Our First Visit to Solana Resort
A few years ago, we spent a relaxing Weekend Getaway at Solana Resort in Anilao, Batangas. Since my mom was visiting the Philippines at the time, I decided to book a resort stay for the family and treat her to a relaxing seaside getaway while we enjoyed some quality time together.
What we didn’t know before arriving was that reaching the resort required climbing around 250 steps. It was definitely an unexpected challenge during our first visit.
Little did we know that this would not be our last visit.
Returning to Solana Resort with a Bigger Group
We enjoyed our first stay so much that when we planned a bigger family getaway the following year, I suggested Solana Resort. Since we were already familiar with the stairs, I made sure to give everyone a heads-up beforehand. After all, climbing 250 steps is not an easy feat, especially for older family members or those carrying bags.
In my previous blog post, I even mentioned that the stairs would probably be the only reason we might not return. As it turned out, I was wrong.
Less than a year later, we found ourselves back at Solana Resort, this time with a bigger group of 12 family members plus one driver. My mom treated the family to this trip, making it another memorable experience together. Some additional expenses, including room upgrades and other add-ons, were paid separately.
Solana Resort Room Rates and Accommodation
This trip happened two years ago, so the rates mentioned below may have changed. During our stay, Solana Resort charged per person, and the package already included room accommodation, lunch, dinner, and breakfast buffet.
Here are the rooms we booked:
· Beach Front Room – PHP 5,450 x 2
· Sea View Room – PHP 4,750 x 2 + PHP 3,000 for 1 child
· Sea View Room – PHP 4,250 x 3
· Sea View Room – PHP 4,050 x 4
· Driver Accommodation – PHP 2,050 (with plated meals)
Rates vary depending on the room category and number of guests.
Check-in time was at 2:00 PM, but we arrived much earlier, so our rooms were not ready yet. My brother, who was eager to settle in, decided to upgrade their room to a Solana Club Room for an additional PHP 2,200.
Interestingly, before 11:30 AM, all of our Sea View Rooms were already available.
If I remember correctly, only the Beach Front Room needed a little more time to be prepared.
Changes We Noticed During Our Second Visit
During our second stay, we noticed a few changes compared to our first visit.
Previously, guests only needed to sign a sports waiver upon arrival. This time, there was an additional PHP 50 environmental fee per person.
The complimentary kayak was also no longer available, and guests could rent a kayak for PHP 100 per hour.
Food and Buffet Experience
One thing we always look forward to at Solana Resort is the food. Lunch officially starts at 12:00 NN, but the buffet spread was already available by 11:30 AM. I can no longer remember the names of all the dishes, but I’ll let the photos do the talking.
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Before checking out, we also decided to try their lunch buffet, which costs PHP 700 per adult and PHP 350 per child.
For reference, here are the buffet schedules:
Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Lunch: 12:00 NN – 2:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Resort Activities and Family Bonding
Aside from enjoying the food and beautiful views, we also spent quality time together by trying some of the activities available at the resort.
Some members of our group tried kayaking and snorkeling for the first time. It was a simple activity, but it became one of the memorable moments of our family getaway. Being out on the water while enjoying the view of Anilao was a fun experience, especially for those who had never tried kayaking before.
During our stay, we also borrowed Truth and Drink from the resort (without the drinking part, of course!) and had a great time answering questions and sharing stories with each other. The resort also has other games available for guests, which is a nice option for families and groups who want to relax and bond without leaving the property.
These little activities made our stay more enjoyable because they gave us more opportunities to spend time together beyond swimming, eating, and taking photos.
Discovery Dive Experience in Anilao
Since Anilao is famous for its diving spots, my husband decided to try the resort’s Discovery Dive experience during our second visit.
The activity cost PHP 3,500, with an additional PHP 1,000 for underwater photos. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience Anilao’s underwater beauty, even as a beginner.
The experience allowed him to see marine life up close and appreciate why Anilao is considered one of the top diving destinations in the Philippines.
Baby Shark Sighting Before We Left
One of the most memorable moments from our trip happened right before we left.
We noticed a sign that said: “Sharks’ happy place. Stay on shore so they do not swim away.” At first, we thought it was simply a fun reminder for guests. But during our stay, we were lucky enough to spot baby sharks swimming near the shore.
Seeing them in their natural environment was such a unique experience and definitely became one of the highlights of our trip.
Final Thoughts: Is Solana Resort Worth Visiting?
Despite the 250-step climb, everyone enjoyed our family getaway at Solana Resort. The stunning views, delicious food, relaxing atmosphere, and quality time spent together made the effort worthwhile.
Our second visit proved that the stairs were not enough to stop us from coming back. Sometimes, the best memories are found after a little effort—and for us, Solana Resort was definitely worth the climb.
