White Sand Escapes: Paradise Just Hours from Manila

There’s a quiet shift happening with the way people have been traveling recently. Now more than ever, people are switching from mindless itineraries fueled by social media wanderlust to mindful adventures. We’re entering an era where people crave not just impressive experiences to show off, but rather ones that resonate and are worthwhile. 

Where travelers ask not just where to go, but why and how. 

This is where purposeful tourism enters the picture. This movement is all about creating meaningful interactions and connections with the places people visit. It’s the kind of travel that centers on giving back, telling stories, and protecting the places we love. 

And most importantly, it’s all about making your journey meaningful — to the local community, the culture, and the environment. 

This movement and message came into focus last Apr. 23, 2025, during the launch of The Good Travel Stories Competition 2025, organized by the Society for Sustainable Tourism (SST) in partnership with Green Destinations Southeast Asia. 

The theme of the competition is centered on “Future-Proofing Tourism Through Sustainability, Strategy, and Stories.” If you’ve ever wondered about the possibilities of tourism ever changing towards thoughtfulness and purpose, then this is just a glimpse. 

The Rise of Purposeful Tourism and Conscious Travel

Purposeful tourism is more than just a buzzword people use nowadays or a niche; it’s a mindset and a lifestyle. It’s about pursuing every trip with care, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility. This means supporting locally owned businesses, empowering environmental stewardship, and learning all about heritage. 

This way of tourism isn’t all about forcing people to change the way they are, but rather guiding them to the right and conscious decision. Ultimately, it leads people to richer, more immersive, and more meaningful adventures. 

The Stories That Matter: A Launch Rooted in Genuine Care for What’s Truly Important

The Good Travel Stories Competition 2025 media launch, at the Crimson Hotel Filinvest, Alabang, gathered key people from across the tourism and hospitality sector, including government bodies such as the Department of Tourism and the Climate Change Commission, to create conversations about responsible travel, environmental stewardship, and ethical business operations. 

Society for Sustainable Tourism (SST) President & CEO Susan Santos de Cardenas emphasized the need to create waves to make a difference, which is the goal of the Good Travel Stories Competition. 

“We believe that sustainability is no longer a niche — it is the future of tourism. Through this competition, we want to ignite a wave of action, innovation, and recognition for those already doing the work and those just beginning,” Susan shared in a press release. 

Why Stories Matter Now More Than Ever

The Good Travel Stories Competition champions stories that reflect the principles of responsible travel, climate action, and what Susan called the “triple bottom line,” People, Planet, Profit. 

At its heart, the Good Travel Stories Competition is not all about promoting the businesses that win the competition, but what they are advocating for. 

During the media launch, CHROMA Hospitality Director for Organizational Development and Culture Dave Romano detailed some of the ways that CHROMA Hospitality has embraced eco-friendly practices into their hospitality model. One standout: at Crimson Resort & Spa in Mactan, they found a way to turn seaweed — once considered a waste problem — into organic fertilizer. Another initiative? Building an inclusive team culture that supports diverse hiring practices. 

“The good thing about Green Destinations is that we became disciplined,” said Dave. “It’s not just a few highlights here and there, it’s not just about the environment, but also about the people. It’s an education of sorts.” 

Crimson Resort & Spa in Mactan also holds the Zero Carbon Resorts' Anahaw Philippine Sustainable Tourism Certificate and is considered an ASEAN Green Hotel for their sustainability and environmental protection efforts. Find out more about CHROMA Hospitality's sustainability efforts here.

Joegil Escobar, Hotel General Manager of Discovery Coron, echoed this sentiment. “It’s giving the right message [to our patrons]. So, in the Discovery Resorts, that’s what we’re trying to do now because we would like to mold the community and the staff; it’s a collaborative [effort].” 

Some of Discovery Coron's sustainability efforts include a turtle nesting site, a marine protected sanctuary, a daily kids' program titled "The Discovery Scouts," using homegrown ingredients from sustainable sources, a Green Garden at Taranuman Farm, and an Ecobrick Program. You can check more about Discovery Coron's sustainability programs here.

Karlo Evangelista, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Savoy Megaworld, said that they didn't start with a "grand" strategy. "We just came up with a simple realization: that small steps are very important towards the sustainability journey." He recounted how the sustainability projects at Savoy started from waste — plastic, food, and more. "We did upcycling, recycling, managing our food waste, and elevating it into sustainable energy and all."

He also mentioned how the Green Destinations program helped them shape their sustainability journey, and mentioned how all 11 properties at Megaworld are now moving forward with their own sustainability projects. You can learn more about Megaworld's sustainability programs here. 

