PICO DE LORO Paradise: Stunning 1BR Condo Awaits in Nasugbu!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, the slightly chaotic, and hopefully utterly convincing review of PICO DE LORO Paradise: Stunning 1BR Condo Awaits in Nasugbu! This place… well, it's got potential. Big potential. Let's unpack it, shall we? This isn't going to be your typical, sterile hotel review. This is going to be real.
First Impressions: The Hustle and the Bliss (and the Slightly Confusing Directions)
Alright, getting to Pico de Loro is… an adventure. It’s in Nasugbu, Batangas, so pack your patience and your GPS. Seriously. That said, the moment you arrive at the gates, you can almost feel the tension melt away. I mean, you’ve got to navigate all the stuff getting there – the traffic, the slightly vague directions from Google Maps (which, let me be honest, once tried to send me through a cow pasture), but the rewards are totally worth it.
Finding the Paradise condo itself? Smooth sailing. The check-in? Mostly. Contactless check-in/out – LOVE it! Less fumbling around, more time to, you know, relax. They offer Airport transfer which would have been fantastic. Learn from my mistake, book it.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Okay!)
Okay, so Facilities for disabled guests are listed, but details are scant. The Elevator is a win, obviously, especially that high up. I didn’t see anything explicitly Wheelchair accessible, but I also wasn't scrutinizing every nook and cranny. So, if accessibility is crucial, definitely call ahead and ask specific questions. This is one area they should really clarify.
The Condo Itself: My Sanctuary (and My Temporary Mess)
This 1BR condo? Stunning is a good start. Actually, scratch that. Jaw-dropping is more accurate. Think huge windows with a view that'll steal your breath, Air conditioning blasting (thank the heavens!), and a Seating area perfect for, well, doing nothing in extreme comfort. The Sofa practically called my name, and I obliged.
The Bathroom was clean, with a Separate shower/bathtub… which I, naturally, immediately filled with bubbles. Ahhh… Free bottled water, Coffee/tea maker, and Complimentary tea (essential for me) sealed the deal. Air conditioning was on point. And the Blackout curtains? Chef’s kiss. Seriously, a total win on the comfort front. It's got that “staying in an oasis” feeling.
Full List of Room Amenities: Additional toilet, 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.
(Now, let's get real: my Room was temporarily messy. This isn't a hotel fault! It’s a “Me and my luggage” issue. But it's easy to tidy up, and Daily housekeeping means someone else will if you want. I didn't. I embraced the mess and enjoyed the Wake-up service when I was ready.)
Internet – Because We're Not Savage (Mostly)
Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms? Hallelujah! And it worked. Really well. Internet access – wireless. Internet access – LAN. Everything you could need to get the latest on-demand movies, check your emails, and post a million pictures of that view!
Things To Do (or… Not Do)
This is where Pico de Loro truly shines. I’m not a super-active vacationer. My idea of the perfect break is a book, a pool, and repeat.
- Pools galore: The Swimming pool [outdoor]? Absolutely gorgeous. Pool with view? You betcha. Seriously Instagrammable. I spent a solid afternoon just floating, doing a whole lot of nothing. Pure bliss.
- Ways to relax: Speaking of bliss… There's a Spa! Sauna and Steamroom. I highly recommend this. The Massage I had was… life-altering. Okay, maybe not life-altering, but totally heavenly.
- Fitness Fanatics: Fitness center and Gym/fitness are listed. I, uh, may have looked at the equipment. I did not use it. Maybe next time!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun (and the Laziness)
Listen, I like to eat. And Pico de Loro delivers. From the Poolside bar to the main Restaurants, I never went hungry.
- The Grub: Got A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant, but I was most excited for the Desserts in restaurant and Snack bar.
- Breakfast Business:: They have Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast service and Breakfast takeaway service for all your morning hunger needs. Coffee shop too!
- Drinks: They have a Happy hour. I have no further comment. Bar too!
- Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (Important!)
Okay, this is important in the current climate. They have Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays and Professional-grade sanitizing services. The staff Staff trained in safety protocol and Hand sanitizer everywhere. They have Hygiene certification and Safe dining setup. I felt safe. Really safe. It’s clear they take this seriously. Hot water linen and laundry washing is a bonus, too.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Cash withdrawal on site? Lifesaver. Currency exchange? Handy! Convenience store? Forgot toothpaste, it’s solved.
- Concierge was super helpful. Doorman always greeted with a smile. Dry cleaning if you need it!
- The Gift/souvenir shop is dangerously tempting.
- Pets allowed unavailable – for the record, I don't travel with pets, but if you do, well… you know.
- For special events, they have Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, and Outdoor venue for special events.
- Business folks have access to Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, and Xerox/fax in business center.
Full List of Additional Services: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids (and the Young at Heart)
- Babysitting service listed. Family/child friendly. Kids facilities. I'm a single adult, so I wasn't really paying attention to that aspect, but certainly noted the number of families playing and having fun.
The Not-So-Perfect Stuff (Because Life Isn't a Fairy Tale)
- The road in and out is not the best.
- Not all amenities were open when I was there (due to gestures vaguely the world situation).
- This is a minor gripe, but some of the design choices feel a little… dated. Still comfortable, but not exactly the sleekest.
- No, I did not find my Couple's room or the Proposal spot.
My Overall Verdict: Book It. Seriously.
PICO DE LORO Paradise: Stunning 1BR Condo Awaits… it’s almost a perfect getaway. Its flaws are minor, and the good stuff is really good. It’s a place to truly relax, recharge, and soak up some serious
Avillion Cameron Highlands: Your Unforgettable Malaysian Escape!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly-Photoshopped travel itinerary. This is the real, sticky-sand-in-my-toes, "where's the bug spray?!" version of a weekend at Pico de Loro Cove in a 1BR condo. Prepare for a journey… of epic proportions, or you know, just some beach time.
Pico de Loro: A Messy, Glorious Adventure - 1BR Condo Edition
Day 1: Arrival, Beach Bliss, and the Culinary Struggle is Real
(1:00 PM): Holy moly, finally arrived! Traffic from Manila was, as expected, a soul-crushing crawl. I swear, I spent longer staring at the bumper of a rusty jeepney than I did actually driving. But hey, we're here! The condo's surprisingly nice, a bit smaller than the photos suggested, but hey, ocean view! The bags are barely unloaded, and the kids are already demanding to be on the beach. Priorities, right?
(2:00 PM): Beach time! The sand is amazing. Fine, powdery, just the right level of hot without burning your feet. The waves are gentle and perfect for… well, mostly just splashing. My attempt at building a sandcastle ended up looking more like a wet, lumpy landmass. Seriously, how do people build those elaborate things? I need a master class. My youngest just screamed, "I MUST HAVE A BEACH HOLE."
- Quirky Observation: The sheer number of sunblock-covered toddlers running around is both adorable and slightly terrifying. They're like little greased lightning bolts of pure, unadulterated joy.
(4:00 PM): The Culinary Disaster Begins. Okay, so my brilliance in packing snacks for the car ride didn't translate into any actual meal planning. Trying to cook dinner in an unfamiliar kitchen is its own special kind of hell. I’m fairly certain I might have set off the smoke alarm three times with some attempts to toast bread for sandwiches and the stove is either full power on or off.
(6:00 PM): Sunset! Beautiful, absolutely stunning. The sky is ablaze with orange and purple. We're sitting on the balcony, enjoying our (slightly charred) sandwiches and watching the colours bleed into the ocean. This is why we came, right here. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
(7:00 PM): The kids are finally asleep. My partner and I are splitting a bottle of wine, nursing our battle scars from the kitchen. The condo is small and it's cozy after all.
