On my arrival, I’m told to look for a hotel rep in a plum-coloured blazer.
Curious about this fashion choice, I soon come to understand why. The car collecting me from the airport was plum-hued, as is the property logo, lobby centrepiece and a large part of the hotel. Rumour has it this shade is meant to uplift gamblers, reasoning I dare not question, as the hotel’s founder is ‘Pachinko King’ Kazuo Okada after all.
To call Okada Manila a casino hotel doesn’t do it justice. There is much more to it, namely a US$30 million musical fountain spanning the equivalent of 50 Olympic pools, a nightclub which plays host to world-class parties and gay pride celebrations, a children’s play area where jungle gyms run floor-to-ceiling, and a spa complete with celebrity manicurist.
Opened in 2016 but currently undergoing a largescale revamp, what is housed within this golden trapezoidal exterior is the first phase of three, sharing a taster of the F&B and wellness offerings to follow over 44 hectares.
Though luxury is in abundance, Okada Manila has something for every holidaymaker, with meals ranging from US$200 Japanese set dinners prepared by the head chef to corndogs from a cart. The same goes for shopping, with everything from Swiss fashion brand Bally to Sunday market souvenirs.
ROYAL TREATMENT
For therapy of a different kind, the 4,500sqm Retreat Spa comprises a 50s-style barbershop for trims with tipples, as well as an express beauty salon featuring eco brands like Davines, SpaRitual and Deborah Lippmann. A domed reception (it resembles a planetarium) garners much attention. Treatment rooms named after famous Filipino bays and vintage trunks lining the walls continue a travel theme.
This story is from the September - October 2019 edition of AsiaSpa Magazine.
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This story is from the September - October 2019 edition of AsiaSpa Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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