When The Beat Manila asked Susan Santos de Cardenas what makes a good travel story, she responded, “We look at a few key things — how much impact it created for the community, the savings they earned, whether the model is replicable, and most importantly, if travelers genuinely experienced these changes.” 

The themes that the competition looks to are Climate, Nature, and People & Cultures.

Traveling with Heart and Purpose

The launch of the Good Travel Stories Competition is more than just a call for entries — it was a call to action for a future filled with mindful choices. It reminds us that behind every trip lies a decision: to simply just pass through, or to leave a place better than it was before. 

You see, purposeful tourism isn’t just a passing trend — it’s the only way forward. It isn’t about making your perfect itinerary, but about being intentional with your decisions, focusing on the better choices, and saying yes to experiences that give back twofold. 

Through initiatives like the Good Travel Stories Competition, sustainability becomes more than just a simple policy, it becomes a shared story. Whether you’re booking your next getaway or dreaming of your next adventure, ask yourself: why are you going, and how can you make it count?

After all, the best travel stories aren’t about the places you’ve been to — they’re about what you stood for along the way. 

Follow the Society for Sustainable Tourism (SST) on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the Good Travel Stories Competition here.

Pasay City is known for being the world’s gateway to the Philippine Islands, due to its close proximity to the country’s main airport. Also known as “The Travel City,” Pasay City is home to some of the Philippines’ most iconic tourist spots, such as the SM Mall of Asia, Newport World Resorts, Star City, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), and the Manila Baywalk. 

Hotels in the area are usually the best choice if you want to be anywhere in the blink of an eye while remaining at arm’s length from comfort. With numerous tourist spots within reach, and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport just 26 minutes away, there must be one that offers both leisure and relaxation.

The Lime Resort Manila aims to be just that – a sweet escape from the bustling city while still being close to all the fun. With a popular nightlife spot just a stone’s throw away from the property, this hotel’s wonderful amenities will also have you wanting to spend more time indoors, too! 

This hotel is a wonderful choice for a staycation, with a bay-side view and a wonderful sunset to remind you how beautiful life can be. Plus, this hotel also guarantees a “limelife” experience – complete with wellness programs, luxurious amenities, and cool events – that’ll make you want to stay for one more night. Or two. 

Our Stay at The Lime Resort Manila

Checking into the hotel was a breeze, most especially with the friendly and accommodating staff. We were even treated with a cucumber lemon iced tea as our welcome drink, which made the wait (although there was hardly any) a bit more refreshing!

We’re going to be honest – walking into the Premium King Bayview Suite felt like a “Mom, I made it!” moment. The 62 sqm room felt spacious, with the large windows letting the sunlight pour into nearly every corner of the room. 

 The room felt incredibly inviting; with a plush, king-sized bed sitting right in the center, perfectly situated to soak in incredible views of Manila Bay. This was the highlight of the room too. Wide, tall, and dramatic, these framed the Manila Bay beautifully, making this the jewel of the crown of your stay. 

The bathroom was impressive. We’re talking about a rainfall shower, all the necessities laid out, a hairdryer, towels, bathrobes, and even a free-standing bathtub that’s probably big enough for two. 

Tucked behind the king-sized bed was a thoughtfully placed workspace — secluded enough to keep distractions at bay, but still within reach of comfort. The wardrobe was also just the right size to keep all your fits and then some. 

While checking out the room, we found a surprising number of light switches tucked in some parts around the room. But what surprised us the most was a sleek tablet on the right bedside table that acted as a master switch for the room’s lighting — and a few other smart features too. Super convenient. 

That said, the view of Manila Bay could have been immaculate and utterly breathtaking, if it weren’t for the ongoing land reclamation projects creeping into the frame. From the terrace, the view was totally obstructed by landfills, taking away the magic of the bay view. 

Of course, we know that’s beyond the hotel’s control, but it’s something we felt worth mentioning. The suite delivers luxury in the city, but sadly, not even the windows can shield it from the reality that lies beyond the hotel. Still, you can just close your eyes, relax in the tub or allow yourself to be enveloped by the soft, comfortable bed and let the rest of the world fade away — not a bad plan, if we say so ourselves.

Comfortable Buffet Dining at the Bayside Buffet

Whenever you’re checking into a hotel, dining at their in-house restaurant is a must — it sets the tone, the vibe, and can round up your entire stay.

The Bayside Buffet at The Lime Resort Manila was just that — a perfect beginning to a wonderful stay, delivering a solid spread without the overwhelming feeling at other buffet restaurants. 

