Refreshing, relaxing H2O

MANILA, Philippines - Years ago, strolling around Luneta Park, sitting along the walls of Manila Bay for a breathtaking view of the sunset and playing ball around Quirino Grandstand were excellent options for family recreation when in Manila.   

Fast-forward to 2010. The simple idea of sitting, playing and relaxing has become more exciting and invigorating upon seeing portions of Manila Bay in a different way. We now have Manila Ocean Park that seems to rest above the bay. Right inside the park building is the H2O Hotel which, upon entry in the glass paneled elevator, tells everyone it is a member of the World Hotels, the largest, most established Europe-based global hotel group for independent hotels and regional hotel brands.

This piece of information made a lot of us in the Entertainment staff curious, when we went for a look-see. Upon reaching the lobby located at the third floor, our jaws dropped in admiration. The smell of fresh breeze gives you a relaxing feel that complements the warmth of Manila Ocean Park VP for sales and marketing Armi Cortes, and hotel staff led by Jonathan Collado.  

Of course, each of us did not let the chance of staying overnight in one of the 147 cozy hotel rooms pass us by. We uttered a few more superlatives after we turned the key card that opened the door to our rooms.

You hold your breath when you slide open the green and black curtains teeming with bubble designs, and covering the large glass panel. The breathtaking Manila Bay and the wide expanse of water and clear skies can make you gasp.

A rectangular aquarium with colorful school of fish accentuates the rooms in the inner part of the hotel. The underwater marine life is a relaxing sight to see. It also helps de-stress the body and soothe the tired mind.

Foreign guests or those who want to keep track of their businesses need not worry while spending their days and nights away from home. They can have an easy access to the Internet anytime, inside the room or in the hotel’s business center.

Luckily, there is no pressing need to go far upon stepping out of the rooms to seek fun and other activities. Just a few steps away is Acquatica, where you can take a dip and have a tan. Waterballs are irresistible for the adventurous young and the young at heart. They can run or roll inside the ball while floating on swimming pool. At night, a colorful musical fountain tempts everyone to watch the 30-minute feast for the eyes and the ears.

But the fun doesn’t end there. The Oceanarium, near the hotel entrance, offers an exciting treat. Take a walk inside the hall that has different marine creatures and feel like going back to your school days with your classmates on a field trip. The Jellyfish Museum is another sight to behold. Ten cylinder-shaped aquariums swarming with jellyfish dancing to the rhythm of the music and the changing colors of the lights make for an eye-popping sight. Elsewhere, bigger aquariums of jellyfish create an underwater wonder you should never miss.

When stomachs start to grumble, there are a number of restaurants like Makansutra Asian Food Village, White Moon Bar and food kiosks around H2O to choose from. Guests can also shop in several boutiques at Sunset Quay located in the building’s first and second floors.

With H2O’s relaxing treat, you don’t have to go far for that one restful and memorable bonding with family or friends.