On this trip to Taipei, I listed two on my to-do list: visit contemporary art museums and do a “bib hop” aka chase the Michelin Bib Gourmand-stamped restaurants across the city. Little did I know that I will end up with two cakes in a pan in my billet. In fact, it was a surprise beyond expectation. 

In the heart of the city, along Dunhua North Road in the Shongshan District, a European architecture-inspired edifice rises above the verdant tree-lined avenue of the bustling business district: Mandarin Oriental, Taipei, a luxurious retreat for travelers and, surprisingly, for art lovers, too. 

Think: Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris’ or The Center Pompidou’s collection inside the marbled halls of the Palais de Versailles, breathtaking fusion of the modern and the sophisticated and opulent. Mandarin Oriental exudes this aura—a classical-style residence with exquisitely crafted spaces cradling a curated collection of more than 1,700 art pieces—paintings and sculptures, antiques, prints and drawings, decorative objects and contemporary art—by notable artists from across the globe, including Wei Zhu, the world’s most renowned contemporary Chinese ink painter. This is the refined luxury Mandarin Oriental is known for. 

A dazzling designer crystal chandelier welcomes guests in grandeur. It took over nine months to create the 3.9 meter high masterpiece’s 50,000-piece Czech crystal beads that fall like raindrops from the lobby’s lofty ceiling. With every step from then on, art awaits, surprising you even in the most unexpected spots. Art greets you at the receiving area (as impressive as the warm and efficient reception of the frontliners), meets you at elevator landing on all levels, accompanies you along galleries and social halls. 

Art is like a loyal lover in the sleeping chambers— in all 256 guestrooms and 47 suites. The rooms are the most spacious in Taipei, elegantly designed melding classical style and oriental influences, and equipped with state-of-the-art technology (tread on heated marble floors!). Marie Antoinette would give a nod to the elegant marble bathroom, an aquaphile’s heaven with it’s appointments. Adding to the bedrooms’ elegant features are the original art pieces, but the headboard wall exhibits the piece de resistance— English artist Amy Murray’s hand-sculpted Peonies on wall panels of fine leather. The stunning piece in the color of either cool Robin egg blue or warm champagne gold is soothing. It’s your lullaby at bedtime and the gentle morning kiss that rouses you from a restful night. 

In this art-filled residence, the innovative cuisine is elevated into an art form in the six stylish dining venues, where select pieces of the hotel’s art collection are also on display. Café Un Deux Trois embodies the spirit of a modern restaurant delivers an impressive array of international cuisine; Bencotto, embodying contemporary elegance, prepares authentic Italian cuisine with the freshest organic, seasonal produce in an open kitchen concept; M.O. Bar takes inspiration from the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and offers a selection of expertly crafted cocktails, fine champagnes and wines; The Jade Lounge is Taipei’s sophisticated spot for an afternoon of the finest teas and exquisite pastries; and, the Mandarin Cake Shop is styled as an opulent Patisserie where shop from a range of fine pastries, artisan breads and pralines and chocolates. Then there’s Ya Ge, the elegantly designed Chinese Restaurant that ticked off the other entry in my Taipei to-do list of “Michelin bib hop,” only this restaurant is above the bib. Ya Ge, which serves authentic, unique and refined Cantonese cuisine, is a six-time Michelin one-star restaurant since 2018. 

Ya Ge Chef de Cuisine Cheng Kwok-Hung from Hong Kong is no stranger to the Michelin stars, he has worked in several prestigious establishments with the same recognition in his hometown. Over lunch with MarCom executives Luanne Li and Tiffany Lin, I was introduced to the chef, who prepared a delightful six-course meal crafted from locally-grown produce (the lobster and Wagyu beef courses were just divine!) What to expect? Chef Cheng whips up Cantonese classic dishes with a modern touch. His creations are fresh, light, and delicate, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine. What may seem to be a simple dish has complex techniques and culinary mastery behind it. 

Dining at Ya Ge is like having a meal in a chic Oriental art gallery where stunning contemporary pieces of Chinese and Korean artists present a stylish contrast to the modern, opulent Oriental setting. And there’s another art-filled room in the house that’s only accessible to Oriental Club guests. Large scale paintings by an Australian artist fill the walls of the elegant room where members can enjoy meals and refreshments, afternoon tea and evening cocktails among its plus offerings. 

Beyond tangible art, the Mandarin Oriental, Taipei brand of service is art in itself, deserving of admiration and applause. It complements and completes the hotel’s showcase of ultimate luxury, comfort, indulgence. Yes, I’m a fan of The Fan. Visit, dine, stay, and you will be, too. 

