We went to the Philippines for summer, and we had the most amazing vacation. It’s been three months since we arrived and it’s only now that I found the time to actually write about this amazing experience. We spent most of our time in Potipot Gateway Resort in Candelaria, Zambales. Here’s my honest review of the resort.
The reception area 
One of the houses in the resort 
The passageway going to the reception
Location
Potipot Gateway Resort is around 5 hours from Manila. Although that may seem long, we took a brief stop in Subic where we did our groceries in Royal Duty Free. We also had lunch in the area. It was a good stop because we were able to stretch our legs and relax. Our house to Subic was around two hours, and from Subic to Potipot Gateway Resort was 2.5 hours so it doesn’t seem that long if you break up your trip. The resort, however, is definitely worth the 5-hour trip.
The resort is between a river and the ocean, so you can imagine how beautiful and peaceful the views are. It was really one of the most relaxing times of my life. I will go back next summer.
Our room – it was huge 
The view from our balcony 
Basic kitchen facilities.
Price
The price is definitely very very affordable. First, we were able to negotiate a long-term stay for a room with a balcony and kitchen facilities for two months at 600 euros per month (around P36,000). The food was so affordable with big servings. For example, for their boodle which included fish, pork, squid, rice and could feed 5 to 6 people, it was only 30 euros. A fresh fruit shake was 2 euros. And if I had extra food, I could just take it away and microwave it to eat later in the room, since our room had kitchen facilities.
Another thing I found very cheap was the daycare. In Madrid, we would’ve spent 700 euros per child to enroll our kids in summer camp. In Potipot Gateway Resort, I was able to get a private nanny for each of my child for 5 euros per 8-hourday, which totaled to 10 euros per day for two kids. I know, it’s cheap right, and I was told I was paying quite competitively already. The private nanny allowed me to work during the day, free of distractions. My eldest son still asks about his nannies in Potipot Gateway Resort.
There was also a white sand island in front of Potipot Gateway Resort which was 5 minutes by boat. We weren’t able to go because it was closed due to the pandemic. We wouldn’t have gone anyway because my kids still don’t know how to swim. The beach in front of the resort and the pool were enough for my children.
Drinks by the beach 
Boodle for 25 euros 
The kiddie and adult pool
Rooms
The rooms were really big. It was almost the size of my apartment here in Madrid. Our room fit a king sized bed and three large sofas. I think 10 people could have slept there comfortably. This doesn’t even include our balcony and the kitchen facilities. Since our room not within the resort but on the other side of the river, we had a great view of the river. Imagine waking up everyday to such a beautiful view. Heaven.
Swings 
Kiddle Playground 
Small game house
Facilities
Ten stars for the facilities. They had several playgrounds, a large adult and kiddie pool, a billiard table, table tennis, a basketball court, a fish pond (where you can actually fish!), board games, a kayak, paddleboard, and a beachfront area. My kids loved the paddleboard. The beachfront was not private, but it seemed that way because the next resort was around 500 meters away. I worked everyday by the beach. The wifi in the room was ok, but in the public area, it was fantastic. I had no issues doing work from home in Potipot Gateway Resort.
They had a lot of animals in the resort: peacocks, turkeys, chicken, fish, and turtles. It was great way to introduce my children to farm animals. My children never got bored in the resort, even if we stayed two months there.
Resort entrance 
Billiards and table tennis 
Fish pond
Food
The food was delicious and so affordable. They also had cocktails. I was very spoiled there. In the end, it was cheaper for me to buy a bottle and mix the drinks myself. Sometimes, in the morning, I would see fishermen just finishing up with work with a lot of fish. I would buy one big one and ask the resort to prepare and cook it filet-style for my family. I simply paid a small cooking fee.
Turtles 
Peacock 
Bridge to the resort
Others
Although it was a little bit far, I didn’t feel I was not in the city, because everything that I needed, I could have it delivered. They had a grocery nearby where I could buy my kids’ milk in bulk. When I needed lifevests for my kids, I was able to order it from Lazada and it was delivered within a few days. I also bought some toys online in Shopee to keep my kids busy, like magnetic blocks. So anything that I forgot to buy in the city, I could easily order it online and receive it within days. It was very convenient.
All in all, it was a great experience, especially for someone who works from home like me. I would definitely go back to Potipot Gateway Resort and I am counting the days until I return next summer.
