When I got the invitation for the Food and Travel Bloggers’ Familiarization Tour tagged as “Heart of Davao”, I never wavered to say yes. Who am I to say no for a 4D/3N stay at Davao’s finest and most luxurious hotel – the Marco Polo Davao? Besides, it’s not only the Marco Polo that is part in itinerary. The world-class Pearl Farm Beach Resort and the Eden Nature Park and Resort are also on the list. Hence, this sounds one great staycation and the best time to revisit some of my favorite destinations in Davao.
Though I live in the city and I enjoy my pretty relaxing home here, staying in different hotels has been my favorite way of treating myself as self-reward. Long before the word staycation was created, I would call this “reward” as hotel hopping. Though I have stayed in different hotels in Davao, this stay at Marco Polo Davao would be my first. Thanks to this Heart of Davao Tour.
Two weeks before this tour, I was in my hometown of Cateel doing some laborious task. I got back in the city worn out, sunburns all over my body and with aching muscles. And luckily, this posh staycation was just so perfect. This is the kind of staycation I was looking forward to experience. So from my hometown, I traveled back to the big city and went straight to my luxurious 4D/3N pampering at the Marco Polo Davao.
Despite the rapid increase of new and posh hotels in the heart of the city and north bound of the Davao, The Marco Polo has exquisitely maintained its reputation as the most luxurious hotel in the City assuring its guests with its exceptional blend of Western comforts and Asian hospitality! Be it for business or for pleasure, Marco Polo Davao promises its guests to be a home away from home. Even for local Davaoeños seeking for weekend respite, staying at Marco Polo Hotel guarantees one amazing staycation.
Nestled at the very heart of the city, Marco Polo Davao offers spacious 5-star accommodations that overlook the majestic Mount Apo and the tranquil Gulf of Davao.
As I entered, I immediately fell in love with my room. Indeed, size does matter and yes, this Deluxe Room where I was booked is so spacious for one person. Everything inside the room is a work of style – beautifully designed to complement such beautiful ambience. The bed is exceptionally comfortable I could stay there for the whole day. The pillows are so soft I cuddle them for hours. And just as I prayed, my room is at the 12th floor overlooking the gorgeous Samal Island. The view was just superb. The bed, the pillows, the cozy room, everything – they promised me for a sound sleep and an unforgettable stay.
But it wasn’t just the rooms of the Marco Polo Davao I adored most. Talk about food, they filled us with gastronomic experience I still crave until now. The hotel’s Café Marco serves a wide array of international buffet that delectably satisfied my palate. The selection and variety of food is good. They got good selection of Japanese, Italian, French, American and even Filipino cuisines that definitely delighted my cravings. I took my power breakfasts here for three days.
For Chinese Food lovers like me, Marco Polo’s Cantonese restaurant called Lotus Court is heaven. From the choices of delectable platter of Dimsum to the perfectly-cooked Yin-Yang Garoupa which is a Lotus Court signature dish, in-house made Tofu with Mixed Mushroom and Broccoli to famed Yang Chow Fried Rice – ahhhhh, Lotus Court is heaven on earth. And for a heavenly dessert, the Dark Chocolate-filled Buchi is a winner!
For inter-continental ala carte cuisines, the Polo Bistro is a must try. This is only outdoor restaurant of the Marco Polo Davao and it provides an exquisite ambiance and superb food. I’m highly recommending the brandied pepper steak with herb for main course. Quite pricey but worth the money.
Marco Polo Davao arranges tour for their guests. In our part, we were treated an extraordinary Davao Tour which includes a visit to Davao Museum that houses Davao’s colorful past. We also had a day trip to the world-class Pearl Farm Beach Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal and a quick visit to Malagos Cheese House. They also included our trip to Eden Nature Park and Resort and the Philippine Eagle Center. These are the must-visit places when in the city and Marco Polo Davao proficiently arranges tours to these destinations. Though I’m from Davao and have been to these places, I never get tired visiting them.
After those fun-filled trips to Davao’s must see places, it was time for some pampering. Marco Polo Davao’s Lazuli Spa is expert to that. Being the best and most luxurious Spa in Davao, no one leaves the place without feeling the sense of Royalty. Inside, Lazuli Spa is an exquisite work of architecture that blends the elegance of Modern and Asian settings. Each room comes with complete amenities which include rain showers & steam room and each has separate toilet for total convenience and privacy.
Lazuli Spa offers varied array of Spa treatments which absolutely meet the clients’ needs. Since I needed pampering from my two exhausted weeks of hard work, I chose the most relaxing two-hour aromatherapy massage. And just as they promised, the warm relaxing hands of the therapists and the relaxing ambience of the room soothed and reinvigorated me leaving in a state pure serenity and rejuvenation.
Just beside the Lazuli Spa is the Marco Polo Davao’s Fitness Center well equipped with cardiovascular and strength training equipment with well-trained fitness instructors. There is an aerobics room and sauna rooms for male and female. Though hotel guests have accessed to use all the facilities for free, I didn’t have the luxury of time sweating out here. But what I didn’t miss was taking a dip at the hotel’s pool. I have to admit it, it is just simply irresistible.
Marco Polo Davao is also just a stone-throw away from pasalubong centers, banks, schools, even shopping malls, government offices and churches. Everything is within reach making one’s stay, be it for business or simply just staycation, so worthwhile.
Staying at the Marco Polo Davao gives me the opportunity to experience that glamour and that luxury that Marco Polo Hotels around the globe are known for. It was by far the best and most luxurious staycation I’ve had here in Davao City – pampering myself with the quality of hotel services only this type of hotel can offer. Given a great chance, I shall come back and stay again in this place I can now call – A True Gem in the Heart of the City!
HOW TO GET THERE:
Marco Polo Davao is about 12 kilometers away from the Davao City International Aiprort. It is about 20-minute drive by car. You can arrange a hotel’s shuttle bus, which plies to and from the airport at a minimal fee.
MARCO POLO DAVAO
C.M. Recto Street
Davao City 8000, Philippines
Tel. (63 82) 221-0888
Fax. (63 82) 225-0111