Romantic Retreat Staycation Package at New World Makati
For my birthday weekend this year, we decided to celebrate it with the Romantic Retreat staycation package of New World Makati Hotel. With our busy schedules this December, I really needed this relaxing and romantic treat. This package comes with an overnight stay in a Residence Club Deluxe Room, exclusive access to the Residence Club Living Room, buffet breakfast for two, a couple's in-room massage, plus a cheese and wine platter for two with rates starting at only P11,700 nett.
New World Makati is a world-class five-star hotel located just beside the popular Greenbelt commercial areas in Makati. The hotel features 584 gorgeous guestrooms and suites with a modern vibe and hints of Oriental influence, together with several exquisite dining options inside the hotel. The large and spacious hotel lobby welcomes visitors with its huge Christmas tree spreading cheers this holiday season.
Guests who book the Romantic Retreat package can check in at the Residence Club located on the 24th floor. This is a more private VIP check-in procedure and you don’t have to line up at the often busy front desk on the ground floor.
We stayed at the Residence Club Deluxe Room which has 34 square meters of comfort and pleasure. The room comes with panoramic city views of the Makati skyline and timeless interiors with contemporary designs and a soothing color palette with warm, textured fabrics. Mood lighting also combines to create a sophisticated yet warm atmosphere.
The Residence Club Deluxe Room comes with a 37” flat screen TV plus a work desk and minibar. Apart from the very comfortable king-sized bed, what really amazes me about the room is the innovative full-height sliding walls that allow the bathroom to be completely opened up into the bedroom, enhancing the sense of space.
Privacy is maintained by a swinging the frosted-glass door to the shower area. You can literally jump from the bed to the bathtub and vice versa! The modern marble bathroom also comes with a walk-in shower room and a full set of luxurious Malin+Goetz toiletries.
The Romantic Retreat package also comes with a cheese and wine platter for two that you can ask to be delivered to your room any time you prefer. We requested that it be sent to our room right away so it also doubled as our welcome drinks.
The biggest perk of staying at the Residence Club is the exclusive access to the Residence Club Living Room, a comprehensively equipped, tastefully designed space in which guests may relax or work. The ambience is private, warm, and cozy with floor-to-ceiling windows inviting abundant natural light. Think of it as an extension of your hotel room that you can share with just a few others.
Guests can relax and enjoy refreshments while viewing the stunning cityscape. Newspapers, magazines, and a couple of televisions can also be found inside. Not just that, the Residence Club Living Room serves complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, and evening cocktails. Basically, you don’t have to leave the Residence Club floors during your stay because everything you need is right here. Cookies, and mini cakes are on the table all day while you can get all sorts of drinks like sodas, juices, coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate.
From 5:30pm to 8:00pm, evening cocktails are served at the Residence Club Living Room for guests to enjoy. This can serve as a pre-dinner appetizer or even as a light dinner.
Alcoholic beverages are included so you can ask for some Prosecco sparkling wines or a glass of whiskey on the rocks. Sushi rolls, assorted cheese, hams, pastries, and hot dishes are also included so we usually have this as our dinner every time we stay at the Residence Club.
The staff at the Residence Club Living Room even gave me a surprise birthday song and birthday cake. I am always treated like a VIP whenever I visit New World Makati.
Our Romantic Retreat package also comes with a 60-minute couple’s massage for two at the Marahai Spa on the third floor. Marahai comes from the local Bicol term marahay – to be well – and you will really be well with any of their body treatments and massages that will soothe your body, calm your mind and refresh your spirit. You have the option to have the massage inside your room but we preferred to have it at the Spa center this time.
After our soothing and relaxing Swedish massage, it was time to head back to the room for a very pleasant slumber.
For breakfast, guests can choose to have this at the Cafe 1228 on the ground floor or at the more private Residence Club Living Room. Breads, hams, salads, and cheeses are on display at the buffet table but you also have a separate a la carte menu that you can order from.
You can order as many items as you want and these will be cooked and served at your table. The selection at the Residence Club Living Room is definitely smaller than the one downstairs, but if you value a more private dining experience, then this is where you should go.
