Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Stepping onto the grounds of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar may make guests feels like they’re being transported back in time, as it’s within a reconstructed 18th-century village (a “living museum”) that enchants with its colonial-style architecture and quaint cobbled streets. Horse-drawn carriages and a wooden tram weave around the property, which sits on nearly 1000 acres of land, and there are balsa boats cruising along the river that cuts through the grounds. Lovely landscaping unfolds throughout, with palm trees peppering green lawns and vines atmospherically crawling up buildings and walls. The Spanish colonial-style architecture is picturesque, with lots of intricate wooden carvings and balconies adorning facades. There are some wooden houses built on stilts too, and even a church.

Interiors are also charming and elegant – though many areas, particularly rooms, need maintenance and a refresh. The lobby, for example, has checkered tile floors and wooden ceiling beams that are paired with classic wooden furnishings, chandeliers, and intricate wooden and wrought-iron decorative details. Light streams in through large windows and a grand double staircase with ornate balustrades spirals up a flight by the entrance.

This is a destination resort and guests are attracted by the unique atmosphere of the place. Clientele consists of couples, families, and groups, and there’s a choice of lodging available ranging from traditional hotel rooms to private casas. Hotel guests don’t need to pay an entrance fee, and a number of extras, like walking tours, are included in rates. Those who don’t want to stay overnight can pay an entrance fee that covers a day tour. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is also a popular venue for a variety of events.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is located by the sea, along the Umagol River in Bagac. It sits on extensive 1000-acre grounds. There are a couple of other hotels in the area and a handful of dining options within a 10-minute drive, but the place itself is the main attraction. Balanga City is around a 45-minute drive. Manila is around a three-hour drive, and from Orion (about a 50-minute drive away) guests can also take a ferry to Pasay City. Ninoy Aquino International Airport is about a three-hour drive.

There are two types of lodging here: 217 hotel rooms in the main hotel building, and 16 private casas situated throughout the property. These elegant rooms feature pleasant traditional decor that feels like a step back through time. Intricately patterned wallpaper can feel dizzying, but it’s atmospheric and tastefully paired with decorative ceiling molding, detailed wooden carvings dotted throughout, and classic wooden furnishings. Floor-to-ceiling curtains shade the windows. Note that some past guests have complained of maintenance issues and visible wear. Also be aware that there are no elevators on the property, so travelers not wanting to climb stairs should request a ground-floor room.

Small round tables flanked by chairs offer a spot for tea and coffee, as electric kettles and tea cups are provided. All rooms also have flat-screen TVs, electronic safes, mini-fridges stocked with free bottled water, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Granite bathrooms are spacious and outfitted with both soaking tubs and separate walk-in showers. Toiletries are supplied.

Family Suites and Executive Suites can sleep up to six. For something even larger and more ornate, the private casas range in size from the single-bedroom Casa Terraza to the six-bedroom Casa Byzantina that sleeps up to 16 people and comes with 24-hour butler service, luxe Hermes amenities, and free cocktails. All casas have living and dining areas.

At Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, the grounds and property itself are the main attraction here, with tours traversing around the sprawling expanse, be it by tram, horse-drawn carriage, or balsa boats along the river. All hotel guests receive free walking tours. A number of other extras are included in rates, such as use of beach cabanas, a balsa river cruise, one-hour use of kayaks, and a tram ride.

The beach-view outdoor pool is studded with rock features and bordered by trees, while the wooden pool deck is lined with plastic loungers. The adjacent long stretch of beach offers shaded loungers, a volleyball net, and water sports like kayaking, Jet-Skiing, wakeboarding, and banana boats. Bikes are also available for rent.

There are five dining options to choose from at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, serving both local and international fare. These range from an Italian restaurant to an eatery for traditional food to a café. Some have lovely outdoor seating on terraces. There’s also a bar. A buffet breakfast is included in rates. On the downside, food receives mixed reviews.

A number of activities and entertainment are offered, including cultural shows, traditional music, and craft workshops. A large game room has a pool table, ping pong, and other games. The Napiya Spa offers massages and other treatments. Event space is also on-site, including conference and banqueting facilities.