A gentle harmony unfolds. Like notes purposely set on the staff, the sweet tunes of a composition are softly resonating across Davao City’s hospitality landscape—the Aria Hotel & Residences.

Nestled within a unique, modern structure that reflects the evolving city skyline, Aria Hotel & Residences unveils its distinctive brand of hospitality, representing a refined expression of contemporary elegance. Its location within the dynamic urban center, the property affords guests seamless access to the city’s business districts and cultural attractions, offering convenience.

Two sleek and spacious lobby spaces executed in contemporary design set the guests’ mood for an exciting stay. The ground floor lobby is exclusively dedicated to receiving arriving guests, who are then escorted by the concierge service to the third floor lobby, where assistance for check-in and check-out is conducted.

Bathed in natural light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows, the open layout of the third level also presents an unobstructed perspective of the hotel’s social spaces—from the lobby to the all-day dining restaurant through the lobby bar.

The hotel will feature 174 well-designed guestrooms, each conceived as a sanctuary of comfort and style. Thoughtfully appointed with convenient amenities, intuitive design, and elegant furnishings, every inch of the space is crafted to deliver a restful and elevated guest experience. In its current soft opening phase, the hotel introduces a curated selection of approximately 72 rooms, featuring 68 deluxe rooms and four Aria Suites, offering guests an exclusive preview of its vow to excellence.

Culinary experiences are presently anchored by two distinctive dining outlets: Rhapsody Asian Fusion, the hotel’s all-day dining venue, and Cadenza Bar, its lobby bar. Each delivers a refined yet approachable interpretation of global and local flavors, with additional venues to be unveiled in due course.

Rhapsody Asian Fusion, the all-day dining restaurant, is a dynamic culinary destination that invites guests to explore the rich emotional tapestry of Asian gastronomy. Each dish unfolds as part of a larger narrative, capturing the depth, heritage, and evolution of flavors across the region. Guided by a vision that honors and elevates Asian influences, the restaurant presents a thoughtfully curated selection of refined dishes, available throughout the day for a truly immersive dining experience.

Cadenza Bar offers an exhilarating interplay of artistry and spontaneity, where each visit unfolds like a solo performance. Cadenza Bar offers a curated selection of elevated bar fare alongside a distinctive repertoire of handcrafted beverages. In this space, moments of excitement and drama unfold with every sip and bite, creating an atmosphere that is both dynamic and refined. 

Aria Hotel & Residences is poised to emerge as a distinguished culinary destination, with plans for five exceptional dining concepts ranging from relaxed gourmet fare to elevated luxury dining, culminating in a signature sky bar experience set against panoramic city views.

For meetings and events, the property currently offers three elegantly appointed venues, designed to accommodate intimate gatherings and corporate functions with precision and style. For larger occasions, the Soprano Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 260 guests. These offerings will expand to six versatile function rooms, catering to a wide spectrum of events and occasions.

Wellness and recreation are thoughtfully integrated into the guest experience. A newly renovated fitness center, located on the sixth floor, provides a modern environment for health and vitality, complemented by a dedicated children’s playroom designed to engage younger guests. At the pinnacle of the property, the 33rd level reveals an awe-inspiring swimming pool, where guests can unwind while taking in sweeping panoramic views of the city.

“As a locally rooted brand, we take great pride in showcasing the richness of our culture, the strength of our people, and the spirit of our community,” says Colin Tan, general manager. “We are committed not only to delivering exceptional hospitality but also to creating opportunities, supporting local talent, and contributing meaningfully to the destination we call home.”

The essence of Aria is rooted in its namesake. In opera, an aria is a solo vocalist’s performance accompanied by an orchestra, the music rising and falling in harmony with the singer’s emotion and expression. At Aria Hotel & Residences, the property embodies the orchestra, while guests represent both the performer and the audience. In this interplay of service, experience, and emotion, a seamless harmony is created, with each stay unfolding like a unique composition, where every moment contributes to a memorable journey.

Aria Hotel & Residences stands as a testament to deliberate elegance, where every detail is considered, every experience elevated, and every stay defined by quiet sophistication, embodying the promise of “Life in Harmony.”

