CROSSWINDS HOTEL TAGAYTAY

CROSSWINDS HOTEL TAGAYTAY



Sometimes it’s hard to think where to unwind or spend some quality getaway weekend with your families or friends near in Manila. Of course most of us wanted a nice place with a nice view which is far from busy chaos of Manila. Well, Tagaytay is a number one spot near in Manila in terms of getaway. So we discover Crosswinds Resort Suites!

Crosswinds Resorts is located in Tagaytay which is Swiss inspired community. With the beautiful background of pine trees everywhere. Take a glimpse of the stunning beauty of its natural terrain as you enjoy the fresh air with the scent of Pine trees. Chill out and unwind to the serenity of the atmosphere, and wake-up to see a breathtaking view from your room.

the view from our room

We booked a 2 bedroom villa in crosswinds good for 6 persons. Our villa has a fully equipped kitchen if you love cooking. The good thing about this Resort is you can bring foods and drinks without corkage fee. Which means party time?



our food[/caption]

Before going to crosswinds, we went grocery to buy some foods and drinks for the entire stay. And I’m excited to cook and then get drunk at night.

During at night we played beer pong, and we are so loud yelling because of the game. And of course we are totally drunk and hyper active. Thank god the guards or reception didn’t check us to our room maybe it is sound proof?

On the other day we went swimming in their pool despite of the cold weather. The cold never bothered me anyway. As long as there’s a pool, I will swim. The pool is far from our villa so they provide free shuttle going there.
the pool without heater

The water is so cold, there is no heater. Bringing foods and drinks in the pool premises is not allowed. There are guards if you planning to sneak out some alcohol.

Other things to do:

picnic?

more pictures[/caption]



On the way going home, we stopped by their Christmas village which add to the fun. Nice to take photos especially with kids, too bad my daughter is not with me. I’m sure kids will love it. Actually I acted like a kid here. Its everyday Christmas, it’s like Santa Claus village.

santa's bus[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_698" align="aligncenter" width="660"] the tallest christmas tree I've ever seen

christmas village[/caption]

Watch out for the road because it’s very steep. If you are a beginner driver I suggest don’t drive. If your car is in a ramshackle condition, you must think twice before you get stumble and fall on the cliff. Safety first!



Staying in Crosswinds is great choice if I want to unwind for a weekend for a fair price and near location. It is now my favorite hotel in Tagaytay.

So plan your trip now if you want a staycation near in Manila..Thanks for reading my blog! Cheers!

Las Islas Gigantes escapade

A must see Gigantes Island
If you are looking for another get away, this trip must be added to your bucket list. Gigantes island is located at the northern part of Iloilo. It consists of 10 islands which I should explore.[/caption]

How to get there

From Roxas City you can ride a bus going to Estancia Port in Carles (estimated time is 2 hours)


from Roxas to Carles Port

From Estancia Port to Gigantes Island you will ride a public boat (cost PHP 80 per way)

Schedule of public boat:

Estancia port to Gigantes Island – 2:00 PM

Gigantes Island to Estancia port – as early as 6:00 AM

This is the only boat schedule going and leaving the island so you must be on time before you miss the boat or else you will wait until the next day. It might ruin your itinerary.

But what we did was we came from Caticlan, Boracay going to Estancia Port, Carles. We rented a van from Caticlan which cost us PHP 400 per person (we are 10 pax and paid PHP 4,000). The price was not expensive at all because it is more convenient than commuting going to Carles. It was a very long ride when left Catliclan by 10:00 AM in the morning. We reach the Estancia Port by 4:00 PM (including the stop over lunch).

We paid PHP 75.00 on the Estancia Port for Environmental Fees before riding a boat (for tourist only).

We had a private boat because it is included in the package from a resort (dela vega beach resort) that we availed before going there, so the schedule of boat is not an issue. It was a 1 hour boat ride going to the Gigantes, island. The owner of the Hotel warned us that there is not signal in the Island. What??? So beware.

Dela Vega Beach Resort

How to get around

The main transportation in the Island is a single motorcycle. So we opt to ride motorcycle going to our Hotel. Riding in tandem.

What to do

Island hopping ..the gang is complete

Island hopping is the main attraction in Gigantes Island. We failed to explore all the islands because of the Typhoon Kabayan and the condition of waves is really rough. So we were just able to explore the Bantigue sandbar, Antonia beach, Cabugao gamay island (most popular in pictures). I was disappointed because the reason why I went to Gigantes Island is to see the Tangke Saltwater Lagoon. But the island hopping was fun though, and I guess I will visit again this magnificent remote island to see the Tanke Saltwater Lagoon.

BANTIGUE SANDBAR

Bantigue sandbar




ANTONIA ISLAND
Antonia island



Heading up to the secret cave at Antonia Island

The creepy cave





CABUGAO GAMAY ISLAND

Cabugao Gamay Island



the way going up





Also there is an old light house in Gigantes, Island. Sunrise is the best time if you want a spectacular view.

THE LIGHT HOUSE

the light house
while watching the beautiful sunset

old structure around the area





PROS:

• Very remote island (far from internet)


• The seafood’s are very affordable (more scallops)


• The accommodations are affordable.

CONS:

• The electricity is limited and shut off every 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM


• There is no signal in the Island


• The boat ride is 1 hour and there is a schedule

TIPS:

• Be on time if riding a public boat


• Better to travel during summer season


• Avoid rainy season because of heavy waves going there


• More sunblock


• Prepare some canned goods such as corned beef, spam, etc. (seafoods overwhelmed me and I need canned meat)


• Bring more water for the island hopping.

Plan you itinerary now to see this magnificent island! Thanks for reading my blog! Cheers!