Resort Review: The Cocoons at Club Laiya (San Juan, Batangas)

Date of Stay: September 14-15, 2022

RATING (Scale of 1 to 10)

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Condition and Cleanliness: *********

Staff Performance: *******

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Food and Beverage: ********

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Value for Money: ********

The Cocoons at Club Laiya

Since its first-ever iteration in the world (the Capsule Inn in Osaka, opened in 1979), capsule or pod hotels (from solo-bed boxes to full-on small-sized rooms) have been around as an accommodation option, spreading to other countries and cities. Here in the Philippines, they always offer something new.  An interesting example is the Cocoons at Club Laiya, part of Landco Pacific Corporation’s 24-hectare development managed by Millennial Resorts, its hospitality arm.

 

The Cocoon area

Here, they converted and utilized large, repurposed large drainage pipes and trailers refurbishing them into experimental, unconventional and cylindrical sleeping pods for an intimate and cozy overnight stay. Built one on top of two (the upper pod is accessed by a steel stair),  they have vibrantly painted beach-themed murals on its exterior celebrating the diverse marine life of Laiya.  Now Instagram-worthy accommodations complete with modern conveniences, robust Wi-Fi for Work from the Beach (WFB) is part of the set-up.

The Cocoon interior

 

The 33 iconic, 10 sq. m. (108 sq. ft.) Poolside and Garden Cocoons have queen-size beds (good for 2 pax), pillows, a comforter, blackout curtains and modern facilities such as window-type airconditioning, a wall-mounted flat screen cable TV, mini fridge, coffee and tea making facility and a safety deposit box for personal belongings.  The interior is designed with star-like lights on the ceiling. There are no phones in the room but staff are nearby to assist with anything.  Instead of magnetic card keys, we were provided with RFID (radio frequency identification) magnetic bracelets to access our pods.

 

RFID magnetic bracelet

Most cocoons have no room for a toilet and bath inside but modern communal bathrooms, just a few steps away, have lockers, lavatories, toilets and spacious shower rooms.   Towels and toiletries are provided.  There are, however, individual cocoons with a toilet for those who wake up at night to pee. For those who want to go to the resort for a day tour, they also have cabanas for bigger groups.  

Club Laiya's white sand beach

 

The Cocoons, a perfect mix of luxury minus the monotony of hotels and the inconvenience of outdoor camping, are a no-fuss, small-sized and a value-for-money place to stay. Cocoons are also available at the 15-hectare Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBe), Club Laiya’s sister cocoon resort. Rates range from Php3700 to Php5,800.

 

The tropical Asian style Laiya Beach Club

By November of this year, a one-of-a-kind beachfront experience will be made available to glampers - two “Camperisti.” Located along the powdery white sand beach, these airconditioned, Airstream-style, 30-ft. aluminum travel trailers can sleep up to six people.  Made in China, it features a bedroom, a bathroom, a U-shaped dinette (with a versatile dining table that makes into a queen-size bed) and a kitchenette with induction cooktop and microwave oven.  

 

One of Club Laiya's two Camperisti

The tropical Asian-style Laiya Beach Club, overlooking the infinity and lap pools and the private white sand beach and its cobalt-blue waters, houses a 24-hour Front desk and the Sands Restaurant (open 7 AM to 6 PM) at the second floor. The all-day Sands Restaurant offers a modern range of Filipino dishes (bulasing, tofu bagnet sisig, hickory porkchops, Chinese-style fried chicken, fish filet with mushroom cheese sauce, etc.) and desserts (mango cheesecake, etc.).  Prices range from Php250 for a plated breakfast, Php229 to 279 for snacks, and Php450 for main course dishes.

 

The beachfront, pirate-themed Captain Barbozza Restaurant and Bar

The beachfront, pirate-themed Captain Barbozza Restaurant and Bar, named after the fictional Hector Barbozza of the beloved Pirates of the Caribbean franchise) serves, on tables-on-barrels, whiskey and beer, hearty chicken and ribs and all manner of hearty cuisine, from noon to sundown. It also has bean bags for lounging around.

 

The infinity swimming pool

The resort also offers jetskiing (Php2,500 for 30 mins, Php4,000 for one hours), parasailing (Php3,000 for 15 mins. for two persons), flying fish (Php1,500-1,800), banana boat rides (Php1,500-3,000 for 15 mins.), speedboat  (Php6,000 for one hour for 6 persons), dragon boat (Php300 for 15 mins. per person) and the disco ball UFO (Php400 for 15 mins. per person). You can also book a sunset cruise on board the Naya, a 46 ft. long catamaran.

 

Beachside cabanas

Cocoons at Club Laiya: Club Laiya, Brgy. Aplaya Laiya, San Juan, Batangas.  Mobile number: (0917) 894-7013 and (0999) 225-3333.  E-mail: inquire@clublaiya.com. Website: www.cocoonc.clublaiya@millenialresorts.com.    

How to Get There: Club Laiya is a three-hour drive from Metro Manila via the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), STAR (Southern Tagalog Arterial Road) Tollway and the San Juan-Laiya Road.