Canyon Cove Vacation Day 1

It has been four days now since we got back from our short beach vacation but it’s only now that I actually got time to blog! I’m so excited to share with you what happened on our trip. Let me start with Day 1. Warning, this is going to be a long post.

To give you a background, I’ve been planning this trip for months. I have been looking for the perfect place to go on our first vacation as a family of five. My requirements were pretty simple. It has to be near enough for just a road trip. It has to have a nice beach, a pool, playground and the rooms should be comfy and spacious enough to fit all five of us. Plus, the cost should fit my budget.

I thought it would be easy to decide but on the contrary, it was nerve-wracking. I had so many choices. It was only last month when I finally decided on Canyon Cove because of a voucher deal for 50% off that I saw on Metro Deal. It was actually a friend of mine who suggested it to me. I immediately bought vouchers as soon as I saw the deal. The package did not include meals but it was okay with me. The vouchers were good for 2 so I got two vouchers. I was told that I just need to pay for the extra person and that would include breakfast. I didn’t mind. It passed all my other requirements and I was getting 3 days/2 nights accommodations for 50% off. SOLD!

So, last Wednesday, April 24, off we went to Nasugbu, Batangas where Canyon Cove is located. It actually had mixed reviews online but hubby and I decided to give the place a try anyway. I was especially so excited for this trip because 1) it was to be Ziggy’s first beach trip, 2) it was to be our first vacation as a family of five, 3) hubby and I needed a break from work, 4) we needed an opportunity to bond with Zoe and Ziya and finally, 4) because this was to be the biggest reward taken from my earnings as a WAHM. So, this trip was a BIG DEAL.

Here’s a photo of my kiddos en route to Canyon Cove. Check in time was at 3 p.m. We left the house at 10:30 a.m. so that we can arrive in Nasugbu by lunch time.

 

 

It was a nice enough two-hour road trip. Thankfully, for half of the journey, the kids were asleep so we didn’t have to deal with a cranky toddler who wanted out of his car seat. We arrived at Nasugbu at 12:30 p.m. We located the resort first then headed back to the town proper for lunch. We ended up eating at Jollibee, which of course was Ziggy’s request. We couldn’t leave the place without having ice cream!

 

 

Then after lunch we went to Canyon Cove and arrived there at 2:00 p.m. I wasn’t expecting that we’d be able to check in early. There were already a lot of people in the lobby waiting to check in. But surprisingly, the staff at the reception were very efficient and we were able to check in to our room just 10 – 15 minutes after I fell in line.

 

 

We checked in to Room 217 at the North Wing. It was the same floor as the lobby so we didn’t need to use the elevators. It was a bummer at first because our beach view from our balcony was blocked by trees. But in the end, it was very convenient for us because it was easy to just come and go from our room.

We had a Superior Room with a King bed and a day bed. The girls and I ended up sharing the King bed while the boys got the day bed. The room was actually pretty nice and clean. It didn’t disappoint at all.

 

 

Hubby loved the LCD TV and the fact that it had Star Movies, which we don’t get at home.

 

 

The kids loved the day bed.

 

 

Here’s the first family photo we took during the trip.

 

 

After settling in, we didn’t waste any time and prepared to swim. We tried the pool first. The resort had a really big pool that had several sections. There was a section shallow enough for toddlers to wade in and Ziggy loved it!

 

 

Beside the pool is the volleyball court. Our voucher entitled us to free use of the court but we didn’t get to avail of it because none of us really played volleyball.

 

 

Of course, we were excited to try the beach. I think I was the most excited of all because it was Ziggy’s first time. When he stepped on the beach with his Crocs still on he got a bit concerned that sand was getting to his feet. But as soon as we told him that it’s okay and removed his shoes, he didn’t mind at all. Here’s a shot I took of him taking his first barefoot steps on the sand!

 

 

Here’s another one I took of his feet covered in sand. Toddler milestones! I love it!

 

 

The sand wasn’t Boracay white. It was fine in some parts but became a bit rocky as you near the water. The water wasn’t exactly the cleanest. But it was clean enough for me not to worry about my family’s health. The place wasn’t exactly deserted. There were actually a lot of people for a weekday but not too much that it felt claustrophobic.

 

 

We all enjoyed playing and playing and taking photo after photo after photo.

 

 

I especially love this one with me and Ziggy. Ahhh, mommy moments!

 

 

Of course, there were daddy moments too.

 

 

Hubby even found a little quiet time for himself. I said a little because it really did take only a few minutes. Haha!

 

 

We stayed on the beach until the sun set. It was really beautiful.

 

 

Then we showered and had dinner at the town proper. Afterwards, we headed back to the resort and watched Brave on Star Movies then we fell asleep. It was, indeed, a really nice day for our family. It was a day all about us….all about LOVE. I wish there could be more days like this.

 

 

Stay tuned for my post about Day 2 of our trip!