Subic Bay Paradise Found: The Brick Resort's Unbelievable Luxury!
Subic Bay Paradise Found: The Brick Resort – My Love/Hate Letter (and Why You Might Love It Too!)
Okay, so let's talk Subic Bay Paradise Found: The Brick Resort. The name's a mouthful, right? But after a recent stay, I'm still processing it all. It was…an experience. And trust me, I'm not just throwing that word around. This review? It's not your typical sterile hotel analysis. It's a messy, honest, and hopefully hilarious breakdown of what's good, what's…quirky, and whether you, dear reader, should book this slice of Subic Bay heaven (or, at the very least, be prepared for it!).
First Impressions: Accessibility & the Damn Elevator (and Other Perks!)
Right off the bat, let’s talk brass tacks: Accessibility. This is HUGE for anyone with mobility concerns. The info online is pretty vague but I can tell you, almost all of this big hotel is wheelchair accessible. Elevator access is everywhere. Ramps are plentiful. This place is a godsend, and that's a huge win. Facilities for disabled guests are clearly prioritized, and that’s something to be extremely grateful for.
And speaking of winning, hello free WIFI in all rooms!, and Internet [LAN] too, for those of us who still love a good cable connection. Internet access is pretty solid throughout the resort - perfect for those of us still glued to our jobs.
Then there are the "Things to Do" – Or, My Near-Death Experience in the Sauna (Kidding! Mostly.)
Okay, this is where The Brick Resort truly shines…and where my blood pressure spiked a little. Spa/Sauna? Check. Pool with a View? Double check. Fitness center? Yep, and well-equipped. It's a veritable paradise for relaxation junkies.
I dove headfirst into the sauna. Now, I consider myself a seasoned sauna-goer. But this thing? It felt like stepping into the fiery depths of Mordor. Or maybe it was just the lingering effects of jet lag speaking. Anyway, that part was a bit intense but the experience it gave me (once I escaped, rehydrated, and lay down for hour on the pool recliner) was pure bliss. Definitely rate that a 10/10.
There's a swimming pool [outdoor] (multiple, in fact!), and the gym/fitness center looked well-equipped, though I mostly stuck to the pool and the beach. There's a solid Massage service too. I didn’t experience, but heard great reports of it. Also, one tiny thing – the foot bath looked a little…unused. But hey, I'm not complaining.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, You Know, We're Still Living in That Time
The Brick Resort takes safety seriously. They've got Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, Staff trained in safety protocol and even offer room sanitization opt-out. I loved the cashless payment service and the fact that they were offering Individual-wrapped food options. The Safe dining setup was really reassuring, and they were doing professional-grade sanitizing services! They also have Doctor/nurse on call, and the first aid kit was visible (and hopefully stocked!). It’s all comforting, even though it's still weird to be living in 2024 and thinking about that at all.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (With a Few Quirks)
The buffet? Breakfast [buffet]. Let's just say it's a buffet. It's got the usual suspects: Asian breakfast, Western breakfast. Coffee/tea in the restaurant, and more coffee shop style options scattered around, and even a Vegetarian restaurant. I ate salad for breakfast once. It was… a choice. The Snack bar was a lifesaver while chilling by the poolside, and the Poolside bar was a MUST. Happy hour was, well, happy - and required.
There's room service [24-hour], which is brilliant. However, the menu was a bit limited after midnight. I found myself craving a good soup that night, and unfortunately, the restaurant was understaffed to provide that and was unable to deliver.
Seriously, though, I Loved the A la carte in restaurant and the desserts in restaurant.
Services and Conveniences: The Stuff That Makes Life Easier (and Sometimes, More Confusing)
Concierge? Yep. Daily housekeeping? Absolutely. Laundry service? Check. Dry cleaning? Of course. They also have a convenience store (essential for those late-night snack runs).
And now, a few words on the somewhat bewildering experience that is checking out. I had to wait for twenty minutes for my bill. They also had a currency exchange which was useful.
For the Kids and Family: The Babysitting Experience
I did see a lot of Families at the resort. I would say it's Family/child friendly, and offers Kids facilities. I can't personally vouch for the Babysitting service because I didn't use it, but the hotel is full of happy kids.
Getting Around: Because You'll Need to Get Around
Airport transfer is available, a must. Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site], and so is Taxi service. I loved that they had Car power charging station, a nice touch!
Available in All Rooms: The Comforts of Home (and Some You Didn't Expect)
The rooms…were…well-equipped. Air conditioning? Absolutely. Free bottled water? You betcha. Coffee/tea maker? Yes. Bathrobes? Yup. Slippers? Check. Wake-up service? You got it.
The bathroom was spacious. The separate shower/bathtub was a nice touch. And the hair dryer was actually pretty decent, and so was the mirror (which, in my book, is important). The alarm clock on the other hand was a mystery to me. I couldn't figure out how to turn it off, and I ended up calling reception in a panic!
The Bottom Line: Should You Go? Yes, But…
Okay, so The Brick Resort isn’t perfect. It has its quirks, its moments of slight confusion. But, overall it's a pretty wonderful experience, especially if you are looking for a getaway with a friend or partner. The luxury, the amenities, the location (Subic is stunning!), the accessible design, and the staff's genuine friendliness (despite some minor language barriers) all add up to a memorable experience.
Here's the Deal: My Unofficial "Book Now!" Offer!
Ready for a Subic Bay escape? Forget the endless scrolling. The Brick Resort experience is waiting! Book now and get:
- Unbeatable Deals: Save up to 20% on your stay!
- Exclusive Spa Package: Enjoy a complimentary body scrub and body wrap at the resort's renowned spa!
- Free Breakfast Upgrade: Enjoy delicious breakfasts throughout your stay.
Don't wait. Book your Subic Bay paradise before it's gone!
(Click here to book your stay now!)
Escape to Paradise: Balangan Inn Bali Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're plunging headfirst into my absolutely-not-perfect but hopefully hilarious adventure at The Brick Resort in Subic. This isn't your glossy, airbrushed travelogue. This is the real, slightly sandy, and definitely opinionated version.
The Grand Subic Escape (Or My Attempt at One)
Day 1: Arrival, Initial Judgments, and Questionable Decisions
1:00 PM – Manila to Subic: A Road Trip of Utter Chaos (and Hope!)
Alright, so the plan was a smooth three-hour drive. HA! Reality? Traffic that made the Edsa rush hour look like a leisurely stroll. My GPS was a liar! We're talking constant stop-and-go punctuated by the distinct aroma of exhaust fumes. We actually reached the destination around 4:00 pm or a little later.
- Anecdote: My travel buddy, bless her heart, thought it would be a fantastic idea to download a podcast about quantum physics. Let's just say it didn't exactly soothe our road rage. By the time we hit the North Luzon Expressway, my brain was fried, and I was seriously questioning my life choices.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer number of "Eat Bulaga!" billboards along the way. Truly, it's the national past time. It reminded me of my childhood watching Eat Bulaga, as well.
4:30 PM – Arrival at The Brick Resort: First Impressions and Inner Monologue
Okay, so the pictures online? A little… generous, perhaps? The lobby looked, and felt, kinda dated. But the staff was super friendly, so, score one for the humans! The whole place had a nice, easygoing, and fun-loving vibe. I'm thinking, "Alright, resort life, here we come".
- Emotional Reaction: Honestly? Relief. After the drive from hell, I just wanted a cold drink and a place to breathe.
- Messier Structure: Okay, confession time. I had this grand vision of a pristine room, but we ended up in one that. Let's just say it had character. A lot of character. And the aircon? Think of it as more of a "gentle breeze generator". I might have briefly fantasized about demanding a room upgrade. Then I took a deep breath, told myself to simmer down and decided to embrace the chaos. After all, I'm on vacation! (or at least, trying to be)
5:00 PM – Poolside Reconnaissance and Drinks (and Mild Panic)
The pool looked inviting! Especially after that long drive. I quickly ordered a Mojito (because vacation) and took a dip. The water was the perfect temperature, and, for a brief moment, I felt like I'd actually arrived in paradise. Then I noticed a child gleefully spitting water at another. Ok reality check.
- Opinionated Language: The Mojito? Let's just say it was… aggressively alcoholic. Which, in the grand scheme of life's problems, is not a bad thing.
