...the magical getaways

Time For A Getaway

By Pierra C. Labrador
Yahoo! Southeast Asia
30 November 2011

There are many romantic destinations in the country, including Palawan's magical lagoons and limestone coves

There's nothing like going on a romantic vacation to enjoy quality time, celebrate a special relationship milestone, or even rekindle the sparks with your loved one. And with the wealth of lovely local destinations, you don't even have to go too far!

Here are four highly recommended Philippine destinations for a romantic getaway.

1. Tagaytay

When you need a quick breather from Manila, Tagaytay is the place to go. Favorite date places include the idyllic Sonya's Garden (mostly vegetarian dishes, so carnivores be warned), the elegant Antonio's for an extra special occasion (call to make a reservation at mobile 0918 899 2666), or Buon Giorno at the Cliffhouse Tagaytay complex (reserve the Opium Bed—a popular spot to pop the question!).

Escape toTagaytay for a quick getaway

For an overnight stay, choose from the luxe Discovery Country Suites, the chic The Boutique Bed & Breakfast, the tranquil T House, the quaint Sonya's Bed & Breakfast, or the family favorite Taal Vista Lodge. If you're into wellness, enjoy a cleansing weekend with your sweetheart at the Nurture Spa Village (though you might want to skip the colonics and go straight to the couple's massage).

2. Baguio

There's something about cool weather that just makes you want to snuggle. If you haven't been back to Baguio since childhood, it's time to traverse the zig-zag road with your significant other. Don't be thrown off by the giant SM mall and the throng of people flooding Session Road; promise, your favorite quaint nooks and crannies still exist, as well as some charming new spots.

 

The wooden boats await tourists at the Burnham Lagoon

 

Stroll along Burnham Park, order a cup of hot chocolate at Café By The Ruins, have a photo op and shop for souvenirs at Mines View Park, browse some good reads while having coffee or beer at the literary haven Mt. Cloud Bookshop. Relatively new spots to discover include the must-see BenCab museum, Hill Station Tapas Bar & Restaurant, and Mother's Garden for lovers of flowers and organic food. Stay at the cozy, newly-refurbished Casa Vallejo boutique hotel or the stately yet homey The Manor at Camp John Hay. And don't forget to take home the famous Palaganas Bakery raisin bread at 99 Scout Barrio, just beyond Camp John Hay's Loakan gate.

3. Bohol

Touted as the "quiet Boracay," Bohol offers lovely white-sand beaches, famous tourist spots, heritage sites, and hospitable people. Most of the beach-front resorts are located in Panglao, including the exclusive Eskaya, the charming Amorita, and the good old Bohol Beach Club.

Find white sand beaches in the province of Bohol

Visit the Baclayon Tourist Information and Activity Center and go on a dolphin-watching tour. When in Bohol, you must also do the tourist round—have a kooky photo op at the Chocolate Hills, be serenaded while enjoying the Loboc River Cruise, visit adorable endangered creatures at Corella tarsier sanctuary, and visit historic churches, including the Baclayon Church, where, if you squint hard enough, you can make out the image of Padre Pio that has mysteriously formed on its outer wall (the island of Bohol is quite small, so you can do all these in a day). And, for a romantic date, treat yourselves to the spa at the hilltop Peacock Garden Luxury Resort and Spa, then indulge in its decadent European cuisine, fine wine and rare cigars.

4. Palawan

For the ultimate romantic getaway, head off to Palawan. Even jaded jetsetters are awed by the breathtaking beauty of its dramatic limestone cliffs, virgin islands, and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recently declared one of the "Seven New Wonders of the World."

Palawan is quite large, however, so you'll have to decide what kind of getaway you want. Honda Bay and Sabang Island are known for their diving and island hopping tours, and Coron for their wreck diving, but for honeymooners, it's El Nido hands down. There are affordable accommodations in town, but if you're going to go for broke, choose from the posh Lagen or the charming coastal village-inspired Miniloc island resorts (elnidoresorts.com). Both set in gorgeous limestone coves against lush forests. Don't miss kayaking in the magical lagoons for an unforgettable experience.