Pico de Loro Cove - Hamilo Coast

There were two things I really wanted that time; a relaxing staycation and to soak into the waters all day. Both needs were satisfied by our quick weekend escape at Pico de Loro at Hamilo Coast.

Ninety minutes and we were transported into this happy paradise (thanks to CAVITEX) for a nice weekend stay with my travel blogger friends.

The 40-hectare property is an exclusive Residential Resort Village at Pico de Loro Cove, the first development at Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas. We were immediately assisted at the front desk office and checked in at Pico Sands Hotel.

The Pico Sands Hotel is open to members and their guests (check here for discounted room rates). We were assigned at a Lagoon View Premier Room for the night. The 37-sq.m. room with two queen-sized beds were just perfect for me and my roomie. The room is equipped with HD cable T.V., a DVD player, coffee and tea-making facilities, complimentary WiFi connection and a personal bar. The en suite toilet and bathroom is basic with all the towels and toiletries provided for.

But what I love most about our room was the veranda overlooking the man-made lake and the stunning view of the mountain covering the whole property; perfect for our morning caffeine-fix.

Our own veranda at Pico Sands Hotel

After we’re settled, we immediately went to the hotel’s 24-hour restaurant, the Pico Restaurant. We immediately checked out the menu (read:famished) and decided to have a heavy merienda. We’re ten in the group, by the way, so imagine us wanting to try out everything on the list that ended in a very funky set of dishes; mozzarella sticks, carbonara, spicy spaghetti, all-meat pizza (my favorite), four cheese pizza and Pico Burger with cheese. We also had fun choosing our drinks on the drink list which definitely has its own character.

Pico Burger with cheese

Four cheese pizza

The group had some smoothies, power juices (Immunity for me – pineapples, carrots and oranges), fresh fruit shakes and juices, foams, coffee, tea, chocolate and milk (half of the group were raving about Milo Dinosaur), and milk shakes.

My power juice - Immunity
Milo Dinosaur (background)

The group immediately boarded a free shuttle and off we went to the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Chapel (perfect for weddings) for the sunset which I must say was really stunning.

We then headed to tour around the property, by foot, and checked out the facilities at Pico de Loro Country Club. Bowling and billiards, videoke and game rooms, Club Pico for kids, gym and dance studio, the pool complex, Grab n’ Go convenience store and basketball, tennis, squash and badminton courts. I could literally spend a whole day here.

Our heavy merienda was easily burned after that quick tour and so we headed to the Reef Bar for a fancy dinner by the beach or lemme say a fun barbecue party. 

Reef Bar

We literally picked everything grilled on the menu; grilled prawns (my favorite), squids, tilapia, pork liempo, pork barbecue and chicken. Carcinogens attack!

Grilled prawns and squids

Grilled pork liempo and pork barbecue

Grilled chicken

And for dessert, we requested for pan choco gateau (a deconstructed crepe-like treat) from the nearby Sun Coral Café, my buddies loved it (I have a not-so-sweet tooth).

Pan choco gateau

The cool breeze of January brushed our faces as we enjoy this treat from the Reef Bar. I ditched my flip flops and enjoyed the sand on my feet as we dine al fresco.

The group headed back to Pico Sands Hotel, thanks to the free shuttle again, and chitchatted until the wee hours; with bottles of beer of course.

The next day promised to be a great one. I had my morning coffee at my favorite spot in the room, the veranda, and just chilled for an hour. The view of the mountain and the man-made lake was too relaxing. I brought my laptop with me to catch up on my backlogs but decided to just loosen up and relish that moment. And then I realized that there’s a complimentary breakfast from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m., it was already nine in the morning.

We hurriedly went to Lagoa Restaurant at the nearby Country Club for the buffet breakfast. We decided to settle on the outdoor dining area.

Happy bacon (super crispy to perfection - my favorite), longganisa, mixed vegetables, corned beef, tinapa and fried rice overflowed on our plates. There’s also an egg station, bread station, salad station and juice bar.

Lagoa Restaurant

Happy bacons!

It was lull time after. I was contemplating on heading straight to the pool or check out some emails and stuff (workaholic), the latter prevailed. After an hour of uncluttering my emails and social media accounts, I was ready to hit the waters.

The group looked out for a base camp near the pool. We stripped off, headed for a quick shower and then soaked into the pool, for hours.

And then we headed to the exclusive Pico de Loro Beach Club and had a very filling lunch at Sun Coral Café. 

Pico de Loro Beach Club's pool

Again, and it’s becoming a habit, we almost ticked off everything on the menu list; chicken-pork adobo, seafood sinigang, pork sinigang, kare-kare, crispy pork binagoongan, and crispy pata (my favorite). Almost everything was tasty and as always, we finished everything as if we’re next on the death row.

Seafood sinigang

Happy crispy pata

And then we chilled on the beach then back at the pool and then at the café, all while boozing up on a scorching Sunday afternoon. After lazing for hours, we decided that it’s time to go and we’re all saddened by this.

We really wanted to extend for another night at this exclusive property; maybe it’s because of the nice ambience or the company of good friends or maybe the fact that we’re trying to run away from our crazy lives. Whatever it is, our Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast weekend trip was all worth it and we’re so coming back here. Maybe next week?

Pico Sands Hotel (book online for discounted room rates)

Hamilo Coast, Pico de Loro Cove,

Brgy. Papaya, Nasugbu, Batangas

Contact Numbers: (+63) 2.464.7888 | (+63) 917.809.1289

Email Address: reservations@picosandshotel.com