Stress always has its own way of licking our minds no matter how hard we try to stick ourselves on the things that matters most. It's not a surprising thing considering that we are hustling in a fast-paced world. Though it is a matter of one's perspective, sometimes we all need to give ourselves a break and give in to our soul's eleutheromania.
With that in point, I believe that going somewhere paradisiacal like the Montebello Villa Hotel can hand us the wings to escape from earthly madness. Dubbed as Cebu's only garden resort hotel, Montebello is a dainty place perfect for travelers who seek to find wonder and beauty. Built on the early 70's, the hotel resonates a Spanish touch even in its smallest detail. What was initially planned as a country club, is now a place of charm and relaxation.
A serene facade will greet you as you enter Montebello. Its quaint arrays of bougainvilleas will wrap your senses with a warm welcome bringing out a summer clime within you.
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| Montebello's very own Tartanilla; a horse drawn carriage introduced by the Spaniards in the Philippines during their early settlement aka nung sinakop nila ang bansa namin chos! |
From their floors, up to their signage, Montebello is a hub of art and inspiration.
The hotel has a piano which actually plays. I don't know if they are holding piano recitals, but I hope they do. More and more poetry reading and independent song performances were held in Cebu, but I haven't heard of an open piano recital event yet. Well, there are some, but most of them are exclusive and what I want to witness are performances from indie talents. I'm pretty sure there are a lot of Cebuanos out there who can play the instrument well and Montebello would be the best stage for them.
Looking at the lush of greens and listening to the silence of Montebello's garden made me think of the classical paintings which I only saw in pictures. I'd like to think that their picturesque bridge is inspired by Monet's
Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies.
I had the chance to stay in one of their premier garden side rooms and it wasn't disappointing. The room provides a refreshing view of their beautifully landscaped garden. It's a comfortable room replete with cutting-edge equipment like its 32" LCD television with digital cable channels and in-room safe. I'm meticulous when it comes to bathrooms, so I was more than glad when I found out that theirs' was clean and fully-equipped with hot and cold water.
Honestly speaking, there's nothing special about their rooms, but I can assure you that they are very comfortable. The best thing about them are their fluffy cloud-like pillows! I really, really wish I brought one home :( hahaha
Montebello has two pools which are open for swimming sessions from 6AM to 9PM. They do have a pool for adults right beside their classic cabanas and a kiddie pool nearby their La Terraza Restaurant. I believe swimming in the pool is free of charge for their guests, but anyone can use the pool at the same time without checking in. All they have to do is to pay 500php, that's just a little more than 10 USD and as a handsome plus, the amount includes 300php (6,3+ USD) worth of food and beverages from their resto.
The hotel's poolside is an ideal place for anyone who craves elegance and comfort. The soft azure calm from the pool in the morning is a perfect sight of love, especially when you have a freshly brewed cup of coffee with you. Lo que es el cielo? If night is your comfort, don't fret, the pool would turn into a night sky filled with stars. Combine that view with the sweet dance of jazz music in the air and the night is yours' to conquer.
You won't feel cold and drained dining in Montebello as the hotel offers a wide variety of grilled goods. From fresh sea foods to flavor enriched beef kebab, everything grilled to satisfy your appetite will be served right on your plate.
Vamos a comer amigos!
Because Montebello loves their customers very much, they are offering a buffet breakfast from 6AM to 10AM. And again, this is another thing that won't break your Montebello experience. Aside from their delicioso offerings, they also offer hearty breakfast foods which you can share with your amado.
No hearts and stomachs will go hungry at their La Terraza restaurant as well. Sumptuous meals and delectable desserts can be ordered in their lunch menu. Some of my favorites are the ones from their Montebello Tradition offerings which are dishes originally from Spain handed down by the owners' family from generation to generation. Aside from that, Montebello is spicing up their game by providing healthier options on their menu like their grilled salmon and their selection of fresh juices and shakes called Tropical Delights.
They also have a number of new desserts which include their very own Ube Cheesecake, Monte Lava Truffle Ice Cream, and their best selling Creamy Temptation. They all have heavenly taste. I love the fact that they are not so sweet and very flavorful. What I would recommend best are their brownies! OMG...they are so good you'd die eating them! haha jk.
Kidding aside, I just can't stress enough how good their brownies are. Just try it so you'll know what I'm talking about. And yes, they do prepare their own foods including their desserts. They don't order them from outside sources, which is good in order to secure the quality of their food items.
Montebello is not just a charming place to stay in. It also offers a number of activities that you can do. They have a fitness gym which opened last May and the hotel is also set to launch yoga sessions by its gardens every weekend.
I did enjoy a session of their Yoga class which was my first time doing it but ugh, don't wanna do it again. Yoga is not just for me. I mean, I'm not comfortable with the positions that I have to do. lmao
The hotel is also perfect for photo shoot sessions. I can imagine the place being used in a fairy tale movie. lol I'm thinking of Encantadia by the way. lelx And if you've noticed, I've posted some photos on my Instagram featuring the place, so yes, the place is very Instagrammable.
Indeed, there are infinite things that you can do in the hotel, but what I want to do there the most is to dream. Montebello is the place for anyone to think about the promises of tomorrow and the chances of what in store today. Anyone who enters the place will check out with poetry in their eyes and music in their hair.
Here's a poem I wrote inspired by the place. Well, by the bougainvilleas in the place to be exact.
To the Bougainvilleas of Montebello
I crave for a love that grows like you.
A love brave enough to show its vibrancy
and grows and flowers despite despondence.
A love that stays true to its hues
no matter where time let it cascade.
In the dusty streets, in the long forgotten buildings,
or in a rich man's highly cultivated garden.
A love that knows how to spread and climb by itself
but is willing to be coaxed in a handful form.
(I plan to place it in my lungs and let it breathe with me.)
A love that contrasts the blue sky perfectly
and constantly delights every wanderer in my life.
I crave for a love that grows like you;
backdrop of my soul's raw photographs,
vernal cloak of my tropical heart.
- poem by Cristine A.D
Para el Bougainvilleas de Montebello
Que anhelo por un amor que crece como usted.
Un amor lo suficientemente valiente como para mostrar su vitalidad
y crece y flores pesar de desesperanza.
Un amor que se mantiene fiel a sus colores
no importa donde el tiempo dejarlo en cascada.
En las calles polvorientas, en los edificios ya olvidados,
o en el jardín altamente cultivado de un hombre rico .
Un amor que no conoce la forma de extender y subir por sí mismo
pero está dispuesto a ser engatusado en una forma puñado.
(Tengo la intención de colocarlo en mis pulmones y dejar que se respira conmigo.)
Un amor que contrasta con el cielo azul perfectamente
y se deleita constantemente cada vagabundo en mi vida .
Que anhelo por un amor que crece como usted;
telón de fondo de las fotografías primas de mi alma ,
manto de primavera de mi corazón tropical.
- poema de Cristine A.D
Should you wish to relax and unleash your inner poet, visit
Montebello Villa Hotel at Banilad, Cebu City, Philippines. For more information such as their rates and promos, visit their
website or ring them a bell at 63-32231 3681 - 89.
love lots,
Tin
*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.I am not paid by (in any way) by the Montebello Villa Hotel to write and publish this post neither do I work for them.