Have a rare encounter with a Philippine eagle, the Philippine National Bird; dare a vertical challenge up magnificent Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak; marvel in the dazzling hues of the Waling-waling orchids, the Queen of Philippine Orchids; feast on the exotic durian, the King of Philippine fruits; dance on the streets with the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes at the Kadayawan Festival, the “King of Festivals"; and frolic on white sand and blue waters by a famed parola of a world-class beach resort. Their images are deemed iconic, lending their pageantry to the country’s tourism collaterals and destination glossies. If these are on your bucket list, then your travel compass is pointing you south of the archipelago, to the most progressive and vibrant metropolis in Mindanao—Davao City.

Davao City’s offerings for leisure, high-adrenaline adventures, foodie escapades, M.I.C.E., and even business opportunities are vast. Destinations, food, accommodations, and land arrangements: There is something for everyone from the islands to the highlands, north to south, from budget-friendly to luxurious and everything in between.

Drop off your bags and freshen up in your choice of hotel. Aria Residences and Hotel is the newest hotel to add to the hundreds of room keys in Davao’s growing hospitality landscape. There’s the dusitD2, Seda Abreeza, Park Inn by Radisson Davao, and Waterfront Insular Davao as choices in the same category, but affordable accommodations, like Rogen Inn and Blue Lotus Hotel, and budget hotels come aplenty.

Start ticking off a relaxing art and cultural tour at the People’s Park and the National Museum of the Philippines-Davao, the Museo Dabawenyo, and the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography. A quick stopover at the site of old Davao, anchored by San Pedro Street, the oldest street dating back to the early Spanish settlement, where Davao City Hall, San Pedro Cathedral, and Osmeña Park are; and, D’Bone Collector Museum and the Crocodile Park are amazing stops for both adults and kids, too.

Take a scenic drive through the new Coastal Road to cut travel time significantly to your high-altitude, eco-destinations in the South: the Philippine Eagle Center to see the majestic birds up close and witness the center’s conservation efforts to save the endangered species; Malagos Garden Resort, which also houses the Chocolate Museum, displaying the tree-to-bar process and products that earned global recognition and awards; and Eden Nature Park for thrilling “elevated” outdoor fun like sky cycling.

August is a good time to visit. It’s the season when Mt. Apo is seen the clearest, showing off a spectacle of blooms; tropical fruits in season—durian, pomelo, mangosteen, marang, and more—overflow to the streetside; and the 11 tribes of Davao (five Lumad and six Muslim tribes) gather with the locals for the Kadayawan Festival. More than a cultural event, the festival celebrates Davao’s triumph in unity, friendship, and peaceful coexistence between Christians, Muslims and Lumads.

Hungry? Davao City is Mindanao’s gastronomic paradise, and the cuisine is getting more exciting. New flavors are getting the nods of the locals and adding them to their lists along with old-time favorites. Sate the craving at Leon’s Lounge for the award-winning cheeses of Malagos Farmhouse; Harana for grilled fare; the Roxas Night Market for street food; Dencia’s for comfort food; Tiny Kitchen for Spanish; Yellow Fin for seafood; Tadakuma and Akiko for Japanese; Ah Fat for Chinese; Butcher’s Table and Fat Cow for steaks; and Clean Café for plant-based picks; Dulce Vita, Dolce Desserts, and Grateful Bread for pastries and breads.

Old villages like Obrero and Juna Subdivision have turned into coffee culture and dining haunts, and Purge Coffee Roasters, &Matcha, Hid'n, and Stash Coffee Co. are among the favorites.

Been there, done that? But have you gone on a palengke tour? The Bankerohan Market Experience is a roughing-it shop-and-eat experience like no other. There's also the Food Crawl, a flavorful journey of heritage recipes by homegrown restos; Furusato Davao, which explores the historical footprint of the Japanese community in Davao; and Abundant Harvest, a unique agritourism tour of the city’s finest agri-treasures, including durian, cacao, chocolates, and cheeses.

Go farther. Davao City is a gateway to more postcard-perfect destinations. A quick boat ride away is Samal Island in Davao del Norte, an island paradise that holds a tableau of inland, shoreline, and offshore attractions. The Hagimit Falls and the Monfort Bat Sanctuary are popular inland must-visits. Off the coastline, go on an underwater biodiversity exploration at the Taclobo (giant clam) Sanctuary, Coral Garden & Marine Reservation Park, Isla Reta, Mansud Wall, Angel‘s Cove, and Aundanao Fish Sanctuary. While on your island tour, do stop at the Vanishing Island and the Wishing Island and take a dive off the Sabang Cliff.

