10 Holiday Season Staycations in the Philippines for Your Nearest & Dearest

Fun fact: They say that in the Philippines, Christmas starts in September. And anyone who is accustomed to the country’s warmth and festive spirit will agree that Filipinos take it up a notch when the ‘ber months roll in!

Image credit: Keith Bacongco

The streets come alive with twinkling lights and colourful parols . Groceries stock up on hamon and keso de bola . Yuletide songs — old and new — play on repeat in malls and caf é s. The tummy-grumbling scent of Christmastime goodies like bibingka and puto bumbong waft through the air at any given time. And of course, top accommodations join in on the fun by treating guests to irresistible holiday offers that bring loved ones closer amid the yuletide cheer.

Also read: 9 Philippine Destinations to Spend Your Christmas Vacations

Image credit: Toni Rose Ng

Celebrating with your nearest and dearest will always be timeless, but doing this during Christmas or New Year makes for the most wonderful time of the year indeed. That said, we’ve rounded up the best holiday ideas for a Christmas staycation in the Philippines that’s one for the books. Now all you need to do is take your pick and create merry memories along the way!

Your ideal Christmas staycation in the Philippines awaits

1. Club Paradise Palawan

Image credit: Club Paradise Palawan

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Well, the Philippines’ 7,000+ islands don’t have snow, but they certainly boast of bucket list-worthy beaches blessed with fine, white sand! Take the islands of Palawan, for example. Time and time again, they’ve been named among the most beautiful getaways in the world. Imagine if you could wake up to that every morning for the holidays. Good news: With Club Paradise Palawan , you most certainly can!

Nestled in the crystal clear waters of Coron, Club Paradise Palawan is surrounded by the awe-inspiring scenes of a protected UNESCO site. The lavish island resort spoils its guests no matter the season with well-appointed seaside villas and a variety of wellness treatments, cuisine, and even island tours… but great deals are but a click away this time of year. So why wait?

Find out more about Club Paradise Palawan on TripZillaSTAYS.

2. Oceans Edge Resort

Image credit: Oceans Edge Resort

If total tranquillity is what you’re after during your Christmas staycation in the Philippines, then we’d definitely recommend a more underrated destination. Romblon is not necessarily a hidden gem, although it is an undeniable beauty — and an under-visited one at that, compared to its more popular counterparts (like El Nido or Boracay). And as far as prime accommodations go, there’s no better option than Oceans Edge Resort . Getting there is similar to how you’d travel to Boracay, but from Caticlan, you’re whisked off to remote paradise called Carabao Island via a one-hour boat ride.

Here, nature is your companion 24/7. You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and what some have tagged to be the “bluest waters” they’ve ever seen. When you’ve had enough peace and quiet, gear up for some active fun! Carabao Island is an ecological haven; go cliff-diving, snorkelling, and hiking. After a full day, indulge in the farm-to-plate goodness of Oceans Edge Resort’s in-house restaurant, Club Bahandi.

Find out more about Oceans Edge Resort on TripZillaSTAYS.

3. Pico Sands Hotel

Image credit: Pico Sands Hotel

Just a three-hour drive away from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pico Sands Hotel in the coastal town of Nasugbu, Batangas is the perfect escape for those who value easy access to Manila. Don’t be fooled by its proximity to the capital’s hustle and bustle, though. Pico Sands Hotel is tucked in an area surrounded by verdant rainforests and underwater biodiversity. Nearby, there are several coves and diving sites for beach bums and water babies. Mt. Pico de Loro, on the other hand, is a popular and scenic day hike for those who prefer conquering steep terrains.

But if you’re a fan of a true holiday season staycation, one where you melt all your worries away by simply holing up in the resort, Pico Sands Hotel won’t disappoint either. Accommodations are always cosy and tasteful whether you opt for a premier room or the penthouse loft! There are plenty of dining options, there’s an in-house spa, a fitness centre and indoor sports facility, a video game room, and even a chapel for those on a spiritual break… among other amenities. Perfect for families, don’t you think?

Find out more about Pico Sands Hotel on TripZillaSTAYS.

4. Belmont Hotel Boracay

Image credit: Belmont Hotel Boracay

A list of our go-to holiday staycations in the Philippines won’t be complete without an entry from beloved Boracay! We’re pretty sure you know enough about this breathtaking destination, so we’ll cut to the chase.

Still on the lookout for a failsafe staycation option? The search is over! Belmont Hotel Boracay is where you stay to feel good and do good. Bright, cushy rooms and interiors aside, the property is certified eco-friendly, plus it supports local livelihood by sourcing fresh ingredients from farmers based in Aklan. How awesome is that? Think of all the things that Boracay has to offer, but with a heart.

Find out more about Belmont Hotel Boracay on TripZillaSTAYS.

5. Torre Venezia Suites

Image credit: Torre Venezia Suites

Want to make your holiday staycation simple yet exciting? We’ve got just the thing for you. Torre Venezia Suites is just about an hour away from Ninoy Aquino International Airport and it puts you right in the middle of all the action! It’s situated along Timog, Quezon City and boasts of easy access to the lively commercial area of Tomas Morato. If you want to spend your staycation right in the city’s pulse, we highly recommend booking a stay here.