Just by the entrance, the Bayside Buffet had a poster detailing their slow and peak hours as a tip to seasoned diners. We opted to pop into the buffet at 6 PM, just as the doors opened, and the timing was just perfect. No crowds, no lines, just a wide array of food waiting to be devoured. 

Inside, we were greeted by a beautifully decorated interior with shades of brown, beige, and gold in every corner. The chandeliers added a little extra to it, but of course, we were there for the food, not the decorations. 

Still, as the people often say: the eyes eat first. And ours were already feasting. 

The layout was a breeze to navigate, no awkward shuffling or crowded stations in sight. Their spread also had a little something for everyone, from Filipino favorites, Japanese teppanyaki and fried favorites, Chinese comfort food, Italian pasta (with three sauces made to order!), and classic Western picks for that global touch. Plus, the bread, salad, and dessert stations were a beauty to look at — with so many options to choose from. 

To top it all off? Some dishes could even be made fresh upon request — such as roast beef on the weekends, hot-pot style shabu-shabu, and even sashimi! 

Everything was served warm, flavorful, and hit the right spots. Our personal favorites from the dinner buffet were the pesto pasta, the lechon kawali, the Japanese teppanyaki, and the ice cream! By 8 PM, we were full, happy, and very much ready to walk around and do some hotel exploring. 

The next morning, the breakfast buffet was a pleasant start to the day — warm, welcoming, and filled with breakfast food from the same cuisines we mentioned earlier. From fluffy eggs and pancakes, to savory fried rice and other viands, there was something for every kind of breakfast person. 

However, if you were scanning the selection with bacon in mind (like we were), you might be a little let down. A small heartbreak, but it didn’t really affect our morning. 

The Lime Resort Manila’s Amenities and Facilities

Is it really a hotel stay well-spent if you didn’t make use of all its amenities and squeeze every drop out of the experience?

Right after dinner, we explored to see what else The Lime Resort Manila had to offer. Our first stop was the Sky Lounge Bar, perched at the very top of the hotel. Yes, the air was too hot to bear, but honestly, with the city lights twinkling below and the chill music setting the tone for the night, did that matter? 

The Sky Lounge Bar is the place to be if you’re looking for a place for laidback nights and deep talks under the moonlight. 

Next up: the pool. We know what you’re thinking — swimming after eating? Definitely not the best idea, but sometimes you have to let some things slide if you’re going to make the most out of your stay. The rooftop infinity pool was stunning, especially when paired with the view of the bay at night. Whether you’re craving for a quick soak, a place to unwind, or a new place for a debriefing session with your friends, the pool (and the Sky Lounge) is a whole mood to consider. 

Before turning in for the night, we had to squeeze in a little gym session. The in-house gym on the 10th floor was modest, but solid. Think: the basic machines — enough for a full upper or lower body workout. A couple of treadmills, an indoor cycling machine, two benches, a full set of dumbbells, and a barbell zone. It may be simple, but if it gets the job done, then you’re all good! 

If there’s one thing we missed out on during our stay, it’s the spa. Located on the 8th floor, The Lime Resort Manila’s in-house spa had several services to choose from such as their signature massage, Ventosa, and more. They also offered packages that mixed some of their services for a price. 

Check Out Thoughts

Now, for the million-dollar question, would we stay here again? 

Definitely. 

The Lime Resort Manila is perfect for your getaways from the city; the perfect sweet spot between city escapes and staycation luxury. From the chic, well-decorated rooms, to the satisfying buffet spread at the Bayside Buffet, it checked all the boxes in our list. It’s one of those places that makes staying in just as exciting as going out.

With Entertainment City and Aseana City just a stone’s throw away, you’d probably think of exploring. But honestly? The hotel is already more than enough — the views, the vibes, and the amenities are already a highlight in our books. 

Thinking of going but worrying about your furry friends at home? Not to worry, because The Lime Resort Manila is pet-friendly! For only P800 (Standard and Deluxe Twin Rooms) and P1200 (Higher Room Category), you can bring your furry friends along to enjoy a luxurious experience. They also have an in-house Pet Hotel open from 3 to 12PM daily where you can leave your beloved pets without stress. Prices start from P600 (Small Pets), P700 (Medium Pets), and P900 (Large Pets). 

The hotel also offers parking, with spaces available outside and on the 4th floor. 

Book your stay at The Lime Resort Manila via their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more details. For more questions, you may email them at [email protected]!

Location: Lime Resort Manila, Atang Dela Rama Street, Seascape Village, Pasay City 1709

While it’s exciting to travel, it can also be draining. Constant movement — catching flights, trains, or buses — can be stressful, especially when you aren’t prepared. Think ahead so you can get the best and most comfortable experience with these travel essentials, each of which will make any journey that much easier. 

