No Spam, No Virus, No Kiddin'!: Marinduque

After the sweetest Misibis Bay escape, the next thing I really looked forward to is to experience Bellarocca. I knew this day would come, the day a group buying site will offer a great and irresistible promo deal! ^_^

The Bellarocca Anniversary Deal c/o Deal Dozen: Stay 1 Night and Get 3 Nights for Free! This is absolutely amazing! That's a total of 4 nights in this premier and luxurious resort for the price of P30,000. Yeah, it's still a bit pricey I know. Good thing were a group of 4. In that case, P30,000 is split into P7,500 per person and all of us will have a 2-nights stay in a Hotel Deluxe Room in Bellarocca. Achieve na achieve!

the Santorini-inspired resort of Bellarocca

All along, our group was convinced to take the long way to the province of Marinduque. The 8-hour land and sea journey is fine with us. However, the bus and RoRo schedules aren't really that convenient- specially to us who still need to work late night prior to the day of our Bellarocca trip.

Only Zestair flies to Marinduque. Though I have read a gazillion of horror stories regarding this reckless airline, and the fare is very expensive considering this is only a 40-min flight - we asked ourselves if we do have any other choice. Sadly, we don't.

Okay, pikit mata kaming nagbook ng P2,241 one-way flight ticket to Marinduque via Zestair. This is the most expensive ticket I've purchased, ever! The worst part is, we don't even know if the flight won't be cancelled on the day itself. Just so you know, Zestair is very well known for its super delayed and cancelled flights.

Getting to Bellarocca

flying via Zestair for the first time

this is the most expensive ticket I've purchased, ever!

The flight got delayed for only an hour, hallelujah! The aircraft is a 56-seater twin-engine jet propeller. Okay naman, there's just this awful aircraft smell that made us all feel dizzy.

lots of t vacant seats on this Zestair propeller plane

Compared to the 8-hour land and sea journey, we arrived in Marinduque just after a 40-min flight. Oh well, convenience has a price.

From the airport in Marinduque, we were welcomed by Bellarocca's airport representatives. To reach Bellarocca, guests need to travel a 40-min land journey via their private van and another 5-minute sea transfer via their speedboat.

40-min land transfer

and a 5-minute sea transfer

This could be nicer if a yacht is used. Not all guests love to sunbathe. Could be nicer too if fresh towels are provided to cover our things to avoid water splashes. ang dugyot ng towel. ^_^

First glimpse of Bellarocca
The resort is beautiful. Im happy to know that we have a luxurious and private resort like this in the Philippines. I heard a Japanese and some Filipino businessmen own this place.

hello Bellarocca

the Marina

the loveliest part of this resort is the view of Mt. Malindig

fresh flower necklace for newly-arrived guests

We were picked up by a golf cart and brought us to the reception area. There are lots of other groups when we arrived. I am sure all of us were voucher holders, the staff told me this. Hehe

blue and white is the theme

welcome drinks

Hotel Deluxe Room in Bellarocca
After the briefing, we were assisted to our room. Ours is just located near the reception area and the lap pool. The cheapest room in Bellarocca is the Hotel Deluxe Room which costs $680 per night (around P27,000), while the most expensive is the 2BR-Villa which costs $2,200 (P90,000 per night).

the welcome cookies are gone

nakain na namin agad ^_^

a very spacious deluxe room with super comfy king sized bed

excited to use all 5 pillows!

the bed and the bathroom is divided by a clear glass

don't worry, blinds are available for privacy

toiletries w/out the lotion, why?

i asked for other brands too, but the staff told us this is the only one available.

spacious bathroom with bathtub

the guests by the mirror

cabinets behind this full sized sliding mirror

tv, mini fridge, and writing table

Okay, this entertainment system fell below our expectations. Ang old school ng tv, mas high tech pa ang tv namin sa apartment. Hehe Maybe the more expensive rooms have better entertainment system.

Also, those Toblerones for sale tasted differently. They are not creamy at all. For a luxury resort like this, they should be selling nothing but the best kinds.

Moving on, we all love this view from our veranda. Who wouldn't?

the mountain and the sea are right outside our room

splurging in Bellarocca

our favorite part of the room - the veranda

Since we already knew that the food in Bellarocca are overpriced, we brought our snacks and drinks with us. No corkage fee was charged

Lap Pool
After we had enough rest, we decided to explore the resort. Right outside our room is the lap pool.

gorgeous lap pool

i love how the architectural design, looks very glam

Im not really a fan of mountains, but I was really in awe everytime I see the majestic Mt.Malindig.

one of the villas, right infront of the sea

luxurious stay in this villa costs $1,200 per night

At sunset time, we decided to have our early dinner. Gutom eh, hindi naglunch. ^_^

alfresco dining setup

the mountain really made this place more beautiful

indoor dining setup

lakas maka-formal event

we really adore Mt. Malindig, ang ganda nya grabe.