The sun rising over skyscraper city is the view from the window of rooms facing East while the West wing rooms capture the view of the Manila Bay and the famed sunset as its backdrop. Which of nature’s wonders would you want to witness?

Two towers stand abreast south of Manila—Kingsford Hotel and Grand Westside Hotel, sister hotels from the Megaworld family. Which hotel would you like to stay in to watch nature’s wonders?

Choices.

Designed with similar aesthetics of modern contemporary architecture and interiors, Kingsford Hotel rises alongside Grand Westside Hotel in the same address, at the Westside City within the vibrant Entertainment City, where the bustling entertainment complexes, conventions venues and exciting shopping malls make up the neighborhood. It’s a destination today, and the district is growing. The location, within close proximity to the international airports, makes both hotels attractive to both business and leisure travelers either for a quick trip or a long vacation.

Is it ideal for a staycation? Certainly. The rooms are designed for it—comfortable and appointed with amenities any type of travel may need. Staycation is me-time, to unwind and recharge, stay in, be lazy and do nothing, turn off work mode and read a book or watch tv all day, stay indoors, swim, dine. At least, that's what I would do—and it does wonders for me. However, if malling and retail therapy, theater, bar hopping, dance and party, or aligning 7s on a machine relaxes you, then go for it. We define our own meaning of self love. Whatever it is that will suit your fancy, Kingsford and Grand Westside will be the right address for either. However, the two hotels have something up its sleeve to entice staycationers to stay indoors. 

It’s tempting to step out to shop and party, but the 529-rooms Kingsford Hotel can keep you engaged indoors with its facilities—a pool that catches the sunrise, a fitness center, steam room and sauna, and in-room massage service. If those are not enough to keep you busy, perhaps the food will. Executive Chef Chubby Timban and his team will take you in a unique culinary adventure fit for royalty. The cuisine? It’s East meets West, reimagined dishes, culturally-rich, which will please both the eyes and the palate. The Halal selections are not to be missed. It’s a trip to a favorite spice-rich destination. The menu also lists a selection of Filipino dishes that has earned the thumbs up from diners. Perhaps you will do the same. Aaah, there’s this divine dessert that will tempt both the sweet-toothed and not—the Deconstructed Mango Cheesecake is laid out like a work of art. Too beautiful to eat, but who are we kidding? It will be gone in seconds. But if the neighbors beckon, then Kingsford can shuttle you to your destination.

Right next door is the newly inaugurated Grand Westside hotel, the youngest of the Megaworld brood but the largest with 1,530 rooms. It features several suite categories including the presidential suites, with a more sophisticated look in subdued tones than Kingsford. The higher room category gains access to the Executive Lounge (aka Club Floor, to others), where extra amenities are extended. 

A bigger hotel means more offerings. Grand Westside has a variety of dining outlets, including Café by Westside, an all-day dining restaurant serving a wide range of cuisines, and the soon-to-open specialty restaurant, LaMeza, which will highlight a new take on Filipino fare. For drinks, have one (or several) at Zabana at the lobby or by the poolside bar, where you can catch the Manila Bay sunset. It’s on this same level where the fitness center is, if you care to shed off a few calories, the sauna, where you can relax and detoxify, and the massage rooms, the most indulging element of a staycation.

Exciting additions to Grand Westside offerings will be rolled out soon. Connected to the hotel via a bridgeway is the Westside Resort, a sprawling entertainment complex that will feature performing arts theaters, the largest of which will be The Grand Opera House. Yes, there will be more dining options in this edifice.

So on your next business trip or staycation in Manila, decide which hotel you would like to stay at, which room you wish to catch the sun in action, and what cuisine entices you. Is it Kingsford or Grand Westside? You choose.

A whiff of European staycation is possible in cool Tagaytay. Further down Tagaytay's main thoroughfare is a unique hotel built in the image of a Swiss castle— the Twin Lakes Hotel. The estate nestles in a green pocket along the contours of the Tagaytay ridge accessed via a winding path off the main road. With the continental flair the hotel exudes, you would expect Swiss salutations of Salü, Hoi, Grüetzi, or even Ciao as you enter. On the contrary, guests will be met with "Mabuhay" and the hotel’s signature warm Filipino hospitality. 

Twin Lakes is another ideal place to escape to for a comfortable, relaxing me-time in Tagaytay, the suites are all built for it. All the spacious 122 rooms open to airy verandas that put Tagaytay’s wonders on a stage with the famed lake and the volcano as the headliners. And closer to home is the view of the estate’s terraced vineyard where grape picking makes for a fun and unique Twin Lakes experience. Or perhaps you prefer grapes in a different form? At Twin Lakes, your wish is their command. The Wine Gallery overlooking the vineyard has the aged and bottled varieties you want. 

