Escape to Paradise: Jacana Ocean Condo, Pico de Loro Hamilo Coast!

Pico de Loro Hamilo Coast Condo - Jacana Ocean Nasugbu Philippines

Escape to Paradise: Jacana Ocean Condo, Pico de Loro Hamilo Coast!

Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your typical vanilla hotel review. This is me, ranting… I mean, eloquently describing my experience at Escape to Paradise: Jacana Ocean Condo, Pico de Loro Hamilo Coast. (And yes, that name could use a trim.)

The Big Picture: Paradise on a Budget (Maybe?)

First off, let's cut through the marketing fluff. "Escape to Paradise" is… ambitious. Pico de Loro is beautiful, I'll give them that. It's that stunning coastal scenery, with the mountains meeting the sea, you see in all the brochure. You get it. Jacana Ocean Condo? It’s a condo, not a swanky resort, but hey, at least you know what you're getting! It’s a trade-off: more space, a bit more… DIY.

Accessibility – My Two Cents (and Maybe Someone Else's Wheelchair)

Alright, let's get practical. Accessibility: This is hit-or-miss. The condo itself probably won’t be a problem, but getting to the good stuff (like the pool with that amazing view) might be a challenge. I'm not a wheelchair user, but I noticed that some areas have steps, stairs, and uneven pathways. So, Facilities for disabled guests are listed but it's probably wise to call ahead and BE SURE. I didn't see any ramps at the entrance, and the elevators could be a chore during peak hours, so prepare for some extra waiting.

Cleanliness and Safety – Did I Survive? (Spoiler Alert: Yes!)

Okay, this is where I was most concerned, you know, given the…current climate. I was relieved to see the following things:

• Anti-viral cleaning products: Good!
• Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! Thank God, I’m a bit of a germaphobe.
• Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
• Rooms sanitized between stays: Seems legit.
• Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed to know their stuff.
• Plus there are First aid kits, Doctor/nurse on call – which is comforting.

So, did I feel safe? Yep. Would I recommend a deep scrub-down of everything before you touch it? Probably. I spotted the staff cleaning the elevator buttons, but maybe they missed a spot. You know how that goes, right?

Rooms – Your Little Slice of Condo Life

The room itself? It’s a condo, so it's well-equipped. Think Air conditioning, Coffee/tea maker, Refrigerator, and a Kitchen. A bit of a warning: the Internet access – wireless was… well, it wasn't amazing, but better than nothing. I’d recommend downloading any important stuff beforehand, you know?

• Air conditioning
• Alarm clock
• Bathroom phone
• Bathtub
• Blackout curtains
• Carpeting
• Closet
• Coffee/tea maker
• Complimentary tea
• Daily housekeeping
• Desk
• Extra long bed
• Free bottled water
• Hair dryer
• High floor
• In-room safe box
• Interconnecting room(s) available
• Internet access – LAN
• Internet access – wireless
• Ironing facilities
• Laptop workspace
• Linens
• Mini bar
• Mirror
• Non-smoking
• On-demand movies
• Private bathroom
• Reading light
• Refrigerator
• Safety/security feature
• Satellite/cable channels
• Scale
• Seating area
• Separate shower/bathtub
• Shower
• Slippers
• Smoke detector
• Socket near the bed
• Sofa
• Soundproofing
• Telephone
• Toiletries
• Towels
• Umbrella
• Visual alarm
• Wake-up service
• Wi-Fi [free]
• Window that opens

The Food Scene – A Culinary Adventure (Sometimes)

Let's talk about food. The Restaurants are… varied. There are some options. The Asian breakfast was pretty solid. Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop – yep. There’s a Poolside bar for drinks. But here’s the thing: it's not exactly a gourmet experience. Expect decent, not mind-blowing. It's like, you’re there for the view, not necessarily the Michelin stars. Expect to mostly dine on buffets and in the restaurants.

Things to Do – Escape the Boredom!

Okay, this is where Pico de Loro shines. Here’s a taste:

• Swimming pool [outdoor]: Absolutely gorgeous! The Pool with view is worth the price of admission. I spent hours just floating, staring at the ocean. Pure bliss!
• Gym/fitness: It's there, I’m not sure I went.
• Spa/sauna: Didn’t try, needed a nap.
• Massage: Absolutely indulged!
• Sauna, Spa, Steamroom, Foot bath: Oh… I skipped.

The resort itself is fantastic, with an excellent pool with a sea view. The jacuzzi is also worth mentioning. There’s truly a lot of ways to relax here!

Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter

These were decent. They offer the usual, like Daily housekeeping, Laundry service (thank god!), a Convenience store, and Concierge. Cash withdrawal is available.