There aren't really many selections in the menu but I must say prices are still tolerable. This is an isolated and luxury resort, of course prices are a bit steep.

As for the service, hhmm. Yes, all the staff are very accommodating and kind, but we felt most of them were still inexperienced. It makes a big difference between giving what's been asked and offering things that you might ask. Get the point?

Beef Brocolli with Fried Rice for P500++

Not the best version in town, but it's a good choice for dinner. We also ordered sinigang and I forgot the order one. We also would appreciate if there are some live music compared to the classical instrumental ones. There's only 1 couple in the resort, and most of us were traveling in groups. Di bagay yung mellow and instrumental music. ^_^

After dinner, we looked for someting to do. There's a public videoke and bar but a big group (hello Oyis and friends) were already occupying it. We just decided to spend time in the game room.

billiards table and public PC for guests

Island Tour
It's a brand new day to relax and do nothing in Bellarocca. We started our day by having our buffet breakfast. Yay, all guest got an upgrade! Originally, the promo deal only includes a set of continental breakfast. Im not a fan of bread and eggs and jams pa naman. ^_^

best place to have breakfast

Mt. Malindig, bakit ang ganda mo palagi? wala kang anggulo?

beans, beef tapa steak, mixed veggies, hash brown, and cheese ♥

2 mornings na yan mismo ang pagkain ko, and i still loved it!

After breakfast, we headed to the reception area and confirmed our reservation for the island tour. Yes, reservations are needed.

golf carts for the island tour

no, you cannot drive the golf cart

The tour guide / driver drove us to the different villas and terrazas in the resort. He also shared stories of the celebrities who already visited this place. #showbiz

This is the hall where weddings are held. For sure the staff would turn this place into an elegant hall once a wedding event is scheduled.

wedding hall at Bellarocca

Honestly, I prefer Misibis Bay's glass cathedral more for a wedding. While the amphitheater with stonehenge is a more romantic place fora proposal. Just saying out loud. ^_^

Infinity Pool and Beach Area
Man made luxury and natural wonder at its finest.

santorini-inspired architecture

camwhore #1

camwhore #2

Our skins haven't recovered from the sunburn we got from El Nido, but it's hard not to bathe in the sun and enjoy this man made luxury.

man made luxury

panoramic view of the mountain and the sea

the artificial sand is made up of shells and corals

Just in-front the beach area is the Infinity Pool. This is the most photographed spot in Bellarocca.

the sea, the lounge, and the infinity pool

to infinity and beyond

natural wonder. man made luxury. co-existing perfectly.

a very nice lounge chair in Bellarocca

The area is really nice. This lounge and infinity pool alone made our stay really luxurious.

However, because most of the guests in the resort were also in this area at that time, Im not sure how we could really enjoy this place. Hehe

After camwhoring, we decided to go to our room and sleep. Our rooms are cleaned and the toiletries are replenished. At 2pm, we got hungry so we proceeded to the restaurant again to have our lunch. This time, we ordered the Fisherman's Platter.

Fisherman's Platter for P800++

this grilled platter includes prawns, fish, squid, and mussel

Deep Fried Coconut Ice Cream served on a Fruit Coulis for P180 ++

By the way, the public areas are wifi zones as they said but the internet connection is really weak. But then again, okay na din kesa wala. Patience is a virtue, I need to update my FB and twitter once in a while. ^_^

At 3:30, we decided to go back to the Marina area and try their complimentary water sport activities. Only kayaking and snorkeling are free. All others are not.

lets go kayaking and snorkeling, game!

The guide in Marina is nice and accommodating. He even kayaked with us so we can have a picture. As for the snorkeling activity, well there are jellyfish as much as the ordinary fish. Hehe Scary!

could be nicer if the jelly fish are not around

After snorkeling, we asked the guide for some fresh towels and bottled water. Again, it would make a big difference if they'll provide things even without being asked.

This is how we spent our last night in Bellarocca.

chill and relax

in the infinity pool and the ever awesome Mt. Malindig

thank you Bellarocca for the experience!

Overall, we were very pleased to finally experience this Santorini-inspired resort of Bellarocca. It gives me pride to know that even foreigners are impressed with the architectural design and service of this luxurious resort in the Philippines. A beautiful place like this adds more options to the couples who want to have their wedding and honeymoon in a luxurious and private place. Im happy for the locals too, this brings jobs for them.