Private Hot Spring Resort in Laguna: Villa Valentino

There are many private resorts in Pansol, Laguna but I know it can be hard to pick the best ones. My family and I go to Laguna almost every year to ease the summer heat. This year, I personally find the private resort we rented better than the ones we used before. This is the Valentino Private Resort. 

Valentino Private Resort is located in the midst of hot spring resort hub of Laguna- Barangay Pansol. The resort's location is ideal compared to others. It's not in the forefront so there are no street noises but it is not also in the interior part making stores accessible from the resort. 

The pool and space are the best things about Valentino. The pool is creatively-shaped. It's not round, not rectangular or any other thing. I like it because it's not overwhelmingly large or deep. The deepest part is 6 feet while the most shallow 4. There's also a net to shield swimmers from sun's rays during day swimming. There's a jacuzzi cum kiddie pool beside it so kids can also enjoy. The water's temperature is just right- not scalding hot. Also, the water is not heavy with chlorine. The the tiles are clean which is an important thing to consider I think. Some resorts have pool tiles which are full of mildew and molds.

Adult pool at Villa Valentino
photo credit: calamba-city.saintclassifiedphilippines.com

Kiddie Pool at Villa Valentino
photo credit: www.sulit.com.ph

Some resorts in Laguna consists of rooms and pool with limited open space for parking.  At Valentino, there's open space. I think the place is ideal for small parties with 30 to 50 people without being cramped. It is that big. There's also a billiards table, karaoke and kubo. 

kubo house at Villa Valentino
photo credit: www.sulit.com.ph

There are four rooms. Two are air conditioned. All four, the rooms can accommodate 20-25 people. The only issue I have about the rooms is the worn-out furniture. I think the resort should invest on new furniture to eliminate the "old feel" of the rooms. Other than that, the rooms are okay. They are not exceptional but they are acceptable. 

airconditioned room
photo credit: www.sulit.com.ph

Lastly, for a good private resort, Valentino is quite affordable. We rented the place for 8,000 Pesos for 12 hours on a Holy Week (the peakest of the peak season) for 30 people. It's a good deal, I think. 

To reserve the resort, you can contact 0915-7467423. Enjoy the summer!

Note: I forgot to take my own pictures during my stay. I was busy having fun. I'll replace these pictures from the people who were with me. 

Affordable Team-Building Venue: Rizal Re-Creation Center, Laguna

Rizal Re-Creation Center is located at Rizal Laguna, an hour or two away from Los Banos. Its wide space of rolling terrains and serene atmosphere makes it a perfect place for a retreats, team-building activities and family gatherings. 


Aside from family outings, another event that employees look forward to is team-building events. Rizal Re-Creation Center in Laguna offers an affordable place where you can relax amidst the coconut trees and lush greenery, hold physical/ sports activities on its wide grounds, convene meetings in their function halls and enjoy sumptuous meals plus hear God's refreshing message through Rev. Joe Mauk, the director of the place.

Going with a group of Christian families, we rented a dorm room which can hold 10-12 people. The dorm room has its own basic toilet & bath and veranda. It's not airconditioned but with the abundance of trees, there's actually no need for that. There's also an option to set up tents if you're feeling "campy" but you have to use the common CR which are in poor condition.

Decks at the Center's Dorm Room

The Center's grounds are idea for volleyball, badminton, basketball and other games. They even have a sand area for physical activities. You can borrow sports materials such as balls, nets and rackets form the administration office for free. You can even ask if you need to have a particular set-up.

Sweating for a basketball game

Pushing that big ball around the sand area

For those who are mentally-inclined, Rizal Re-Creation also has an area for chess games.

Trying to play chess

To cap off a tiring day, the place also has a pool where you can wade along its cool waters.

Night swimming at Rizal Re-Creation Center

There's no need to bring meals since the Center offer buffet services at very affordable prices.
We only paid P800 per pax to enjoy the facilities, food and accommodation.

For a refreshing yet serene summer outing, visit Rizal Re-Creation Center.

Laguna Resort: Secret Getaway at City of Springs

Undoubtedly, Laguna is known for its hot springs. The place is filled with private and public resorts offering warm-watered pools.

One of Laguna's simple secrets is The City of Springs found in Los Banos. It is one of the less expensive resorts under the Splash Resorts Management. It is a short distance away from the main road and from the market. The nearest attractions are the University of the Philippines and Mt. Makiling. They are about an hour away from the resort.

The City of Springs is a small resort with a family feel to it. Since it is not very popular, privacy is ensured.  Facilities include a restaurant, various room types and recreation facilities such as billiards, darts, table tennis and karaoke.They have a suite that has its own jacuzzi.

 There are just two big pools- one for adults and one for kids, which are open to the public. The kiddie pool has slides. A separate area for a private pool is also available upon request. (and payment!)

One of the best thing that the resort can offer is its immediate view of the Laguna Bay sunset. At the end part of the resort, a railed area for dining purposes overlooks the Laguna de Bay. The best time to lounge there is at around 5:30 onwards for a view of the sunset. Just be wary of occasional mosquitoes.

For budget travellers, their cheapest room, the Victoria Lodge, only costs for around P740 without breakfast. The room is basic but large enough for two. They have a queen-sized bed and a small table with two chairs. The comfort room is big and clean. They provide towels but not soap and toothpaste. Room is airconditioned. The only drawback is its proximity from the driveway. From the room, you can hear the people and cars entering and exiting from the resort. Good thing is that only a few passes by the area so there's still silence.

Although they have a restaurant, there are small cafeterias around the area which you can buy food for a cheaper cost. The location is also a residential area so the place is relatively secured and quiet.

If you are looking for a short retreat, consider the place as your sanctuary. 

How to Get There via Public Transportation:

Get an HM bus ride from Cubao going to Los Banos. Tell the conductor to drop you before the Los Banos Market near the Municipal Hall. The road is a bit winding at this part. Upon getting off the bus, you can either walk towards the resort or take a tricycle that costs P20. Tell the driver to drop you off at City of Springs.