Henann Crystal Sands vs Henann Lagoon - Resort Review

Henann Crystal Sands vs Henann Lagoon  - Resort Review - Which one is better?

Henann Crystal Sands vs Henann Lagoon – Resort Review.  So lets talk about which one is better. Henann Crystal Sands & Henann Lagoon are two of the best resorts in Boracay Philippines. Today we will compare & contrast Henann Crystal Sands & Henann Lagoon to help you decide if these two resorts are worth your money and which might best suit your needs. We will discuss their locations, the best time of the year to stay at each, as well as their amenities, food, pools, and other useful tips.

Both Henann Crystal Sands and Hennan Lagoon are excellent choices for a vacation in Boracay, but based on our experience, each one is best suited for different types of travelers and at different times of the year to get the most out of your stay at these resorts. This is a non-sponsored review, and the opinion we express is purely ours, based on our stay in both of these resorts. 

So let’s get started. Henann Crystal Sands, which opened its doors in 2017 and has 188 rooms, has a truly amazing location and sits right at the beach at Station 1. When you get out of the resort, you are literally right at, hands down, the best part of the Boracay white sand beach. You cannot ask for a better location—seriously. This is in contrast to Henann Lagoon, which is a bit older resort that first opened in 2010 and has only 119 rooms. Henann Lagoon is not located directly at the beach, and it takes about 10-15 minutes to get to the beach from the resort. This is not terrible but something to consider.

What is the best time of the year to visit Henann resorts? 

Now we will talk more about the pros and cons of each resort location in a bit, but if you plan on visiting Boracay during the summer months, which is from mid-February through the end of June, and you plan to spend lots of time at the beach, Henann Crystal Sands is a better option in our opinion. After spending the day at the beach, it is just nice to be able to get right from the beach to your room, take a shower, and go right outside to explore the Dmall area, which is just a 3-5 minute walk away. It is also much more convenient to go for evening strolls at the beach and then go right back to your room without worrying about walking the next 15 minutes back to your room at Henann Lagoon. For us, these walks were our routine, and we even enjoyed a few times having our dinner right at the beach.

Now, if you are coming during the bear months from between the end of July through January, we would definitely recommend staying at the Henann Lagoon. We visited Boracay during both seasons, and we were glad that we stayed at the Henann Lagoon during the bear months. The reason being that during bear months, the wind at Station 1 and 2 is so strong that spending more than an hour at a time at the beach is really painful. I was getting a headache after about an hour of being there and had to go hide in one of the cafes. The beach is also not very impressive during that time of the year, with fairly large waves. The nice white sand that you come to expect is mostly washed away, and you will find lots of debris on the beach. You will also see nets set up around the walkway to block the sand from blowing into the restaurants. So, the views and the overall feeling are really not what you would expect to see during the prime summer months. If you check our video “Boracay Shock”  you will see which resort at Boracay we actually prefer a lot more during that time of the year.

Pools at Henann Crystal Sands and Henann Lagoon

Now let’s talk about the pools, which are one of the main drivers for both resorts and another key consideration. If you plan on spending more time at the pool and actually do some swimming as well, we definitely recommend Henann Lagoon.

The pool at Henann Lagoon is a 1,200 square meter lagoon-style swimming pool and it is the biggest pool among Henann resorts in Boracay. The pool is especially great during the bear months because it is nicely shielded from the strong winds that you will encounter at the Henann Crystal Sands sky pool since it directly faces the ocean. It is also nice to enjoy your breakfast and even dinner right by the pool.

But at Henann Lagoon pool, you do not have a view of the beach. So, if the pool is the place for you to just relax and enjoy the view of the beach, then Henann Crystal Sands would be a better choice—especially during the summer months. The Sky pool at Henann Crystal Sands is located on the second floor and has a beautiful view. It is not a very large pool, so it is really more to just cool down in the middle of the day when being at the beach might be too much because of the strong sun.

