Vista Aplaya Resort is a pretty little resort in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas. This was the venue of our office outing this year (May 26 and 27, to be exact) and we were all glad it was. Personally, I had so much fun during our overnight stay there mainly because it’s one gem of a place. It’s quite small but very well-maintained, with few air-conditioned rooms, a dining area facing the sea, an infinity pool and a hot tub. It’s perfect for small families or groups.
the resort’s signage by the gate
Our two days were spent mostly eating delicious, home-cooked meals served buffet style, snorkeling in the deep, checking out the other beaches beside the diving spots, swimming in the infinity pool, videoke-ing at night (including some drinking for the boys), and simply watching the days go by. It was pure pleasure, just the perfect way to end the past weeks of toxicity at work (due to the many events we had to organize).
our room for the night
Vista Aplaya’s beach may be rocky (just like the rest in Anilao!) but the water was very clear and there’s a rich marine fauna that you could have a fun time snorkeling even in the shallow parts. During our stay, our boss hired a boat and took us to the deeper part of the sea so we could snorkel while she went diving with her dive master. Cool, huh!
Vista Aplaya’s beachfront
Did I mention the staff there were genuinely friendly and attentive to our needs? We really felt like pampered guests all throughout our stay. Everything we needed from extra towels and extra bathroom tissues to more fresh fruits and ice-cold, canned soda were easily provided. The fact that we were the only occupants that night was just an added bonus. I bet even if there were other guests aside from us, the service would still be as efficient.
my hefty breakfast plate which I had right after arriving in the place
the dining area that faces the sea, so relaxing to eat here
When we got tired of snorkeling, we swam in the infinity pool to our heart’s content. The pool is just 5 feet deep. The hot tub we didn’t get to try, though.
the Instagram-worthy infinity pool
I was able to take a snapshot of the setting sun which was a sight to behold when in Anilao:
Lovely, isn’t it?
What I loved most about this little resort were the gardens. I saw palm trees, some fruit-bearing trees like jackfruit and mango, some orchids and lotsa tropical plants. Vista Aplaya felt like a private rest house to me, and a beautiful one at that.
While we didn’t get to see dolphins during our visit (the staff said the previous guests did), it was okay. It’s one good reason to go back there. Haha.
To go to the resort, just drive through SLEX and Star Tollway and exit at Batangas City. Turn right to the road going to Bauan, Batangas (right after the rotonda, don’t go up the flyover) and when you see the Bauan General Hospital to your left, that’s the cue to take a left. Drive further until you see a fork on the road and take the right side of it. Then turn left just before Anilao Port. This is the road to follow until you get to the resort. You’ll see many beach resorts along the way such as Vistamar and Eagle Point. When you find a big basketball court on your right, you’ll see a waiting shed beside it and a downhill alley that leads to Vista Aplaya itself. May I warn you that this particular road to Vista Aplaya is narrow and steep. Make sure you have a good driver going there. Travel time for us was three hours. 
I’d be happy to visit Vista Aplaya again. Sorry, I don’t know the room rates but I think they were quite affordable, similar to the prices at Palm Beach Resort and Virgin Beach Resort (both are located in San Juan, Batangas) where we held our past office outings.
Vista Aplaya Resort
Brgy. Balagbag Bagalangit
Anilao, Mabini, Batangas
(+63920) 970-5383
info@vistaaplaya.com
www.vistaaplaya.com