I ordered the Beef Tapa with fried eggs, atchara, and garlic rice, while my husband got the Japanese Bento set with grilled fish in teriyaki sauce, onsen tamago, and natto miso soup.
We would like to thank New World Makati Hotel for providing us another excellent and memorable staycation at their well-loved property. The Romantic Retreat package is a great option for couples who want to rekindle their romance during this busy and hectic season. I’m already looking forward to our next staycation at New World Makati.
New World Makati Hotel
Esperanza Street corner Makati Avenue, Ayala Center, Makati City
New World Makati Hotel Offers Array of Festive Experiences This Season
Christmas has officially arrived at New World Makai Hotel as it offers an array of experiences that spark love, joy, and hope for the holidays. From finding a much-needed staycation escape to dining and celebrating with family and friends at home or at the hotel, there’s always a reason to be in a bright and cheery mood this festive season.
After over a year of staying at home, New World Makati Hotel invites family and friends alike to bask in a memorable holiday escape. The Joyful Stays package lets guests stay in a Residence Club Deluxe room with breakfast for two adults and two kids, early check-in at 8am and late check-out at 6pm (except New Year’s Eve and Day), a gingerbread cookies decorating kit, Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Lounge for two adults, and a Christmas cocktail drink for each adult. An upgrade to the Director’s Suite is also available. For those staying on New Year’s Eve, the room package has the same inclusions plus a 20% discount to the New Year’s Eve party that evening. The Joyful Stays package is P8,000 nett for a Residence Club Deluxe room and P12,000 nett for a Director’s Suite. Stay period is from December 9, 2021 to January 9, 2022.
Instead of spending another holiday planning, prepping and cooking holiday meals at home, it’s time to leave the worries to the hotel’s chefs and indulge in various culinary delights at New World Makati. Café 1228 is back with its signature all-you-can-eat western, seafood, Asian and local specialties for lunch and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays as well as lunch on Sundays. For Christmas Eve and Day, guests can have their fill of premium selections such as U.S. rib eye steak and honey glazed ham, grilled meats such as beef tenderloin, lamb chops, seafood including lobster, crabs, shrimp, clams, plus Filipino favorites lechon and morcon, as well as Italian, Japanese, Chinese items and an expansive set of desserts. The promo includes one glass of sparkling, white or red wine and free-flowing soda, juices and iced tea. On New Year’s Eve and Day, the roasted turkey replaces the honey glazed ham as the centerpiece. The Christmas Day, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve lunch and dinner are priced at P2,250 nett. On New Year’s Day the rate is P2,022 nett. You can pair the hearty feast with free flowing local beer and wines for an add-on rate of P588 nett.
Nothing says festive more than savouring all of Jasmine’s bestselling dim sum and specialty dishes, especially for its Christmas Eve/Day and New Year’s Eve/Day all-you-can-eat menus. Dim sum selections include bestsellers “Har gao” shrimp, “Xiao long bao”, Siu Mai, and more like the Seafood taro puff, Chinese sausage fried rice, Deep-fried salt and pepper spare ribs, Crispy shrimp with salted egg yolk, and Wok-fried beef tenderloin with XO sauce. Jasmine’s all-you-can-eat menus are available for lunch only on December 25, 2021 and January 1, 2022, and are both priced at P1,588 nett. Club Epicure members get a special rate of P1,388 nett. Jasmine’s Christmas Eve and Day Set Menus are also available for dinner only and are priced at P2,288 and P2,488, respectively.
