Every once in a while our spirits look for a place to run to for peace and relaxation from the concrete jungle we live in. A place we can escape to from the madding crowds and busting sounds of the metro. While most of us would agree that getting “there” would require us to travel (Boracay, Palawan, Phuket even) our family was lucky enough to find a haven in the embodiment of Laiya Coco Grove in San Juan, Batangas. Batangas is about 2 hours away from Manila, far enough from the noise, smoke and dust yet conveniently located to allow tranquil experience.
I was able to learn about this resort after googling beaches in the Batangas area and recalling a friend mention Laiya. And so I thought to myself: “Why travel (not to mention spend tons of money) to find a place to relax when we have Laiya.” 
The resort had a homey feel. Very “Filipino” and had a lot of bamboo and hard wood in its furniture. As the name suggests the resort had a lot of coconut trees, which make sounds that blend with the chirping of birds and the waves of the sea. Our family stayed in 2 air conditioned poolside cottages, clean, spacious, and had decent lighting contrary to other resort accommodations that had little. The beds were also ok, pillows fluffy. The washroom however wasn’t really that convenient, I mean if you’re used to a bathroom with walls separating the water closet, lavatory and shower (just cold water), its ok for you. There were also tree houses which I really liked; had I known room transfers was possible, we would have stayed there, not that I didn’t like the poolside cottage, it’s just that I like the tree house concept. The resort also has a first aid / emergency nook which as a health care provider, was a plus point. A chapel near the entrance, a spacious parking area, a communal hall (dining area) and a pavilion. 
The attendants are wonderful. Courteous, approachable, accommodating and I could not recall a moment when I didn’t see them smiling. I especially liked the people in the kitchen, speaking of the kitchen, our package included a 3D/2N stay in 2 cottages, inclusive of full buffet meals (lunch from arrival to lunch before departure), use of pool, trampoline and volleyball and basketball courts and the access to Laiya White Sands (which I’ll talk about later). But the meals aren’t really that impressive, they give you a choice of rice/fried rice/paella, a choice of viand - fish, beef, and chicken, and vegetables and a glass of iced tea (a cup of Barako coffee during breakfast). Although I must admit, I enjoyed the breakfast (tapa, fried rice, eggs, hotdogs) and dinner (paella, fried chicken, mixed vegetables) during our 2nd day.
The beach front from the main resort isn’t really exceptional which is why they take you (for free via the hotel’s transport) to the white sands beach, which is about a 5-minute drive from the main resort. The Laiya Coco Grove White Sands Beach is breathtaking. Clear waters, cool white sand, flying fox/zipline, amazing view of the mountains and a whole lot more. Our family also availed of the boating-snorkeling activity which I really enjoyed. They hand out floatation devices / life jackets and goggles which are in good condition unlike most that other resorts I’ve been to provide.
Overall, we had a wonderful Laiya experience through Coco Grove. My family and I are certainly satisfied and will definitely stay here when we visit Batangas again soon. I would definitely recommend Laiya Coco Grove to those who want a quiet place to relax, unwind and enjoy life’s pleasures without compromising satisfaction and value for money.
I give Laiya Coco Grove an 8/10
More Pictures in my Facebook Account: Laiya Coco Grove Album - Facebook
For Reservations: Laiya Coco Grove
Makati Office Tel. Nos. (63-2) 894-1057 ; 892-6009
