We have been on lock-down here in the Philippines for more than six months already. Most of us, our family included, would really love to go out and clear our mind to help ease the anxiety we are all feeling due to this pandemic. With the lock-down guidelines changing every two weeks, planning a vacation or staycation has been very challenging.
Just last month, we were able to secure a reservation at Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast. We have been planning to go to this nature-inspired place since the start of the year but was only able to visit it this month. It was a long wait but definitely worth it.
Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast is located in Bay, Laguna. It is a 3-hectare property that is surrounded by lush green nature and ponds with lotus planted all over it. It has eight casitas that can cater to overnight guests. Each casita has a dipping pool – a unique feature of Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast.
We arrived in Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast at past four in the afternoon. There are only few casitas and thus, there are only few guests – needless to say, our check-in was a breeze and we were assisted very professionally and personally. After check-in, we were assisted to our casita via a golf cart ride – the reception and the casita is about 100-200 meters away from each other. We wouldn’t mind walking, but the experience was nice.
After check-in we toured the place and had snacks in the bar at the pool area. As some of the facilities like zipline, kids’ area, treehouse, and spa are closed, we just content ourselves by taking photos and went back to our casita and spent the afternoon in the dipping pool. By dinner time, we opted to eat at the Hardin Ng Mga Tala area and just added a minimal fee for a dining under the stars experience.
Now, let me share to you some details about Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast.
Room – 5.0 out of 5.0. The standard casita of Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast has everything you need to have a nice relaxation. Upon entrance at the wooden gate, you will be greeted by a pocket garden on one side and the hot spring dipping pool on the other side. The main room has a high-tech doorknob that you only need to remind yourself about the combination and need not worry about keycards. The dipping pool has an entrance directly to the spacious and gorgeous ensuite bathroom that is complete with toiletries (citronella soap, shampoo, and lotion, dental kits, etc), equip with hot and cold rain shower. Bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryer are provided. The king size bed is very welcoming and can give a good night’s sleep. The casita is spacious at 25sqm. It is complete with superb air-conditioning, mini fridge, wardrobe with safety deposit box, office table with one chair, and bedside table. At the other side of the room is a mini terrace that provides another place to relax. The casita has no television, so as to disconnect with the busy world – but it was not a problem as there is internet and a tablet available, if you really need to connect.
Amenities – 5.0 out of 5.0. Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast has complete amenities. It has two swimming pools and a jacuzzi. It has a bar in the pool area. There is a kids’ area with zipline, trampoline, bikes, playground, and a tree house (all these are closed for health and safety reasons). The spa area is also closed. They have a very spacious restaurant and gardens abound.
Staff – 5.0 out of 5.0. Staffs of the Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast are attentive and courteous. There was never a thing we need that was not promptly given. We were greeted whenever we passed by each other (which was seldom since the place only has minimal staffs due to the minimal number of guests too).
Food – 4.0 out of 5.0. Reservations at the Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast comes with a dinner and breakfast (ours have set snacks too). We opted to dine under the stars and paid extra for Php1000 (which I would not recommend as the restaurant is already very nice, but if you want to try the experience, go ahead). The food was okay-tasting, not very delicious – but the presentation and the catering was excellent.
Location – 5.0 out of 5.0. Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast is in a secluded place at Bay, Laguna. It was not hard to find as long as you are using google maps. You might need your own private transport to get there. The location is very serene and tranquil that you will forget all about the pandemic when you are inside.
Value for Money – 4.8 out of 5.0. Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast is slightly expensive than your regular hotels. However, the place is so worth every peso you will spend. Not only can you have a rest and recreation you need, the lush greenery will put your minds away from all anxieties.
We had a wonderful and memorable time during our stay at Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast. We were able to leave the place feeling relaxed and well-rested. We will surely go back to this place. 😊
PS: Minimum health and safety protocols were observed during our stay. Days before our visit, we were asked to fill-up a Health and Travel declaration forms. Children below 21 years old and adults more than 60 years old were not allowed inside the property. Disinfecting mist and body temperature check were done upon arrival. Dining is done by batches to avoid crowding the restaurant. Payments were done cashless via credit cards and online platforms. Most of the facilities are not open for use – such facilities that cater to kids.
UPDATE: We went back to Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast last June 2021, and they now require negative antigen/RT-PCR test done 3 days prior to your overnight stay.
Disclaimer: We paid for our accommodation at Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast and all opinions are mine.