Yes, the sun in Boracay is very powerful from around 11 am to at least 3 pm, and you will see most people hiding somewhere in the shade. Don’t make the mistake and get burned on your first day, as many people do being all excited when arriving at Boracay. It will ruin the rest of your vacation. If it does happen, though, you may want to check my video on how to deal with, but also prevent, sunburn more holistically.

When is the best time for the beach?

In general, the best time to be at the beach is early in the morning and then after 4 pm. Now let’s get back to our pool discussion because you may find yourself spending lots of time at the pool during the middle of the day when the beach is just simply brutally hot and unbearable. The sky pool has a pool bar so you can order some refreshments and your favorite drink. The Boracay  sunset from the sky pool is not very spectacular since it is blocked by palm trees, and we would prefer to watch it at the beach, but it is definitely a nice place to hang out when the sun goes down. The pool stays open until 10 pm, so you can enjoy your favorite cocktail by the pool to the beat of the music and a nice breeze. In contrast the pool bar at Henann lagoon closes at 8 pm and so does the pool, even though you will probably see people in the pool even up to 9 pm. Henann

Lower Pool at Henann Crystal Sands & Pool Massage

Henann Crystal Sands has a second larger pool at the bottom where you can do sort of lap swimming because of its length. The best time would be when it opens in the morning before the small kids get in. We found this pool used primarily by families with small children while the sky pool is used more by adults. But if you are looking for a place to stay in the pool and hide from the sun, this is also a good option since it provides shade for most of the day. You also have an option to get a very good inexpensive massage at the pool. This option is available in both resorts. My wife did get it in Henann Lagoon and did enjoy it. But given the fact that they don’t have tables with head cradles—beats me why not—her neck was hurting afterward from being in a kinked position for 45 minutes—so consider that. Overall, the pool water in both resorts is clean, and the pools are not very crowded since most people come to the pool in the evening, so for this purpose, both resorts offer a great way to relax.

Rooms at Henann Crystal Sands and Henann Lagoon

Now let’s talk about the rooms. If you want a room with a pool view, then Henann Lagoon is the way to go. You do not have to pay a premium for that since the majority of rooms at Henann Lagoon face the huge pool and all have a balcony. If you want the same type of room at Henann Crystal Sands, you will have to reach much deeper into your pocket. Most standard rooms at Henann Crystal Sands don’t have much of an exciting view, but you have to decide why you came to Boracay. For us, this is not the make-or-break deal, but being able to sit on the balcony in the evening and enjoy your dinner there has its positives.

As far as the actual room amenities, you will find the standard Henann setup in both resorts, but we felt that the rooms at Henann Lagoon were a bit nicer and more spacious. The resort actually did go through a major renovation just a couple of years ago, so everything is very nice. In general, you won’t find any shabby furniture like in many older resorts in either one of the Hennan resorts. The bathrooms were also much bigger in Henann Lagoon, and you actually had both options: bathtub and shower. In Henann Crystal Sands, this kind of room would be considered premium and much more expensive.

Food choices at Henann Crystal Sands and Henann Lagoon

Now, as far as food choices, again both resorts have a very nice setup for breakfast and lunch, but Henann Crystal Sands wins here. They have a much larger dining area and, with that, also a bigger food selection. They also have very nice dinner buffet which we recommend trying at least once. I would definitely not do it daily, though, because you may find yourself coming back from your vacation with a lot more weight than you came in with—the food is just too delicious to pass up. So, it’s best to remove yourself from the situation.

Location of of Henann Crystal Sands and Henann Lagoon

Now let’s talk about the location of the resorts. Henann Crystal Sands is, in our opinion, brilliantly located, taking advantage of the best of all worlds—if you are visiting during the summer season. It is located along the popular strip of Station 1, offering beachfront access in a prime location between boat station 1 and D’mall. The Dmall is just a few minutes’ walking distance to the left from the beach entrance. We reviewed the Dmall in detail in our past video, and the link is in the description below. But in a nutshell, Dmall is the center of everything in Boracay. Dmall is where you go for entertainment, get your lunches and dinners, ice cream cones or halo-halo dessert, and do your souvenir shopping. Great prices, a lot to choose from, and just a great place to hang out.