Day 2: Adventure, Disappointment, and the Search for Decent Coffee
(8:00 AM): Wake up! The view from the balcony is spectacular. I'm determined to make a decent breakfast today. I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm already thinking about how to make sure the morning is perfect, I'll make sure everything goes to plan.
(9:00 AM): We decide to try the kayaking. The water is calm, the sun is warm, and I am sure I'm going to be gracefully gliding across the water. Turns out, graceful gliding is not my forte. More like… flailing. I almost capsized trying to take a photo of a cool-looking crab.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, kayaking wasn't quite as romantic as I pictured. I spent more time trying not to fall in than actually enjoying the scenery, which was a shame because the scenery was beautiful.
(11:00 AM): We found a coffee shop! Finally, some caffeine. I'm pretty sure the quality of the coffee determines the quality of the day. It's the little things, you know? Turns out the coffee shop's closed for refurbishment. I would sell my soul for a decent latte. We settle for instant coffee from the condo.
(12:00 PM): Lunch at a restaurant. Overpriced seafood. I'm starting to feel like the food here is perpetually… meh. I want a plate of something that tastes like it's cooked with love, not just a desire to profit. We're all grumpy and tired.
(2:00 PM): Pool Time! The pool is packed, of course. People everywhere, but hey, at least it's a change of scenery from the beach. The kids are happy, splashing around. I'm trying to relax, but the thought of dinner is looming.
(4:00 PM): I've decided to order pizza. Yes, I'm giving up on my culinary ambitions. I'm officially a pizza- ordering travel parent. It’s that or burn down the building.
(6:00 PM): Pizza arrived, it's mediocre. But everyone eats it, and that's the important part. We're watching another sunset from the balcony. Things feel a little better now.
Day 3: Departure and a Promise to Return (Eventually)
(8:00 AM): Packing! Ugh, I hate packing. The kids are already sad to leave. We're going to leave earlier than planned. I want to get out of the city before all the traffic.
(10:00 AM): Driving back to Manila. The traffic is predictably awful. I zone out. I'll probably return.
(1:00 PM): Finally home. The condo was lovely.
Final Thoughts:
Pico de Loro, you were… interesting. A mix of breathtaking beauty, frustrating inconveniences, and moments of pure, unadulterated family chaos. It wasn't perfect, but it was real. And that, my friends, is what makes a trip worth remembering. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time… I'm bringing a chef.
Cebu City's BEST Ocean & City View Condo Studio! ✨
PICO DE LORO Paradise: 1BR Condo FAQ - Let's Get Real! (And a little messy...)
Okay, is this *actually* paradise, or just another condo with a misleading title?
Alright, deep breath. Paradise? Strong word. Look, it's *pretty darn close* though. Picoro De Loro is legitimately stunning. The views from *any* condo are spectacular. Waking up and seeing the ocean glinting? Yeah, that's paradise-adjacent. The condo itself? Let's call it, "perfectly acceptable." They've done it up well. Modern, clean, all that jazz. But paradise? I almost choked on my coffee one morning because I *thought* I saw my reflection in the pristine glass doors and panicked. Turns out, just another gloriously sunny morning at Pico. So, paradise *lite*, maybe? Don't expect actual angels, unless you count the other tourists (some are angels, some are… well, you know).
What's the 1-bedroom condo *really* like? Is it claustrophobic? Can you walk around without bumping into stuff?
Okay, real talk: it's a *condo*. Not a mansion. But generally, it’s not a cramped shoebox. We did a couple's trip and didn't want to kill each other. That alone is a testament to the space. It’s tastefully done. The layout's smart. They’ve made the most of the space. I really dug the balcony. I could sit out there and watch the waves. It'll fit you and your partner. Or you and a friend you don’t mind sharing a bathroom with. My biggest gripe? The tiny fridge. I mean, seriously, where am I supposed to store all my snacks? (Important existential question, that one.) But hey, it's a condo. It's efficient. It's doable. And after a day at the beach you won't care if you're sharing a space like a sardine, all you'll want is a shower and a bed.
