth tones and deep sunset colors that Tuscany is known for. You’ll see different aspects of the Tuscan experience such as an indoor stone courtyard that suggests an ancient castello, a round terrace with a fountain, surrounded by a alley of arches, a series of sitting rooms with rich colors of fabric and tile, and textures of brick, wood and stone, a grand, moon-shaped dining room, an intimate vaulted cafe, like a tunnel in a catacomb, a rooftop terrace looking out over the gardens and the sea. The architecture and landscaping is an endless and varied feast for the senses.

5. Mykonos (Greece)

Outstanding highlights are the villa’s whitewashed walls, blue windows and doors, and winding cobblestone roads. Mykonos Village is truly a great recreation of the world-famous Greek isle. Named after the gods of Greek mythology, the villas here are ideal for families and large groups who want to stay together. What I also liked most about Mykonos is that it features a dreamy infinity swimming pool that transitions from indoors to outdoors.

We had lunch at Thanassis Taverna in Mykonos Village. This restaurant serves and specializes in gyros, moussaka, grilled lamb ribs, and souvlaki. After our meal, we went down to the Cove Deck where guests usually go to enjoy the cool sea breeze with a drink in hand. It was daytime and there’s no special event so it was hard to picture this place as a party sport. Nevertheless, the Mykonos Cove Deck is an ideal venue for large gatherings.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1iweoEnNpl/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1k9t_FH4Qj/

6. Costa Del Sol (Spain)

Costa del Sol, which literally translates to “Coast of the Sun,” features Spanish colonial architecture with arched thresholds, stucco walls and manicured courtyards. This village draws inspiration from the quaint, coastal towns of Southern Spain. Muted and formal colors dominate the area, exhibiting the characteristic Spanish play of light and shade. Each of the suites and rooms in the six ‘Casas’ – Estepona, Fuengirola, Malaga, Marbella, Ronda and Torremolinos – opens up to a picturesque view of the Pacific Ocean.

Costa del Sol is home to two beautiful swimming pools that bookend each other. One, a saltwater pool, is black-tiled while the other is a blue-tiled freshwater pool. Surrounding both pools are sun loungers and parasols.

Our tour guide also brought us down to see the Alhambra Lounge. It’s like the place to be for after-dinner drinks. With a warm mystique, this Moroccan-inspired sanctum will allow your mind to drift away while you relax with a glass of fine Spanish brandy. Further downstairs, the building also has a Music Lounge which is an excellent night spot in Balesin. It was empty when we got there but we could imagine the vibe and the energy when it’s packed with people dancing the night away to their favorite club tunes.

7. Phuket (Thailand)

Last but not least, Phuket Village is tucked away in the southern part of Balesin Island and it’s probably the most private. Each Phuket villa is characterized by multiple roof tiers, undulating serpentine shapes and blade-like roof projections which are hallmarks of the rich Thai heritage. Phuket villas are similar in layout to Bali and Balesin villas, with an outdoor deck, daybed, and lounge chairs and tables for relaxing.

Their restaurant is called the Salathip, and it’s filled with an awe-inspiring structure, with Buddha statues, scaled roofs, and authentic Thai artifacts. House specialty dishes include tom yum goong, pad Thai, and keng deng gai.

Aside from the indoor seating area, the restaurant opens up to a generous outdoor verandah for al fresco dining. Also fronting Salathip is a black-tiled 25-meter swimming pool, as well as a row of lounge recliners and parasols along the beach. The black tiles in Phuket Village’s swimming pool is not only for aesthetics but also for function. These tiles retain the sun’s heat to warm the pool to a comfortable temperature

More areas to explore in Balesin:

• Balesin Spa
• Balesin Chapel
• Ifugao Camp
• Sports Center
• Rico’s Hideaway
• Seafood Shack Aquaculture Farms
• Aegle Wellness Center
• Flower Farm
• Exotic Fruit Orchard
• Organic Vegetable Gardens
• West Jetty Port (where Alphaland’s cargo ship docks to unload people, supplies, and vehicles)
• Aquatic Sports Center

Wrap Up

In Balesin, each village has evolved to something more than just a copy of the original destination. Comfort and luxury are two best words to describe every experience. Staying in a resort or a townhouse like Deca Clark might have similar feel, just when you’re away from the city but still having a good time and the convenience you need. Balesin is still a work in progress since there will be more private villas to be constructed soon. The current buildings, while already large in scale, occupy only less than 9% of the total land area. This means that majority of the island consists of beach and grassy fields in their natural state.

The island club’s well-kept grounds, bright and breezy rooms, and effortlessly chic decor fulfill its impression as a place of unpretentious luxury. With private villas, gorgeous swimming pools, themed restaurant/s in each villa, and tons of daily activities, there is little guests can’t do on-site. The only drawback is that it’s a members-only resort. If you have friends or family who are members, Balesin is one of the best places to visit in the Philippines. 😉

You go on vacation to get away from it all, so naturally, you want the best, don’t you? It should be relaxing and luxurious but as with everything our budget only stretches so far. So how can we get the best out of our limited budget? Here we look at a few ways to make the best out of a vacation while not maxing out your funds.

5 Ways to Make Your Vacation More Stylish Without Costing the Earth 

House-Sitting 

Have you ever tried house-sitting? It’s a great way to get cheap, or even sometimes free accommodation at times. It’s a real win-win situation as home-owners sometimes need a house looked after to be secure in the knowledge it won’t be burgled while away or to have the pets looked after rather than put them in a kennel. This means that you can become a house-sitter and often get to stay in stunning properties in fantastic areas. 

Eat Out at Lunch or in Local Areas 

Eating out can be expensive but it doesn’t have to be. Why not consider having your lunches out as often restaurants have a similar menu and the same quality at lunch but at a reduced price leaving you ahead on cash. Also look at restaurants in less touristy areas, a good rule of thumb is if you see lots of locals eating there it’s likely to be OK, and often much cheaper. 

Hire Accommodation that Moves You! 

Have you ever considered hiring a mode of transport that also doubles as your accommodation? Options include touring across the USA in an RV, or something like opting to rent a boat in Croatia. These are often expensive-seeming options at first glance but the money you save on hotels actually makes it quite a saver in the end. 

Choose a Budget-Conscious Location

If you are not dead set on one particular location then it’s always fruitful to consider those other fantastic destinations that may give just as good an experience at a much lower price. For example, if you choose to travel around Southeast Asia rather than Europe the cost of everything tends to be that little bit cheaper and this will all add up over a few weeks.

There are some handy guides online, such as this one, that give ideas on some of the least expensive options and it’s a good thing to keep in mind, although certain suggestions would only be taken up by a fairly brave traveler, Iran, for example! 

Visit Free Attractions

When traveling around one of the most expensive aspects can be visiting attractions. Even the cost of entry on its own to some places can cost into the hundreds of dollars for a visit. But if you plan properly in advance you can find places that are less expensive or free, many places such as galleries or historical places of interest. It’s a good strategy to mix in some of those types of places to help your budget.