After a full day under the sun, lounge on the white sand under the star-filled skies in a beach resort on the island. Paradise Island Beach Resort is one of the most popular among the array of highly regarded affordable beach resorts. If you want to go extravagant, head to the Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Mindanao’s first luxury resort, a heritage-rich architectural landmark. Two other resorts join the high-end category—Discovery Samal and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort on Kopiat Island, Davao de Oro.

The pandemic put the spotlight on the scenic highland of BuDa—and it never dimmed. There’s a regular exodus of “heat escapists” and foodies to the mountain resorts in the sea of clouds and to dining spots like Pilgrim. Cross over to Bukidnon and pick fresh strawberries (and go glamping) at Taglucop Strawberry Hills.

In Davao del Sur, go whitewater rafting and spend the night in any of Kapatagan's mountain resorts. Towards Davao Oriental, check out the Aliwagwag Falls, the scenic Sleeping Dinosaur viewpoint, and the surfer’s paradise of Dahican Beach.

To love Davao is to experience it firsthand. There is genuine warmth and friendliness from locals, and these are the visitors impressions, along with how clean the city is.

Safety and discipline are ingrained in Davao City’s culture; political will made that happen and is still successfully in place for decades today. For its strict local ordinances and low crime indices, Davao City is frequently listed as one of the top three safest cities in the Southeast Asian region by Numbeo (crowdsourced database), Global Residence Index, and Gallup Global Safety Report. Worth mentioning is Davao has the first integrated emergency response system in the Philippines and is the pioneer in the anti-smoking ordinance, among others.

Tourism-wise, for the second year, the 2026 World Travel Index (WTI) ranks Davao City #1 in the Philippines for Travel by Experience (“leading in safety, affordability, and infrastructure”). The report highlights Davao's unique blend of urban, nature, and cultural experiences. The city also took the top spot in 2025.

To whom does Davao City attribute these recognitions?

Resource people says it’s a collective effort of all sectors involved. The relationship of the private sector and the Local Government Unit (LGU) is quite unique in Davao. Working together and meeting on a regular basis, the sectors make sure goals are aligned and on track, with Davao City and its citizens' quality of life on top of mind. Ultimately, just like any business venture, be it from the tourism, corporate, or investment sector, it’s the numbers that matter. And, in all discussions and programs, the safety and security division plays an integral part.

Believe it or not, earning accolades has never been the aim of the stakeholders, nor has it been an objective. They consider these bonuses for everyone's hard work and indications that the programs are on the right track. It motivates the stakeholders to do better and be more creative.

Anyone’s apprehensions about Davao City will dissipate the moment they step on the Durianburg soil. The negative perceptions of the city will change to positive ones. Perhaps another recognition can enlighten? CEOWORLD Magazine ranked Davao City as the #1 in the Philippines for living, working, and investing for the 2025-2026 period. 

Truly, the best way to fall in love with Davao City is to experience it. Find out why the locals and returning visitors say, “Davao life is here.”

It’s been a while and it’s good to be back in a busier and more developed township by the Mactan seaside. Two years went by quickly and Megaworld’s progress was apace with the speedy sands of time. Mactan Newtown became—and is becoming— the choice address for residents, corporate centers, learning institutions, and even special events and festivals. Expect more structures to rise, like the Mactan Expo Center, the largest convention center on this side of Cebu, to fill up the 30-hectare live-work-play estate.

Play is extended to another exciting facet of the island township’s most recent addition that fulfills a vision of a resort destination within a destination—the Mactan Newtown Beach. An infinity pool and a white sand shoreline facing the blue waters of Hilutungan Channel within the Cebu Strait and the Olango Island beyond. The relaxing sights and site make for the perfect vacation or weekend getaway. Go ahead, order a cocktail, get a tan and take a relaxing dip in the cool water.

More than a holiday locale, Mactan Newtown Beach can amp up any celebration, be it natal or nuptial. The “resort” styles its areas with specially curated sections, like an enclosed, air-conditioned gazebo embraced with picture windows that won’t let the indoor fun miss any of the out-of-doors island vibe, or the breathtaking al fesco setting with the rising sun and azure sea as its backdrop, which can make every I do extraordinary and unforgettable.

