When you think of the Philippines, you probably immediately think of the many bounty beaches the country boasts. But if you want to get there, you probably can't avoid a stopover in Manila. A huge city with crazy traffic and a less-than-stellar reputation. Yet, if you know where to go, this city is also worth exploring. Here, too, you'll find great restaurants, beautiful malls, and a historic center. The luxurious "Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila" is a perfect base if you're staying in Manila for a few days. This hotel is about 10 minutes from the historic city center (Intramuros) and near the SM Mall of Asia, a gigantic shopping mall in Manila. An Uber ride around the city center takes about 30 minutes. From there, you can relax after your long flight in this 5-star hotel.


From the hotel, you'll have a view of the ocean and the pool, if you're lucky. Be sure to set aside some time to relax here. In my opinion, it's the perfect way to acclimatize to a new city and plan everything you'll be doing in Manila. If you're staying in the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila If you're staying here, you'll want for nothing. The rooms are equipped with everything you need, and it's wonderful to wake up in the morning with a cup of coffee on your balcony. Then it's time for breakfast at the Spiral restaurant. This is without a doubt the best breakfast buffet I've EVER seen in a hotel. From cold-pressed juices to the best baguette you'll see in the Philippines, to a proper cheese room and pastry shop. The Spiral restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Manila for a reason, and trust me, you'll want to eat here three times a day. It's a full-time job to experience and sample all the restaurant's stations!


If you have a short stopover in Manila and don't feel like going into the busy city, a day of relaxing at the large swimming pool of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila Highly recommended. Add a cocktail and you'll feel like you're not in a metropolis at all, but on that bounty island! If you want to de-stress, it has Sofitel Manila There's also a beautiful spa where you can be pampered. Here you'll experience French elegance, reflected not only in the restaurant but throughout the hotel. During my trip to the Philippines, I met a blogger who always gets her haircut at the Sofitel, so if you need a haircut, that's possible too!



I already mentioned it at breakfast, but a dinner at the Spiral restaurant The Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila is definitely not to be missed. Don't be alarmed, but this is also a buffet restaurant in the evenings. But it's a buffet like you've never experienced before, and I doubt you will again after your visit to this fine hotel in Manila. At least, I haven't found anything that matches it yet. Imagine: the very best ingredients processed into every international dish and fresh seafood imaginable. The restaurant consists of 21 dining studios where chefs create the most delicious dishes from all over the world. From Asian dishes to international cuisine, think: fresh crab, sashimi, sushi, steaks, roasts, a cheese room with more French cheeses than you can taste, charcuterie, and a dessert studio where fresh chocolates are made and you can dip fruit and sweets in the chocolate fountain. It's all so delicious! And chances are you won't be able to try everything in one evening. And as you've come to expect from Sofitel, you'll simply enjoy the finest French wines!




PS: Unfortunately, during my stay at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, it often rained late in the day, so I couldn't enjoy the Sunset Bar. I've heard it's an absolute must-visit for an early evening cocktail with a romantic sunset view!


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2 Don't let the word scare you off package trip, because travel organizations such as
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3 Prefer a your house or a apartment? Of course we all know
Airbnb, but also consider providers such as:
Belville en
Interhome (with a wide range throughout Europe),
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Landal of
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