Christmas is not cancelled! Check out these hotels in the metro, where trees are lighted, where lobbies are shining as new, and where tables are filled with treats and sweets. Since traveling is not yet encouraged at this time, a staycation in one of these hotels would be enough to fill you with the spirit of the holidays.
Even with all the challenges of the year, it should not be all gloom and doom. There are still a lot of things to be thankful for. Christmas reminds us of hope -- that after the darkest night, there is light that will come. So give in to the fun and merriment that the holidays bring, and do it safely in these luxe hotels.
Sparkles of Hope
Okada Manila, Asia’s largest ultra-luxury integrated resort, held its grand tree lighting event at the property’s iconic Pearl Lobby. Themed “Sparkles of Hope,” the hotel aims to inspire hope, goodwill, and optimism despite these challenging times.
Envisioned to be a source of hope, Okada Manila’s holiday centerpiece -- a 30-foot Christmas tree -- is made of chiffon fabric, assorted gold and copper ornaments, a variety of mirror balls with crystal beads, and silver-glittered palm leaves. It has over 22,500 LED baubles.
In addition to the tree lighting event, Okada Manila also launched its property-wide holiday celebration with deals for the entire family, so everyone can get into the holiday spirit.
Families can escape into their dream holiday at Okada Manila and experience its brand of Forbes five-star luxury. Have a relaxing stay in one of the elegant suites and enjoy a complimentary breakfast for two adults and two kids.
During the stay, guests will receive a complimentary Christmas hamper, complimentary dining credits valid in select Okada Manila signature restaurants, and a 20 percent discount for The Retreat Spa services and products.
You can also celebrate Christmas with gastronomic delights at Medley Buffet. On Dec. 24, Christmas Eve dinner is only P3,588 for adults and P1,588 for children. Families and friends can also enjoy Christmas lunch on Dec. 25 for P2,700 for adults and P1,350 for kids. Guests can have a special New Year’s lunch by celebrating with family and loved ones at Medley Buffet on the first of January. From 12 noon to 3 p.m., adults can savor cuisines from all over the world for P2,700 and kids can enjoy a meal for P1,350.
Those looking for a sweet Christmas can drop by Okada Manila’s Lobby Lounge for gingerbread cookies, chocolate rusks, and festive, delicately sweet madeleines. Well-loved Filipino Christmas staples puto bumbong and bibingka are also available until Jan. 1.
In line with IATF and DOT guidelines, holidays at Okada Manila are “True Clean. True Safe. True Heart.” Through its 3T campaign, it has stringent health and safety protocols across the property. With 3T, both guests and team members are protected with strengthened safety measures, enhanced emergency protocols, and advanced disinfection and sanitation technology. Okada Manila has implemented industry leading safety programs that are in full compliance and even exceed all government requirements.
Celebrate Joie de Vivre
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila reopens its doors this Yuletide season in celebration of joie de vivre (joy of living). Amid unprecedented global lockdowns and period of uncertainty, the spirit of welcome endures at Sofitel starting with the reopening of its flagship Spiral restaurant and its newest food concept, Spiral at Home, that is set to bring back the holiday cheer even from the comforts of home.
Executive chef Bettina Arguelles showcases Spiral’s distinctive gastronomic flair with an array of sumptuous offerings that will surely feast the eyes and appetite.
With an elevated menu that includes truffle and foie gras wellington, cheese fondue, and a crudo bar to name a few, Spiral takes epicures to a festive treat with guaranteed ALLSAFE cleanliness and prevention standards in place.
Intimate Christmas celebrations are made even more exquisite as Spiral presents a limited offering of a festive Spiral at Home, a specially-curated menu of the restaurant’s signature dishes from across its 21 dining ateliers. Best enjoyed with family and friends for Christmas, New Year, and all other holiday feasts in between, these heartwarming specialties are offered in two sets: the Classic Christmas Dinner that includes a whole roasted turkey or US prime rib with sides like sausage and herb bread stuffing, potato gratin, French beans with pickled mustard seeds, maple glazed root vegetables, and artisan bread rolls; and the Ilustrado Christmas Dinner that includes a cochinillo and paella valenciana with patatas bravas, roasted Mediterranean vegetables, and pan con tomate as sides.
The Classic Christmas Dinner is available at P18,000 while the Ilustrado Christmas Dinner is available at P22,000. For a special pop to the celebration, an add-on of two bottles of champagne is available for P5,000. Advanced payment and three days pre-order are required.
In a unique twist to the traditional Christmas hamper, Spiral at Home presents the signature Spiral gastronomic experience in boxed sets and features a variety of regional favorites from France, India, Japan, South Korea, and US. Taking gourmands to a culinary journey around the world from the comforts of home, Spiral at Home is the perfectly delectable gift this Yuletide season.
On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, Sunset Bar makes an exclusive return with a poolside food truck festival. A celebration awaits guests with an al fresco dining experience featuring an assortment of international cuisines and free-flowing beverages. The food truck festival at Sunset Bar is set at P4,299 inclusive of free-flowing champagne, wine, beer, juices, and soda.
