The last few weeks had been very busy! While my kids are used to their mummy being out and about and at work, they usually expect to have me for the weekends. But for the past two weekends, there was more work than usual: Grace Home had booths at both the Maarte Fair and the Spectrum Fair Manila. Being an entrepreneur now (#MummyBoss) really means that I have to make an effort to carve special quality time for my family.
So just last weekend, I gave my kids what I owed them: exclusive family time together as we experienced and explored another corner of our city. We had an overnight staycation at Makati’s newest luxury hotel, Discovery Primea. What a relief to be able to get away without really having to go away! Staycations for me, are one of the best kinds of compromise for us working mums!
I set quite high standards for hotels. After all, if I had to leave the comforts of my home, I need to feel exceptionally pampered and, yes, spoiled. And I’ll tell you right away that Discovery Primea’s service is, simply, topnotch.
Every moment of our stay made us feel so welcome and cared for. It was just what I and my kids needed for a weekend of relaxation and family fun. They call it service with a heart. I love how all their employees put their hands on their chest whenever a customer passes by or talks to them or even when just making eye contact.
Such a smiley, happy staff they have here! (Special mention to Archie, the waiter on the right who is very courteous and helpful!) I couldn’t help but smile with them too. 🙂
So allow me now to share with you our short but sweet itinerary over the weekend…
The weekend holiday started with dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Tapenade. Although this is not my first time here, let me already tell you that I have always been impressed with their food — and this last time was no exception! Everything that came out was just oh so good!
It was only after dinner did we see our rooms. We checked into a 2-bedroom suite, which had a big living room and a spacious kitchen right in the middle. When we entered, we were surprised to find a lovely display of chocolates and strawberries, and other dessert and pastries — all personalized, with our names spelled out — much to my kids’ delight! 🙂
The rooms were spacious and cozy and had all the comforts of a home away from home.
One very special and impressive thing we also found inside the bedrooms, were our family photos, all mounted inside picture frames! (Take a look at that photo on my bedside table). It felt like we were really home!
In the living room, there’s a huge sofa and a study/office area right at the corner. It’s perfect for those who have to attend to (or sneak in) some work or study during their stay — while the kids can simply chill out on the couch.
The next day, we were back again in Tapenade for breakfast.
We started off with a delicious platter of cheese, dried fruits and nuts!
And then we all ordered their Filipino breakfast dishes.
We spent some time after breakfast exploring the hotel.
We found the spa which literally just opened a few weeks ago…
And the well-equipped gym, perfect for all the health buffs out there.
But here’s what pleasantly surprised me: I found a built-in Catholic Chapel in the hotel. (This I think is the first of its kind here in the country. What a blessing!)
Last but not the least, where the kids spent most of their day: the poolside.
Look at that skyline. This is an oasis in the middle of a packed, bustling city!
This is such a good reminder of how we must make time for rest and relaxation. I know that this is easier said and done — especially during this day and age when our schedules are just jam-packed…
But isn’t it nice to know that there’s always an option like this, a place so close to home, that requires no passports or flying time, and a place that simply makes you feel like you never left home.
I capped off this delightful mini holiday with an afternoon tea with some of my girlfriends. I’m sure you all agree with me, that we busy mummies need to make time for our friends too! 🙂
There are actually two sets of Afternoon Tea menu here to choose from. So we ordered both so we could try it all!
The great thing about Afternoon Tea, especially something as scrumptious as this, is that you don’t need to wait for the weekend to enjoy it. I would recommend this for ladies or mummies who need a pause from their busy schedules. This is also a good way for business people to relax and enjoy the afternoon, while holding their meetings. And this is a good excuse for everyone to have their midday tea or coffee break, just to get energized again for the rest of the day’s hectic schedule.
Discovery Primea with its brand new facilities, delicious food, and unparalleled luxury service is indeed a great new discovery, a gem of a find in the busy city. I am grateful to have spent my precious weekend here with the most special people in my life.
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