At Torre Venezia Suites, homey rooms are embellished by Italian-inspired motifs. Guests can also enjoy impeccable service alongside amenities like a gym, a pool, a spa, and a fusion restaurant that will have you drooling for more in no time!

Find out more about Torre Venezia Suites on TripZillaSTAYS.

6. The Manor at Camp John Hay

Image credit: The Manor at Camp John Hay

This next entry is pretty close to my heart because it has been my family’s home away from home on many occasions. I fondly recall waking up to cool temperatures — rain or shine — and the fresh scent of pine trees. Hands down, one of the best things about The Manor at Camp John Hay is its idyllic location. It's high up in mountainous Baguio, so you get the best of both worlds: convenient city living and the hillside charm of the province of Benguet.

The Manor at Camp John Hay brims with many features specially designed for the enjoyment of all travellers no matter the age. Sprawling grounds and manicured gardens are great for long walks and quick runs. If it gets too chilly, there’s an indoor fitness facility that even offers hot yoga! A kids corner is available for those vacationing with tots. An in-house restaurant run by esteemed chef, Billy King, has been delighting foodies for several years now. And when you muster enough willpower to leave the comforts of your cosy room, you can sign up for tours curated by The Manor. I assure you they won’t disappoint!

Find out more about The Manor at Camp John Hay on TripZillaSTAYS.

7. Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila

Image credit: Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila

Just about an hour and a half south of Manila is the colourful commercial and business district of Alabang. Here, you’ll find time away from the centre’s crowded streets and still enjoy proximity to Manila to boot. The best part is Alabang has everything you’ll need so you might not even want to leave in the first place! And of course, by everything , we also mean you’ll have a foolproof choice for a festive yet relaxing Christmas staycation in the Philippines.

Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila billets you in the heart of Alabang, with plenty of dining options and shopping malls right outside your doorstep. You could be lazing in your suite or splashing about in the pool one minute and go on a shopping spree the next. But the cherry on top this season? Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila offers special Holiday Staycation and Christmas Eve room packages that come with a Christmas Surprise room setup and shopping credits for kiddos at their very own Christmas Goodies Corner!

8. Hotel H2O

Image credit: Hotel H2O

The partner deluxe accommodations of Ocean Park Manila, Hotel H20 assures a whale of a time! The hotel follows an ocean theme, so well-appointed rooms feature aquariums where you can watch underwater critters flit and float about. Accommodations also come equipped with high-speed Internet and floor-to-ceiling windows for unmatched views of Manila Bay or the Manila skyline. 

When you’re not busy getting your fill at in-house grub hubs Makan Makan Asian Food Village and White Moon Bar, hop on over to Ocean Park Manila for a splashin’ good time with friends and family. The park even has a Christmas Village and a chilly attraction called Trails to Antarctica: The Penguin Quest , where you can learn more about our feathery, flightless friends who thrive in the world’s colder regions.

Our top tip? Take advantage of Hotel H20’s ongoing holiday season offers. There are Christmas celebrations and dazzling New Year buffets — choose one or join all!

9. Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

Image credit: Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

Known and sought after all around the globe, five-star Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila is an institution in the hospitality industry. It perhaps combines everything that you’d look for in a Christmas staycation in the Philippines: stellar service, world-class amenities and accommodations, and a very, very convenient location. It places you in the heart of Manila yet its resort-like seaside pool and grounds give you that faraway island feel.

What’s more, Sofitel brings its French heritage to the Philippine capital by celebrating the season extravagantly — with over-the-top decor, a gastronomic spread paired with excellent tipple, and the best company. Now that’s certainly something we can all toast to!

10. Atmosphere Resorts & Spa

Image credit: Atmosphere Resorts & Spa

Let’s end this list with an entry that truly warms the heart. Since ‘tis the season for giving, why not hit two birds with one stone and book a Christmas staycation in the Philippines that allows you to have some fun in the sun and give back?

Atmosphere Resorts & Spa is a true Eden found in Dauin, Negros Oriental — just a quick boat ride away from the gem that is Apo Island Marine Sanctuary. Since the eco-friendly property sits so close to a protected biodiversity site, you can bet that it takes environmental conservation and carbon footprint reduction seriously! Aside from this, Atmosphere Resorts & Spa also hosts the Gives Forward program, which is always open to donations and volunteers. Through Gives Back, Atmosphere extends assistance to locals by setting up various livelihood projects for adults and the Atmosphere Soup Kitchen for children of nearby communities.

All this, plus the chance to swathe yourself in luxury and pamper yourself with the peace of island living. Atmosphere Resorts & Spa is also home to award-winning facilities dedicated to wellness, several mouth-watering dining options, and a diving centre equipped (and certified!) to train newbies and delight more experienced divers. There’s even a Kids Club to keep the little ones entertained for hours on end. Perfect for adults aching for well-deserved R&R!

Also read: The 10 Most Family-Friendly Hotels in the Philippines This 2019

We know, it’s pretty hard to choose just one when every option appeals to you. While you’re deciding which Christmas staycation in the Philippines you’ll book soon, why not learn how to say “Merry Christmas and a happy new year!” in Filipino? Maligayang Pasko at manigong bagong taon!

Visit TripZillaSTAYS to know more staycation ideas in the Philippines!