As alluring as the coast, day in and out, the township’s mango-tree-lined main boulevard lures in the city’s foodies hungry for a variety of cuisines, from the famed Cebu lechon at the Mactan Alfresco to the Asian bites of sushi and bibimbap, sweet tooth soothers and swigs of crisp, golden lager streetside.

Exciting enough? How about some hearty servings of UK and German fare? Hell’s Kitchen’s Gordon Ramsey’s menus are up to please the palate. Recently opened, the Fish & Chips and Street Burger joints are getting the Cebuanos to queue at peak dining hours and past for a bite of the “bad boy” chef’s culinary creations. Where? Right beside the door of Belmont Hotel Mactan. Lucky are those staying in this hotel because they can grab a bite of the good stuff ay time between the restos clocking in and out.

Easy access to Mactan Newtown’s offerings, easier access to top-notch amenities within its four walls. Guests at Belmont Hotel Mactan can feast on local and international favorites at the all-day dining Belmont Café, a selection of cocktails and refreshing beverages at the Zabana Bar or the Float Pool Bar, where one can also catch the sunrise while taking a cooling dip in the pool.

Undoubtedly, Belmont embraces Cebuano culture and warmth and lets each guest experience it. Design-wise, Belmont takes its inspiration from its location, paying tribute to Cebu’s rich history, marine life, culture, and heritage with carefully selected décor. Hospitality-wise, Cebu’s charm is sensed the moment guests enter this home in the township.

More than a place for rest and relaxation, Belmont Hotel Mactan is MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions)-ready. It has built facilities specifically for MICE events, as well as team buildings and intimate corporate events.

Exciting times are ahead for Belmont Hotel Mactan as Megaworld Corporation partners with French hospitality giant Accor to scale up the reach and competitiveness of its homegrown hotel brands, with plans to introduce international standards in operations and loyalty rewards across select properties under its Megaworld Hotels & Resorts unit.

The transition will begin with Belmont Hotel Mactan, which will be rebranded as Mercure Mactan Cebu within the year. The rebranding will bring the property under one of Accor’s key midscale hotel chains. With Mercure Mactan Cebu, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts aim to redefine Cebu’s tourism landscape by combining the group’s local expertise with Accor’s global leadership in hospitality.

On the next visit to Mactan Newtown, my favorite Belmont address will be bearing a new name, the Mercure Mactan Cebu. What’s in store for its guests? Let me find out first hand. 

Living in VisMin and flying out of the country? Make the Cebu airport your international gateway to the world and back home. Why? It’s way more convenient with its next door-walkable domestic-international connectivity, far less crowded, quicker immigration clearance than Manila’s. Plus, MCIA is far more aesthetically pleasing in- and outdoor, and passenger-friendly than any of the NAIA terminals today.

With the Cebu hub offering a good list of international carriers, non-Cebu residents may need a separate ticket for their domestic leg of the journey. If it’s not with the same airline, it’s best to plan well, especially if you have trust issues with local carriers having a reputation of “plane always late” or changing, if not cancelling, flight time moving it too close to your onward flight. It can be anxiety-inducing, truly. Best option? Arrive a day earlier. I would. I did. It relieves the stress of being late, or worse, missing the flight to the USA. 

What to do in Cebu in 24-hours or longer? Plenty. An airport hotel like Waterfront Airport Hotel can be the most convenient choice, but its sister property, Waterfront Cebu City hotel in the city center, is a smart choice for longer layovers. Here’s why. 

Convenience, comfort and location. Arrange for a hotel transfer and spare yourself of the hassle lugging luggage and hailing a cab to the city center. The efficient reception carries through check-in all the way to the comforts of a well-appointed, spacious room, onto the rest of your stay. No soiled clothes in the luggage, your day’s look can be freshly laundered, pressed and ready for the next OOTD abroad. Ring up housekeeping for this service. 