For the Kids – Keeping the Little Monsters Happy

I don't have kids, but I saw plenty of families! There are Kids facilities and a Babysitting service… which is a lifesaver, trust me!. If you are looking for a Family/child friendly destination, this is exactly what you are looking for.

Getting Around – The Logistics

• Car park [free of charge]: Yay! Parking is a breeze.
• Taxi service: Available, helpful.
• Airport transfer: Ask about it when booking, it can be handy.

The Verdict – Would I Go Back? (Spoiler: Maybe)

Look, Escape to Paradise: Jacana Ocean Condo isn’t perfect. It's a bit rough around the edges, the WiFi is spotty, and it's not exactly the lap of luxury. But that view? The pool? The chance to actually relax and get away from it all? That’s worth it. It's not just a hotel, it’s an experience.

The "Escape to Paradise" offer (with my authentic touch):

Tired of the Same Old Routine? Craving a Real Getaway?

Then ditch the dull and embrace the slightly-less-dull at Jacana Ocean Condo, Pico de Loro Hamilo Coast!

Here's the deal:

• Breathtaking Views: Wake up to ocean views, chill by the pool
• Spacious Comfort: a condo space is just the right way to have some space.
• Relaxation on Demand: Dive into the pool, or get yourself a massage.
• Stress-Free Stay: Safety protocols are in place, so you can chill.
• Family Fun (or Romantic Escape): From the pool to the restaurants (including some kid-friendly options!), there's something for everyone.

But before you book, a few honest truths:

• Internet: It’s there, you can’t rely on it.
• Food: It’s good, not gourmet.
• Accessibility: Call ahead to confirm.

So, are you ready to escape?

Book your stay at Escape to Paradise: Jacana Ocean Condo now!

P.S. They probably won't pay me for this review, but hey, it’s better than a dentist appointment, right? And I promise you’ll enjoy that pool. TRUST ME.

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Pico de Loro Hamilo Coast Condo - Jacana Ocean Nasugbu Philippines

Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your average, perfectly polished itinerary. This is… me, trying to survive a weekend at Pico de Loro and maybe, just maybe, find some inner peace amidst the chaos. Here we go:

Pico de Loro Pandemonium: A Weekend of Sun, Sand, and Slightly Desperate Attempts at Relaxation

Day 1: Arrival and the Great Jacana Condo Hunt (and Possibly, Mild Panic)

• 8:00 AM: Okay, alarm clock smashed (metaphorically, of course. I'm not a monster. Well, mostly not.) Coffee down the hatch. Breakfast? Who has time? My stomach is already staging a protest against all the potential deliciousness it knows is coming.
• 9:00 AM: The mad dash to load the car. Bags? Check. Swimsuits? Check. Enough snacks to feed a small army? Double check. (I'm a snacker, judge me not.) The kids are already bickering. This is going to be fun.
• 10:00 AM: Traffic. Oh, sweet, glorious, soul-crushing traffic on the way to Nasugbu. Why do I always forget how brutal this is? I swear, that little Honda Civic in front of me is taunting me with its perceived freedom. I contemplate selling my car and becoming a hermit.
• 12:00 PM: FINALLY! We arrive at Pico de Loro. The sun is blazing, the air is thick with humidity, and my sanity is already hanging by a thread. The check-in process? Well, let's just say it involved a lot of paperwork, a slight mix-up in our condo number (thankfully, very short and quick), and me trying (and failing) not to look like I was about to spontaneously combust with frustration.
• 1:00 PM: The Jacana condo revealed! It's… nice. Actually, it's pretty darn nice. That balcony overlooking the water? Sigh. I think I see myself spending a significant amount of time there. The kids, on the other hand, immediately disperse like a flock of seagulls, squawking and arguing over who gets the "good" bed. The battle for "the good bed" begins. I feel my blood pressure rising again.
• 2:00 PM: Lunch! We desperately hit up the nearest convenience store near the condo. The kids are starving. We order food. It takes forever. The bill is shocking. But the food is surprisingly good. It's a small victory for the day.
• 3:00 PM: Pool Time! Well, attempted pool time. We get to the pool, and it's already packed. Kids immediately disappear. I try to relax, but my eye keeps twitching, on high alert, watching them like a hawk.
• 4:00 PM: Actually, let's ditch the chaos of the main pool for a while and explore. We stumble upon a smaller, quieter pool tucked away somewhere. Bliss! For about an hour, anyway. Then the energy drinks wear off for the kids, and the bickering begins anew.
• 5:00 PM: Sunset drinks (and by "drinks", I mean heavily alcoholic beverages) on that gorgeous balcony. The view is breathtaking. The kids are (somewhat) occupied with their tablets. I can actually feel myself starting to unwind. The stress of the week is slowly melting away. This is what I came here for.
• 7:00 PM: Dinner at one of the restaurants near the beach. I'm too exhausted to cook. The food is decent, the company is better. The kids are finally starting to settle down. Maybe I’m not such a failure at this whole "parenting" thing, after all.
• 9:00 PM: Bedtime for the kids. Hopefully. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it.
• 10:00 PM: Finally, some quiet time. I can finally relax. I manage to catch my breath, and finally, sleep comes.