Those who would like to celebrate the holidays while staying at home can be rid off all the stress and worry in planning a festive feast for family and friends with the Holiday Set Platters To Go. Each set comes with a salad, entrée and dessert and is ideal for a group of ten. Add-on items can also be ordered for an additional rate. Set 1 consists of Greek salad, Rosemary chicken breast, Ratatouille couscous, Prosciutto crisp and Praline almond cheesecake. Set 2 starts with Crunchy vegetables, Fried tofu with Asian sesame dressing, Twice-cooked pork with mashed pumpkin, sautéed green beans, almonds, and forest mushroom sauce, as well as desserts Chocolate moist cake and Berry coulis. Set 3 highlights the Warm mushroom salad with goat’s cheese, toasted walnuts and balsamic dressing, Slow-cooked beef, roasted root vegetables, and garlic mashed potato in red wine sauce, and Macadamia smores brownies. Set 4 has Cos lettuce, crispy pancetta, croutons, parmesan shaving and anchovies dressing, Pan-fried blue marlin, mushrooms and spinach risotto and roasted cherry tomatoes and Strawberry truffle cake.& Set Menus 1 and 2 are for P19,591.48 nett while Set Menus 3 and 4 are P22,656.48 nett good for ten guests.
As restrictions are eased this holiday, those who would like to gather and celebrate in person can avail of the party packages at the hotel which come with a choice of private, safe, clean and flexible event venues for up to 5 hours use (7pm to 12am), one round of iced tea juice or soda for all guests, three bottles of red or white wine, chill background music and use of the hotel sound system, use of LCD projector and screen, a two-pound Christmas cake, one centerpiece for each table, set menu cards, a guestbook and a pen. Guests can have their choice among eight festive set menus, each good for 20, 50 or 100 guests. Packages start at P40,800++.
Oh what fun it is to bear gifts of good tidings to spread hope, love and joy to those nearest and dearest. The Shop offers freshly baked festive treats that come in holiday hamper sets or individual packaging. Club Epicure members get 10% off on all items from The Shop and a 48-hour lead time is required for each set of orders. The Christmas Grandiose Hamper includes a box of 20 mandola cookies, a nutcracker krispie treat, a fruit cake, an assortment of Christmas cookies, a Christmas Santa Claus, hot chocolate bombs, a box of 10 bonbons and a bottle of red wine, priced at P5,500 nett. The Christmas Splendid Hamper is in the same box as the Grandiose Hamper but with a box of 10 mandola cookies, a Christmas Santa Claus, a Christmas chocolate ball, a fruit cake, an assortment of Christmas cookies, and pistachio almond biscotti, available at P4,000 nett. A Christmas Luxe Box is perfect for cake lovers and comes with a Strawberry matcha cake, a box of 10 mandola cookies and a bottle of red wine, which goes for P3,500 nett.
Make those spirits bright with a refreshing array of Christmas cocktail concoctions at The Lounge for only P495 each starting with our pink holiday cocktail – Joyeux Alexander made of brandy, raspberry liquer, crème de cacao, and strawberry puree; our purple delight – Yuletide made of Ube cream liquer, vodka, lime juice, and coconut syrup; and Santa Martini with vodka, Swiss cinnamon schnapps, lime, and apple juice. Whatever the reason to celebrate this season, there’s always something for everyone this Christmas at New World Makati Hotel. For detailed information on the above offers, guests can visit the interactive holiday brochure at www.bit.ly/NWM2021HolidayBrochure. They can also call +632 88116888 ext. 3679, e-mail [email protected] or join the Viber app community at www.tinyurl.com/NewWorldMKTViber.
New World Makati Hotel Welcomes the Year of the Metal Ox with Auspicious Experiences
New World Makati Hotel begins the Lunar New Year with premium dining experiences at the property’s renowned Chinese restaurant, Jasmine – with options for set menus, all-you-can-eat dim sum, as well as an a la carte selection to savor at home. The God of Fortune mascot will likewise be seen roaming the lobby and restaurants distributing red packets or “ang pao” with exclusive discounts and offers for dine-in and walk-in guests. All menus from Jasmine and Café 1228 will be available from February 12-14, 2021. Jasmine’s best-selling handcrafted nian gao (tikoy), encased in an elegant round box with woodgrain detail and gold accents, is offered in koi fish and round shapes for P1,388 and P1,188, respectively. Bulk orders of 30 boxes or more get a 30% discount while Club Epicure members enjoy 15% off.
