Located not far from the tip of the Calatagan Peninsula, Lago de Oro Beach Club is under combined German, Australian and Filipino management. The present owners of Lago de Oro are not first-timers, as they had previously launched the Coral Beach Resort.

The route from Manila traverses coffee and pineapple plantations before the Tagaytay Ridge that overlooks Taal Lake, sugarcane fields near Nasugbu and fish breeding stations, and rice fields near the resort. Lago de Oro Beach Club is in the middle of the countryside facing the sea. It is a peaceful area, far from any construction, where you can spot the mountains in the background. It has a nice garden shaded by palm trees. Mangroves fringe the slightly muddy sea. At low tide, it recedes quite far off and uncovers a vast stretch of dark sand. These do not make for favorable swimming, but children will love to discover the marine life that collects in the shallow pools – striped multicolored worm, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs and starfish. They will enjoy the bullock-cart rides on the beach, offered free of charge by the resort. A seashell peddler offers beautiful shells at bargain prices.

The rooms are in two, two-story Mediterrenean-style buildings with white facades, multiple arcades and pink tile roofs. The building near the swimming pool houses 26 rooms with a view of the sea from the terrace.

The interiors are remarkably well kept, bright, spacious and comfortable with pale rattan furniture and marble bathrooms. There is a harmony of colors between the gray marble floors and the pastel shades of the fabrics. The other building, on the right as you enter the compound, has 8 rooms whose balconies look out onto the fish breeding ponds and the countryside. These are family rooms that are absolutely functional. The interior is spacious and simple with tile flooring and ordinary wood furniture.

The restaurant is pleasant with large picture windows, beautiful wrought iron and wicker furniture, and a circular, open-air terrace. It is possible to have dinner in the tent setup in the garden.

How to get there

By land (2.5 hours), 1i5 km away from Manila. Take South Superhighway and get off at Santa Rosa exit no. 40. After th market of Tagaytay, turn right, when you reach Tagaytay Ridge. At the Tagaytay rotonda, go straight and follow the direction of Nasugbu. After the kilometer 92 sign, turn right to Nasugbu and Lian. After the Shell gas station turn left to Lian and Calatagan. Continue through Calataga until you reach kilometer 115. Turn right when you see theLago de Oro sign. This is the access road to the resort.