Whenever one says Marco Polo, I instantly get taken back to days of my youth, when I would engage in this game where, blindfolded, as the ‘it’, I would say Marco, and those I am playing the game with would say back ‘Polo.’ Yes, that thrilling game of chase, where your guide would be the voice, oftentimes altered, of your playmates.
But this particular time, Marco Polo has taken on a different level. Say Marco Polo and what comes to mind is relaxation – or more specifically staycation – in a place that speaks elegance, spells luxury and simply means total indulgence.
The invitation to experience Marco Polo at Ortigas Center could not have come at a better time. Our Pampanga Press Club has just staged a successful sports event, stress levels were at their highest. And the call of relaxation and recreation had to be heeded to.
We were picked up in Clark by Director of Communications Melissa V. Ferrer. Upon arrival at the hotel, we were happily welcomed by fellow Kapampangan, Francis David, who is no stranger at all to us. We have met him when he was previously connected with a hotel in Clark and has been known for taking very good care of us.
We were also welcomed by Marco Polo – Ortigas Resident Manager Olivier Foucke and Michael Poutawa, from the Wharf Corporate office.
Lunch was at the posh Cucina, which offered an amazing feast of everything delicious, prepared in interactive open kitchens.
After the sumptuous lunch, we were accorded a grand tour of the hotel’s posh facilities. We felt easily ‘connected’ at Connect Lounge, which is a perfect spot for decadent afternoon tea, dessert samplers and snacks over invigorating aroma of signature coffee concoctions, tea, and wine flights.
We also got to see the Lung Hin, the haven for authentic Cantonese cuisine prepared by highly-trained Hong Kong chefs. This elegant outlet has exclusively-appointed private dining rooms ideal for intimate gatherings.
We were treated to a perfect view of the sunset and the beautiful night sky at the Continental Club Lounge.
Chic music, good food and great drinks were a perfect way to end the day, at Marco Polo’s Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge, a first-of-its-kind sky lounge seated at the hotel’s 45th floor. The icing on the Vu’s Sky Bar Lounge cake is the beautifully vibrant urban nightscape.
After an evening of fun, we retired to our well-designed, comfortable rooms with a bed that just hugged you, and pillows that were so comfortable, they seemed to lull you to lala-land.
Breakfast was another luxurious spread. It was difficult to avoid sampling a little bit of everything. Living up to the carpé diem spirit, seized the moment and took a dip in the pool before preparing to go back home.
Melissa and Francis sent us off in style, with gift bags in tow.
Our Marco Polo – Ortigas Center experience is one for the books. The timing was perfect, the accommodations were seamless, and the relaxation was priceless.