Dining out feels without leaving the hotel. Cebu City’s vast culinary offering is exciting, but you need not stray far to dive into the scene. There are three dining spots steps away from your hotel room. Along the Gourmet Walk of Waterfront Cebu are three specialty restaurants marked as favorites by the local foodies: Mizu (Japanese), Tin Gow (Cantonese and Szechuan) and La Gondola (Italian). It may be a challenge to enjoy the house specialties of these three given the limited time, but who says you can’t hop? A sukiyaki or sushi at Mizu, the Crispy Sweet & Sour Pork or Peking Duck at Tin Gow, a pizza or pasta dish at La Gondola, more at each stop if you have a hearty appetite (or you can always return to Cebu for another bout). Don’t forget the desserts! The Green Tea ice cream and the Gelatos are such great meal enders. 

Last minute pasalubong shopping. Admit it, you may have ticked your checklist for everything you need but there is always that nagging feeling that you forgot something to pack. Worry not, there’s a gift shop in the hotel, and a few steps across Waterfront will take you to the Central Bloc Mall. Gifts? Extra clothing? Local delicacies? Toiletries and meds? Find it there. 

Have a nightcap before calling it a night. A Gin Tonic or freshly brewed coffee can make for a good nightcap at the Lobby Lounge. Under the iconic world map painting is a good spot to relax and people watch while enjoying a drink. 

Load up before a long trip. Have a hearty breakfast at Cafe Uno if you have a morning flight. Cafe Uno’s breakfast spread will have a local dish that will that you’ll miss abroad, like a bowl of hot Champorado (chocolate rice porridge) paired with Danggit (local dried fish), or Taho (fresh silken tofu, tapioca pearls with brown sugar syrup). Lucky you if your flight is after lunch, you can have more of the house specialties of Waterfront’s Gourmet Walk restaurants. 

Now freshen up in your room and head to the airport. 

Fly Starlux Airlines thru Cebu's Mactan City International Airport. 

Flown Starlux Airlines yet? You should. The new Taiwanese Airline, serving Cebu, has a fleet of A350 aircraft which has configurations of 1-2-1 on Business Class, 2-4-2 on Premium Economy and 3-3-3 on Economy Class. The last, perhaps, making it the most convenient and spacious seat set-up among the long haul aircrafts. I can attest to it. Plus, getting an exit row seat, the 50 B, C, H, or J will offer the best legroom in the section. It may entail additional cost but it’s still far more economical (by half) than a Premium Economy seat (and I will sit in this section on my next trip). The Cebu-Taipei utilizes A321NEO with all seats having inflight entertainment systems. 

Starlux offers the lowest rate among other airlines at a recent seat sale. The Cebu-SFO/LA-Cebu via Taipei fare is around US$750, add the DVO-CEB-DVO plus baggage allowance via PAL, the total still is the cheapest among the airlines on the list. Like I said above, make sure you have ample time in between flights. Stay a night in Cebu if you must. 

Enjoy the new planes, comfortable seats, good food, yes, in-flight entertainment (not on iPad!) with a long list of movie titles, and the restrooms are constantly kept clean and smelling good by the crew all 11 to 14 hours long.

Flee from the zip code. Isn’t that a good idea for a staycation? Draw the curtain and see a view not of hometown Davao. Where? A highland destination like Tagaytay. The city has always been a destination for the day, and I want to break that habit, especially if I have to fly the distance from Mindanao. Why not make the most out of the trip? The cool mountain air and the scent of pine trees will do me good. 

How do you choose your staycation nests? Here’s a tip, and a winning one: go where your toque-d friends are, or befriend the chefs when you get there. It’s always double the treat— catching up with friends plus they‘ll whip up something special to make the visit a pleasant one. Luckily, a couple of them are in Tagaytay. And so, the relaxing escape began. 

It was nice to be back at Anya Resort. Its location, tucked in the interior of Tagaytay, may not have the view of the famed lake and volcano but its luxurious accommodation and amenities nestled in a 72-hectare lush greenery make it a highly-sought destination. 

My room was posh, designed in modern Filipino , spacious and fitted with indulgences that impress. Hospitality is superb, as expected. What could be a better “welcome home” greeting than warming smiles, hand-written welcome notes, wine, cheese, chocolates and pastries, and my framed photograph (my FB profile photo) by the bedside, which made me wish the luxurious one-bedroom suite was my forever room. 

Here, the Anya Experience Assistant is like a genie in a bottle granting wishes, from preferred diet to activities, even the room scent. They make sure the visit is as ideal and memorable as it should be. 

