Acuatico Beach Resort & Hotel

The Acuatico Beach Resort & Hotel is a lovely, humble beachfront stay, with grounds that are centered around a beautiful outdoor infinity pool with stunning views of the beach and blue waters of the bay. The property has just 21 guest rooms, which gives it an intimate vibe. Interiors here are modern, if a bit bland. Beige tile floors, crisp white walls, and windows letting in plenty of sunlight in the lobby make the spaces feel bright and airy. Rectangular and square-shaped black seating clustered around a coffee table offers a place to relax in the lobby, though given its setting, the hotel is all about the outdoors. Most people spend their time lounging by the pool and beach, sipping on cocktails, and taking in the views. Lush palm trees surround the area and offer some shade, while the pool bar, which is situated right in the middle of the water and accessed by walkways, features a tall angular roof and commands a gorgeous view of the water melding into the bay beyond. Despite its romantic setting, the hotel's multi-room suites mean that families are the most frequent guests here.

The hotel is situated by the beach in Leiya in the Batangas province of the Philippines. There are a couple of other resorts in the immediate area, but not much else within walking distance. Some area attractions include Mt. Daguldul and the Naambon Falls, which can be reached in about 35 minutes by car. The city of Batangas is about a two-hour drive away, while Manila is about three hours away by car. The nearest airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, which can be reached in two-and-a-half to three hours.

These 21 suites here are modern and bright, even if the decor can tend to feel less-than-inspired in certain areas. Neutral color palettes pair crisp whites and beiges with shades of brown, with lots of wooden pieces including furniture, flooring, and other details. Padded coffee-colored headboards contrast the bright white bed linens, while sleek, clean-lined wooden furniture includes TV shelving and storage for other amenities like minibars. Some rooms have private lanais, decks, or terraces, some with great views of the sea. 

The hotel has one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, and the largest can sleep up to six. Even so, the individual rooms within the suites can be compact. Note that some of the larger units are duplexes with stairs, which might pose a problem for those with mobility issues or small children. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibars, iPod docks, electronic safes, free bottled water, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, though small, and equipped with rainfall showers or shower/tub combos, tiny water closets, and small sinks. Magnifying mirrors, ample toiletries, and wall-mounted hairdryers are provided.

One of the highlights here is the hotel's lovely infinity pool that has beautiful views over the beach and bay. The surrounding sundeck has a few umbrella-shaded loungers, and walkways lead over the water to a bar at the pool's center. There's also a hot tub, as well as a kids' pool. Of course, the direct access to a lovely stretch of beach is a big bonus, as are the free kayaks and pedal boats.

Dining options include Oceano, which is open all day and serves traditional Filipino dishes as well as Asian and Western fare. Azul Bar & Cafe is a more casual option that serves light bites like sandwiches, salads, and TexMex fare, as well as cocktails and other drinks. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and hosts live music on the weekends. Breakfast is included in room rates, though it's worth noting that food gets mixed reviews.

Simona Spa offers massages and a sauna. Other amenities include meeting facilities for up to 50 people, free Wi-Fi, a gift shop, laundry and dry cleaning services, and airport transfers. There's also a colorful play room for kids with toys and games, while for more adult play, there's a game room with a pool table, foosball, and ping-pong.