Pampered in Puerto del Sol, Pangasinan

Prior to this trip, I’ve never stayed at a high end resort for two simple reasons: One being I’m a little frugal when it comes to looking for accommodations as I don’t really want to spend a lot on a place I won’t be spending much time on since I prefer going outside. The second? I don’t like beaches. But Puerto del Sol came knocking and I couldn’t help but answer.

The resort can be found in Bolinao, which is about an hour away from the town of Alaminos. Puerto del Sol is one of the most popular resorts there and with good reason. The place is just so lovely with warm interiors and comfortable beds. The atmosphere was very relaxing because the overall mood of the place will compel you to just sit back and chill.

When we arrived, we were greeted with shell necklaces and cold refreshments before we were taken to our rooms. After a few minutes of unpacking and taking photos of our rooms, we were told that our lunch was ready.

Our room <3

You have two options for dining in Puerto del Sol, you can stay indoors inside their restaurant Café del Sol or opt to dine al fresco in Laplaya. For both lunch and dinner, we were treated to a feast outside enjoying the warm sea breeze while we eat. The food was okay; presentation was really nice and the taste was just right. The most memorable dish, however, was the Bangus Cordon Bleu. I still wasn’t keen on eating fish but it really tasted marvelous.

Bangus Cordon Bleu / Chicken Teriyaki

After a filling lunch, we were given a tour of the place and to check out all the other rooms. I love the play of warm colors in the interiors and the lush green surroundings outside. Going around the place made me feel like was walking in my dream neighborhood.

Because the place is awesome, expect that the rates are not gonna be cheap. The Bahay Kubo (Premier Suites), which I loved, is at P 6,500 a night while their Casitas (Family Suites) is at P 9,100 good for 4 people. You can also choose to sleep in their Nipa Huts for an open-aired experience of the resort at P 2,100. We stayed at the Mansion Villas which is P 4,200 for 2 people.

Dork Fact: Since it was my first time in a place like this, I had no idea that the water and electricity in each room is activated by inserting your room key in a slot. When I came back to the room alone, I stayed in the dark with no air-conditioning for an entire hour! I’m so bobo! Hahaha.

Bahay Kubo Premier Suites

Inside the Bahay Kubo

Nipa Hut

The beach is easily accessible from the resort but you wouldn’t be able to swim because the water’s pretty shallow. What you can do is relax and wait for the beautiful sun as it sets down. But if you’re keen on getting wet, you can take a dip in their swimming pool or jacuzzi at night and there’s also a mini bar beside the pool for cocktails.

There are also lots of other activities available like going to their Game Room to play pool, darts, or some board games, and you can even request for a karaoke sing along. They also offer foot spas and body massages for those who prefer to relax.  And if you miss the online world, they have wi-fi internet connection din.

Cute tutles can be seen along their bridge

But if you wanna go out and explore like we did, the resort can arrange a guided tour for your group! Coincidentally, it was also our friend Josh‘s birthday that day and that lucky bastard had an amazing celebration! Hahaha!

I was a bummer that I only got to stay for a day in Puerto del Sol because I had to catch a bus back to Manila at 2:00 in the morning. The experience, though, was very memorable and we felt really pampered.