The location at Station 1 also has its perks when it comes to beach quality. The beach right in front of the resort is unparalleled. The sand is the finest in all of the main Boracay white sand beach, the ocean is very calm and not deep quite far from the shore, so it is an excellent place for families to enjoy their vacation. You are also close to all the other attractions, such as the sunset boat trips, crystal kayak, and Willy’s Rock. This is in sharp contrast to Henann Lagoon, which sits in a bit more isolated area with not much around. Everything is still walking distance, but you are more secluded. This might be good if you don’t want to be right in the middle of bustling Boracay the minute you open the door. But keep in mind that unless you want to eat all your food at the resort, you will need to add an extra hour for the trip back and forth from the Dmall, which you may not always want to do after wandering around all day.

Henann Lagoon, as we mentioned, is about a 15-minute walk from the beach. There are a couple of ways to get there. We recommend walking a bit further along the main road if you don’t want to walk through the narrow street between the buildings right behind the resort. The main road leading to the beach is paved and much nicer. You will also pass several other major resorts on the way as well as 2 other Henann resorts. This applies especially during the bear months when it rains all the time, and the narrow passage, being just a dirt street, tends to be flooded a lot. When you do get to the beach from either one of the access points, you end up at Station 2. The beach there is still nice, but not as nice as in Station 1, and it is further away to get to the Dmall. If you factor that along with the trip back to Henann Lagoon resort, it adds up and does not make you feel like you want to do it a couple of times during the day – especially if it is hot.

Now, the food in Henann Lagoon is pretty good, and prices are reasonable, but if you are staying a week, the food may get a bit monotonous after a couple of days.

Conclusion- so which one is better Henann Crystal Sands or Henann Lagoon

All that has been said also reflects the prices. Henann Crystal Sands is at least 50 dollars more expensive per night compared to Henann Lagoon as of today when we are making this video. So, what is our verdict? If you are looking for a luxurious hotel with amazing amenities, but can compromise on a few things, then definitely Henann Lagoon is the way to go. It is also our preference if you are planning to visit Boracay during the bear months and insist on staying in Henann group resorts. In this case, we definitely suggest Henann Lagoon since we can’t justify the price for the subpar experience at Henann Crystal Sands due to the strong winds during that time of the year. But if your budget allows it or if you plan on staying only 2-3 days during the summer season and want to experience the best of Boracay, we absolutely recommend Henann Crystal Sands; the extra 150 dollars for your 3-day stay will definitely be worth it because we do think that it is the best resort when it comes to pricing, location, amenities, and service at Station 1 and 2.

by Dr. Michal Domeny DNP, L.Ac, CD/N

Boracay Shock - This Will Change Your Boracay Perspective!

Boracay Shock - This Will Change Your Boracay Perspective!

Boracay, the magic paradise island in the beautiful country of the Philippines, is the next stop on our cross-Asia honeymoon adventure. If you asked most people what draws them to Boracay year after year, they would probably say the beautiful pristine beaches. If you ask us, after spending an amazing vacation in Boracay last year, we could not agree more. What we did not know was that this year we were in for a tremendous shock that almost ruined our most anticipated honeymoon stop.

So let’s talk about what you can expect to see when you come to Boracay any time after the summer season, which stretches from mid-February to late June. But more importantly, let’s see how you can still make the best of your stay and leave with the unforgettable memories that you came here to seek.

We still have very vivid memories of our week-long stay on Boracay Island at Henann Crystal Sands last year. We were dreaming about coming back to Boracay the entire year, and we decided that it would be the top destination on our honeymoon trip after our wedding in Thailand, which you can see in the previous video.

But what happened here? Where is the pristine clear White Sand Beach and the calm turquoise ocean? Are we just having a bad dream? All the debris all over the beach, and what happened to the calm ocean?

