I’m always on the lookout for the best places to stay when I travel. I mean, who doesn’t, right? Everyone deserves a vacation – and they deserve a good one.
My basis when looking for a perfect place are these three factors: great price, amenities, and ambiance. Fortunately, when my friends and I went to Ilocos Norte, we discovered a place that ticked all of my criteria: North Beach Camp.
North Beach Camp is Mon Manotok’s tropical paradise. It’s a piece of beachfront land that he developed and turned into a dream destination all on its own. It has a modern villa mere steps away from the sea, glamping sites for adventurous souls, and a gorgeous space for bonfires.
Since it’s located at Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte at the very tip of Luzon, staying there is an experience unlike any other. It offers a view of the sunset casting a unique golden glow that’s simply beautiful beyond words. You’ll also appreciate the gentle blow of the fresh sea breeze as you hear the sounds of the mighty yet calming waves of the ocean. Literally everything is a recipe for the ultimate island life.
Mon just opened this place to the public recently, and we were fortunate enough to be one of the first few to have stayed at North Beach Camp. Let me tell you: it is now my favorite resort. Here’s why.
5 Reasons Why North Beach Camp is My New Favorite Resort
5. It feels exclusive.
North Beach Camp is relatively remote; it can only be accessed via car or special arrangements by the owner (motorbikes, TukTuk, etc.). It’s far away from commercial establishments and the town proper, and this is part of what makes the place so serene. You can rent the beach house or just the glamping tents; but if you get both, it’ll feel like having the island all to yourself – a paradise of bliss and freedom that you can immerse yourself in.
Because of its location, North Beach Camp’s electricity heavily relies on its solar panels and battery house. At night, you’ll have to make do with little power (air conditioning still works, though!). In my opinion, this adds to the serenity of the place because you’ll be forced to take less time off technology and make efforts to truly bond with your loved ones instead.
It has a modern and minimalist feel.
We instantly fell in love with everything the minute we set foot on the porch of North Beach Camp’s main house. At the entrance, you will be greeted by the dining table and outdoor couch.
This relaxed setting will make you want to wake up early in the morning just to sit and reflect with a cup of coffee in your hand.
However, what really grabbed our attention was the wide bedroom facing the sea:
This massive bedroom doubles as the living room as it has various entertainment gizmos in it, including a flat-screen TV and Bluetooth speakers. At night, you can opt to close the glass doors. However, you can also leave them open to let the cool wind in. Don’t worry. They have a caretaker who’s always on guard and there are CCTVs around for maximum security.
This bedroom is similar to the first one, but it is half its size. The glass doors here can also be spread open for a panoramic view of nature.
Their bathroom is as dreamy as it can get. Filled with scented candles, you’ll enjoy taking a good, cold shower and bathing in the bathtub overlooking the sea.
The water activities are free!
The beach house comes with a couple of inflatable standup paddle boards, life jackets, and snorkeling gear (mask and fins). That means you have the option to do other water activities aside from swimming. The clear and shallow waters make it quite safe; just watch out for sharp stones!
They have a gorgeous glamping site.
North Beach Camp offers glamping tents for people who prefer the outdoors. It has ample space for two people and comes with lights, sockets, and a fan. You won’t have to worry about insect bites, either, since they have nets that prevent them from getting in.
At night, the compound is even more beautiful. With posts acting like fairy lights, you’ll enjoy a good campfire with your companions under a canopy of stars. A portable grill can be set up for you, too, if you want to enjoy a night of barbeque and smores.
If you get lucky, you might catch Duke’s Truck, a mobile food joint that serves scrumptious surfer’s favorites. On our last night at North Beach Camp, we were around the campsite with the truck at the side serving us extremely delicious food.
Our favorites were their buffalo wings and the Mahi-Mahi Burger (the best!) with a bottle of beer and soda on the side. Forget about dieting. With food and an ambiance like this, just go ahead and spoil yourself.
Follow Duke’s Truck current whereabouts or send them a message at @IlocosNorteFoodTruck on Facebook or @DukesFoodTruck on Instagram.
Everything is beautiful, basically.
Needless to say, every waking moment and every time the sun goes down at North Beach Camp are indescribable. The way that the sun illuminates the corners of the villa with its golden rays is pure and up-lifting. It gives off a sense of gratitude that will make you want to live for more moments like it. Let these pictures speak for themselves:
Once you spend a night at this hidden gem, you’ll never want to leave.
North Beach Camp is available for booking via Facebook or Airbnb. The main house is priced at a Php12,000/night, while the glamping tents cost Php1,800/night (Php1,500/night if you don’t leave any garbage behind).
North Beach Camp
Situo Aprot Barangay Caparispisan, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
0927 525 8111
Airbnb: Beautiful Sunset Beach House
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthBeachCampbyKF
