When in Manila this Summer, you need not travel far to enjoy the warm summer sun, the tall tropical palm trees, the beautiful calming view of the sea, a large tempting swimming pool, a 5-star treatment and high class foods all at the same time. You can simply choose to stay at Sofitel Philippine Plaza, the most luxurious resort Hotel within Manila city.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza is just a few minutes away from the giant shopping establishment, SM Mall of Asia, and a number of historical sights like Intramuros. It’s a very convenient stop over for city-dwellers who just want to relax. Don’t you just wish to sit on one of those huge soft white pillows and stare at the horizon until sunset?

When I got to my Sofitel Philippine Plaza room — an executive Club room on the 11th floor (approx. Php 14,874), I was welcomed by the following: a soft and plump king-sized bed that I could easily get buried into. It was so comfortable that I was tempted to just sit there and watch TV all day. Then, there was also a fainting couch by the tall glass windows that seemed to be a very cozy reading spot.

Oh wow, Sofitel Philippine Plaza even prepared a box of chocolate pralines and apples as welcoming treats!

From my Club room at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza, I could see the magnificent view of the resort, designed by the national artist Ildefonso Santos, making me feel like I were islands away from home.

Ain’t this the finest haven? Sofitel Philippine Plaza also provides a luxurious milk soap, shampoo, shower gel and conditioner from the high-end French brand L’Occitane.

One of the many perks of checking-in the Club room, is you’ll be enjoying the exclusive use of the Club Millésime lounge. As a Sofitel Philippine Plaza Club Millésime guest, you and your companion will be entitled to these complimentary food and beverage services throughout the day:

a la carte breakfast from 6AM to 10AM daily
afternoon snack from 2:30PM to 4:30PM daily
cocktails and scheduled wine tasting from 5:00PM to 7:00PM daily
all day refreshments from 10:00AM to 10:ooPM daily

Here are other perks of being a Sofitel Philippine Plaza Club Millésime guest:

Afternoon Snack at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Club Millésime Lounge

After a few moments of relaxing in the Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s plump bed, my mom and I headed off to the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Club Millésime lounge for some afternoon snacks. The place reminded me of executive lounges in international airports. It was a very refreshing room with elegantly laid carpets and intricately selected furniture scattered all over.

Boredom is impossible in the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Club Millésime. This room is filled with all sorts of entertainment facilities. From coffee table books to big screen TV sets, from free DVD rentals to Apple computers with broadband internet, they have it all.

I was surprised to find that they even have free-flowing wines and champagnes, fresh fruit juices and sparkling water throughout the day, Here are some of their treasured bitable pieces. My favorites were the herbed almonds and macadamia nuts.

Coffee and tarts anyone? 🙂

Dinner at Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s Sunset Bar

After our light snack, I bonded with my mom at Le Spa; we tried their Pinoy Pride massage. At 7PM, we strolled through the swimming pool to the Sunset Bar for a buffet dinner. The Sofitel Philippine Plaza Sunset Bar is, I think, the most relaxing dinner place in Metro Manila. As I sat on a candle-lit table, I could feel the winds blowing in my face. I could hear the sounds of leaves clapping and the waves crashing on the shore.

While enjoying the food, guests like me were entertained with colorful cultural dances and a live band.

Look at the appetizer table, doesn’t this remind you of a luau party in Hawaii?

Presenting Lechon and roast beef on the carving table right by Manila Bay at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s Sunset Bar also has a grilling station where you can grab giant prawns, clams and salmon heads. Interestingly, they even have rows of sauces and condiments for their various meat offerings.

I paired mint jelly with the rack of lamb, sweet chili salsa with their shrimp and white wine gravy with the roast beef. And when I was uncertain what to do with the clams, the waiters were more than willing to help me. After suggesting a white ranch sauce, of which was already tasty, one waiter came back to me (apparently consulted another chef) and suggested I could also add cheese and have it grilled.

The food was Filipino, at its finest. The place was a luxury haven. The service was simply impeccable. Would you believe while taking these dinner photos, there were about three different Sofitel employees who came to me offering to take my photo?

Complete the authentic Filipino meal with a cup of Halo-Halo and tropical fruits. 🙂

SOFITEL PHILIPPINE PLAZA – SUNSET BAR

Opening hours: 9:00AM to 11:00PM

Prices: Sun. to Thurs. – Php 1,750 ++; Fri. to Sat. – Php 1,950++

Breakfast at Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s Le Bar

Breakfast in Le Bar was completely different from the previous night’s dinner at Sunset Bar. Just as how laid back and relaxing the dinner had been, it was how formal and elegant breakfast was. Yet, both were equally enjoyable. Oh how I love the sleek smooth walls accentuated with books, the easy chairs and the granite tables. This is definitely one of the most luxurious breakfasts I’ve had in the country.

I always start my breakfast with a bowl of my favorite Muesli cereals and some fruits.

Have a hearty bowl of Le Bar’s Chinese egg noodles with crab sticks and clams. I really enjoyed it — almost had a second round of it..

But I decided to have some Filipino food specialties instead. What a delightful surprise. Apart from the classic staples like beef tapa and corned beef, they even have tuyo, a poor man’s dish, on their class A menu.

SOFITEL PHILIPPINE PLAZA: LE BAR (BREAKFAST)

Opening Hours: 6:00AM to 10:30AM

Prices: Mon to Fri – Php 1,100++; Sat. to Sun. – Php 1,300++

Make your summer extra-magnifique at Sofitel Philippine Plaza

Looking for a getaway that blends the elegant 5-star experience, relaxing bright and open spaces, rejuvenating view and all things magnifique? Then set a weekend aside and head on to the most luxurious resort by the bay when in Manila – The Sofitel Philippine Plaza!