The wind was really strong. So strong that most businesses around the beach put up nets in front to prevent the sand from blowing into the restaurants. You can see the palm trees bending backward from the strong wind.

Initial Shock

Gosh, did we make the worst mistake coming here? What are we going to do here? You couldn’t really stay too long just sitting on the beach because the wind would give you a headache after a while. I was really frustrated, to tell you the truth. I felt like we completely ruined our honeymoon. This is not what I signed up for and traveled all the way from Germany for.

Making the best of it

So how can we make the best out of it? Well, as they say, if life gives you lemons, make lemonade, and that’s what we did. The weather during the so-called “bear” months is very unpredictable, but when it is nice and sunny, take advantage of it. For us, we actually really enjoyed wave hopping. It is actually lots of fun, and if you are moving, you can easily spend the entire afternoon in the water.

On other days, you can still enjoy short walks along the beach, but in our experience, this will not be for long walks; the wind will eventually get to you. At that point, it is a good idea to hop into one of the small restaurants along the beach and enjoy a nice chocolate or mango shake while looking at the ocean.

But life at Boracay doesn’t stop with windy weather, and you will still see locals climbing all the way to the top of the coconut trees to get the coconuts to sell to tourists who will gladly buy them.

Boracay Sunset

The one thing that does not change, regardless of what time of the year you come to Boracay, is the majestic sunset in Boracay, which is one of the most beautiful we have ever seen. After spending a great late afternoon jumping over the waves, it was time to get out of the ocean and witness the beautiful sunset. Words really don’t give it enough justice. While the beach may not be too busy during the day, almost everybody comes out during the sunset to enjoy the amazing atmosphere. That’s the time to take amazing pictures and videos that will keep your memories from Boracay alive for years to come.

Boracay Dmall

Your stay at Boracay will not be complete without visiting the famous D’Mall. Even though we did a fully dedicated video to D’Mall last year, we were surprised to see that this place is ever-changing. Several businesses that we used to frequent last year are no longer there, and new ones have opened in their place. It is definitely worth going there to do shopping for your souvenirs.

Boracay and wet market

What we also enjoyed was an evening tour to the so-called wet market where you can buy very fresh fruits and vegetables. The wet market is located just across the newly finished plaza at the City Mall with the Boracay sign that serves as a backdrop for memorable Boracay pictures. You can also do some shopping at the small supermarket where you will find almost any essentials, from bread and milk to a variety of snacks and water.

Now if you never had Dorian fruit we highly suggest first try a small piece- only then you can appreciate the popular phrase in Asia – taste like heaven, but smells like shit- the main reason why almost all hotels have a strong ban on bringing it to the hotel room unless you want to pay a hefty fine.

Boracay and Grocery shopping 

You can also do some shopping at a small Supermarket where you will find almost any essentials from bread and milk to variety of snacks and water.

I was actually quite impressed by the number of different breads and milks that this small store had.

Just before retiring to your room, you may want to go for a nice stroll along the beach and listen to the sound of karaoke. It is not as beautiful and pleasurable as during the summer when it is nice and warm, but it is still worth it.

Our overal impression on Boracay 

Overall, even though Station One and Two are not the best places that we would recommend spending time at during the Ber months, you can still make the best out of it if you are willing to go with the flow.

Best place to stay in Boracay during ber months

But if you really want to experience the beautiful white sand beach and calm warm turquoise ocean without the annoying wind, make sure you watch our video on Fairways and Blue Water Resort which is linked here.

by Dr. Michal Domeny DNP, L.Ac, CD/N

Fairways and Bluewater Resort Review- Boracay Philippines

Fairways and Bluewater Resort Review- Boracay Philippines

So we are back in Boracay, and today we will look at Fairway and Blue Waters Resort. This is an interesting resort, and you will find lots of mixed reviews. Because of the many negative reviews we saw, we hesitated to stay there. So today, we will give you a completely unbiased overview and a sort of walking tour of the resort to help you make your own decision if you want to give this resort a go for your next vacation. This is a non-sponsored video.

