Iloilo thrills, treats at the Courtyard

The Courtyard by Marriott is a perfect jump off point to other equally stunning islands in the region.

Never mind that summer’s about to end. No matter what time of the year, you can always satisfy your wanderlust and explore thousands of breathtaking islands that the Philippines has to offer.

And you can start off your travel adventures in Iloilo, known to many as the “City of Love.” As soon as you set foot at the Iloilo International Airport, you will get a taste of the Ilonggo hospitality with their warm smiles and gentle demeanor —definitely a sign that your vacay is off to a good start.

Apart from offering a delectable local cuisine, scenic wonders and a long list of exciting activities, Iloilo also presents itself as the perfect jump off point to other equally stunning islands that adventurers and thrill-seekers would find hard to resist.

So if you have only three days to spare, here’s a quick guide on how you can make the most out of your Iloilo sojourn.

DAY 1

Get an early flight out of Manila and enjoy an hour-long plane ride while listening to your favorite playlist. As soon as you land, head over to the La Paz Market to get your first taste of authentic Ilonggo fare—the famous batchoy. You can opt to go to any one of the three restaurants that serve this mouthwatering and quite filling dish: Netong’s, Deco’s and Ted’s.

After a quick meal, check in at the Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo and experience that famed warmth of the Ilonggos. Tired and exhausted from an early morning flight, you might want to freshen up a bit and take a quick nap to recharge.

After all, the ultra comfy beds, soft pillows and cozy vibe of the Courtyard’s rooms are enough to lull you to sleep. The hotel has a total of 326 spacious guest rooms and suites that are designed to meet the modern-day traveler’s needs.

Feeling recharged after a power nap, you’re ready to take on a new adventure. Here, we recommend that you start to explore the hotel’s amenities and features that could level up the fun in your vacation. From the well equipped fitness center to the refreshing pool, not even the soaring temperatures could stop you from enjoying the thrills that the Courtyard and the City of Iloilo offer. While at it, you might also want to enjoy a cold and refreshing drink at the Pool Bar. Meals are also something to look forward to at the Courtyard by Marriott, with three dining establishments that serve the best of international and local fares to satisfy your craving.

As the day ends, you might want to take a quick stroll around the pedestrian-friendly Iloilo Business Park to burn all those calories and explore homegrown restos in the area. You may also want to visit the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art, before hitting the sack to get ready for tomorrow’s adventure.

DAY 2

Head over to Parola, ride a boat that will take you to Guimaras Island’s capital, Jordan.

Here you can get a taste of the world-famous Guimaras mango, or the mango spaghetti and pizza. Local restos there even serve sinigang in mango broth. If you want to go around the island, better hire a private van to bring you to the famed sites and beaches of the island.

Among the must-see sites of Guimaras are the Navalas Church, Trappist Monastery, San Lorenzo Wind Farm, Guisi Lighthouse and Beach Areas and the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve among others. If time permits, a tour of the islets is also highly recommended before riding a banca again to head back to the Courtyard by Marriott and get that much needed rest. A dinner at the famed Breakthrough restaurant is an option just before a  nightcap at the Pool Bar.

DAY 3

You’re on your last day with a flight scheduled late in the night, so that means you have more than enough time to enjoy a hearty breakfast before you head off to some of Iloilo’s treasures and best kept secrets. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Runway Kitchen, where the food options are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

With a satisfied craving, a happy tummy and calories to burn, it’s now time to indulge and enjoy a feast for the senses as you explore some of Iloilo’s famed tourist destinations. Start with a visit or a prayer at the famed Jaro Cathedral or St. Anne Parish then head over to the city’s many heritage and decades old houses and relive the memories of the bygone era.

You might also want to explore Iloilo’s Calle Real and soak in the city’s rich cultural history. Bring back a taste of the city with some Ilonggo delicacies that you can buy at the Biscocho Haus. Head back to the hotel for check out and make your way to the airport. But, if you think you still have enough time, you might want to squeeze in a quick stop at the Madge Café or Tatoy’s just before you board the plane back home.