The Empire Hotel

I do love The Empire Hotel. It's grandeur and venues for big impact events are yet unsurpassed here in our Abode of Peace.

I'm sure everybody and his uncle have filled their tummies to bursting at the Atrium Cafe's buffets or marveled at the amount of fresh seafood at Pantai's bbq seafood buffet, but how many individuals actually have their wedding party at The Baze or spend a weekend in one of the beautiful Villas.

The Baze was an experience in itself. This is my 4th time down there but I'm always blown away by the atmosphere. Squint and you can pretend you're in a trendy bar in London. The layout brings me back to my Hippodrome days *hides head in shame* with the big dancefloor in the middle for Essex girls to mince around their handbags wearing patent white stilettoes and the tackiest outfits imaginable...but I digress...The Baze is amazing. The minute you walk in you're in the mood for a P-A-R-T-Y! Go if you can, just make sure you're on the guestlist because security will show you the door otherwise.

on the dancefloor @ The Baze

The Villas are chill. They're for relaxing in good company while having a cold beer or a bellini on the balcony while enjoying the sea breeze. I was immediately struck by the quality of the worksmanship inside and outside. All the lush tropical greenery also adds to the feel of being away on holiday while really only being 20 minutes from home. The service is impeccable. Only gripe is that it sometimes takes a while for the buggies to arrive after you call.

Lazy Sunday @ Villa 6

Villa 6

View from the balcony

The Empire Hotel is situated on acres and acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and boasts a total of NINE swimming pools. The freshwater and saltwater lagoons will give you sandy bottoms much like the beach without the hassle of looking for a toilet. The bedrooms are luxurious and I give their beds 2 thumbs up! The closest I've come to feeling enveloped in comfort is at the Shangri-La Mactan Island whose beds feel so womb-like this primal urge to stay there forever and ever and ever takes over.

For shopaholics like me, the Empire Arcade hosts Jim Thompson, Inner Space, Crimson Square, Waterford & Wedgewood and Bvlgari. Heaven on earth is here ladies! The Spa at the Country Club is also another must visit.

Golf addics will be glad to hear that the Jack Nicklaus designed golf course awaits your balls :p