The spirit of summer involves intolerable heat, quick weekend getaways, and quality time with those you love. Last weekend, these three elements converged and turned into a spontaneous Baguio road trip for me.
The well-loved Baguio city is known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” for good reason. In the midst of the hot Manila weather, we find respite in the comfort and chill that this city on the mountains can offer.
Paying homage to Baguio’s culture
Although I frequent Baguio at least once a year (just like any other Manileño), this last-minute voyage was one for the books. At 4 in the morning, we were welcomed through the doors of Sotogrande, Baguio’s newest hotel.
From the lobby, you can already tell that this hotel pays homage to Baguio’s rich cultural heritage and artistic craftsmanship. The intricate wood carvings on the ceiling exemplify native talents, seamlessly harmonizing and embracing both modernity and tradition. A mindful touch that I admired were the samples of woven textiles on the headboards of each bed which surely added character and color into the rooms.
Simple, elegant and relaxing
On the subject of rooms, it was pretty much straightforward: simple, elegant, and relaxing. It had everything you needed for a good vacation, the perfect place to crash after a long day of exploring Baguio’s wonders. The flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, unlimited WiFi, coffee- and tea-making facilities, hot and cold showers, and complete bathroom amenities added comfort to our stay and provided entertainment when we needed to rest.
‘Millionaire’s Row’
Sotogrande is situated in the upscale area of Leonard Wood Road, known as the “Millionaire’s Row” of the city. Despite this, it is located in the quiet part of the area, so our sleep was definitely not disturbed. Lucky for us, this also meant that Sotogrande was in close range within Baguio hotspots.
In the following days, we explored the busy and iconic Session Road, immersing ourselves in local culture; visited quaint and indie cafes and tried various coffee blends; went shopping at the famous SM Baguio; and ate to our hearts’ content at signature restaurants of the city. Time was maximized thanks to these short distances, allowing us to be more in the moment and enjoying the place.
A beloved destination
It is given that we come to Baguio to enjoy its weather, but to discover hidden gems, create cherished moments with loved ones, and recharge for the week ahead makes it much worthwhile. This trip was not just another visit, but a delightful reminder of why Baguio remains a beloved destination for many, especially when you come to the right places.
For my next Baguio trip, I’m definitely coming back to Sotogrande given the blissful weekend I had. Truly, it is an oasis amid the city’s lively atmosphere.