Spa By the Sea Resort (Talisay City)

Have you ever experienced that moment when you just want to go to a place that isn't hustling and bustling with people?

Have you ever wished there was a place where you can unwind (which isn't a bar) within the city?

I did too. And that's when I found

Spa by the Sea Resort

in Talisay City (a resort owned by the Hernaez's).

the bridge over the big pond
to the cottage by the sea

As the name implies, it is both a spa and a resort. Just a few blocks from the highway (Bacolod-Silay), you'll be surprised how tranquil it can be – not a single sound of busy vehicles!

The Spa by the Sea has a restaurant where we ordered mixed seafood, grilled bangus (milkfish), mixed vegetables, and rice. They have a grill available for use, by the huts, so we brought porkchops and grilled them there. We brought a cake for our dessert; and we also brought a cooler with our drinks and ice.

grilling behind a "palm curtain" :)

Although the resort's staff were kind enough to give us some ice, we didn't want to use up all their supply – after all, they do have other guests too. :)

We went there on a Saturday and there were only three groups there.  One was us (the noisiest!), the second was a large group (a big family), and the third was a group of people for a wedding.

got a shot of the wedding's behind the scenes moments
(don't know who they are, though)

It was calm and peaceful, but not boring.

Lunch was great! Afterwards, we spent the time sitting, talking, taking pictures, laughing – just pure fun under the sun!
After a while the pool was becoming more and more irresistible – but we didn't bring any swimwear... :(

the resort's infinity pool

nice for photo ops too!

Relaxing in the huts was so great that I was already contemplating another trip there.

The resort was simply designed: colorful flags by the seawall, little Mexican figurines on some corners of the resort, clay jars lined along the pathway that light up at night, etc...

Considering an overnight stay was tempting too – but we couldn't. Too many obligations waiting for us at our homes. :(    Perhaps next time.

Their rooms were at 1,300 pesos (and can accommodate 3 or more people; more than 3, the extra people will each be charged 250 pesos). Rooms are air conditioned and well kept. They also offer spa services in your room until 7:30pm.  A great deal for group trips. :) 

wanna take a dip?

what a wonderful world, isn't it?

The sunset was serene and tranquil that afternoon,  I guess it was the perfect close to a fun-filled afternoon by the sea.
Until next time...

Laura Seafront Resort (Cadiz City)

Just a few miles from the city proper of Cadiz, you will find Laura Seafront Resort – one of the resorts that people can go to when visiting Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

Entrance to the Junior Olympic-sized pool

The resort holds a view of the Visayan Sea, and apparently a faint view of Cebu Island in the distance. Specifically located in Daga, about 4 kilometers from the city proper, it doesn't boast of white sand shores or clear sapphire waters. It is simply an average shoreline of the usual-colored sand and the usual-colored waters.

it was high tide after lunch

However, it is one of the popular places to visit when in the area. You can relax in their restaurant that overlooks the sea – the sounds of the waves rushing in and the strong sea breeze blowing on your face – you can't beat that.

half of the restaurant area

The restaurant, however, is just a simple place made of concrete that's colorfully painted with simple chairs and tables. They have a "videoke machine" that is pay-per-song – a song is about 5 pesos, and you drop it in, and the song becomes available for you to sing along with.                  

                                                                                                                                                    It serves coffee, sodas, chips, and other simple foods that you may want to have.

                                                                                                                                                   They have aircon rooms at 500 pesos per night – a great deal actually, considering that it is already air conditioned. They have function halls too which can serve as venues for seminars or conferences.

the junior Olympic-sized pool

If you're just there to have a good time, they have two pools. A junior Olympic-sized pool and a kiddie's pool; they also have a tennis court if swimming isn't your thing. Fees for swimming are 40 pesos for adults and 25 pesos for children.                 

they had bird houses and doves
flying all over the place :)

Aside from these, they have huts where you can stay for the day that are adjacent to the restaurant, thus, the same view of the Visayan Sea and Cebu Island.

So, where's the ship? ;)

The place is interestingly designed and decorated too as it is filled with colorful flags, some stone structures, and some nautical objects that were painted colorfully. In fact, about 25% of the guest were foreigners (Caucasians mostly) when I went there.

Even he is happy... :)

Overall, it is a second class resort, as Cadiz City is not yet as developed and progressive as the other bigger cities.  The rates are a good deal, and the people (staff and personnel) are friendly and accommodating. Great deal, nice people, equates to a nice time.