One thing you’ll want to know is that Fairways and Bluewater resort is not directly on the beach. It takes about 10-15 minutes by tricycle or van to get to fairways and bluewater resort from the D’Mall area. But depending on the time of the year, this might actually be a godsend that can make your vacation exactly what you wanted it to be – and I will talk about why I say that today.

Fairways and bluewater resort does have shuttles that can take you to D’Mall a few times a day, but we will also show you a place where it’s easy to get a tricycle any time. When you arrive at the resort, the tricycle will first drop you at some kind of collection point. We weren’t too excited about that since it delayed our check-in, but the guard will call for transport, and within 15-20 minutes, a shuttle will transport you to the hotel.

Getting to Fairways and Bluewater Resort

The resort is vast, and it almost feels like a subdivision with many private and detached buildings. At some points, it almost feels like going through a jungle. But once you arrive at the hotel, you’ll see that the place is surrounded by a golf course, so if that’s your game, you’re in the right place. We actually invited my wife’s parents on this trip so she could spend some time with them and create some beautiful memories. The fairways and bluewater resort is quite busy, but we didn’t have to wait too long to get our room.

What are the rooms like at Fairways and Bluewater Resort?

The rooms are standard and have everything you need to feel comfortable during your stay. We were told we got an upgrade as first-time visitors, but it’s just a sales trick. You’re not getting any upgrades; if anything, we felt we were downgraded because my wife’s parents’ room was nicer.

But unless you plan on spending all day in your room, it will do… and for the price of 50 dollars a night, it was fair value. I just wish the staff would stop telling people they’re getting an upgrade when they’re not. Personally, it’s irritating. The one thing we didn’t like at first was the feeling of being isolated because you’re far from D’Mall and also not close to the beach. There’s a pool at the hotel, but to access those nice infinity pools with beautiful views and the beach, you need to take a shuttle or walk.

Transportation around fairways and bluewater resort

Compared to the reviews we read on booking sites, it seems that management has significantly improved transportation. It really doesn’t take more than 10 minutes to get to the different attractions in the resort. But honestly, you can go for a nice 15-20 minute walk to reach those places and get a bit of exercise after your hearty breakfast. It’s a pleasant walk, and you get to see more of the resort on your way. You can get a tricycle any time during the day at the entrance to the beach – watch the video – to go to the D’Mall. It costs about 150 pesos.

The swimming pools at Fairways and bluewater resort

There are three main swimming pools at different locations around the Fairways and bluewater resort. One is by the beach, and that’s the one we’re heading to now. It’s a smaller infinity pool, and depending on the time of day, it can get more or less busy. But it offers beautiful views of the ocean and beach.

The beach at Fairways and bluewater resort

Passing by the pool, you’ll take the stairs down to the private beach. Now pay close attention to what I am going to say here -seriously.  Unless you’ve been to Station One both during the summer months of February through July as well as the “bear” months of August through December, you won’t fully appreciate this beach. What I mean is that if you are like us, you come to Boracay and expect this – beautiful white sand beach with calm and warm turcoice blue ocean. Well so did we, but if you come any time from August to December, instead you get windy and beach that is not nice at all. The wind is so strong that they build barriers in front of many hotels at the beach to prevent the sand from blowing in. There are big waves and the beach is full of debris. Basically, no beach. The wind is so strong that it makes your beach time almost painful after an hr or so.

Why am I saying this, check this out. Same time of the year- bear months and the private beach at Fairways and Bluewater resort is exactly what you pictured. Not only do you have access to a beautiful private beach, but the ocean here is genuinely blue, calm, with no wind or waves. We were in shock after spending four days at Henann Lagoon by Station 1. So, if you’re visiting during the “bear” months, you might want to consider fairways and bluewater resort to enjoy the beach and warm ocean. We get no perks for saying this, but seriously this is probably the only part of the island where you can really enjoy the beach and ocean that you came for to Boracay.  We’ll do a more detailed review of the beach and other pros and cons in our next post.

