PICO DE LORO Cove Paradise: Your Dream 1BR Condo Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the shimmering, sun-kissed world of PICO DE LORO Cove Paradise: Your Dream 1BR Condo Awaits! – and trust me, I've got opinions. We're going for unfiltered, messy, and totally real, so get comfy. This isn't some sterile travel brochure; this is my take.
(Disclaimer: Prices and availability change quicker than my mood swings. Check the latest info before you pack that Hawaiian shirt.)
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, the Great Parking Predicament):
Okay, let's be real. Getting to Pico de Loro is a trip. The drive itself is a bit of an adventure, winding roads, and potential traffic. But once you're inside the gates, the sheer beauty hits you like a tidal wave of turquoise water and manicured lawns. The accessibility aspect? Well, it’s good, not perfect. The condo itself – assuming you get one that's listed as accessible – should be decent. But navigating the entire resort? Listen, if you’re relying on a wheelchair, you'll need to scope things out carefully. There are some slopes and distances. The resort tries, they really do, but I wouldn't call it flawlessly accessible. Car park [free of charge] is a huge plus, which means you can breathe a sigh of relief from parking fees at least! But the walking around to access all of these amenities can be a bit much.
The Condo Itself - My 1BR Haven? (Or, did I leave the lights on?):
"Your Dream 1BR Condo Awaits!"… Alright, alright, let's temper expectations. This isn't a penthouse, but my 1BR was clean and functional, if a little… generic. Air conditioning? Thank goodness, because the Philippines' humidity is no joke. Free Wi-Fi in the room? YES! Finally, something that doesn't require me to unplug and huddle near a router. Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens, all made my stay comfortable enough. Daily housekeeping was a lifesaver. I am messy. The non-smoking rooms are a godsend, although a smoking area is available. I'm not judging, y'all, just happy to breathe.
(Side note: Bring your own snacks. The mini-bar is usually expensive, and late-night cravings are REAL.)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (or, my attempt at Zen):
Right, so the good stuff. This is where Pico de Loro shines. The swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], with that view… chef's kiss. Seriously, the infinity pool looking out to the ocean is Instagram heaven. But the pool with a view is where it’s at. I heard there's a sauna and steam room, perfect for sweating out all those late night snacks! A fitness center is available for those of you who thrive on movement. There is a spa. I didn’t get massaged, but the thought alone is heavenly. I'm one of those people that can do nothing and feel relaxed. For the kids: I don’t have any, but the resort seemed pretty family/child friendly, including Kids facilities, Kids meal, Babysitting service.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (or, am I still hungry?):
Okay, food. This is a mixed bag, but let's be real, it's a resort. Prices are inflated, which is just a fact of resort life. There are various restaurants, and Poolside bar, Snack bar, Coffee shop, and restaurants to pick from. You can go a la carte or hit up the Breakfast [buffet] if you like to load up. Breakfast service, Asian & Western cuisines in restaurant are available. The Happy hour is a MUST, and is a fun time to hang out with friends or meet new people. The bottle of water in the room is a great start. I didn’t try the Vegetarian restaurant or the Soup in restaurant, so I can’t speak to the quality.
Cleanliness and Safety (or, am I living in a germ-free bubble?):
Honestly, this is a big deal for me, especially now! Pico de Loro seems to be taking it seriously. The Daily disinfection in common areas and Room sanitization between stays are reassuring. Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. They're working on Hygiene certification. Anti-viral cleaning products sounds great. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter is being followed. Staff trained in safety protocol is reassuring. Cashless payment service is fantastic. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items is a MUST. The First aid kit is a nice detail.
Services and Conveniences (or, the things that make life easier):
Front desk [24-hour] is a lifesaver. Concierge will help you out with most things. Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service? Yes, please! Cash withdrawal available! Food delivery options are great for when you are too tired to eat at the restaurant. The Convenience store is helpful for grabbing last-minute essentials. Facilities for disabled guests – again, check the specific condo, and the resort's overall accessibility.
Getting Around (or, where's my golf cart?):
Car park [free of charge] is great. Airport transfer is available, a BIG plus. Taxi service is available. They don't have a golf cart as far as I know, but hopefully by the time you read this they will have a Car power charging station.
Now for the REALLY Messy Part… My Offer:
Okay, here's the deal. PICO DE LORO Cove Paradise: Your Dream 1BR Condo Awaits! isn't perfect. It's a bit of a hike to get to, and you need a bit of luck to make it fully accessible.
But…
- If You Crave Sun-Drenched Bliss: Look, if you want to escape the everyday grind, soak up some sun, and hear the waves crashing while you sip your cocktail, this is IT. Book a stay, and snag a pool with a view condo.
- Love a Good Spa Day? Seriously, if you are in my league, a spa day is top priority.
- If you're looking for a vacation with everything at your disposal, this is a great option.
What you need to know:
- Plan your dining wisely to save money, but remember to splurge every once in a while
- Book early, especially during peak season!
- Do your research on the specific condo and its accessibility features.
Book NOW and get a 10% discount on all accommodations for all bookings made before the end of the month.
So, book that condo! You deserve it.
