What’s the best way to get back into Manila’s groove after arriving from a trip? In my case, after a week in Germany, the best thing to do was to check in at Discovery Primea Makati, the newest luxury hotel in the city.
Discovery Primea Makati is the newest addition to The Discovery Leisure Company’s prestigious collection of hotels and resorts in the Philippines.
Most of us are already familiar with Discovery Shores in Boracay and Country Suites in Tagaytay, to name two of the group’s famed properties. Discovery Primea Makati adds to that notable list.
The luxury hotel occupies the first 16 floors of the Discovery building on Ayala Avenue in the heart of the Makati CBD. The upper floors are for private condos.
At the invitation of general manager David Pardo de Ayala, my family and I checked in for a two-night staycation. The Discovery touch is in full force at Discovery Primea. David and his staff were on hand to welcome us.
As in other Discovery resorts, the hotel’s personalized touches made our stay extra special. From our names embroidered on the pillows to theme cakes in our rooms to little gifts including framed family photos, no pampering detail is overlooked.
Over the weekend, the kids enjoyed the heated infinity pool on the third floor overlooking the Makati skyline, and I had a short workout at the gym.
The room itself has full WiFi connectivity and the music system has an iPhone port.
This early, I can tell that it is most likely the food that will draw visitors to Discovery Primea. The Restaurant Tapenade has an extensive salad bar with fresh oysters, organic vegetables, and a wide selection of cheeses, hams and freshly baked breads from around the world.
The main courses are already gaining word-of-mouth fame among foodies. My hubby Dennis enjoyed the Wagyu Hanging Tender Steak while I opted for the Red Snapper with Romesco Sauce. Our kids went for the oven-baked pizza.
Discovery Primea is offering an Easter staycation package from today until April 5. Guests may enjoy a two-night stay in a Business Flat, inclusive of gourmet breakfast at Restaurant Tapenade for two adults, complimentary breakfast for two children below 12 years old, complimentary parking for one car per suite, complimentary use of the pool and fitness center, 15 percent discount on food and beverage, and a special Discovery Primea Easter gift. (Visit www.discoveryhotels-resorts.com/discoveryprimea)
On Easter Sunday, Discovery Primea will feature a Spanish Brunch menu. In addition to the salad bar and entrées, there will be Mediterranean Paella, free-flowing sangrias and other drinks.
Best part
I discovered that the best part of a staycation is that you can still do city activities during the day. I joined my running buddy Raeanna Cranbourne to check out Art in the Park at Salcedo Village.
The annual art fair showcases up-and-coming artists using oil, acrylic, wood and ceramic and other media. After shopping at the art fair, I headed back to the hotel to enjoy cocktails at The Gilarmi Lounge with some friends.
On display at the Discovery Primea lobby was the “Lifestyle Asia Home & Away 3,” a coffee-table book on interiors and private spaces. This third volume of the book series, featuring Rico and Nena Tantoco’s Sta. Elena residence on the cover, was recently launched at the Crystal Lounge in Crown Towers at City of Dreams Manila.
On hand to welcome guests was the One Mega Group publishing team led by chairman Jerry Tiu, CEO Sari Yap, Lifestyle Asia publisher and deputy editor Cheryl Tiu, and Lifestyle Asia editor in chief Anna Sobrepeña.
Cheryl introduced Kevin Sim, City of Dreams Manila COO, who told the guests about the newly opened leisure destination.
Seeing the Lifestyle Asia book in Discovery Primea reminded me that the Red Charity Gala is coming again soon. Both have been consistent sponsors of past galas, along with Volvo Philippines, whose president Albert Arcilla has agreed to be a sponsor again this year.
Red Charity Gala cochair Kaye Tinga and I were pleased to be at the Volvo Night of the Arts recently, for the introduction of the R-Design S60 and XC60. Volvo used the event to honor six of the country’s most influential and esteemed personalities, People Asia magazine editor in chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, motoring legend Jose “Pocholo” Ramirez, performing artist Raymond Lauchengco, chef Rolando Laudico, glass sculptor Ramon Orlina, and fashion designer Randy Ortiz.
These exemplary individuals embody the spirit of the Volvo R-Design models, which are more dynamic and performance-oriented. In the same way that the six innovators have blazed trails, so will the R-Design Volvos reshape the motoring landscape.
Volvo is widely known as the safest car in the world. Over its 86-year history, it has innovations such as the three-point seatbelt that are now found in every car in the market.
Its Vision 2020 foresees a future in which no one will be injured or killed in a modern Volvo. That’s quite a vision, and one that Albert and his team are proud to be part of.
In closing, I would like to invite everyone to visit The Gourmand Market at C1 Park, Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig, a project of Patricia Panlilio and Dong Ronquillo. The Gourmand Market was inspired by the duo’s travels and passion for food.
The quaint and charming street market opened this weekend, featuring an array of artisanal products and healthy foods.
Today is the last day, and the rustic food offerings are on hand until midnight. The Gourmand Market is presented by Globe Platinum.
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