Three auspicious set menus highlight Jasmine’s premium and authentic Chinese New Year dishes. Set Menu I-A starts off with Imperial Peking duck (half), followed by Hot and sour soup with shredded chicken and sea cucumber, Wok-fried beef tenderloin with Mandarin sauce, Fried garoupa fillet with chili, garlic and coconut sauce, Wok-fried duck with salt and pepper, Braised assorted wild mushrooms with mixed vegetables, Braised e-fu noodles and hiney-barbecued pork, and two sweet treats -- Glutinous rice dumplings with milk chocolate filling and Chilled mango cream with almond bean curd. This set is priced at** P10,888 nett** while other menus are also available from P10,888 to P12,888 nett.
For guests who prefer to dine at home, the Chef’s Recommendations Menu offers a la carte selections such as the Salmon Yu Sheng salad for P1,988, Braised baby abalone with Chinese mushroom at P2,888, Wok-fried prawn with chili garlic and coconut sauce at P1,458, Scallop with broccoli and XO sauce for P1,340, and much more. The restaurant’s best-selling dim sum will also be on offer with a special Lunar New Year menu for PH1,888 nett per person.
An all-you-can-eat feast awaits diners at Café 1228, with delectable specialties available for Chinese New Year weekend such as Twice cooked pork belly with sweet potatoes, Braised leg of lamb in red wine, hot-off-the-grill shrimps, blue crabs, clams and mussels cooked with a variety of sauces, and Chinese items Steamed local seabass with onion and ginger sauce, Wok-fried beef with vegetables, Kung pao pork, Buddha’s delight, Pork and shrimp spring rolls, as well as steamed Pork spare ribs, Kitchay dumplings, and Pork buns. The promo rate is offered at 50% off P1,494 nett for Club Epicure members (sign up is FREE) and BDO credit cardholders.
For Valentine's Day, New World Makati Hotel beckons couples for a romantically indulgent all-you-can-eat a la carte selection on February 14 for lunch or dinner. The restaurant’s signature slow roast prime ribeye, Braised leg of lamb in red wine, and Seared salmon with parmesan crisp and dill cream sauce are just some of the enticing items guests can enjoy along with a complimentary glass of red, white or sparkling wine. Seafood served hot-off-the-grill include shrimps, blue crabs, clams and mussels prepped with an array of sauces – garlic butter, salt and pepper, garlic and cheese, white wine, and sweet chili. Valentine’s Day lunch is priced at P1,188 nett, while dinner is P2,500 nett.
A decadent array of swoon-worthy sweet treats are also available at The Shop, ideal as gifts for that special someone. Decadent treats such as a box of six dark chocolate and lemon-flavored Madeleines (P350), a box of ten Lavender-infused cocoa truffles (P1,000), a box of four large Mandola cookies (P450) and a one-pound or petite-sized Strawberry Rose Cake (P1,600) and (P450) are sure ways to make hearts and tastebuds flutter with delight. For more information or to place an order, please call New World Makati Hotel via +63 2 88116888 ext. 3679 or +639178884194.
Valentine’s Day Staycation at the One Bedroom Suite of New World Makati
Last week, I had one of my most memorable Valentine’s Day celebrations ever during our overnight staycation at New World Makati Hotel. We usually book hotel stays during our previous Valentine’s dates, but this one was packed full of activities and dining experiences from beginning to end. Plus, we even had a soothing massage at their spa to end an exhilarating night.
New World Makati is a world-class five-star hotel located just beside the popular Greenbelt commercial areas in Makati. The hotel features 584 gorgeous guestrooms and suites with a modern vibe and hints of Oriental influence, together with several exquisite dining options inside the hotel. The large and spacious hotel lobby welcomes visitors as they enter the hotel from the busy and oftentimes crowded retail and shopping hubs just outside.
We have stayed at New World Makati several times before and we usually book their Residence Club Deluxe Room (Read: Business Luxury Redefined at New World Makati’s Residence Club). This time however, we were booked at the One-Bedroom Suite which is one room category higher. This is an even bigger option with 54 square meters of relaxing space and a separate living room with cable television for a cozy afternoon. A Nespresso coffee machine and tea making facilities are also included in the suite.
