All work and no play? That’s no way to live! No matter how hardworking you are, you need to leave some room for relaxation too! The Astoria Hotels & Resorts Group has answered that need for a healthy work-life balance by introducing its newest property: Astoria Palawan!
Situated on a sprawling 5-hectare mango orchard in Barangay San Rafael, Puerto Princesa, Astoria Palawan is your newest playground in Palawan’s ‘Forest City.’ Resorts Manager Liza Arbis shares, “We want to be the preferred destination where work and play mingle for a truly productive getaway. We believe that business trips are so much more rewarding when you take the time to enjoy and unwind, and we want Astoria Palawan to be an exceptional destination featuring a well-rounded lifestyle.”
Recently, Astoria Palawan celebrated the completion of two of its newest facilities: the 1-hectare Palawan Waterpark and the world-class Mangrove Convention Center. With these latest developments, business travelers who seek a balance between work and play can have more to look forward to when visiting Palawan. Last October 18, the grand launch of these two facilities were held at the Chardonnay by Astoria in Pasig, and was well attended by travel professionals, travel and lifestyle bloggers, and notable personalities.
An inflatable pool, lots and lots of beach balls, and quirky props and headdresses were all part of the fun photo booth that resembled a mini beach! Just one look at this set-up, and I could already tell that the goal was to make people feel relaxed and playful!
When you arrive at the Astoria Palawan, you will be received a with a musical welcome from the Batak Tribe, one of the last remaining aboriginal tribes in the Philippines. This gives guests a chance to truly connect with the heart and history of the island. I posed with the Batak dancer (NOT a real one!) and asked him to “look macho!” and he politely obliged.
The guests were asked to post photos of the event on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and use the hashtag #AstoriaPalawan for a chance to win a 3-day, 2-night stay at the resort. You see, I went to the event all by myself, and when you’re by yourself, it seems kind of sad to put on a peacock-ish headdress and some tribal piece of cloth while posing for photos. But hey, if it meant getting a chance to win a stay at Astoria Palawan, I’m down for it!
Since it was the launch of Astoria’s Waterpark, it was a water- and sea-themed party! Aside from the beach-like atmosphere in the photo booth area, another highlight of the event was this mermaid surrounded by giant illuminated jellyfish. She was just sitting there wearing a bikini top and a fake mermaid tail, posing for photos with the guests. Looks like a fun job!
The guests enjoyed a delicious buffet, consisting mostly of seafood, which was appropriate for the water / sea theme of the event. I didn’t get to take photos of the food but have a look at the desserts!
In a short presentation about the property, it was mentioned that Palawan was dubbed as one of the ‘World’s Best Islands’ by international magazine Travel and Leisure. The island is up there with Bali, Santorini, and Maui! By this time, I was really hoping that I would be one of the lucky winners of the Astoria Palawan stay!
One of the most distinguished guests at the event was “The King of Talk,” TV host and celebrity endorser Mr. Boy Abunda. I was surprised to see him there, until he was introduced as one of the business partners of Astoria. In his speech, he spoke highly of Astoria and talked about how the property has been a significant part of his life and career, and also praised the exceptional service of Astoria.
From the Batak dancers to the delicious seafood buffet, this launch event gave us a glimpse of what’s in store for us in Astoria Palawan! The best part of the event for me, though, was when they announced the winners of the 3-day / 2-night stay vouchers for Astoria Palawan… and flashed this photo on the big screen:
Look who just won the “Best in Headdress Award”! 😉 And guess who’s going to live it up in Astoria Palawan for 3 days?! Moral of the story: even if you go to an event by yourself, don’t be afraid to look stupid if it means winning an awesome prize! Honestly, no one cares!
Check out this video to see what happened during the launch event:
More about Astoria Palawan:
With its strategic location and leisure activities meant to complement Palawan’s eco-sanctuary experience, Astoria Palawan is evolving more and more into an ideal choice of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) travelers. Just a stone’s throw away from the famed subterranean river and other must-see destinations, Astoria Palawan encourages travelers to have a soothing experience that enhances creativity.
The Pod. Astoria Palawan also offers a wide array of in-resort activities for travelers, like swimming in The Pod, which features an infinity edge that seems to connect to the Sulu Sea. The pool also has a large section for sunken loungers and a separate lounge area for children.
Astoria Palawan’s 1-hectare Waterpark has majestic water geysers, bamboo water cannons, splash pads, wave pools and stunning artwork of Palawan’s endemic flora and fauna and a 2-meter high corkscrew slide, which will surely provide endless fun for adults and children.
Mangrove Conference and Convention Center. The completion of Mangrove Conference and Convention Center, along with 72 spacious and well-appointed private accommodations housed in 13 leaf-shaped wooden cabin villas, will accommodate the increasing demand for off-site meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition venues from corporations and government agencies.
Astoria Palawan also offers a wide array of in-resort activities for travelers, like swimming in Honda Bay, snorkeling in the house reef, soothing in-room massages, movie screenings underneath the stars, beach volleyball, golf cart rides, and mountain bike rides. It also has a game room with local Filipino board games and a karaoke room.
All these photos are making me even more excited to book a flight and have the ultimate staycation at Astoria Palawan! I have been to Astoria Plaza in Ortigas many times and have always enjoyed my time whenever I am there, so I’m psyched to experience the same hospitality and luxury in Astoria Palawan! Time to be bikini-ready!!! (After the Christmas feast, that is!)
Astoria Palawan
Address: Kilometer 62 North National Highway, Bgy. San Rafael, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines
Phone: (+632) 687-1111 loc. 8302
E-mail: sales@astoriapalawan.com
Website: www.astoriahotelsandresorts.com
As if I needed another reason to visit Palawan and Boracay! This looks like such a lovely place. The party looks like it was a ton of fun, too! Under the sea is always such a beautiful theme for colours. Great photos!
What an awesome event – and wow! What a great place to visit and stay! Palawan has been on my bucket list for a while, this looks amazing! I’m such a water baby so it looks perfect!
Juliette | Snorkels to Snow recently posted…A WEEKEND AT THE FIJI BEACHOUSE
This looks exactly like what I need! Some place to rest for a while, leaving my backpacking aside and relaxing on that pool for a few days, while enjoying power breakfast every morning!
I’m so happy that you could attend its launching (looks like so much fun!) and that you are bringing it to us now (although I feel a bit jealous too!)
That resort is insane! You honestly had me at “mango orchard” lol. The desserts at that buffet looks truly delicious. I love the litlte umbrellas and that cake looks divine!!!!!
The place does look awesome. I love the beautiful architecture and the aesthetic (indoor and outdoor). That pool is a dream and looks like a nice spot to relax in!
Abigail of GlobalGirlTravels.com
Abigail recently posted…6 Things to Eat, See & Do in Niagara Falls, Canada
I thoroughly enjoyed your post on The Astoria! The Philippines are the top destination on my bucket list and every time I see posts it strengthens. The pod looks breathtaking and I think the food looks exquisite!
What a great place! Love the water park and know the kids would love it, too!! It looks like a great place to work as well as visit….I would love to add mermaid to my resume.!
Natalie recently posted…Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with KIDS
I have heard a lot about Palawan and it just looked as beautiful as I heard. Really looks good to go with family even with children, too! Btw, in Indonesia there’s a Batak tribe, too. Are we somehow related in history? 😀
Where do I sign up? What an amazing resort and I would love lazing around that water park. So pleased for you that you won! I never win anything lol
Allison recently posted…Designer Accessories on Cue: Fresh Fashion Linkup 57
That waterpark looks like so much fun! I think I prefer water parks to regular theme parks!
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