Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Camayan Beach Resort: An Awesome Summer Get Away


Image credit: zazzle.com
Summer and its blasting heat are back. Time to don that favorite bikini, grab a sun block and head on to the beach!

This year, our family decided to select Camayan Beach Resort as the destination for our summer get away.  Primarily, because we have heard so much about it from our friends and it’s just about two to two and a half drive from Manila. It is located in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Directions are easy enough to follow. Just visit their official website and voila! You have a detailed guide to get to the resort: 

  • Take the NLEX north to the Clark exit onto SCTEX to Subic Bay Freeport. 
  • SCTEX merges into Tipo Road as it approaches Subic Bay.
  • Take Tipo Road until it ends, and then turn right.
  •  At the first traffic signal, turn left on Argonaut Highway.
  • Proceed past Subic Bay International Airport.
  • Turn left at the T-junction to Triboa Bay on Corregidor Road.
  • Continue through the Naval Magazine Security Gate and follow the Ocean Adventure / Camayan Beach Resort road signs through the forest.
  • At signs for Morong Gate follow the road to the right and proceed approximately 5 kilometers to Camayan Beach Resort and Ocean Adventure.

We loved the warm hospitality of the staff who greeted us upon arrival. They were all very solicitous and accommodating throughout our stay at the resort. We surmised that this kind of customer service says a lot about Camayan.

We also appreciated that their rates are sensible considering the comfort and the beauty of the rooms as well as the services that they provide to customers. We booked a superior room in advance at a reasonable price. A superior room contains two comfortable queen sized beds.  This is absolutely perfect for our family of five, consisting of 3 adults and 2 children.  We loved the fact that aside from air-conditioning, refrigerator, WIFI and satellite TV, the room also offers a mini-bar and a terrace. We were very pleased with how well maintained their rooms and facilities are.  

Of course no matter how inviting the comforts of the rooms are, we cannot wait long enough to dash to the shores and wallow along the beach! No disappointment there. The white sand is simply gorgeous! The water is pristine. To declare that we really enjoyed swimming there is such an understatement. We were practically in the water every day from breakfast till late afternoon! We just cannot get enough of it! We also noted that the life guard on duty is ever watchful. It gave us a sense of assurance with regards to the matter of the guests’ safety.


It may be a bit crowded at this time of the year considering it’s not a very big resort, but Camayan has a lot of cabanas, cottages and guest rooms to accommodate the influx of customers.

The resort offers a variety of recreational activities that the guests may opt to avail. We were thrilled with our kayaking adventure. The guide was conversant and very helpful. He accommodated all of our inquisitive questions. We also played beach Frisbee. I am not really into snorkeling but I tried it for experience. I was pleasantly surprised at how awe-inspiring it is to leisurely explore the reefs and observe the wonders of marine life under water. I was able to take note of at least seven different kinds of fish during this activity. Being one with nature in that manner was beyond doubt an extraordinary experience.

Dining in the restaurant was a pleasant experience as well. Food was good but it was the setting that impressed us. To have the benefit of having a sumptuous meal while enjoying fresh air and the panoramic view of the beach front is such a delight.  The ambience was so serene. It washed away all the tension and stress of the Metro. Camayan also offers buffet breakfast and we loved their coffee too.

On top of that, the resort offers massage services. Who wouldn’t want to pamper themselves with this service? Getting good massages it can do a world of good. It’s so much therapeutic and beneficial in managing stress, enhancing sleep quality, reducing fatigue and improving circulation and concentration. And I loved it!   

Of course, the resort is just right next to Ocean Adventure, which gives it distinction from other resorts. We dropped by and were able to watch their dolphin friends’ show and their sea lion marine patrol show. Everyone had a great time.

True to our all friends’ feedback, the place is remarkable!  It satisfied our expectations in terms of accessibility, value, cleanliness, and service.  Most of all, one that makes Camayan resort truly unique is that this is a place where sea turtles are well-known to nest in. Although we were not fortunate enough this time to be able to see these amazing creatures, it’s something to look forward to in our next visit. And yes, we are definitely coming back! 


Note: This updated version first appeared in Manila Standard Today.