For a little slice of heaven just a joy ride away, visit the Thunderbird Resorts – Poro Point.
Thunderbird Resort in Poro Point, La Union started welcoming guests in 2007. Led by the new General Manager, Mr. Yves Remondeulaz, this huge establishment is brimming with beauty, serenity and luxury.
If you are up for an approximately 6-7 hour long drive (provided you do not get lost like my sister and I did on our way there), then this place is definitely worth a visit. The directions are pretty simple and easy to follow. If you’ve been to Baguio before, then finding Thunderbird Poro Point will be even more of a breeze. I left Manila about 6:30 AM and reached my destination by 2:30 PM (brunch stop in Matutina’s Pangasinan included).
Upon entering the Poro Point Zone, which was historically a US Military Base, I was greeted by vast landscape spotted with blue and white villas and buildings. The residential villas called “The Point Residences” is to accommodate not just vacationing guests, but private home owners looking for investment returns. Upon reaching the resort proper, I am unashamed to admit that my breath was taken away.
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The contemporary Mediterranean architecture and design, combined with immaculately maintained facilities, reminded me of beautiful Greece; and even with its discreet lavishness and extremely prompt service, I felt like I was in Sex and the City 2, living the good life. Thunderbird Resorts offers a choice among Deluxe Rooms, Deluxe Room Plus, and Deluxe Suites. Each room has its own private balcony complete with weave table and chairs. I was lucky enough to have a view of the beach complete with an exclusive display of the sun setting on the horizon.
Other Room Features Include:
- LCD Television with Home Theater Surround System
- In-room Safety Deposit Box
- Coffee & Tea Making Facilities
- Mini Bar
- Free WiFi Access
- Private Balcony
- Air-Conditioning
- Jacuzzi Bathtub and Microwave Ovens (Deluxe Plus & Suites)
- Furnished Living Room, Kitchenette and Dining Area (Suites)
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| Deluxe Room with 2 Queen Beds |
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| Deluxe Suite |
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| Deluxe Suite Bathroom |
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| Suite Living and Dining Room Area |
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| Kitchenette with Stove and Refrigerator |
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| Hallway Details |
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| Ground Floor Balcony |
Thunderbird Resorts has three main restaurants: Olives Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine for lunch and dinner, buffet breakfast and is open from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Santorini Bar & Lounge is a relaxing open-air bar that provides live music every Friday & Saturday evenings. The Pool Bar allows you to enjoy a cold beverage or snack by the pool.On my first evening I enjoyed the fresh and colorful flavors in Olives. It was filling, satisfying, and surprisingly affordable. On my second evening I enjoyed the ambiance and cool night air, while sampling Santorini Bar & Lounge's signature drink "Thunderbird Blue". It was strong and fruity, just the way I liked it.
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| Greek Salad |
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| Olives Restaurant |
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| Complimentary Foccacia with Mediterranean Salsa & Olives to Start |
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| Devilled Chicken w/ Green Olives, Chili Flakes, Tomato, Red Wine & Celery Leaves |
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| Steamed Dory Fillet on Creamy Spinach w/ Creamy Dill Sauce --- I highly recommend this dish! |
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| Santorini Bar & Lounge in the Afternoon |
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| Thunderbird Blue & a Pineapple Based Drink called "Acapulco" |
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Tapas
I spent almost an entire day lounging by the huge pool with a book in one hand, a Frozen Mojito in the other with tasteful beach-worthy music playing in the background. The lazy quiet and sense of isolation makes one feel like being a world away from the very busy city life. A short walk away lies the rocky beaches of La Union. Although La Union is famous for great surf spots, this is definitely not one of them. Should the brave decide to take a little swim or frolic about the waves, I will recommend booties for protection.
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If you are the type to go a little crazy with too much R&R, then drop by the Thunderbird Fiesta Casino which is just a short drive away. It houses Vegas Café and Cabana Bar, which serve huge portions of international cuisine and are both open 24/7. Thunderbird Resorts also has Cliffs Golf Club which is 9-hole golf course for the avid golfers, and those in need of a little more exercise. For water sports and tours, the Front Office Staff will be ready to make arrangements.
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| View from the Beach Boardwalk |
How to get there: From NLEX (North Luzon Express Way) and SCTEX (Subic Clark Tarlac Express Way), take the National Highway going to San Fernando, La Union. You will pass by the provinces Tarlac, Paniqui and Pangasinan. Once in San Fernando La Union, take a left to Pennsylvania Avenue. Your landmark is the Monument of the Unknown Soldiers (a statue with lions, army helmets and rifles). Keep going straight until you reach the gate of Poro Point Freeport Zone. Less than a kilometer from the gate is Thunderbird Resorts.
Overall, I am surprised that Poro Point Thunderbird Resorts has not been so quick to rise in popularity as with other hotel resorts popping around the country. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, a destination wedding venue, an escape for soul-searching, or even a nice, quiet family vacation --- Poro Point Thunderbird in La Union can be your home away from home in the Philippines.
Photos courtesy of Therese Galindo.
