Every vacation has an energy level attached to it. There are trips meant for discovery, when taking 20,000 steps a day is nothing just get to know a new place. Then there are breaks that are taken for exactly that reason: to get complete rest, to ‘unplug’ and to expend very little energy. Everything is close by, and all you have to do is pick from choices within arm’s reach.
A recent trip to Clark in Pampanga allowed us to experience the latter. We checked-in at Swissôtel Clark Hotel, dined, got pampered, and dined some more – all without having to leave the hotel’s vicinity. Swissôtel is one of our favorites in the Freeport Zone because of its modern, spacious rooms. We’ve had the pleasure of staying here several times and we discover something new every time. A staple in our stays is the buffet breakfast at Markt, where a considerable spread includes Filipino and Chinese dishes, noodles, salad, plenty of pastries, and even ice cream.
Not to be outdone for breakfast is Go-Ji at Clark Marriott Hotel, which is only a 10-minute walk from Swissôtel. The two hotels are part of the Hann Casino Resort’s contiguous 11-hectare complex in Clark where the Widus Hotel is also located, making it easy for guests to access the dining, entertainment, and shopping offerings of all brands.
We experienced the benefits of Hann’s walkable layout. We dined at Marriott’s Wu Xing, a Chinese restaurant that offers modern Cantonese specialties, such as its must-try Roasted Beijing Duck, Homemade Tofu in Abalone Sauce, Roasted Pork Belly, and Wok-Fried Prawn. We ended lunch just in time to check in at Swissôtel, take an afternoon nap, and freshen up for dinner at Smoki Moto, a quaint restaurant bar that is known for its Korean specialties. We literally saw Clark’s skyline transform from night to day from this establishment’s 17th-floor perch at the Marriott.
Both Smoki Moto’s romantic interiors and the evening views it affords guests of Clark are must-sees. Dishes we were able to enjoy include the Kinchi Jeongol (pork and kimchi hotpot), Iberico Pork, Australian Wagyu Porterhouse, Sushi and Sashimi Platter, and plenty of side dishes such as the unforgettable Buttercream Sweetcorn. We also tried some of the signature Smoki Moto cocktails, such as the Gin Thriller, Rum Eclipse, and Vodka Range.
When we were in town for race weekends of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup, we were also invited to dine at the hotel’s Italian outlet, Ristorante Di Verona. Our favorites from these festive occasions are Insalata Mista (green salad with seared tuna), Dentice Al Forno (baked snapper fish), Pistacchiosa (pizza with pistachio, parmesan cheeses, taleggio, mortadella), Tonno Grigliato (grilled tuna), and the Filetto Di Manzo Alla Griglia (US Angus striploin).
Just before we retreated to our rooms, we made one last stop: Swissôtel’s Purovel Spa and Sport for a massage. The place perfectly completes your experience of the complex, from its busy dining spaces to a serene, calming space. Therapeutic treatments are based on Swiss techniques and guests are made to choose from a range of fragrant essential oils to further curate the experience. After the massage, we were invited to wind down in another room over some biscuits and tea. For guests always on the go, they can access Purovel’s exercise rooms, an aquamarine infinity pool, and thermal suites.
Hann Resorts Vice President of Real Estate and Property Development Agnes ‘Neki’ Liwanag explained that the group is continuously building a place where people can ‘walk without having to leave the property.’
She maintained, ‘We want to create an experience (where) the main goal (is for our guests to have) good memories, moments to remember,’ Liwanag shared. ‘We want to focus on innovation. We always want to create something different.’ The executive added that guests can look forward to a Novotel property that will rise behind the current Hann compound, the group’s response to the increasing demand for more hotel rooms in the area, especially amid steadily growing MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) requirements.
The complex, as well as an upcoming 450-hectare property called Hann Reserve, is the brainchild of Hann Group CEO Dae Sik Han. The businessman used to be in the construction and cement industry business in South Korea and has since focused his interests in the Philippines, beginning with the Widus Hotel Clark that opened in 2008.
Built around an integrated resort concept with offerings such as an 18-hole golf course, an international school, the Intercontinental Clark, premium residences, a retail area, and a 10-hectare public park, Liwanag said that Hann Reserve is envisioned to be a place where the company’s guests can enjoy nature and calm down – a step down from the tempo of Hann Resort. Guests may experience both locations with ease, as they are a mere 15- to 20-minute drive from each other.
So, if you have not yet, try a purely restful vacation – one that allows your body and mind do less. Aside from hotels, spots like nature spas and beach resorts make for good places to recharge by doing very little. They say that if we do not choose a day to rest, our body will choose it for us. Be proactive and allow yourself time to be pampered, be lazy, celebrate with good eats – and do it all over again the next day.