Day 2: Sand, Sea, and the Perils of Over-enthusiastic Watersports

• 8:00 AM: I actually slept! A miracle. I wake up with a song, a fresh cup of coffee, and a sliver of hope that today will be slightly less insane than yesterday.
• 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the condo. The kids actually eat something other than junk food. A rare and beautiful sight.
• 10:00 AM: To the beach! We hit Santelmo Cove! The sand is soft, the water is clear. We decide on a couple of activities. The kids want to go for banana boat rides. I just want to lie down and soak up the sun.
• 11:00 AM: Banana Boat Adventure. I, against my better judgment and my inherent fear of falling into the ocean, agree to go on the banana boat. We zoom across the water. The kids are screaming with joy. And… I'm actually laughing. This is surprisingly fun. This is also when my hat flies off, and I almost ate a face full of seawater.
• 12:00 PM: Lunch on the beach. Sandwiches and sunshine. The kids build sandcastles. It's picture-perfect. Pure, unadulterated joy.
• 1:00 PM: A stroll along the beach and finally a swim! I actually got to enjoy the beach fully! Yes and yes and yes!
• 2:00 PM: Afternoon, and the sun is beating down. We retreat to the condo for some respite.
• 3:00 PM: Drinks on the balcony. Again. And another chance to actually drink it down.
• 4:00 PM: The kids head back for the pool. Again.
• 5:00 PM: I decide what kind of food should be eaten for the last meal for this trip. We decide on a barbecue. I will be in charge! The kids seem absolutely fine with this.
• 7:00 PM: Barbecue time. It's a messy affair. Burgers. hotdogs. Everyone is happy with it, including me.
• 9:00 PM: Bedtime is a breeze tonight. They are dead tired. And so am I.
• 10:00 PM: A peaceful end to the day.

Day 3: Departure and the Bitter-Sweet Aftermath

• 8:00 AM: The last morning! I make a quick breakfast for them.
• 9:00 AM: A quick stroll down the beach.
• 10:00 AM: Packing up the condo. Ugh. The mess the kids made is… impressive. I start the dreaded process of packing, which is always a chaotic circus. I swear, half the stuff we brought down here is missing. Where did the socks go? The mind boggles.
• 11:00 AM: Check-out. The inevitable goodbyes.
• 12:00 PM: The long drive home. I'm tired but strangely, and surprisingly, rejuvenated. The traffic isn't as bad as I expected.
• 2:00 PM: We arrive home. The house feels empty.
• 3:00 PM: I start unpacking. I start doing laundry.
• 4:00 PM: The house feels more like home.
• 5:00 PM: I start planning our next trip.

Final Thoughts:

This wasn't perfect. There were moments of sheer, unadulterated frustration. Moments where I wanted to throw the towel. And times the kids almost got me into the emergency room. But amidst the chaos, there were moments of genuine joy, of connection, of laughter. The sun, the sand, the time spent with my family… it was all worth it. And you know what? I think I might actually miss the madness when it's all over. Now, to start planning next year's escape… Wish me luck. I'll need it. And maybe, next time, I'll finally remember where I put those damn socks.

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Pico de Loro Hamilo Coast Condo - Jacana Ocean Nasugbu Philippines

Escape to Paradise: Jacana Ocean Condo - Pico de Loro Hamilo Coast: The Unvarnished Truth (and My Two Cents)

Okay, spill the beans. Is Jacana at Pico de Loro REALLY paradise? Or is it just Instagram-paradise, y'know, all filters and no actual fun?

Alright, alright, settle down! Look, *Paradise*? That’s a big word. It’s not like I showed up and angels started singing. (Though, the cocktails *did* make me feel heavenly for a bit.) Jacana, at Pico de Loro, it's… *mostly* paradise. Like, 80/20. That 20%? Well, we’ll get to that. The *good* stuff? Oh man, the good stuff is *good*. That view? Seriously, you could spend an entire afternoon just staring at the ocean. My first thought when I walked in? *"WHOA. Seriously, WHOA."* It's the kind of view that makes you forget your problems (at least until the bill comes). The condo itself was sleek, modern, and thankfully, NOT filled with those awful beige sofas that hotels seem to love. The aircon actually worked - a *major* win in Philippine humidity. And the pool? Oh, the pool. I spent so much time in that pool I'm pretty sure I’m now part mermaid. They serve drinks poolside, by the way. And the food... okay, the food at the beach club was delicious. The first night, I ate a whole plate of spaghetti carbonara by the pool, I kid you not. I had to waddle back to the condo. Worth it.

