Summer in La Luz

Our much long-awaited family summer outing pushed through last April17-18 in La Luz Beach Resort located in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas. We had a hard time getting a reservation at first but thanks to connections, we were able to get a weekend 🙂 A headcount of 14pax riding in two separate vehicles, we were on our way to La Luz around 7:30 AM (Original plan is leave Las Pinas at 6:30 AM.. talk about Filipino time hehehe). Our departure time was way too late. There was already too much traffic in SLEX and Sto. Tomas, Batangas. We should have sticked to our original plan. Because of too much traffic and unfamiliarity of the place, we arrived around 12:15 PM. Whew! That was a 5-hr travel! Good thing, Kelsea has her car seat and slept almost throughout the ride BUT my nephew Charles was sleeping on my lap. He’s so heavy.

We followed the directions provided by La Luz. When already in Laiya, a row of resorts can be seen, some were familiar names i have encountered when searching the net for alternative resorts in case we can’t get La Luz. La Luz was i think the 2nd to the last resort on that strip (Palm Beach was the last). There was really a rough road that goes way up. Good thing is, the road is already under construction and will be cemented soon. For sure that project is because of the elections 😛

Upon arriving the resort (there were already many vehicles parked), i was looking for the information/reception area. It was downstairs. It was not elderly friendly (think going upstairs). I hope they do something about that in the future.

Here’s the La Luz signage and the stairs going down from the parking:

The information and registration area served us welcome drinks (Gulaman!). Check-in time is 1:00 PM so we were asked first to proceed to the dining area to have lunch. No food is allowed to be brought inside so guests must avail of their food meals worth Php 1,100/pax. This includes lunch upon arrival, PM snack, dinner, breakfast and AM snack. Check-out time is strictly 11:00 AM and we were asked if we want to avail of the buffet lunch worth Php 350. It was worth-it because food served was great and it’s buffet style 🙂 No need to stress ourselves in planning what and who to cook. We are here to relax 🙂

Here are some pics of what’s around on our way to the dining area:

Waiting area (many big red ants roaming around the seats and table)

Mini playground for kids

Standby kayaks

Bikes for rent

Playful monkey

Buffet area

After eating lunch, we went to our rooms. We availed of the Premier (max of 6pax – Php 3,500) and Premier Loft (max of 10pax – Php 4,300). Very affordable! The room was spacious enough for the allowed no. of persons. Its very spacious shower area is separate from the toilet. I like that!

After settling down and taking a rest, Kelsea and I went for a walk while Mark was finishing some work. Mommy and daughter bonding 🙂 From afar, the sand looks white but it’s really grayish up-close. La Luz got a nice and clean surroundings and it makes you think you’re in a private beach. We later learned that people from other resorts are not allowed to swim in the shores fronting La Luz. There are lifeguards roaming around. As guests from La Luz, you would understand that they’re doing this to keep the place exclusive and to maintain the peace and quiet surroundings.

Photos I took of Kelsea while enjoying the sand, the kayak and the fresh air.

Later on after the afternoon snack, family joined us and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon.

Tintin and Jelo with Kelsea.

My nephew Charles also enjoyed playing in the sand. Her mom Mabes wasn’t able to joined us because it was her 1st day of class. Although a graduate of Marketing, she decided to pursue being a nurse and hopefully her dreams of working in the US to give Charles a better future.

Here, Kelsea enjoyed playing in the sand using toys from Ninang Jeth.

The resort guests dinner was served around 7 PM. We were able to enjoy the buffet until 8:30 PM. My mom, dad and aunt already scheduled a massage after dinner. I also wanted that! Reservation was done in the resort office where you will inform them the time and place. Cut-off for reservations is 8:30 PM. Mom and Dad had their massage in our loft while my aunt and I chose to be pampered in the cabanas. It was very relaxing because of the fresh air while watching the stars in the sky and listening to the waves. I told myself I won’t fall asleep but I did hehehe. Massage was only p250 for an hour. It’s up to you to give additional tip 🙂

I wanted to wake up early to enjoy strolling along the beach before having breakfast so i woke up Mark and Kelsea (who was asleep for 7pm til 6am – she must be tired from yesterday’s swim and play) to join me. We were joined by my 10 yr old cousin Tintin. We were able to pass by the big rocks at the end of the beach resort and view the private beach house of the La Luz owner. Here’s a family shot of ours taken by Tintin.

Kelsea striking a pose 🙂

Father and daughter moment 🙂

The great rock at the end of La Luz beach where people climb to have their pics taken.

Breakfast was served 7 AM. I love Filipino breakfast! We were all full and enjoyed the free flowing Kapeng Barako. After eating, Mark and I still had a 30-minute dip in the beach with my aunt Juliet. We had fun and funny pics there but they’re in my aunt’s cam. She must have really enjoyed our stay there wanting to capture her having fun in the water 🙂

Check-out is 11 AM so we already prepared our things and transferred them in the cabanas (were we had our massage last night) wherein guests can still stay there for free the whole day before checking out.

Dining area