Boredom never found a space during my stay. As much as I wanted to remain in the comforts of my suite, a walk along verdant paths to catch the rising sun was always inviting, so did a morning dip in the heated pool followed by a sumptuous breakfast. Midday was spent with a book at the library, mid-afternoon was lounging in my suite (winning over a yoga or gym session at the fitness center), and evenings were dedicated to pampering (aka body massages) at the Namiya Wellness Center before calling it a day. 

The meals at Samira are nothing short of special with Chef Chele Gonzales at the helm. I did not get the chance to meet the culinary genius, but my good friend is also an amazing chef from the Basque Region, and he also happens to be the general manager of Anya. Mikel Arruiz, like always, was the doting host. His family was great company over a delightful, beautifully plated 6-course set menu. The journey of the palate was like unearthing eye-popping treasures, like the Bulalo Tacos amuse bouche, Charred Grilled Octopus, grilled fare of Apahap Alavasca, Jamon and Chopitos Paella, and Buko Pie in Textures, among others. Good food carried on to the next meal with picks from the healthy menu, which included a salad of freshly-picked greens from the garden, a tasty vegetarian burger and a Chia pudding for dessert. What can I say? I left my heart in Anya’s kitchen? 

Nostalgia kicked in at my next stop where I was met with beaming smiles by the General Manager, Ramonito Makilan, and Group MarCom head, Faith Dimaano. Taal Vista Hotel was the very spot I was at in the early 80s, amazed at the postcard-perfect view of Taal Lake and Volcano and the gable-roofed hotel (I was an architecture student of Mapua) seeing it all for the first time. I was back at the 1939-inaugurated hotel (it’s 85 years old this year), which has weathered a war and volcanic tantrums but still manages to be a popular destination to this day. I am not surprised, it’s a generational thing, like “this was where I proposed to your mom,” then the next generation makes their own memories to pass on. Nostalgia is Taal Vista’s blue chip. 

The Lakeside Room is a staycationer’s delight. It has a breathtaking panorama of the iconic peak and lake from dusk to dawn. The view followed me on my daily walks, while dining indoors at Veranda or al fresco at ALTA Ridge Bar, over a Halo-halo at merienda time or an evening cocktail at the Lobby Lounge. 

Tagaytay is a foodie’s paradise and Executive Chef Jayme Natividad (proud friend here!) makes sure to please the regular and newcomer’s palates within his zone. Although he makes a mean Bulalo and serves Tawilis when in season, both famous Tagaytay fares, he also whips up tasteful dishes unique to Taal Vista at Veranda, where the menu’s Heirloom section lists traditional Filipino dishes (like how grandma cooks it). He took me to Taza Fresh Table, a specialty outlet, and filled the table with the delectable house specialties prepared with locally-sourced ingredients —the Mezze with it’s wonderful play of flavors; perfectly grilled and juicy Wagyu Rib-eye steak and Tomahawk Pork Chop; Prawns and Squid Ink Pasta; and, the Olive Oil Gelato. Chef Jayme’s offerings certainly add to the reasons why Taal Vista is always worth the revisits. 

Farther down the main road towards Batangas was my last stop—Twin Lakes Hotel, a unique estate built along the contours of the ridge. Its look is inspired by Swiss architecture but built with Filipino hospitality as its foundation. On this first visit, I was warmly received by the frontliners. A handwritten welcome note, wine and a high tea tower awaited me in my room. 

The hotel is another pleasant place for a staycation. Its room opens to an airy balcony that presents the iconic vista, the sunrise, and the estate’s terraced vineyard where grape picking makes for a novel Twin Lakes experience. I had my pick of grapes— the aged and bottled type— from the Wine Gallery’s sherry collection. It paired nicely with the delectable dishes from the curated dinner menu at the stylish French industrial-inspired trattoria. I wish I had the chance to meet the chef to compliment him/her for the lovely meal, I particularly loved the juicy Beef Medallions and tender Grilled Octopus. 

Just like in the previous stop, the view followed me wherever I was in the hotel—the cafe (thumbs up to the taho, signature burger and Halo-halo!), the game room, fitness center, wine gallery, the infinity pool, and my favorite spot, the L’Uva Vineyard Spa, where I had a totally relaxing massage that ushered me to a restful visit in La La Land. The days ran quickly in this final stop. 

Yep, I proved myself right again, that staycations are best spent with toque-d friends and good food. Of course, a really nice place will always count.