Colors & Cultures of Negros, Philippines

Manila’s Fairmont Makati is located at the heart of the Philippines’ premier art and business district of Makati, which ranks among the world’s busiest centers of commerce and culture. Although directly connected to Manila, Makati is typically considered a highly modernized, cosmopolitan city of its own thanks to its dense population, as well as its ample concentration of multinational and local businesses. Fairmont Makati has cemented a place among the capital’s finest five-star hotels thanks to its classy amenities and top-flight hospitality team. In terms of dining, the hotel’s unique offerings promise to satisfy the gastronomic desires of even the most discerning guests. And what’s more, the hotel is located within walking distance of some of Manila’s most sought-after attractions, including the Zuellig Building, 6750, Ayala Museum, the Glorietta Shopping Complex, and Greenbelt – one of the country’s most fashionable shopping malls. The sprawling metropolis of Manila beckons with a little bit of something for everyone, from culturally immersive explorations into the city’s music and art scenes to day trips adventuring among the country’s 7,100 islands. Whatever the journey, Fairmont Makati welcomes guests with a safe haven of five-star luxury and relaxation amid the urban landscape of the capital city.

Strategically placed on the corners of Ayala and Makati Avenues, The Peninsula Manila is close to premier shopping facilities and within easy access of Manila's numerous attractions. The hotel is a nine kilometers drive from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and just six kilometers from Manila's domestic airport. Elegantly furnished in classic style, the hotel's 351 rooms and suites provide modern, technologically advanced conveniences, including complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access. The Gallery Club Lounge is available 24 hours a day, providing live musical entertainment and all-day refreshments and nibbles, including a breakfast buffet, The Peninsula Afternoon Tea, gourmet canapés and an open bar with a curated selection of spirits and sommelier-selected wines. The thoughtfully-designed private lounge is enhanced with custom-designed tables and soft furnishings arranged in an intimate lounge setting. Continental and Pan-Asian cuisine is served at The Peninsula's many restaurants, including Old Manila and Spices, which are two of the top restaurants in the city. Salon de Ning, the hotel's quirky lounge, features musical entertainment on most evenings.

Just five minutes’ drive from the airport, the Marzon Hotel in Sta. Monica Andagao, Kalibo provides 25 modern rooms with all the facilities required for a pleasant and relaxing stay. The town of Kalibo itself actually doesn’t have any five-star hotels, meaning that this modest three-star hotel comes at the top of most travelers’ lists of accommodation options for the area. The location of the Marzon is on the quiet side, located in a less built up side of town. However, there are still plenty of eating and entertainment options close by, and those feeling less adventurous can dine in the hotel’s very own restaurant and cafe. Guests can also enjoy a large, clean swimming pool and an on-site spa to ease away those aches and pains. For a more lively scene, the town center - along with those gorgeous Kalibo beaches - are just a short walk away. 

At this weird and wonderful hotel in Kalibo, it’s Christmas seven days a week, every week. Trees, tinsel, angels and wreaths all add to the odd festive theme throughout. There’s also a large assortment of dolls on display in a couple of downstairs areas, because...well, why not? For the scrooges out there - don’t be too put off. The rooms are less tacky and more tasteful, with comfortable beds, TV and air conditioning, meaning that if the whole Christmas/doll theme is not your thing, you can always find an escape here. Along with decent rooms, the hotel’s location is a big plus. Located right on the beachfront, many of the rooms boast great sea views. Although this self-proclaimed ‘hotel experience’ may not be to the taste of the most discerning of interior designers, it does offer a unique, memorable stay and is particularly great for families. 

The Amigo Terrace Hotel is an ideal place to stay right in the center of Iloilo City - one of the Philippines’ most beloved tourist destinations. Although situated on a busy road, the hotel’s rooms are quiet and well-secured, offering a haven from the busy city streets and lively nightlife just a stone’s throw away outside. Large beds, TV, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and private balconies all come as standard in the range of superior and deluxe rooms. Guests looking for fun on-site, rather than having to venture out, won’t be disappointed either, with access to a pool (with its own poolside bar), restaurant, family room and ballroom. Those feeling lucky can take advantage of the on-site Amigo Terrace Arcade - Iloilo’s ‘first ever entertainment center’ – featuring a variety of casino-style slot machines and card games. 

L’Fisher Hotel proves year-by-year to be one of the most popular accommodation choices in Bacolod for both tourists and business travelers alike. Large 320-square-foot rooms provide stylish and elegant surroundings, with double beds, fresh white linen, a writing desk and coffee table alongside all the usual modern conveniences that you’d expect to find. Marketed as a ‘convention and leisure hotel’, there is more to L’Fisher than just comfortable rooms. Guests can take advantage of the fantastic banquet and conference rooms, as well as two excellent restaurants and large pool area. The 24-hour Ripples Restaurant serves up modern bistro food with locally-sourced ingredients ensuring optimum quality and freshness. There are also daily buffets and occasional food festivals too. Find L’Fisher Hotel located five minutes away from downtown Bacolod and about 30 minutes’ drive from the town’s domestic airport.

The yellow-painted, colonial-style Planta Centro Bacolod Hotel and Residences is one of the few quality hotels in town. Catering for business guests and tourists, the hotel offers spacious and elegant rooms with a whole host of facilities, including air conditioning, telephone, flat-screen cable TV, Wi-Fi, mini-bar and refrigerator. Downstairs there’s a huge swimming pool, restaurant, café, fitness room and business center. Planta Centro Bacolod Hotel and Residences is located at Araneta, Roxas and Osmeña Street, which is at the heart of Bacolod’s business and financial district. The main shopping, dining and commercial areas of Bacolod are 10 minutes’ drive away and guests can simply grab an inexpensive cab into downtown, or just as easily walk to one of the nearby eating establishments or bars. 

Having had a complete renovation in 2010, the Sugarland Hotel in Bacolod has recently come to the forefront of accommodation options in town. The owners have attempted to make this into a ‘modern hacienda retreat’ with its charm and elegance reflecting the former old-world plantation living of the area. Machuca tiles decorating the hallways and Hacienda wooden floors do well to achieve this charming feel throughout, together with all the modern touches that come with a 21^st century hotel. Rooms are large and most have their own private balconies for guests to sit outside and enjoy the year-round sunshine. The tranquil and peaceful atmosphere isn’t just saved for the rooms either. The gorgeous pool area downstairs feels like a real hideaway, and there’s also a great restaurant offering a range of local and international flavors. 

The stunning Punta Bulata Resort & Spa is where paradise beach living meets comfort and convenience. Guests can choose from a wide selection of rooms, such as Filipino nipa hut cottages or luxurious spa rooms, all of which are located just a matter of steps away from a private, postcard-perfect tropical beach. Rooms are comfortable and elegantly designed – not that you’d want to be spending too much time inside when the warm, turquoise sea is so temptingly close. And for those who aren’t keen on salt water, the hotel pool is great for swimming and has some excellent panoramic ocean views. Elsewhere, guests can find a fine restaurant serving international food and ‘The Ayu Spa’: a twelve room sanctuary for guests to indulge themselves in a range of relaxing massage and spa treatments. One of the most popular activities in the area is of course diving. Thousands flock here every year to enjoy the diverse coral reefs and clear water, with the best spots found just a 20 minutes’ boat ride away from Punta Bulata Resort & Spa.