Want a massage? 

If you want a massage, you can book it at the hotel and receive it in one of the chalets by the beach. From the beach, you can either take a shuttle or walk to the largest infinity pool at the Fairways and bluewater resort. That pool is what I call the party pool with music playing all day long. It offers a lovely view of the ocean and mostly it is not  very busy. There are also hot tubs if you like, but whether you should use them is another conversation.

At least once a week, there’s a foam party with a DJ, drawing in many people and creating a fantastic atmosphere. There’s also an adjacent restaurant where you can have lunch, dinner, or light snacks during the day. The prices are reasonable, but the selection doesn’t vary at all. The pool bar offers a variety of drinks to enjoy. The pool is excellent for evening relaxation with its beautiful decorations. And if you’re fortunate to witness a full moon, it sets a fantastic mood.

Breakfast as Fairways and bluewater resort

Lastly, the breakfast at Fairways Bluewater resort even though not as grandiose as in Henann, is still quite substantial with a variety of options and slightly different menu every day. After all you only pay 50-60 dollars for a night, so you are definitely getting your money’s worth.

Ourfinal thoughts on Fairways and bluewater resort

Overall, we think that Fairways and bluewater resort is definitely worth the price and we would stay there again. Even though it’s a bit secluded, it offers numerous opportunities to have fun and enjoy many attractions. You will definitely be leaving with great memories from your stay in Boracay.

by Dr. Michal Domeny DNP, L.Ac, CD/N

Bali Helicopter Romance: Epic Aerial Date with Stunning Views

Bali Helicopter Romance: Epic Aerial Date with Stunning Views

Bali Helicopter Romance

Are you looking for great date idea or just want to experience something extraordinary?  Then you might want to look into Helicopter ride in Bali. When we first set out on our Bali helicopter adventure, we were quite nervous. But as we soared over the breathtaking Bali coastline, it surpassed all expectations.

This wasn't just a helicopter ride; it was a romantic escapade, a heart-to-heart conversation with Bali, seen from a perspective only the birds usually enjoy. From the vast azure oceans to the intricate tapestry of the land, the spirit of Bali embraced us like never before.

 

Join us in this video as we share our once-in-a-lifetime romantic experience. Feeling the helicopter's blades cutting through the air, we were not just witnessing Bali’s grandeur from above but immersing ourselves in the intimate moments, the gasps of wonder, and the shared excitement of our aerial date.

 

So, if you've ever dreamt of a romantic helicopter ride over Bali, come aboard with us. Hop in, buckle up, and let's take to the skies together. Experience Bali and its magnificence in a way you've never imagined. Dive into the love, adventure, and beauty of our epic journey over this island paradise.

by Dr. Michal Domeny DNP, L.Ac, CD/N

Henann Lagoon Resort Review

Henann Lagoon Resort Review

Henann Lagoon Resort Review

Are you looking for a high-end resort in Boracay that won't break your bank, yet provide you with comfort, luxury, and everything else you need to enjoy the beautiful beaches in Boracay? Then you might consider Henann Lagoon Resort. In this non-sponsored video, we will do a Henann Lagoon Resort Review and cover everything from the amazing pools, food, transportation to Henann, room and resort amenities, location, as well as our opinion on who this resort is best suited for and for what particular time of the year. This is our second time in Boracay and the third Henann that we've stayed in, so we will also compare our previous experiences. You can check out our review of Henann Crystal Sands and Henann in Bohol in the description below.

When you got off the airplane last year, you had to walk to the departure hall; this year, there's a bus waiting to transport you the 5-minute walking distance - go figure. For transportation to Henann, you have two main options. You can set it up with Henann directly while making your reservation, which is what we did last year, or you can book it with the Southwest transportation agency. Since we stayed in another resort after Henann that didn't offer transportation to the airport, we booked a round trip with Southwest via Klook.