What about the *bad* stuff? (Be honest, I can handle it.)

Okay, the truth? Here's the unvarnished truth. It's not all sunshine and rainbows. First off, the internet. It was… *functional*. Let's just say I brought my own hotspot because I needed to work a little. It was a bit like living in the early 2000s, you know? You'd try to upload a photo and just stare at the loading bar, willing it to move. And the crowds. Weekends? Forget about it. You're basically sharing paradise with everyone else who also wants to escape the real world. The pool can get packed, getting a sun lounger can feel like a contact sport, and you might have to *wait* for your carbonara. The sheer volume of people kind of sucked. I'm not sure if I'm an introvert or not, but people I'm not sure about. Oh, and one more little thing: the ants. Tiny, persistent little devils. They seemed especially fond of any crumbs I might have left out. Learn from my mistakes – clean up *immediately*!

Okay, but is it *worth* the money? It looks pricey.

Ugh, the money! Yes, it's undeniably an investment. Let's be real, it's not a budget getaway. But here's my take: you're paying for the experience, the view, the convenience, and the feeling of actually, *genuinely* relaxing. Look, if I’m being honest, and for a few days to switch off, sure its worth it. I'd argue to split the cost its more reasonable. It's far from perfect. But I had a *good* time. A *really* good time. I felt my shoulders relax, and I actually, *actually* woke up feeling refreshed one morning – which, in my life, is a miracle. If you can swing it and you need an escape, I say go for it. Just, maybe, go mid-week. Or bring a book and embrace the chaos.

What are the activities like? Beyond swimming and staring at the ocean, I mean.

Okay, you've got your standard choices. Pools, beaches, watersports. They have a pretty decent gym if you're the type who likes to torture themselves on vacation. I am not. There's a spa, which I definitely checked out (hello, massage!). They have kayaks. I looked at the kayaks, and then I went back to the pool. However, and this is a big however, about the *golf course.* I got there, looked at it, decided I wanted a cocktail more because the sun was beating down. I'm not sure how I would find it, but it looked good. It was hard to resist the sand and the sun.

Tell me, is the food any good? And are there any good restaurants nearby?

Okay, so, the food at the beach club - the one right by the condo - was delicious. Like, seriously. They have everything from pasta to pizza to, I think I saw, some kind of steak dish. The spaghetti carbonara was to *die for*. It was a really good carbonara, with the right amount of salty prosciutto and a creamy sauce. The prices are a little high, but you're paying for the convenience and, honestly, the view. The sunset views are something else! Just, you know, bring your wallet. Bring lots of it. I, for one, am not a foodie. I'm someone who prioritizes convenience and availability over anything else. And that's a good thing because the condo itself has a well-equipped kitchen. If you are into cooking, you can definitely prepare some stuff.

Any packing tips or things I should definitely NOT forget?

Okay, PACKING LIST TIME: * **Sunscreen:** Obvious, but seriously, reapply. Constantly. I turned into a lobster on day one. * **Bug spray:** Because those ants are relentless. And while I didn't see any mosquitos, better safe than sorry. * **A good book (or three):** You'll want something to do while you're waiting for that internet to catch up. * **Flip-flops:** Essential. * **A portable charger:** For your phone. Because Instagram waits for no one. * **A sense of humor:** You'll need it. Trust me, you'll need it. * **Snacks.** Do not underestimate the power of having snacks on hand. That might be my biggest tip. * **Cash:** Not everywhere takes cards, and you might need some for tips. * **Your Own Beach Towel** They’re available, but I like my own. * **DO NOT FORGET:** Patience.

How accessible is it? Easy to get to?

Getting there is…an adventure. Basically you get to Manila, then you need to get a driver who needs to get you to the resort. The roads can be… interesting. Not like, terrifying, but it's not a smooth, idyllic drive. Bring some podcasts. Bring some music. Bring some snacks. And bring patience.

Okay, final verdict: Would you go back?

Chicstayst

Pico de Loro Hamilo Coast Condo - Jacana Ocean Nasugbu Philippines

Pico de Loro Hamilo Coast Condo - Jacana Ocean Nasugbu Philippines

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