Edenwood House George: Uncover South Africa's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't just an itinerary, it's a Pico de Loro Survival Guide – or at least, my attempt to survive a weekend escape to that… ahem… luxury condo in Nasugbu. It's going to be messy, opinionated, and probably fueled by way too much caffeine and sun. Here we go:
PICO DE LORO: The Weekend of Questionable Decisions (and Hopefully, Some Sun)
Friday - The Great Escape (or At Least, the Drive Away From Reality)
- 1:00 PM: The Departure. My apartment looks like a bomb went off. Packing is always a battle. Do I really need five swimsuits? (Yes, yes I do. One for each mood swing). Also, packing the snacks: mandatory. Gotta prepare for the inevitable hangry moments.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Drive. Oh, the drive. It's supposed to be a scenic 3-hour jaunt. Emphasis on supposed. Traffic is always a beast. Pray to the GPS gods (and Waze, of course). This is when my anxiety kicks in. Did I pack my toothbrush? Did I unplug the iron? Is the coffee shop still open? I will definitely stop at the "Welcome to Nasugbu" sign- obligatory selfie time.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Arrival and Condo Conquest. Finally! We've made it. Now time find the condo. It’s a maze of buildings and security checkpoints. Trying to navigate with luggage, sun-baked, and slightly delirious. Finding the right building? Another adventure. Okay, finding the right unit… (Pray we don't get the wrong key again, happened last time. Classic). Once inside, the initial euphoria will be a reality check: Did the AC kick in? Is the bed big enough for the three of us? The view is important, but the AC is crucial.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Unpacking and Condo Recon. The first order of business is always the balcony. Assess the competition. Who's got the best view? Who's blasting the worst music? This is also the time to crack open the celebratory San Miguel (or two, don't judge).
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner Panic. Where to eat? The restaurants at Pico de Loro are expensive. Do we rough it and try to cook in that tiny kitchen (that probably doesn't have the right equipment) or do we brave the overpriced options? Decision, decisions… Hopefully, we found something decent, and the service isn't too glacial.
- 9:00 PM onwards: Sunset Drinks and the People-Watching Olympics. The bar scene is crucial! Drinks, maybe some live music (if we're lucky and the band isn’t playing elevator music), and intense people-watching. Everyone's there: the families, the young couples, and the people who actually live there and seem to own the place. Am I envious? Maybe a little. But mostly, I'm just enjoying the chaos.
Saturday - Sun, Sand, and Slightly Questionable Life Choices
- 8:00 AM: Wake-Up Call (or, more accurately, the Sun Beating Down on Your Face). Okay, time to get up. Or at least, try to. Dealing with the lingering effects of too much tequila and not enough sleep.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast Roulette. Another challenge. The condo has an ok kitchen, but nothing fancy. We want to be efficient, but also not cook.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Beach Bliss (and/or Beach-Related Mayhem). This is the raison d'être of the trip. The beach! Hopefully, the sun isn't too brutal. The water is usually stunning. This is where things get personal. Let's talk about the beach. I'm all about getting the perfect Instagram shot. (Don't judge! Everyone does it.) Finding a decent spot on the sand isn't always easy. The crowds can be… intense. But, there's nothing quite like the feeling of sinking your toes into the warm sand. Building a sandcastle is always a must. Even if it is a pathetic, quickly-collapsing excuse for a castle. It's the intention that matters, right?
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunchtime Lull. After sun and sand, it’s time for grub. The beachside restaurants are often overpriced and mediocre, but the convenience is tempting.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Pool Time… or Maybe Not. I feel like I can survive spending time at the beach at Pico de Loro; the pool… less so. The pools are often crowded and the vibe can be a little… corporate. Or maybe I just need a second beer.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner and Sunset Hunting. Finding a restaurant is always hard. Hopefully we decide on something good, and the service is efficient.
- 8:00 PM - Midnight: Drinks, More People-Watching, and the Deepest Conversations (Possibly). Some nights are just for that.
Sunday - The Slow, Sad Slide Back to Reality
- 9:00 AM: Brunch and Packing-Up Blues. Another tough food decision. Packing is always a nightmare.
- 11:00 AM: A Final Stroll (or Stumble) Around. Last-minute souvenir shopping. And maybe a quick dip in the pool.
- 1:00 PM: The Departure. The dreaded moment arrives. One last look at the view. One last deep breath of that salty air. The drive home. Again.
- 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Traffic and Reflections. Back in the traffic. Traffic is a beast. This is where I start to process the weekend. Did I relax? Did I have fun? Did I get a tan? Probably, yes at least.
- 8:00 PM: Home Sweet Home (and Laundry-Mountain). The unpacking begins, the laundry piles up. But also, the memories. And the sunburn. And the vague sense that even though Pico de Loro has its quirks, it's still a slice of escape.
Okay, spill the beans! What's the REAL deal with PICO DE LORO Cove? Is it even worth it?
So, specifically, why should I consider a 1BR condo at Pico? Sounds potentially pricey...
What's the actual *condo* situation like? Is it modern? Dated? Honestly, I'm picky!
Okay, amenities. What can I ACTUALLY DO there? And does it cost extra for *everything*?
Tell me about the beach and the watersports. Are they any good?
Is it difficult to get to Pico de Loro? Do I need a special car or something? What's traffic like?
What about food? What are the dining options like? Is it all just super-expensive resort food?
Are there activities for kids? What if I'm going as a couple, are there things to do for adults too?