 

Let me say this- we don't recommend you doing it. There are a number of options on Klook; some offer this as a bundle, some have it listed separately, and if you order the wrong package - which is very easy to do given the messy website - you'll be stuck. The best part is that once you get off the airplane, you can go directly to the Southwest kiosk and book your transport there. The prices are about the same, so no need to hassle with pre-booking.

 

So, this is when we found out that what we thought was a reservation for transport to our hotel was actually a voucher for some activities in Boracay which we had no interest in

doing. We ended up booking the transport directly with Southwest – which is what we recommend you do as well. To get to Boracay island, you first need to take a van from Caticlan airport, then a speed boat, and then another van. But don't worry, Southwest or Henann staff will take care of everything. Just make sure you have a few hundred pesos in change to give to the baggage carriers. They will be expecting it. 200 pesos at each point of transfer is generally enough for a party of two with 2 large and 2 small suitcases. The trip takes about 45 minutes altogether.

 

If you arrive too early, like we did, you will have to wait for your room to be ready, but as usual, the Henann staff was awesome, and they had a room ready for us by 12 pm, which is 3 hrs before the check-in time. We were super exhausted after a 16 hr overnight flight, so we were glad that we could get to our room quickly.

 

Before we look at the room amenities, let's look at the resort's facilities. As the name suggests – "lagoon" – this particular Henann boasts a huge, centrally located swimming pool. While it looks like one big pool, it's actually separated into smaller pools by bridges and walls below the bridges, so you can't swim from one to another, even though the water overflows between the pools.

 

As we're used to from other Henanns we stayed in, the grounds of the resort are meticulously manicured and tastefully arranged. What's nice about Henann Lagoon is the location of the restaurant for breakfast, which is right by the pool. So you can enjoy your breakfast while looking at the pool.

 

Now let's talk a bit about the food. The breakfast starts at 6 am to 8 am, and then they have a second part from 8 am to 10 am. The breakfast buffet is substantial with a variety of protein sources, starches, breakfast cereal, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. They even had Kimchi. The food varies slightly every day, so you won't get bored of eating the same food every day. We strongly suggest getting a room with breakfast; you won't regret it. We were usually so full from breakfast that we didn't have to eat anything until late in the afternoon. It's easy to get a table, but if you want a table by the pool, make sure to be there by 7:30 am. Even as early as 8 am, it can be quite busy.

 

Even though this is not my typical health-related video, I will say that I strongly suggest you load up on fresh vegetables and some fruits every day after you finish your main breakfast to get plenty of fiber into your body. Along with that, drink lots of water during the day. The reason? You do not want to get constipated on your vacation. It is a very miserable feeling that can make you nauseous, cause you to lose your appetite, and give you a bad stomachache, which will spoil your entire trip. If fresh papaya and lettuce are available, definitely grab some; you will be glad you did. I would even go as far as bringing some Metamucil with you and take it daily. It's hot in the Philippines, and unless you drink more water than usual, it’s easy to get dehydrated. I have a video specifically discussing the dangers of constipation that you may want to watch- the link is in the description.

 

The resort is really trying to push romantic dinners for two by the pool at the sound of live music, but even though the set-up is pretty nice, we did not find it particularly special justifying the price for the 5-course meal. But if that’s what you are looking for, they have the option for you. As you can see, there were not too many takers for that. You can order food or drinks by the pool, which is great if you want to enjoy your lunch or afternoon snack by the pool. We have to say that the food was very delicious and the portions were great to fill you up. The prices for the food are reasonable as well. In general, you can order meals for 300-600 pesos. Some more elaborate dishes cost about 700-800 pesos.

 

Even though we don’t drink, the location of the pool bar right in the middle of the pool, in our opinion, nicely added to the overall great atmosphere. You can sit on the sunken pool stools and enjoy whatever drink you like. It gets busier after sunset when many people come to the pool and want to enjoy drinks at the pool bar.

