Stay, Save, and Soak Up Summer in the Philippines
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- 4 min read
From Binondo food crawls and grape harvests to wellness escapes and marine experiences, discover diverse ways to travel mindfully with Megaworld Hotels & Resorts
“Summer is a time to spend with loved ones and to create moments that matter. While the ongoing crisis may bring uncertainty, our plans to rest, celebrate life, and care for one another should not be thwarted. Travel can still be meaningful when done with the right intention,” Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts MHR shares her thoughts on how one can still make the best of summer this year.
At its core, MHR’s Mindful Travel campaign encourages travelers to move with intention this season, making choices that are enjoyable, responsible, and purposeful. Anchored in Sampaguita, MHR’s service philosophy that celebrates the best of Filipino hospitality, travel becomes a meaningful exchange that uplifts both people and places.
Across its destinations, MHR offers a range of experiences from cultural immersions and wellness escapes to sustainability driven and community centered activities, inspiring more thoughtful and rewarding journeys.
Manila: Cultural Staycations with Purpose
One of the simplest ways to embrace mindful travel is to stay closer to home while still discovering new experiences. MHR properties are strategically located in key Philippine destinations, making it easier for families and friends to explore the country while managing costs, supporting local communities, and reducing travel related stress.
For those seeking a meaningful city escape, Belmont Hotel Manila recently celebrates Filipino heritage through initiatives like Pamana and Hiraya. Pamana highlights heirloom Filipino dishes that preserve culinary traditions right at the Belmont Café, their all-day dining restaurant. At the same time, Hiraya provides a platform for talented Filipino artists and artisans to showcase their work at the lobby, transforming a simple stay into a deeper appreciation of Filipino creativity and identity.
Meanwhile, Hotel Lucky Chinatown is redefining cultural tourism with the relaunch of its signature Binondo Food Crawl, encouraging guests to support heritage businesses while immersing themselves in the stories behind every dish.
Sustainability also takes root, literally, at Savoy Hotel Manila through its Farm On program. Associates across departments cultivate herbs and vegetables in the hotel’s rooftop garden, producing over 400 kilos of fresh produce to date. The harvest not only supports the hotel’s kitchen but is also shared with communities in need, demonstrating how small, consistent actions can create shared value for both guests and society.
Many MHR properties are also located within integrated townships such as Eastwood, Newport City, and Westside City, encouraging guests to live, work, and play in one convenient location, a mindful way to reduce unnecessary travel while maximizing experiences.
Batangas: Nature Led Escapes that Give Back
For travelers looking for a refreshing escape just a few hours from the city, Twin Lakes Hotel offers a scenic retreat surrounded by nature. On May 9, the hotel will celebrate its 2nd Annual Grape Harvest Festival, highlighting its commitment to farm to table dining and support for local farmers. Guests are not just spectators, but active participants in sustaining local agriculture and rural livelihoods.
Beyond the festivities, the hotel also repurposes used kitchen oil into alternative fuel, an innovative sustainability effort that reduces waste while conserving resources, allowing guests to be part of environmentally responsible practices even during leisure.
Boracay: Wellness and Meaningful Island Living
In the island paradise of Boracay, MHR’s three properties Belmont Hotel Boracay, Savoy Hotel Boracay, and Chancellor Hotel Boracay champion wellness as a cornerstone of mindful travel. From yoga sessions and quiet reflection spaces to community driven activities, these hotels encourage guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with themselves and nature. Here, travel becomes less about movement and more about presence, choosing rest, reflection, and balance as part of the journey. At Belmont Hotel Boracay, this sense of well-being extends to every member of the family, including beloved pets, with pet-friendly stays that allow guests to share meaningful island moments with their furry companions.
Iloilo: Culture, Cuisine, and Community Connection
Known as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Iloilo City invites travelers to experience a rich blend of culture, cuisine, and creativity. At Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, guests can explore local art, savor regional delicacies, and support homegrown talent, making every visit a conscious act of preserving culture and empowering local communities.
At Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Tultul salt is eatured in signature dishes and presented as a meaningful token to guests, Tultul allows the hotel to share a distinct cultural story, offering visitors a deeper connection to place, tradition, and mindful dining. Sourced from artisan communities in Guimaras, its continued use helps preserve traditional practices while supporting local livelihoods.
Cebu: Coastal Experiences with Care
In the vibrant island destination of Mactan, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown promotes mindful coastal experiences that highlight marine conservation and responsible tourism. Guests are encouraged to appreciate the natural beauty of the sea while supporting initiatives that protect it for future generations.
Meanwhile, Mercure Mactan Cebu offers plant-based dishes with some ingredients sourced directly from their pocket garden, giving guests the option to make healthier and more sustainable dining choices without compromising on experience.
Traveling this summer can still be both enjoyable and budget-friendly when approached with intention. By choosing local destinations, supporting community initiatives, and prioritizing experiences that nurture well-being, travelers can create meaningful memories while contributing positively to the people and places they visit. Mindful travel is ultimately about intention, choosing experiences that create value not just for ourselves but for the people, places, and communities we encounter along the way. Learn more about mindful travel, visit Megaworld Hotels & Resorts official website and social media channels.
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