Last weekend would have to be one of the best vacations we've ever had. We were invited by The Manor at Camp John Hay to stay for 3 days and 2 nights in one of their spacious two bedroom suites. It was a good weekend to go up to Baguio, the weather was good, there was no storm coming and the best part is that we just passed a long holiday weekend which meant travelling would be a breeze.
We were in awe at the extent of the preparations for Christmas. It starts as you enter the driveway, to the lobby, until the garden and even into the hallways of the rooms. It was evident that there was no scrimping on the Christmas decorations all over the hotel. It's still November but you can feel the Christmas spirit all over the property.
I just had to stop and take a photo of the fireplace by the bar, it was so beautiful. It actually makes me feel that I'm in another country, more like in a ski resort somewhere. After all these years, The Manor has still kept its charm and to me, it is like no other hotel in Baguio.
We relaxed first in our suite and went down for dinner at 7:00 p.m. at Le Chef where one of my favorite chefs, Chef Billy King has prepared a special dinner for our family. The 3-course meal was so special, you won't find it on the regular menu. Our tummies as well as our hearts were full that night.
Prawn Salad with Salmon
Sea Bass for the main course
Cheesecake with fresh strawberries drizzled with chocolate
Finally, after all these years, a photo with Chef Billy King. I would see him each time we dine at Le Chef and he was literally in and out of the kitchen and at the same time talking to guests at the dining area. I found out that he is Irish, he told me that we should have taken a photo years ago when he was younger. He joked that I should Photoshop our photo to make his wrinkles disappear. I said "Chef, we don't need to, those wrinkles tell a story." He was such a down to earth and warm person to talk to. I was thinking, he must really love what he's doing to stay in the Philippines for a long time. If you ever find yourself in Baguio, don't miss out on dining at Le Chef, I'm pretty sure you'll be coming back each time you're in Baguio.
Now, I can show you our spacious two bedroom suite at The Manor (132 sq.m. to be exact).
This is our room, it has two twin beds, a 32" TV with cable, a DVD player, a working desk, a vanity area and an en suite bathroom.
Our room was so warm and cozy that it wasn't hard to just cocoon ourselves in the comforts of our own room.
Our two bedroom suite has three toilet and baths, one in each bedroom and one in the common area.
Bathroom amenities with Acca Kappa shampoo, conditioner and body lotion in all bathrooms.
The dining and living areas both have separate step-out balconies
The sofa also has a trundle bed.
The living area also has a writing desk and a 32" TV with cable and a DVD player. Plus, the whole unit has WiFi access.
Just beside the dining area is a small kitchenette with a microwave oven, a coffee and tea making facility plus a personal ref with a mini bar. Also, four bottles of water were given for free in our room everyday.
This is my mom and dad's room. It has a king size bed and their room also has an en suite bathroom.
This is one of the step-out balconies, this is just outside the living room and has a view of The Manor garden.
This is the second step-out balcony overlooking the pine forest. This is just outside the dining area.
The following day, we were also invited to The Manor's Annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony which also coincided with Camp John Hay's Development Corporation's 20th year celebration. You can tell that the celebration was grand as there were 8 different choirs on different stages across the garden alternately serenading the guests with Christmas songs, it was quite special.
There were many food stations by Chef Billy King's Le Chef spread across the garden serving different cuisines and let me just say that when we were about to call it a night, there was still food and drinks being served.
Some of the choirs singing Christmas songs
Finally, it was time to light up the two tall Christmas trees at the garden. To our surprise, it wasn't just a simple lighting of a tree, the whole Manor was lit up and the garden as well, with the lights flashing to the beat of the music. It was so cool!
After that there was a grand fireworks display. They had a lot of those big fireworks that spread like flowers and it felt like it was so close to our heads. We loved it!
Of course a special thank you to Robert Tilbe, Food & Beverage Manager at Le Chef for always making sure that we were able to try the different cuisines, many times we wouldn't have to stand up as the food just kept coming to our table. Thank you Chef Billy King, Robert and to the Le Chef staff who provided service beyond our expectations.
The band played all night playing different genres. Every single generation had fun that night!
It is one party I'll never forget.
A very special thank you to The Manor at Camp John Hay for three wonderful days spent in our two bedroom suite, to Chef Billy King of Le Chef for our special dinner and for meals that makes us want to go back soon. You guys definitely know how to throw a party!
For memorable vacations, visit The Manor at Camp John Hay located at Loakan Road, Baguio City, Philippines. For inquiries, call (+63-74) 424-0931 to 43 or (+63-2) 584-4892 and 584-4911.
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