 

Now, let's talk more about the pools. The water in the pool is usually pleasant given the warm climate in the Philippines. During the day, the pool is generally empty for the most part and gets a bit more active after sunset. It is open from 9 am to 8 pm. You will get towels in two locations by the pool.

 

Now, I was a bit surprised that the water in the pool was a bit murky, given that there were not so many people using it. I noticed that the pumps are not running non-stop and are turned on only during certain periods of the day. Overall, however, the pools are clean and are maintained every morning by the staff.

 

Now, if you are one of those guys or gals that like to have a view of the pool from your balcony or room, then this resort is definitely for you. Pretty much all the rooms face the pool since the resort is built around the main pool. You can rent a room with direct access to the pool, but as we discussed in our previous videos, we personally would not do it again. Privacy for us is important and having to keep all the windows closed so that nobody is peeking into our bedroom is not quite what we are looking for.

 

Also, consider that there will be conversations and children playing right outside your window. We didn't mind the few stairs leading to the pool. Additionally, we greatly preferred the expansive view of the swimming pool from our balcony. There are plenty of loungers by the pool, so you can find the ideal place in the shade to relax. If you want to get a massage, you can easily set it up by the towel station. You can receive the massage by the pool or in your own room. A 1hr full body massage by the pool costs only 700 pesos. My better half did get one, and she liked it, but her only complaint was the uncomfortable position of her neck. It would be a lot more comfortable if they had tables with a head cradle. Laying down on your stomach with your neck twisted for such a long time is really not comfortable. So for that reason, she would not do it again. Her neck was hurting for the next couple of days afterward.

 

There is a gym facing the pool, but it will cost you 300 pesos for 2 hr use, and it is open only during certain hours.

 

Now, let's talk about the rooms. The Hennan Lagoon features the typical open design with plenty of fresh air in the hallways. We booked a standard room, but even that one was really large and furnished with nice new furniture. Everything was clean and working as expected. The bathroom had a nice window to the room which you could close using a curtain, but we thought it was cute. The room had all the standard amenities like a safe, robes, and we even had a refrigerator which was great because we could keep the fruits we bought in the wet market at D'Mall there. My better half always likes the toiletries from Hennan, and she was not disappointed again. The size of the bathroom was great, and we had both a bathtub and a rainforest showerhead.

 

The balcony, as I already mentioned, is a great place to sit and relax in the evening. You can order room service or bring your food up and enjoy it while listening to the sounds of live music, which is available every day at the lagoon restaurant/café.

 

Each floor has a little rest area with a phone and water filter. The resort does not provide bottled water, but each floor has a water filter station. The reception is also nicely designed and has plenty of seats to relax before your room is ready. In the reception area, you will also find a small gift shop with basic souvenirs and some snacks.

 

Now, let's talk about the location. Unlike Hennan Crystal Sands and Regency, Hennan Lagoon is not located directly on the beach. You will need to walk about 10 – 15 minutes from the resort to get to the beach and about the same distance to D'Mall. The resort is located past the D'Mall. On your way, you will pass a number of new construction projects which will likely be completed in just a few months. You will also pass the Hennan Garden resort.

 

Now, the fact that Hennan Lagoon is not directly on the beach can be seen as either good or bad. If you are visiting during the bear months, which range from August to December, the beach and ocean at stations one and two might not be what you'd expect, especially when compared to what you might experience between May and July. The wind is quite strong, and the ocean can get quite wavy. We personally believe that Hennan Lagoon is a better choice if you still want to be near stations 1 and 2. Watch our next video to learn which resort we prefer during this time of the year to get the experience you're looking for.

 

There is a shortcut to the beach, but be aware that it is not the most scenic walk.

 

Overall, the Hennan group did not disappoint us once again and remains our number one go-to hotel in the Philippines. We can't wait to be back next year to check out another Hennan resort.

by Dr. Michal Domeny DNP, L.Ac, CD/N