The beach - is the sand actually white? Does it look like the pictures? (Because those pictures always lie.)
The sand. Ah, yes, the sand. Okay, I’m a bit of beach snob, so take this with a grain of (actual) sand. It IS pretty good. White-ish? Yeah. Soft-ish? Mostly. Does it look like the pictures? Mostly! It’s not blindingly white, postcard perfect, but come on, it’s still gorgeous! I mean, you're at the beach. The water is clear. The sun is hot. You're not going to be too disappointed. If you are, you're probably expecting too much from life. One thing to be aware of though - it gets CROWDED. Find a spot early, or you'll be fighting for sunbathing real estate. Remember to bring your own towels, and be prepared to have your toes tickled by a kid running past every few minutes. Beach life, am I right?
What's the food situation like? Are there good restaurants? Or am I stuck with instant noodles? (Please say no instant noodles!)
Okay, food. Crucial question. PICO DE LORO offers restaurants. Good ones? Some are great, some... less so. You'll find everything from casual cafes serving your standard burgers and fries to nicer dining locations that serve some pretty tasty seafood and other local dishes. One night, we hit a seafood place. The food was heavenly, literally I felt like I had gone to the heavens. The next night... well, let's just say it reminded me that sometimes you’re just going to get hit with a bad dish. The cafe's in the complex are pretty decent, but don’t expect *Michelin-star* quality. Honestly, though, the convenience is worth a lot. And if the restaurants are a bit hit-or-miss, there's usually a mini-mart where you can get some snacks. But, yes, do your research before dining out. It's a lifesaver. (And bring your own instant noodles just in case, you can never be to cautious, right?).
What's there to do besides, you know, just *be at beach*? (I get bored easily.)
Alright, fine, the beach isn't for everyone all the time. There's *stuff* to do. Swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding... You know, water things. There is a pool, but it gets packed. There is also the mountains! You'll want to hire a tricycle guy and a local as a guide for this, but the hike to the top of Pico de Loro is worth it. Views from the top were *unreal*, even though I almost died (okay, dramatic. But it was a steep climb). There’s also a sports club. I think. I didn't go. But if you're into *sports*, you're in luck. Then, there's just… relaxing. Sitting on the balcony with a drink, watching the sunset. That’s a perfectly acceptable activity. Seriously. Sometimes it's the *only* activity I've got the energy for. Take a book, people watch, chill. You'll be surprised how quickly the day goes by. (Or, conversely, how slow it can feel. Either way, it's fine.)
Are there any hidden costs or unexpected hassles I should know about?
Okay, the fine print. ALWAYS read the fine print! There's a bit of a fee for the beach, the pool, the parking, and the club. It adds up. It's not *crazy*, but be prepared to pay. Also, remember that you’re not just paying for the condo, you’re paying for the *experience*. The experience of being surrounded by other vacationers. Sometimes, the experience is great. Others, it's… less so. Be prepared for traffic getting in and out of the place. It can be a monster to the point of wanting to cry. The elevator situation can be a bit of a nightmare at peak times. Patience is a virtue, my friend. Oh, and the internet? It *works*. Sometimes. Don't bank on streaming your favorite shows without interruption. And lastly, the air conditioning can be a bit noisy in some units. So there are a lot of things to consider, but just take it all in, embrace the mess and have fun!
Would you go back? (Be honest!)
Hmm, you’re asking the big question. Yes. I would. Despite the minor annoyances, despite the crowds, despite the potential for a disappointing meal or two, the good outweighs the bad. That sunrise over the ocean? Priceless. That feeling of sand between your toes? Sublime. That quiet moment on the balcony with a cold drink? Pure bliss. Pico de Loro isn't *perfect*, but it's a pretty darn good escape. Would I *want* to live there? Probably not. But for a weekend trip? Absolutely. Maybe IHotel Finder Reviews