The master’s bedroom comes with a comfortable king-sized bed and its own flat screen TV. The elegant décor, warm colors and plush furnishings add to the residential feel of the rooms, with mood and task lighting creating a soothing ambience. This is combined with beautiful views of Makati City and the busy metropolis down below.
Inside the master’s bedroom is a marble bathroom and bathtub with a walk-in shower room and essential Elemis toiletries. The One Bedroom Suite is probably one of the more older rooms compared to the Deluxe Room which looks more modern and newly renovated, but it does offer a bigger space for families with children.
One special perk of staying at the One Bedroom Suite is that it comes with exclusive access to the Residence Club Living Room, a comprehensively equipped, tastefully designed space in which guests may relax or work. The ambience is private, warm, and cozy with floor-to-ceiling windows inviting abundant natural light. Think of it as an extension of your hotel room that you can share with just a few others.
Guests can relax and enjoy refreshments while viewing the stunning cityscape. Newspapers, magazines, and a couple of televisions can also be found inside. Not just that, the Residence Club Living Room serves complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails. Basically, you don’t have to leave the Residence Club floors during your stay because everything you need is right here.
I usually spend my lazy afternoons inside the Residence Club Living Room for their afternoon tea which offers some delightful beverges and snacks. Cookies, and mini cakes are on the table from 3:00pm to 5:00pm daily while you can get all sorts of drinks like sodas, juices, coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate. After that, I usually go back to my room for my afternoon nap.
New World Makati also features a big outdoor Swimming Pool on the third floor for those who want to stretch their muscles and take a dip. You will often see families here during the weekends and holidays so it was full of guests that Valentine’s afternoon. They also have a well-equipped Fitness Center with a sauna and spa for fitness buffs. The Residence Club Living Room actually turns into a cocktail party every night from 5:30pm-7:30pm for their complimentary Evening Cocktails where a variety of bubbly drinks and gourmet canapes are presented exclusively for guests at the Residence Club. However, we had something more special planned for that evening.
The Lounge is a cozy bar located on the ground floor lobby of New World Makati. It is open 20 hours a day so you can enjoy everything from breakfast to a nightcap. The beverage and cocktail lists are extensive, with live jazz, R&B and pop bands from 8:30pm onwards.
We heard about a special promotion at The Lounge this month so we went down for an early happy hour session. The Lounge serves unlimited Prosecco Romio Extra Dry wine daily from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at only P888 per person, so it was a perfect pre-dinner activity for Valentine’s Day.
Our good friend Francine Arias, Marketing Communications Manager of New World Makati Hotel, was also able to join us that evening. It was a busy day for her so we ended up as her Valentine’s dates. It was really fun catching up with her after our last lunch at Jasmine (Read: Unlimited Yum Cha at Jasmine in New World Makati). The Lounge also offered bottles of champagne or sparkling wine starting at P2,500 each with a free box of decadent pralines during Valentine’s weekend.
After our long and lively happy hour discussions, it was time for our Valentine’s dinner date just next door at Café 1228. The cafe is New World Makati’s all-day dining restaurant featuring a lavish buffet and five interactive cooking stations, plus a full à la carte menu available throughout the day.
It was a very special evening so the restaurant was covered with elegant displays of red roses, bubbly wines, and an overall romantic vibe. Each guest was given a complimentary glass of wine to accompany their dinner. A live band was also playing classic love songs and melodies for couples like us spending their Valentine’s here.
The buffet spread featured a Seafood Station including prawns, crabs, and mussels that you can have cooked according to your liking. The Chinese station was also busy preparing dimsum and hot bowls of noodles.
The prized Lechon or roasted pig can be found at the Asian section which also features other Southeast Asian favorites.
The main highlight was the carving station where you can get unlimited servings of their Prime Rib Steak cooked according to your preferred doneness. We kept coming back for more of this juicy steak which really made our Valentine’s dinner memorable.
Of course, there are also some Valentine’s themed desserts on display like the Strawberry Yogurt Trifle. Ice Cream, pancakes, and other sweet treats were available for all diners throughout the night while they enjoyed the live music.
