Cruising

By Chris Datol

Inside the resort (Photo by Ali Vicoy)

There are no barriers when it comes to tourism and entertainment – such is the philosophy of Thunderbird Resorts, a Latin-Amerrican chain of leisure hotels that has established its presence in the Philippines as a Mediterranean-themed mountain escape and gaming facility.

Mostly in the United States, Latin America refers to all of the Americas south of the US, including countries such as Belize, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname. Conversely, it also refers to Brazil and the Commonwealth Caribbean to assign the Spanish-speaking countries within this region, which are often known as Hispanic America.

As such, there is not much difference when it comes to the Philippines and Latin American destinations. Both cultures have a high regard for religion, sports, food, culture, and other aspects of tourism. For one, there is a great wealth of Catholic tradition that pervades around those regions, as seen in the historical churches in Ecuador. Both cultures can also relate to the sun, sand, and seas of the Carribean’s paradise islands and the natural biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest. Argentines are meanwhile renowned for being a sports-crazy nation, while three things that are famous in Peru are as well-loved here: the spectacular landscape, the beautiful women, and seafood!

The exotic beauty of the Philippine islands and world-famous hospitality therefore clinched the deal for Thunderbird Resorts to open their own chain of hotel-resorts here. In fact, they already have two – one in Binangonan, Rizal, east of Manila and another in Poro Point in the north. The two resort establishments join dynamic, themed, and integrated resort venues anchored by a total of 24 gaming and casino businesses in four other countries: Panama, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. In fact, the success of their two resorts in the Philippines is opening the door for further expansion in the Southeast Asian market.

Thunderbird Resort-Rizal is a quiet mountain retreat perched 210 feet above sea level on a highland valley south of the Sierra Madre mountain range in the heart of Binangonan, (about 20 kms from Manila). The resort, opened since 2005, houses a 43-room luxury hotel which features themed restaurants, an international casino and access to an 18-hole, all-weather, championship golf course at the adjacent East Ridge Golf Club.

The international hotel standards implemented at all Thunderbird Resorts worldwide is also offered here, featuring top-notch services and amenities for social and corporate functions or even just a dream weekend getaway. The property unveils breathtaking views of the Laguna de Bay during the daytime and the Manila skyline at nighttime.

There are 28 Superior Rooms, 14 Deluxe Rooms, and one Presidential Suite that presents luxurious room furnishings, including a private balcony, minibar, electronic door locks, and glass-encased showers and bathtub.

Around the facility can be enjoyed various recreation and leisure amenities, such as a charming infinity pool and outdoor Jacuzzi that overlooks serene Laguna de Bay and surrounding mountain ranges, meditation nooks, jogging paths, and kiddie playground for the young ones.

For the adult crowd, the resort offers the world-class Fiesta Casino, open for leisure and gaming needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hotel guests can feel right at home in the comfort of the gaming facilities, which are inspired by a fusion of classical Spanish and modern Filipino architecture reminiscent of a remote tropical island paradise.

Live music and entertainment and continental cuisine can also be enjoyed to the hilt at the Vegas Buffet, Cabana Bar, and Rhythm & Grill @ the Pool Bar, with the perfect view of the Manila skyline beckoning from the backdrop.

And after all the playtime, hotel guests can retreat to their inviting rooms and avail of the massage services exclusively developed for Thunderbird Resorts. The signature massage is designed for meticulous guests looking for a novel relaxation experience.

With a company-wide mission to create world-class entertainment and leisure facilities since 1997, Thunderbird Resorts is well on its way of achieving further success in its locations worldwide. As the name implies, this hotel chain is raring to soar high!