Page 120 - Asian Paradises 2019-20

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LUZON & MANILA

The city is a mix of old and new, of museum full of Spanish treasures. Manila
traditions and modern customs, Antipolo is the centre of the May-time Manila has a population of around 10
of quaint street stalls and modern pilgrimage, while Angono is home to the million. The city is a mix of old and
shopping malls. Higantes Festival, held in November, new, of traditions and modern customs,
when gigantic papier-mâché figures of of quaint street stalls and modern
Luzon, where Manila is located, is the shopping malls, of excellent museums RAFFLES MAKATI
largest island in the Philippines and men and women are paraded down the and happening restaurants, bars and
many of the provinces are just a few streets. nightclubs.
hours drive from the city. Northern Northern Palawan is home to some of the Unrivalled charm, elegance, and Combining the best of native flavours and something light from the Fairmont
Luzon is rich in panoramic views, green most diverse ecosystems in the country. Although the city spreads a great distance contemporary luxury, Raffles dishes from around the world, each of the Lounge menu, while the poolside bar
landscapes and old Spanish houses. The El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource along Manila Bay, the main places of Makati is a legendary oasis of hotel’s restaurants and bars has its own tempts you with its seasonal menu and
Nicknamed the Summer Capital, Baguio Protected Area showcases extraordinary interest are fairly central, concentrated sophistication nestled in the unique atmosphere. For a feel of Raffles beverages. For the perfect end to your
City is a cool climate escape for Manila’s flora and fauna, including mammals, just south of the Pasig River. Immediately prestigious financial and cultural tradition, the Writers Bar offers themed dining experience, Café Macaron serves
wealthy. The neighbouring city of La reptiles, and birds that are abundant in south is the fortress of Intramuros hub of the Makati district. afternoon teas in a parlour-like setting. freshly prepared sandwiches, cakes,
Trinidad, the provincial capital just the area. The dramatic landscape boasts (literally ‘within the walls’), once the Being the favourite nook of the notable pastries, and their signature macarons
north of the city, has some interesting of soaring limestone cliffs standing preserve of the ruling classes. The hotel is within walking distance authors, the Writers Bar is the venue of with authentically-local flavours.
sights. You can visit the vegetable guard over crystal-clear waters, forests The Manila Cathedral and San Agustin to fashionable boutiques, fine-dining book launches and readings. Inspired by
market, climb Mt Pulag or see the over limestone, and beaches with Church are two of the oldest churches establishments, countless historical its namesake Raffles Singapore, the Long The hotel is the perfect location for
well-preserved Kabayan mummies from powdery white sand. Dramatic lagoons, in the country. Nearby, Casa Manila is and cultural attractions, and a Bar is home to the Singapore Sling and weddings, meetings, and events featuring
burial caves in the north. Visit Asin, a mysterious caves, and colorful reefs are a beautifully restored Spanish colonial glamorous nightlife. the bespoke Raffles 1915 Gin. a diverse choice of meeting and dining
woodcarving village with a hot spring among the facets for Bacuit Bay in El home. The Cultural Centre of the The 32 spacious suites are reflective of options. A dedicated team is available to
swimming hole, natural streams and Nido and Taytay Bay. Philippines is the central venue for all the the local culture and offer a sense of Sip on signature cocktails surrounded by meet all your needs and make your event
relaxing steam bath. A side trip to the A couple of hours by boat from El Nido diverse arts of the provinces, including warmth with wooden flooring, oriental Philippine art in a Malayan plantation unforgettable. The luxurious spa retreat
tranquil mountaintop town of Sagada are the snorkelling havens of Simisu ballet, concerts and stage plays. Within carpets, state-of-the-art technology, inspired scenery. Mirèio, a Provençal- offers signature treatments designed
offers beautiful scenery and a cool Island and Cathedral Cave, Snake Island the complex is the stately Coconut Palace, and floor-to-ceiling windows that inspired upscale brasserie, is an ode to to promote inner peace and serenity,
climate. Its claim to fame is the hanging and Cudugman Cave. South Palawan made of materials from the coconut tree command impressive views of the the famed French coast and countryside. complete with an open-air swimming
coffins, seen on cliff sides surrounding is quite different to the north. Quezon and other indigenous materials. This is cityscape. Suite configurations include Mistral Rooftop Bar boasts panoramic pool overlooking the vibrant city. Raffles
the town and in limestone caves. also a great place to view the spectacular views of the city. Also found in the Makati is situated within a 30-floor tower
is situated around 100 kilometres from the Raffles Executive Suite, the Raffles complex is Spectrum, which offers a that also houses the Raffles Residences
Hugging the northwestern slopes of Puerto Princesa, and is the nearest sunset across Manila Bay. Junior Suite, and the stunning Raffles buffet spread of international cuisine with 237 one to four-bedroom suites and
Luzon are the provincial towns of Ilocos town to the archeologically interesting At the huge Chinese Cemetery in Santa Presidential Suite. served from a live culinary theatre. Enjoy the 280-room Fairmont Makati.
Norte and Ilocos Sur. There is a strong Tabon Caves, a half-hour boat ride away. Cruz, tombs are fitted with crystal
Spanish influence in Vigan Ilocos Sur, Quezon is famous for its Pahiyas Festival chandeliers, air-conditioning, kitchens
with 16th century Spanish houses celebrated in the towns of Lucban and and flushing toilets, to ensure comfort on 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati, 1224 PHILIPPINES
lining the streets of the old section and a Sariaya in mid-May. the trip to paradise. Tel: +632 555 9777 Fax: +632 555 9799 Email: [email protected] www.raffles.com/makati

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