Guests staying at the hotel during Valentine’s weekend were also surprised with a complimentary heart-shaped chocolate meringue and a bottle of sparkling wine served inside their rooms during turndown service (flowers not included). We already had too much to drink that evening so we opted to do something even more relaxing.
We ended our Valentine’s evening with a soothing massage at the Marahai Spa on the third floor. Marahai comes from the local Bicol term marahay – to be well – and you will really be well with any of their body treatments and massages that will soothe your body, calm your mind and refresh your spirit. This is available daily from 10:00am to 12:00mn but you can also avail of these treatments inside your own rooms until 1:00am.
The next morning, we woke up from our restful sleep and headed downstairs for a buffet breakfast at Café 1228. Guests with access to the Residence Club Living Room actually have a choice to get their breakfast at the club lounge or at the cafe, but the selection here is definitely wider. Breads, pastries, and donuts are just some of the items you can find on display each morning. The flakey Pain Au Chocolat is one of their signature items that you should try.
Hakao for breakfast? Why not? This is my favorite dimsum item and I am always excited to see in included in the breakfast menu.
Cafe 1228 offers a different kind of bacon compared to those I encounter in other breakfast buffets. Theirs is a thicker and leaner version, so you get more meat than fat. I like this version a lot since I don’t have to feel too guilty when eating it.
The Pancake and Waffle Station is a good place to finish breakfast with their customizeable waffles that you can sprinkle and douse with unlimited strawberries, syrup, and whipped cream.
But if you want a bit of privacy and exclusivity during breakfast, then just head straight to the Residence Club Living Room where they will prepare an a la carte breakfast just for you. Breads, hams, salads, and cheeses are also on display at the buffet table but your main course will be made upon order.
Since we had our buffet breakfast a bit early, we decided to have a second breakfast at the Residence Club Living Room which is available until 11:00am. We ordered the Minute Steak, a thin-cut rib eye roll steak with caramelized onions and scrambled egg. This served as our early lunch and we enjoyed it with hot chocolate.
The best thing about our Valentine’s staycation is that we could ask for late check-out all the way until 4:00pm, depending on availability. We were in luck, because our overnight stay turned out to be almost two whole days of fun activities and gastronomic dining adventures. Our visits to New World Makati are always memorable, so I’m sure we will be spending many more special occasions here at one of our favorite Makati hotels.
NEW WORLD MAKATI HOTEL
Esperanza Street corner Makati Avenue, Ayala Center, Makati City
New World Makati Hotel Heralds the Yuletide with a Silver Tree Lighting Spectacle on its 25th Anniversary
New World Makati Hotel welcomed the holidays with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on November 26, 2019. The event was graced by guest of honor Makati Mayor Abby Binay, hotel executives Regional Vice President and General Manager Marcel van Mierlo and Director of Sales & Marketing Jann Delgado, and the evening’s host, television personality Pia Guanio-Mago, with her husband Steeve and daughters Scarlet and Brooklyn.
As New World Makati Hotel proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary, the 25-ft tall Christmas tree was adorned in stunning silver and white holiday ornaments to highlight its milestone year. Leading up to the most awaited part of the night, the audience was serenaded by the hotel’s beneficiary - SOLV Foundation Children’s choir – as they sang a medley of classic Christmas carols: “Joy To The World”, “Away In A Manger”, and “Bituin”.
Pia’s daughters led the countdown along with the mayor and hotel executives and moments after the switch button was pressed, the towering tree of silver, white, and gold was finally lit, signaling the beginning of holiday festivities at New World Makati Hotel. Male classical and pop group Opus One then came down the lobby’s staircase singing “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year” as guests looked on at the sparkling tree.
The SOLV Foundation Children’s Choir were handed sweet Christmas Santa treats by General Manager **Marcel van Mierlo **as a token of appreciation for their endearing performance. A party at the hotel will be done in their honor later in December for all 45 children as well as volunteers at SOLV Foundation. A portion of the hotel’s proceeds for the same month will be donated to their foundation, a non-profit organization that cares for street children in Barangay Palanan in Makati, providing them with a home and quality education.