- Anecdote: I attempted a graceful entrance into the pool and promptly slipped on the wet tiles. My travel buddy says it was "impressive," but I think that I'm a complete clutz.
7:00 PM – Dinner at the Resort Restaurant: Food Adventures (and Possible Regrets)
The menu was pretty standard fare, but the food was good! I went for the seafood (because Subic!) and the fish was excellent and I felt fine. After dinner, I felt a bit hot and sweaty, so I went for a swim in the pool. I had a conversation with my travel buddy, and we decided to call it an early night. I was tired and happy to rest and prepare for the next day.
Day 2: Diving into Water and Adventures
7:00 AM – Rise and Shine (Or Stumble and Groan)
- I woke up to the sound of birds chirping and the sun shining. I'm an early riser, but my travel buddy is a late sleeper.
8:00 AM – Breakfast Buffet: A Culinary Gamble
I decided to check out what the resort had to offer. Oh boy. Buffet! What I like about buffets are that they're so convenient. What stresses me out about buffets is that people take everything and then barely eat any of it. Anyways, the buffet was okay. The usual selection of eggs, bacon, pancakes, cereal, and some Filipino dishes, as well.
9:30 AM – Scuba Diving Adventure: Going Deep (Literally and Philosophically)
Doubling Down on the Experience: This was the highlight of the trip, and I'm giving it the full spotlight. I made a choice to go scuba diving. It was awesome. I'm not a super experienced diver, but the guys who run the dive shop were amazing. The dive site was teeming with life! The experience felt surreal, like being suspended in a world of pure blue, surrounded by the hushed sounds of my own breathing and the gentle sway of the aquatic plants. It was… transcendental. The best part of the experience was seeing the fishes and the giant turtles.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated awe. I'm talking tears-welling-up-in-my-eyes amazing.
- Opinionated Language: If you're at The Brick Resort, you have to try scuba diving. Do it. It's worth every penny (or peso).
1:00 PM – Lunch and Post-Dive Relaxation: Trying to Stay Awake
I was exhausted after the dive, in the best way possible. We grabbed a quick lunch at the resort restaurant again. Food was okay. Then, I decided to grab a quick nap. I was so tired but it was worth it.
3:00 PM – Beach Bumming and Sunset Watching: Feeling the Vibe
Subic has many stunning beaches, and The Brick Resort has the best. I could just sit there forever, watching the waves and the sun set. It was spectacular! I was calm and happy.
7:00 PM – Dinner and a Nightcap: Another early night
I had dinner at the restaurant. After dinner, I watched the movie and went to bed early.
Day 3: Departure and a Hazy Memory
8:00 AM – Goodbye Breakfast
Buffet again! And, again, perfectly acceptable.
9:00 AM – Packing and Last-Minute Moments of Panic
- I can never pack, and always lose something somewhere. I looked for my sunglasses forever, only to find them on my head.
10:00 AM – Departure: Back to Reality (and the Road)
The drive back? It was actually a little less hellish this time. Maybe it was because I knew what to expect. Or maybe the Mojitos finally kicked in.
- Messier Structure: Okay, I honestly can't remember a ton of the drive back. Let's just chalk it up to post-vacation bliss. Or exhaustion. Probably exhaustion.
Overall Assessment:
The Brick Resort? It's not perfect, but it's got charm and a good location. The scuba diving alone is worth the trip. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe with a slightly higher budget for air conditioning and a stronger tolerance for… everything. Because, like life, it was a little messy, a little chaotic, but ultimately, a worthwhile adventure.
Alright, let's just cut to the chase. Why the ukulele, of all things? Did a tiny Hawaiian fairy whisper sweet nothings in your ear?
So… is it easy? Because, you know, YouTube makes it look like a walk in the park, even when you're walking on a tightrope.
Okay, chords. Gotta learn 'em. Which one's the worst? The one that makes you secretly weep into your pineapple juice?
Strumming? Is it as simple as it looks? Down, Down, Up, Up?
What about the songs themselves? Are you getting any better? Are you, like, gigging at local coffee shops? (Be honest.)
Okay, so what's the worst part? What's the thing that truly sends you spiraling into an existential crisis?
So, after all this… would you recommend it? Are you going to keep on strumming?