Ear Plugs

A multi-use essential, earplugs can make experiences that much more relaxing. Keep them handy when you want to go for a swim at the beach, enjoy a loud concert or festival, or try to sleep in rowdy hostels. Earplugs can also come in handy during a long-haul flight and help reduce noise from the engine while equalizing pressure during the plane’s landing and take-off. 

A popular option for such is Loop earplugs, which have quickly become a favorite online. Designed for a variety of uses, Loop earplugs accommodate different lifestyles, sizes, and needs. For travel, we suggest the Switch 2 earplugs (P3,490), which — as its name suggests — seamlessly switches between three different modes, whether you want to reduce up to 20, 23, or 26 decibels of noise. 

Shop for Loop earplugs online 

Eye Mask

If you’re a light sleeper, then you know how important it is to carry an eye mask around. They block light so you can sleep uninterruptedly on a plane or in a shared room. While these travel essentials are usually given away by airlines or hotels, we suggest investing in a high-quality eye mask that is durable and effective (even for restless sleepers). 

Hailed by the New York Times as one of the best, the Mzoo Sleep Mask (starts at US$19.99 via Amazon) is designed with comfort and movement in mind. Those who’ve tried it happily claim that the mask stays on securely all night, even for side-sleepers. This is partly due to the adjustable strap that allows for a snug and versatile fit. The mask, which boasts of contoured memory-foam eyecups, also prevents light from spilling in through crevices that are usually left in open air, such as the space around the nose. 

Grab yours via their Amazon page online

Travel Adaptor

Amidst harried packing, it becomes easy to forget that not all electronics are compatible in different countries. This is why a universal travel adaptor should be the first thing you throw into your luggage; otherwise, you’re bound to spend excessive amounts looking for it on your first day. (And imagine doing so when your phone is about to die!)

Omni’s Nano Universal Travel Adapter (P209.75) is a reliable favorite for many. It has a variety of parts that you can mix and match to align with the outlet of any country you go to. The only drawback is that it doesn’t have a USB port that you can use to charge your devices with; however, combining this with a multi-port USB charger (if you have a lot of devices compatible with USB) should save you a lot of time, stress, and space in your luggage! 

Get one via their official website online 

Sanitizer

Many people have already exposed how dirty airplanes and airplane bathrooms can be. High-touch areas such as bathroom door handles, tray tables, and armrests can harbor harmful bacteria, such as E. coli or staph bacteria, and MRSA. Of course, not everyone will get sick getting on a plane, but to be safe, it’s always best to bring pocket sanitizer, especially when going to the airplane lavatory or before eating hot meals mid-flight.

One of our favorite sanitizers has to be from Shepard, a Filipino brand that creates botanical sanitizers made of 63% sugarcane alcohol. Their Botanical Sanitizers (P250, 30mL) are naturally anti-bacterial, smell good, and are safe for sensitive skin. Shepard’s fun scents are inspired by sampaguita and peppermint, grapefruit and thyme, and lemongrass and make for fresh-smelling — and clean — surroundings wherever you are.

Check them out (and their other products) online

Digital Luggage Scale

Overweight luggage isn’t just heavy and difficult to carry, it’s also expensive! Some airlines charge over $100 for overweight bags, and so managing what you put in your check-in and carry-on is important, especially for the frugal traveller. To avoid any stress, we suggest getting a digital luggage scale that is light, reliable, and easy to carry. 

Spigen’s E500 Luggage Scale (P900) is sleek, made of stainless steel that is curved for a better grip. It is also easy to use and automatically shuts off and resets without any manual adjustment, holding up to 49 kgs of weight and promising an accuracy of 0.1 kg. The best part is how easy it is to slip into carry-on bags, leaving you with no excuse to not take it with you. 

Shop for Spigen's luggage scale online 

Neck Pillow

Throw away the donut pillow – it’s time for an upgrade. Introducing the neck pillow from Ostrichpillow, which (unlike the donut pillow) is designed to support your entire neck. 

We all know how difficult it is to sleep on a vehicle, whether that’s a train, a bus, a car, or a plane. Fortunately, this new design allows travellers to sleep better by supporting their neck upright and giving them a soft place to lay their heads. Unlike donut pillows, which require plenty of adjustment, these neck pillows can adapt to the angle of your head and give its wearer comfortable support. 

Pioneered and popularized by the brand, Ostrichpillow, these Go Neck pillows (US$69 via Amazon) are made of high-quality memory foam, can be tightened or loosened via Velcro in front, and can also be compressed to 60% of its size for an easy carry. 

Grab your Ostrichpillow Go Neck via their official Amazon store.