As we cruised along the expressway after a three-day stay at Blu Serenity Villa, I can't help but think if we would have had the same energized feelings if we had a staycation somewhere nearer. And then I remembered the look on my two-year old son’s face as we set him out to the "outside world" once more. Little did we know that we will be ticking his many “firsts” at the resort. And my thoughts also brought me back to our first morning where I woke up to the sound of twittering birds in the stillness of the morning. Yes, we might find a nearby staycation place but no, we wouldn't experience that invigorating feeling we felt when we went back home. And with that, I would always choose the countryside over the city in a heartbeat.
It was the soft opening of Blu Serenity Villa, a newly-opened exclusive boutique resort in the heart of Los Baños, Laguna and we were thrilled as we got an invite for a three-day stay. It was our first ever legit staycation since the pandemic.
I had zero expectations when we left the city, there’s just this excited feeling that we can finally go out (with confidence) as the cases of COVID-19 started to decline in the past weeks. Needless to say, we made sure that we followed all the health protocols that went along with this trip.
Imagine Akira’s excitement as we let him choose and bring some of his toys to this trip while he bugged us the exact place of our adventure. We just told him that we were going to a "resort". 
The late afternoon sun was gleaming and streaks of sunlight were highlighting the resort—the clean white and blue tones perfectly complementing the sky. I was impressed by its beauty and elegance.
Our room was located on the second floor and it has a kitchenette with mini fridge and a coffee pod machine, a living area with daybed and a flatscreen TV, a balcony with an amazing view of the pool, and a separate bedroom with en suite bathroom.
There were five rooms in this exclusive boutique resort and you have to at least rent two rooms to book the resort. They only allow one booking to have the resort exclusive to those guests. It’s not like your usual resort wherein you would share it with other guests which I really love. Each room can fit up to four persons with free breakfast for two persons.
We had a relaxing beer night after dinner with chill music playing on the Bluetooth powered speakers (they have strong and reliable free wifi connection, hello work-from-home peeps). Akira wasn't at all bored as he brought with him some of his toys to play with (we don’t allow him to have gadgets yet so he's used to playing with whatever is available).
I was delighted at the sight of my two boys bonding together over car racing and basketball hoops. I am happiest when both of them are happy. 
It was Akira's first time on an actual cinema and although we wanted to check out the movie library they have, he insisted on watching his favorite cartoon, Leo the Truck. Good thing though, their system is connected to the internet so we just tuned in to the show on Youtube. 
He was uneasy at first, as the darkness and retractable seats were all new to him, but just like his other "first adventures" he got used to it and eventually enjoyed the experience. We even tried switching seats so he could get the best vantage. 
I am not a person who would sulk about a weekend that is over. Or someone who would feel bad after a fun adventure had ended. It made me recall those times when Christian and I would go back home after two months of backpacking around Asia or Africa, those times when we would feel refreshed and ready to face the world again after a very fruitful trip. That same feeling lingered as I gazed over the window of the van as we sped home. This three-day staycation at Blu Serenity Villa, simple as it is, will surely be etched forever in my heart.
We left Malabon City at half past two in the afternoon on a Thursday and we reached Blu Serenity Villa at five. It was a scenic and relaxing ride and it’s Akira’s second time to go out of the metro (the first time was last year when we went to my parents’ hometown in Zambales). I couldn't emphasize more how the pandemic crippled us from our road adventures.
We were then ushered to the outdoor lounge area and were offered some refreshments. I had to have some coffee with this view so I asked for one.
Checking in was swift and we were led to our room in no time.
Checking in was swift and we were led to our room in no time.
Our room was located on the second floor and it has a kitchenette with mini fridge and a coffee pod machine, a living area with daybed and a flatscreen TV, a balcony with an amazing view of the pool, and a separate bedroom with en suite bathroom.
It’s refreshing to see the clean white paint with blue accents all around the room as well as the resort. It reminds me of Santorini. Not that I’ve been there, but yeah, the Greek island is famous for their clean white and blue building colors. I learned that this was mandated by the military government during the 60’s to support their political agenda of uniformity. Who would’ve thought that it would be Santorini’s identifiable feature?
There were five rooms in this exclusive boutique resort and you have to at least rent two rooms to book the resort. They only allow one booking to have the resort exclusive to those guests. It’s not like your usual resort wherein you would share it with other guests which I really love. Each room can fit up to four persons with free breakfast for two persons.
It was almost dinnertime, and although we wanted to have a quick dip in the pool, our tired bods were aching for rest and chill time.
The outdoor lounge area that also houses the bar, fully functional kitchen, and dining area was our base camp/chill spot during our stay. For the food, you may opt to cook your own, let the staff prepare it for you for a fee, or make use of the food delivery apps available in the area.
We had a relaxing beer night after dinner with chill music playing on the Bluetooth powered speakers (they have strong and reliable free wifi connection, hello work-from-home peeps). Akira wasn't at all bored as he brought with him some of his toys to play with (we don’t allow him to have gadgets yet so he's used to playing with whatever is available).
We slept well through the night and I was awoken with the sound of chirping birds at around six in the morning. We usually are late risers but this time, I didn’t mind waking up early.
The crisp morning breeze welcomed me as I opened the door to the balcony. The early morning sunshine was really invigorating, making me stay for a while. I couldn’t remember the last time I had this close-your-eyes-and-relish-the-moment kind of thing in a long long time. It was a truly good morning!
