We stayed at Okada Manila for a weekend – and discovered why the 5 stars are well deserved

MANILA, Philippines — It’s easy to assume Okada Manila is just a fancy, luxury hotel, but one weekend here quickly proves otherwise.

Stepping into the Philippines’ only Forbes 5-star property, wandering its fresh-scented, colorful halls and settling into a room at the country’s largest integrated resort, you quickly realize it’s something far more.

From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed with a blend of impeccable Japanese service and warm Filipino hospitality—a combination that makes it easy to see why its five stars are well deserved.

Philstar.com BrandSpace recently spent a weekend at Okada Manila and quickly realized that a staycation here can become a full-fledged destination, where every suite, spa treatment and dining experience reflects the resort’s 5-star pedigree.

A suite that feels like its own retreat

Our home for the weekend was the Executive Suite, where sophistication meets comfort and the panorama—whether of Manila Bay or the iconic Fountain—sets the scene.

Spanning up to 250sqm, it’s probably the biggest room I’ve ever stayed in, laid out like an elegant apartment, complete with large living and dining areas, a private bar and a Nespresso machine for morning coffee rituals.

The bedroom features a king-size bed dressed in crisp cotton linens, while the marble bathroom—complete with a rain shower, designer amenities and a jacuzzi overlooking Manila Bay—invites unhurried moments of rest.

Every detail of our room felt purposeful, from the state-of-the-art toilets (yes, this needed to be noted!) down to the digital valet system, which lets you adjust lighting, curtains and temperature through a single touchscreen tablet.

Wellness, redefined at The Retreat Spa

If Okada Manila’s suites define comfort, The Retreat Spa defines rejuvenation—the kind of place where you happily lose track of time.

Occupying 3,000sqm, this Forbes five-star spa is a complete wellness destination.

We tried its signature Indayog ng Duyan massage, a deep-tissue therapy rooted in hilot, the Philippine system of healing. Strips of banana leaves, warmed in virgin coconut oil, guide the therapist’s touch, easing tension and restoring balance naturally.

Guests can also unwind in luxury treatment suites, a barbershop, beauty salon, aqua therapy facilities, or Southeast Asia’s first Wave Room relaxation chamber.

Every treatment is delivered by internationally trained specialists using premium skincare products, ensuring a deeply personal and restorative experience.

A world of flavors in one destination

Dining at Okada Manila brings global flavors together under one roof, with 40 dining outlets to satisfy every craving.

We had a hearty Japanese meal at Enbu that serves ramen, sushi and tempura, all with a view of The Fountain’s nightly performance. Guests can also watch seasoned chefs slow-grill the finest meats and local produce over charcoal, creating smoky, full-flavored dishes.

Meanwhile, we also ate at Goryeo which offers authentic, premier Korean barbecue with unlimited options and plated sets.

Highlights include the all-you-can-eat KBBQ feast, Galbi-jjim (braised short ribs), and comforting Budae Jjigae (army stew). State-of-the-art smokeless grills let diners enjoy sizzling flavors without smoke, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable meal.

For Italian fare, La Piazza pairs refined dishes with fine wines. Recommended dishes include seafood soup, ribeye steak with peppercorn sauce, pesto and quattro formaggi pizzas and ending on a sweet note with tiramisu with cappuccino.

For those looking to make their meals extra indulgent, La Piazza also boasts an award-winning wine library that has earned the “Best of Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator for two consecutive years.

Craving variety? Medley Buffet offers live cooking stations where chefs prepare international favorites from breakfast through dinner. We enjoyed breakfast here for two days, sampling everything from Indian dishes and Asian soups to Filipino breakfast staples and fresh pastries.

Okada Manila offers a wide array of cuisines and dining experiences, but one thing is clear: every restaurant reflects the resort’s commitment to detail and quality.

Catching the sunset and the spectacle at The Fountain

As the afternoon turned to gold, we made our way to The Pool—an infinity-edge escape overlooking Manila Bay. Watching the sun set from here is reason enough to linger.

The staff ensures your drink stays cold, the music stays soft and the moment feels just right.

It’s quite an experience that quietly captures Okada Manila’s spirit: indulgence balanced by ease.

At night, Okada Manila comes alive with The Fountain, Southeast Asia’s largest multicolor dancing fountain. Spanning over 37,000sqm—roughly 50 Olympic-sized pools—it combines lights, water and music in breathtaking harmony.

Performances run every 30 minutes and no matter how often you watch, or which music accompanies the show, it never loses its charm. Beneath the spectacle is cutting-edge technology: underwater robots, more than 2,000 lights and water jets that soar higher than the hotel’s façade.

It’s easy to see why people pause to watch every performance. More than just an attraction, The Fountain is the heartbeat of Okada Manila, a dazzling centerpiece that defines the resort experience.

Five-star indulgence, five-star experiences

Beyond the suites, Okada Manila offers even more ways to indulge.

The villas provide spacious private retreats with gardens, pools and butler service—perfect for family gatherings or intimate celebrations, as we saw at Villa Boracay.

Business travelers or guests seeking a quieter spot can retreat to the Executive Lounge on the 19th floor of the Coral Wing, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame Manila Bay and curated breakfast spreads, cocktails and light bites are served throughout the day.

High-end retail and a world-class gaming floor ensure there’s always something to do, while the lush resort garden offers a serene escape beneath the shadow of the massive Cove Manila dome, the resort’s signature events space for concerts, galas and milestone celebrations.

Okada Manila: A complete staycation, a complete destination

Between its premium suites, curated shopping boutique, gaming lounges and dining experiences, Okada Manila brings together everything guests might seek from a true integrated resort—all without leaving the property.

Here, our weekend wasn’t just a staycation but a full-blown destination experience. We woke up to stunning views of Manila Bay, pampered at a five-star spa, savored flavors from around the world and ended the night watching water dance to music at The Fountain.

What’s more, you can make your stay even more rewarding with the Okada Reward Circle, which lets you earn points every time you stay, play, dine, shop, party, or unwind. These points can be redeemed for exclusive offers—from dining experiences and hotel stays to special events organized by Okada Manila.

After our weekend here, it was clear: Okada Manila’s Forbes five-star rating is no mere accolade.

Every corner of the resort works in harmony to create a destination truly worthy of its stars, delivering a five-star experience that isn’t just read on badges or signage, but experienced and felt by every guest.

Book a stay at Okada Manila. Visit https://okadamanila.com/stay. — Photos by Philstar.com / Anj Andaya, Jap Tobias and Photo Releases via Okada

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Editor’s Note: This #BrandSpace story is created with Okada Manila. It is produced by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.

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