It’s luxury and opulence all the way at the Solaire Resort in Manila. Ong Chin Huat visits this award-winning integrated resort and marvels at its impressive amenities, world-class restaurants, and the warmth of its service.
The moment you step foot on the gleaming marble floors of the Solaire Resort Entertainment City in Manila, you are ensconced in total luxury, from the suites and rooms to the five-star dining and drinking options, the entertainment and gaming on offer as well as the shopping and the incredible art work which can be found scattered all over this magnificent resort. All that, plus the warmth… and friendliness of the staff, makes any stay both enjoyable and memorable.
Comprising two towers – the Bay Tower and the Sky Tower, which are built perpendicular to each other, the Solaire Resort was the first integrated resort to break ground in Entertainment City, a Philippine government-sponsored economic development zone.
Occupying 8.3 hectares, the resort has 793 luxuriously appointed rooms, suites and breathtaking villas, all tastefully decorated and well-maintained.
Every month, each floor at Solaire is inspected and refurbished for overall maintenance to ensure that any wear and tear or defects are quickly rectified and restored to brand-new status. This was evident in my Sky Studio room, which looked spanking new, despite the resort having been open for 12 years already.
There are 27 gardeners and a horticulturist who visit the resort to ensure that the profusion of trees, plants, and flowers throughout the resort, as well as in the guests’ rooms and villas, are all healthy and in perfect bloom. Nothing seems out of place, and everything is in working order. No wonder Solaire has been awarded the Forbes Travel Guide ultimate 5-Star rating for the past nine consecutive years, an accolade which it wears proudly on its well-laundered sleeves.
And in case you are wondering if it’s all just glittering chandeliers and sparkling gold fixtures, the soft wear of the resort is equally impressive. With 19 world-class restaurants strategically located throughout the resort, anyone, whether a gourmand or not, will be spoiled for choice when it comes to satisfying their hunger.
Among the restaurants, Finestra stands out for its opulence, its mouth-watering Italian cuisine and extensive wine list. Helmed by Michelin-starred executive chef Andrea Spagoni, Finestra has a menu which would make any food lover’s heart palpitate with anticipation.
From the Antipasti such as Tonno Crudo (Bluefin “Chutoro” tuna belly tartare with radish and citrus dressing to Insalata di Gamberi (Tiger prawn, cauliflower salad, capers and apricot dressing) to the Primi or Entrée such as Risoni (Pork ragout, Italian sausage, pork neck, tomato and pecorino cheese) and Gnocchi (Pork belly, radicchio and taleggio fondue) and the Secondi or Mains such as Dry aged whiskey Tomahawk served with grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes and Mac and cheese and the Branzino (Mediterranean seabass, broccolini and fish stew) every morsel which comes out of the open show kitchen is meticulously prepared and flavourful.
Another signature restaurant to indulge in is Red Lantern, which serves authentic Chinese cuisine covering the breadth and depth of China’s regional specialities.
From the crispy fried prawns and Wok-fried beef with green Sichuan pepper to the dim sum, considered one of the best in Manila, Red Lantern is the place to get your fix of Chinese cuisine. Don’t forget to stop and admire the stunning digital print, ‘Faces’ by Sam Wiehl and David Hand, which hangs on the wall.
Acacia is a VIP restaurant named after the Acacia tree, offering a diverse selection of international dishes. Specialising in grilled, smoked and barbecued dishes, don’t miss the light and nutritious Binakol soup made with chicken thighs, coconut water, ginger, lemongrass, garlic and chilli leaves served in a coconut shell or the Baked Bangus (Centre-cut milkfish belly fillet, garlic, aioli, cheddar and mozzarella) and the refreshing Mango Coconut Strudel.
Shopping at The Shoppes at Solaire is a dream for shopaholics because its curated array of designer shops adds another dimension to the mundane. From Celine and Saint Laurent to Cartier and Jo Malone, this retail haven stocks the latest and most coveted handbags and accessories to indulge your most whimsical desires.
Nighttime is when the Solaire Resort comes alive. World-class entertainment from Broadway shows and concerts such as Mamma Mia!, Miss Saigon, CATS, West Side Story and many others have performed at The Theatre at Solaire, and the week we were there, the global dance sensation “Burn the Floor” was performing at the 1,851-seat theatre.
Showcasing a variety of high-voltage and passion-infused dance performances, such as the Tango, Viennese Waltz, and Foxtrot, alongside Latin American dances including the Cha-Cha, Samba, Paso Doble, and Jive, the dance troupe brought the house down with their nimble moves and skilled footwork.
Another way to relax and unwind is to visit the Solaire Spa, which offers an extensive menu of massages and treatments administered by professional therapists. From the Aromatherapy Massages utilising special blends of essential oils, a Filipino massage called Hilot with the use of heated banana leaves and virgin coconut oil mixed with organic lemongrass essential oil, to one of their signature body scrubs or foot reflexology sessions, one thing is certain: you will emerge from the spa feeling like a million dollars.
Something else that needs to be experienced at Solaire is their Art Tour, which allows you to get up close and personal with Solaire’s award-winning art collection.
From the dazzling Crystal Dragon located in the Dragon Bar created by artist Clive Miners to the Twins/Sabel sculpture by Benedicto Cabrera and the detailed painting by Norman Dreo called “My Little Museum”, art lovers would be agog to learn how these spectacular artworks known as The Solaire Collection came about and the story behind each piece.
Solaire’s gaming activities are another significant attraction of the resort. With over 2,000 slot machines and 368 gaming tables spread over 30,200 square metres on two floors, the excitement and thrill of playing Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, or newer table games such as Boom or Bust or Interconnections are never far away.
If its discretion and privacy you want, the Solaire Club on the upper floors for its Ruby and Diamond card holders has 12 private salons complete with two exclusive dining options and amenities such as the Solaire Club Salon and Spa for a pamper session as well as a Diamond Club Lounge for those who would like to take a breather in-between trying their luck!
After a delicious dinner at Yakumi, another signature restaurant at the Solaire, which prides itself on serving the freshest and finest seafood, specially air-flown twice a week directly from Tokyo’s renowned Toyosu Fish Market, do make your way to BRB, a speakeasy-inspired bar located in the basement.
With its discreet brass nameplate to its plush velvet-lined interior – think comfy chesterfield sofas, cosy nooks and corners and low lighting, this hidden sanctuary is more than meets the eye.
A live band, DJ and chanteuse who belts out soulful hits puts everyone in the right mood. And don’t underestimate its F&B offerings despite its chill ambience. From its impressive selection of Scotch whisky to its choices of gin, rum, and cognac, not to mention its expertly crafted cocktails, every shake, stir, and blend is a liquid work of art, waiting to be savoured and enjoyed.
It’s the best way to end a fantastic stay at the Solaire Resort.
For more information on Solaire Resort Entertainment City, please visit www.solaireresort.com.
You must be logged in to post a comment.