But this one...THIS ONE...takes the cake.
It's always a fear that photos posted on the internet are Photoshopped, and come time for the actual in-person reveal, reality is disappointingly underwhelming.
Not so, here. I've posted this pic pulled from a Google search. I kid you not, this is exactly what it looks like in person. Those colors....those pretty aquamarine and turquoise colors...are pretty darn accurate.
See?
Anyway, this resort is a small one, only able to accommodate a grand total of 70 guests at a time. So it is quiet and intimate. Our party of 24 was probably the rowdiest. The beach beyond the pool area was nice enough. I am not really a beach person, so I really didn't go down there. The sand is NOT fine sand; therefore water shoes or at the very least flip flops are recommended.
BTW, I'm fairly certain Acuatico is THE only one in the area with an infinity pool.
Upon arrival, your vehicle is directed within the gated resort. You would think a sudden gaggle of two dozen individuals appearing at the front lobby (which is beautifully done with a mosaic tile wall facing a darling waterfall across the receiving area) would incite a little panic. But no, the staff immediately summoned complimentary iced gulaman drinks for everyone. The porters were there in an instant, claiming our luggage as their burden, ready to lead us to our accommodations.
With our large group, my mother and I reserved four units, with ours being the largest Estancia room which can sleep 6 comfortably. The sliding glass door was our main entrance. Inside the first floor, there were two twin beds, a sitting area (where we fit an extra rollaway bed) with a 26" flat screen TV mounted on the wall, another queen bed with an area that could be curtained off, and the bathroom.
The room I shared with the hubby was up the stairs, past that pretty balcony you see up there, in a separate area, with its own key. There was also a TV there, although who would want to watch when you have all that fun to do outside?
I did not take a picture of the bathroom, unfortunately, which is a shame, since I am very particular with the state of the bathroom facilities in any place I choose to stay. In the Philippines, it's common to expect impressive sleeping areas but subpar bathrooms. I don't exactly understand this phenomenon, but in that country, it seems that bathrooms are an afterthought. Anyway...I digress...the bathroom in this unit was nicely done. Because it is the larger unit, there are two toilets in separate frosted glass stalls. They flush great, there are hooks on the wall, they look new. Only thing is, if you're tall, you probably wouldn't be able to close the glass door to do your business. There was a hair dryer (nothing spectacular), toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste). In the same bathroom, there are two shower stalls (heated water! This is a rare thing, people) also enclosed in frosted glass walls.
I appreciated the little details like the keyring. I wore it as a bracelet so I wouldn't just leave it laying around. There were mini jars of a local specialty cookie called "uraro", and they were delicious. White flip flops were provided. Large white bath towels were plentiful, as well as yellow and white striped beach towels. I was glad to have a hanging rack for our wet clothes available for use as well.
Oh, and the linens were at least 600TC, thank goodness.
Outside food and beverages were not allowed on the premises, instead meals were served buffet style. Breakfast was included in the published rates, although lunch and dinner were separate expenses. The food wasn't spectacular, but it was good enough. There was a large variety of both local and Western dishes.
We all had a great time. I even swam and didn't care how dark I got. Now that's having fun. LOL
I'm excited to take a trip there!!
ReplyDeleteWow, what i would do to stay there. Bet its costly, iam about to check there website out for costs. Great post by the way
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