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Arriving at Okada Manila at sunset feels like stepping into the opening shot of a fashion film. The gold-hued towers catch the last light of day and shimmer against the Manila Bay horizon—a quiet statement piece against the skyline. in that moment the city slows down, and you step into a different rhythm.
Okada Manila is spectacular but never overwhelming, balancing show-stopping moments with an intimacy that feels almost bespoke. From the iconic Crystal Corridor to the nightly choreography of The Fountain, everything is designed with a sense of theater—but it’s the quiet touches, the way the staff seems to anticipate what you need, that make the experience feel like it was tailored just for you. It’s no wonder Okada Manila’s held on to its Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star Integrated Resort distinction for six straight years now. It’s the largest Forbes 5-star resort in the country.
LIVING THE SUITE LIFE
Checking into the Executive Suite King felt like slipping into a perfectly tailored couture look—everything precise, elegant, and made to fit just right. The 200-sqm space comes with a living and dining room, a private bar stocked with fine selections of snacks, and a luxuriously large bath that made me wonder why all hotels aren’t designed this way.
Through the suite’s floor-to-ceiling windows I could see the entirety of Okada’s Fountain right below, which also gave me an unobstructed view of The Fountain’s show that people don’t normally get to appreciate from the ground floor. The king-size Sealy bed—dressed in crisp, immaculate linens—turned sleep into an indulgence of its own.
DINING AND DISCOVERIES
I began the evening at Kappou Yoshi, where every course felt like a study in restraint and precision—as if each dish had been styled for its moment under the spotlight. Chef Yoshihiro Sugiyama’s devotion to dashi and detail turned dinner into an intimate performance.
The night ended at Okada Lounge, which feels like a well-kept secret for those who appreciate the finer things.Surrounded by a curated selection of cigars and rare spirits, I sipped my drink and unwound for the day, anticipating for what my second day in Okada Manila has in store.
A PERFECTLY CURATED DAY
The next morning, I woke to the soft glow of Manila Bay and headed to Medley Buffet for breakfast. There’s a certain theater to the space—chefs plating dishes in real time, the air filled with the aroma of freshly baked pastries.
Lunch at Goryeo was a feast of premium Korean barbecue, where each cut of meat felt like the centerpiece of its own vignette. Then came my favorite part of the day: an afternoon at The Retreat Spa, which has its own Forbes 5-Star Rating for three years now. The spa itself feels like a wellness atelier—serene, expansive, and designed with an eye for detail. I booked a signature massage, and for two hours, it was as if the world stopped. Between the soft music, the expert technique, and the quiet poolside moments afterward, it was a reset I didn’t know I needed.
Dinner at La Piazza was the grand finale. The Italian menu is as elegant as the interiors, with a wine list that reads like a love letter to the world’s best vineyards. Each plate was beautifully plated—a perfect final act before retreating back to the suite.
THE ART OF ESCAPING
What Okada Manila does best is allow you to move through the day as if it were a perfectly curated itinerary. You can spend the afternoon poolside with a view of Manila Bay, stroll the Crystal Corridor like a runway, or watch the sun dip behind the horizon as if it were staged just for you.
This stay reminded me that the art of escape is not just about leaving the city—it’s about finding places that let you slow down and live beautifully. Okada Manila is one such place, where every moment feels intentional, every corner photogenic, and every stay an experience you want to savor again and again.
Images courtesy of OKADA MANILA.