While relishing every sip of your pick of vintage, how about pairing it with another pick from the curated dinner menu? The stylish French industrial-inspired trattoria, the hotel’s wining and dining room, is an ideal setting for a romantic dinner.  Whether it's a budding romance or keeping it kindled, let Tagaytay’s legendary figures—now wearing its golden glow at sunset— be the witness to this. Raise your glasses to this moment! 

Pursue your indulgence at the L’Uva Vineyard Spa. Overlooking the grape garden is where you can treat yourself to a much-deserved body pampering. A massage or body scrub following moments In the steam room or jacuzzi will whisk off the remaining tension from the body and mind. A good night’s rest is always guaranteed after any therapy. 

But it’s not only at the spa where one can set the psyche at peace. Nature’s hues can do the same, at any time of day. The blue waters of the heated pool bonds infinitely with the azure skies of Tagaytay, so does the verdant landscape of the ridge. From outdoors to indoors at the leisure room or the gym, the same views follow you. 

Breakfast is always best with Twin Lakes’ trio of al fresco treats: crisp, cool morning air, sunshine and the magnificent view. Bask on these at your suite's veranda with an ala carte order or at the cafe, where you can enjoy the buffet spread. Among the usual fare you’ll spot well-loved Filipino treats, like the Taho (silken tofu with brown sugar syrup and tapioca pearls), or a highlighted house specialty from the bakery’s offerings. 

The Twin Lakes experiences are what staycations are made of. But is one night enough to fully enjoy all of it? Love yourself, stay longer. 

Tagaytay. When was your first visit? I remember mine. It was way back in the early 80s. Along with a bunch of Mapua architecture class students on a field trip to check out an example of a gabled-roof structure — the 1939-built Taal Vista Lodge standing along a ridge. At it’s backyard was a breathtaking scene of the town’s most notable figures, the Taal Lake and the Taal Vista Volcano. 

Standing on the same spot more than four decades after, I can’t help but relive the first moment I saw the structure, the lake and the volcano. It was as breathtaking today as it was on the day I first caught sight of it. 

At 85 years old, Taal Vista Hotel has weathered conflict and volcanic tantrums, gone through improvements, hosted dignitaries, Generation X, Y, Z, Baby Boomers to today’s Millennials, its popularity transcends age. Perhaps the postcard-perfect view of the Taal Lake and Volcano is captured, as number one on the list. Add to it, the palate pleasers of the hotel’s food list that grows in following through the years. But never forget the power of nostalgia. Good memories will create loyalty. 

Taal Vista is evolving with the times and expanding. Today, it’s a premier MICE destination in Tagaytay where delegates mingle with families on holiday under the gable roof of the original inn. 

Staycations were unheard of back in the days but Taal Vista may have been host to many of them, most especially the addition of the Mountain Wing in 2004. Detached from the main building, surrounded with greenery, and a new pool, its seclusion from the busier zone was a charm, an element many guests still adore to this day.

Although the Mountain Wing has become a favorite among loyalists because of the privacy it extends, and its easy access to leisure amenities, the Lake Wing Room, added in 2008, is truly a delight. I was lucky to stay in one of the rooms that frames in its picture window a breathtaking panorama of the iconic peak, lake and ridge from dusk till dawn. The room’s balcony, which also overlooks the “celebrated backyard,” makes for an ideal hangout place for a good breakfast or cocktails at sunset. Tempting as it may be to just stay within the comforts of the room, the pleasant weather makes outdoor activities an inviting one— a leisurely walk around the hotel grounds or perhaps a quick dip at the pool? Enjoy high tea or the Halo-Halo at the terrace, then come dinner time, have a grilled feast along the ridge at ALTA. As the day ends the breeze gets cooler and the icons get draped in the warm glow of sunset.

How about winding down by the fireplace at the Lobby Lounge where ebony and ivory keys weave the sweetest tunes. Before calling it a day, head to Rain, The Spa for a relaxing massage, it’s a first class ticket in slumberland. 

Undeniably, today’s Tagaytay has become a food destination as well. In this foodies’ paradise, Executive Chef Jayme Natividad makes sure to please the regular and newcomers' palates within his zone, rubbing out their itch to stray far from his kitchen. He cooks a mean Bulalo and makes sure the Tawilis is on the menu when in season. But he also whips up delectable dishes unique to Taal Vista at Veranda, where the menu’s Heirloom Section lists well-loved traditional Filipino dishes. At the specialty restaurant, Taza Fresh Table, is where international cuisine is prepared with ingredients as organic as possible.

Don’t you think it’s time to relive your own fond memories of Taal Vista soon? The place may have undergone changes, but the feeling will remain the same.