Filtered By: Newstv
NewsTV

So hot it’s cool: three hot spring resorts in Laguna


The historic city of Calamba, Laguna is more than the birthplace of our national hero, Jose Rizal—it’s also home to many hot spring warmed by Mt. Makiling. With the rainy season and work-related stress in full swing, what better way to unwind than with a day at Laguna’s hot spring resorts?

Not all getaways have to be expensive. A daytrip to any one of Laguna’s famous resorts is surprisingly affordable—with the right budgeting, you need not spend over P600 for a day of rest and relaxation.

‘Pop Talk’ did a tour of three resorts with host Tonipet Gaba, Miss World 2011 First Princess Gwendoline Ruais, wellness buff Kelzo Del Rosario, and father of three and corporate executive Egay Martinez.

Together, they rated what they liked (Pop) and what they didn’t like (Flop) about each of the three resorts.

Dona Jovita Garden Resort

Established in 1993, 2.5 hectares

Declared by DOT in 1998 as “Class A” resort

P150 daytime cottage rental  

What’s ‘Pop’ about it?

  • Additional outdoor activities like hiking, ping-pong and billiards are free.
  • Egay noted that the kiddie pools and kalesas made Dona Jovita a great place to bring the family.
  • Clean facilities for an affordable price.
  • Very accommodating service.

What’s ‘Flop’ about it?

  • None!

The Final Verdict Facilities: 3/3 Wellness factor: 3/3 Value for money: 3/3

Total Pop Points: 9/9

 

La Vista Pansol

7000 sq. meters

P60 daytime entrance fee

What’s ‘Pop’ about it?

  • Its really large pools make it an ideal venue for parties or office outings. Aside from cottages, they also offer dorm-style accommodations for large groups of people.
  • Outdoor activities include zipline and fishing.
  • The water isn’t that hot; Gwen described it as “more for relaxing, rather than for wellness benefits.”
  • Very affordable.

What’s ‘Flop’ about it?

  • Kelzo noted that since the water isn’t that hot, this might be good for children. To adults, there’s nothing too special or pain-relieving about a warm pool.
  • Safety features of zipline are not updated.
  • Value for money is debatable—sure, it’s cheap, but shouldn’t you expect more?

The Final Verdict

Facilities: 1/3 Wellness factor: 0/3 Value for money: 0/3

Total Pop Points: 1/9



88 Hot Spring Resort and Spa

P7000 for a two-story cottage good for 10 people.

P500 daytime entrance fee with individual locker and towel.  

What’s ‘Pop’ about it?

  • This resort has a very East Asian feel, from the Feng Shui pools to the wide selection of Korean food. The hot spring resort craze arguably had its beginning in countries like Japan, China, and Korea, where bathhouses are part of mainstream culture.
  • It has a variety of pools with different temperatures.
  • Well-trained, very accommodating staff.
  • It offers the total package with classy interiors and great massages.  

What’s ‘Flop’ about it?

  • None. While it’s the most expensive resort of the three, it’s also the one packed with features and delivers the luxurious feel you’d expect from a hot spring resort.

The Final Verdict Facilities: 3/3 Wellness factor: 3/3 Value for money: 3/3

Total Pop Points: 9/9