Travel with the WANDER GIRLS: Thunderbird Resorts, La Union: Luxury in La Union

THUNDERBIRD RESORT: LUXURY IN LA UNION

BY: Ysabs Villaflor

If you want a quick getaway to just relax and eat good food, Thunderbird Resort may just be your salvo.

LOCATION: Pora Point, La Union, Philippines

FEEL: Mediterranean/Greek-inspired, Modern.

PERSONAL: Tagged along with my folks who were there for a wedding.

RECEPTION: Spacious, airy and welcoming. First thing that greets you is the blue-painted dome and a staff that offers you a welcome drink and cold mini-towels to wipe off the heat of the sun. It was a nice first impression.

THE ROOMS: Junior Suite Beach View - The rooms are spacious and good for 4 people. The beds are so comfortable that it would tempt you to stay in than to stay out. There is a kitchenette with microwave, a mini-bar, and the fastest wi-fi service imaginable. Yes, it is tempting just to stay in and turn on the 42 inch LED and just doze off. It is luxurious, spacious and the welcome chocolates surely made for a lasting impression. There is a dining area out in the balcony over-looking the sea with nice woven seats for nice meals and leisurely reading.

THE BATHROOM: The bathroom had a tub and separate shower area. The shower area has see-through glass doors with wooden floors and stones. Very modern. The tub however, is a Jacuzzi with turbo jets for a nice massage (and a nice playtime for the kids). It doesn’t feel cramped even when there are 5 people using the bathroom.

The toiletries available are from VMV – a hypo-allergenic brand with a loofah and scrub.

THE COST: Is a bit pricey but is worth every penny. A Junior Suite Beach View room can ring up P8,000+ (US $188+) and the Master Suites can fetch up to Php 17,000+ (US$ 400+). Tip: book for a week day and get a discount of less than Php2,000 on the published rate and sometime, you might even get an upgrade! J

THE FOOD: The buffet at breakfast is delicious with a variety of continental fare. What is remarkable though- is their Lemongrass Iced Tea, which is brewed fresh daily and the beautiful view overlooking the sea and the pool while digging in your breakfast.

One of the things that one must try is their pizzas and Greek dishes. The pizzas are thin-crust and homemade. Something to try while lounging in the pool or reading a book on the balcony.

THE SERVICE: The service is personal and friendly. The staff is extra helpful when we had a problem with the toilet. A quick call and someone was already at the door ready to assess the problem and ask for the maintenance to fix it.

OTHER AMENITIES: The resort has its own gold course, a casino and pool and beach area.