I went back to sleep and it was nine in the morning when we all decided to go down at the lounge area. Breakfast was waiting when we got there. The gracious staff immediately served us with corned beef, fried eggs, rice, and pandesal. Their brewed coffee was really remarkable! Plus, they have muscovado sugar to Christian’s delight.
We ended the meal with a freshly baked buko pie from Lety’s (this is not included in the free breakfast meal but you can ask them to buy some for you). I loved it, it wasn’t too sweet and the buko strips were very significant.
I was so full I can’t move an inch. After that satisfying brekkie, we wanted to do so many things but we decided to relax for a bit.
I was so full I can’t move an inch. After that satisfying brekkie, we wanted to do so many things but we decided to relax for a bit.
We didn't have specific plans that day and just relied on our two-year old son's mood. Well, he doesn't get bored easily as he is used to playing by himself, so we just gave him options on what we can do in this exclusive boutique resort.
We first tried the arcade, yes, you read that right, Blu Serenity Villa has its own arcade!
The room was painted in a deep blue shade and there were four arcade games including a Basketball Shooting game and a Car Racing machine!
It was Akira’s first time in an arcade so he didn’t know what to do or expect. He probably knew that we’re into something fun when he saw a poster of Mario Bros. on the wall (he loves Yoshi). You could just imagine his excitement when he saw the huge arcade game machines.
The room reminded me of my high school days when my friends and I would go to SM North to play. I wish though that they have a claw machine as well for an ultimate 90’s throwback. All the games are on free mode so no need to pop in some coins.
I was delighted at the sight of my two boys bonding together over car racing and basketball hoops. I am happiest when both of them are happy.
We then went to the billiards and darts area where Christian and I "tried" to play pool. Well, how could you play properly when you have a toddler whose aim is to shoot all the balls that he could get a hold of. But I couldn’t blame him as it was his first time playing it. I told you, we ticked so many “firsts” for Akira during the stay.
We were too lazy to cook so we just ordered a Japanese lunch through a food delivery app. I love the variety of food selections they have in Los Baños.
Afterwards, Akira had a quick nap while we enjoyed our much-awaited massage. The resort doesn't have an in-house masseuse but they recommended a local masseuse in the area. Oh boy, I can’t remember the last time I had a full body massage and it was so relaxing—truly a stress reliever.
When Akira woke up from his siesta and I immediately asked him if he wanted to go swimming. He replied with a resounding yes while still rubbing his eyes.
While on the pool, I noticed that Akira was a bit scared and excited at the same time. It was understandable though as this was his first "proper" swimming pool stint. His only pool experience before this was with an inflatable one at home—you can just imagine how overwhelmed he was as we took our very first dip.
Blu Serenity Villa has two swimming pools; one for kids and another for adults. It’s not one of those pools wherein the water simply diverges into different sections—they have two separate pools. Amazing, right?
Not surprisingly, it was all easy for him, Akira’s a natural water lover just like his nanay and tatay. He showed off his swimming antics and even called it “fish moves”. Just like how I felt during our very first out-of-town trip, it brings me joy to watch this brave little boy as he conquers his fears and explore new territories outside his comfort zone.
Our pool stint lasted until sundown—the gorgeous afterglow illuminating the resort. We then took a quick shower and headed back to the outdoor lounge where the staff were busy preparing for our barbecue night. We requested to have grilled pork skewers for dinner.
Our barbecue night was a success! We enjoyed our dinner and capped the night off with cans of beer.
We woke up earlier than usual the next day since it was our final day at Blu Serenity Villa. Time passes quickly when you are having fun.
We headed straight to the pool area where we caught the early morning sun. It was refreshing to see this scene as we usually are late risers. Afterwards, we were once again treated to a hearty breakfast.
We rested a bit after and then went to the resort's mini theater. Yes, they have a 24-seater mini theater.
It was Akira's first time on an actual cinema and although we wanted to check out the movie library they have, he insisted on watching his favorite cartoon, Leo the Truck. Good thing though, their system is connected to the internet so we just tuned in to the show on Youtube.
He was uneasy at first, as the darkness and retractable seats were all new to him, but just like his other "first adventures" he got used to it and eventually enjoyed the experience. We even tried switching seats so he could get the best vantage.
It was almost midday when we left the mini theater. And for lunch, we requested for ginataang hipon and fried fish. And it didn't disappoint. Akira approved of it too!
I relaxed into the couch and watched Akira play. It was actually our last hour before leaving Blu Serenity Villa and I didn't wanna move—I wanted to savor that moment in this exclusive boutique resort.
I relaxed into the couch and watched Akira play. It was actually our last hour before leaving Blu Serenity Villa and I didn't wanna move—I wanted to savor that moment in this exclusive boutique resort.
I am not a person who would sulk about a weekend that is over. Or someone who would feel bad after a fun adventure had ended. It made me recall those times when Christian and I would go back home after two months of backpacking around Asia or Africa, those times when we would feel refreshed and ready to face the world again after a very fruitful trip. That same feeling lingered as I gazed over the window of the van as we sped home. This three-day staycation at Blu Serenity Villa, simple as it is, will surely be etched forever in my heart.
Blu Serenity Villa
323-I Tikling Extension, Brgy. Anos,
Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
Contact Number: (+63) 917.300.5890 | (+63) 977.820.1028
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