The program concluded with an encore performance by Opus One – with a medley of English and Filipino Christmas songs and ending with their rendition of “Better World”. To help raise more donations for the SOLV Foundation and in celebration of its silver year, New World Makati Hotel is holding an ongoing Holly Jolly Raffle, giving away 25 exciting experiences and prizes such as luxurious stays at New World hotels in Asia with premium airfare for two, two roundtrip tickets to Tokyo, Japan, the latest Apple gadgets – iPhone 11, Apple Watch Series 5, and AirPods, as well as Belo Skin treatments worth P5,000. Promo runs from December 1-31, 2019, and a minimum spend of P5,000 entitles the guest to one raffle ticket. For information and reservations, guests may call New World Makati Hotel at 8811-6888 or follow the hotel’s social media accounts at www.facebook.com/NewWorldMakatiHotel and on Instagram.com/NewWorldMakati.
Dimsum Buffet at Li Li in New World Manila Bay Offers New Menu
I’m always on the lookout for the metro’s best dimsum promotions, and I do have my own favorites where I can indulge in unlimited hakao and more. But one dimsum buffet I have curiously not tried yet is at the award-winning Li Li in New World Manila Bay Hotel. I have dined here several times before but only for their a la carte dishes. Fortunately, they just launched a new menu lineup for their All You Can Eat Dimsum Lunch so this is the best opportunity for me to finally experience this long-running and well-loved promotion.
The Dimsum Buffet lunch is available at Li Li from 12:00nn to 2:30pm everyday from Monday to Sunday for only P1088 nett per person. This is one of the best deals you can find for a Five-Star hotel restaurant, especially since it is also available for Sunday brunch. There are more than 30 delicious dimsum items to choose from which you can order again and again as your heart or tummy desires. They are also introducing new unique dimsum dishes I have not seen in other Chinese restaurants before, so I knew that it was going to be a sumptuous and satisfying afternoon.
You can find Li Li at the fifth floor of New World Manila Bay located along Roxas Boulevard in Manila. There is spacious parking at the hotel’s basement levels and you can ride the elevators straight to the fifth floor.
Li Li reflects New World Hotel’s renowned standards of modern oriental hospitality. With authentic Cantonese cuisine prepared by Executive Chinese Chef Raymond Yeung from Hong Kong, Li Li is the preference for power lunches, elegant dinners and enjoyable relaxed dining for both foreign and local residents. The ambience at Li Li is very elegant and refined, like being in a large penthouse apartment in Paris or Milan with its tastefully designed modern interiors blending Chinese and European influences.
Li Li evokes a truly opulent residential feel. The restaurant has a dining area, living room, drawing room, wine cellar, and a Library which also acts as a private dining room for those special occasions.
I had a wonderful dimsum lunch together with my friends Gerry “Dude For Food” San Miguel and “Tita Animo” who regalled us with her enchanting stories from decades past. We were hosted by Twinkle Lacsamana, Director of Communications and Abby Espiritu, Assistant Marketing Manager for New World Manila Bay Hotel.
I started with a refreshing glass of Guava Iced Tea (P200), a signature beverage at Li Li which is a diffferent and fruitier take on the standard iced tea. It comes in a big glass and this guava-infused iced tea is definitely one drink you should order. They also offer fresh fruit shakes, cocktails, sodas and hot teas which can be ordered separately from the Dimsum Buffet.
Diners can order any of the dimsum items on the checklist, so let’s start with some appetizers. The Marinated Beef Shank with Five Spices is definitely a meaty way to start the dimsum feast and no one is complaining. These bite-sized beef chunks come with so much flavors to jump start your taste buds.
Another option is the Roasted Pork Belly with its crunchy skin and tender pork meat. These can pass off as main courses in any other menu but here they are just considered as appetizers. I knew this afternoon is really going to go well.
They also have the Soup of the Day which can be ordered per bowl. Today’s soup is the Spinach Tofu with Egg which comes with these delightful spinach tofu cubes.
Now let’s head over to the main attractions, the Steamed Dimsum. My all-time favorite dimsum item is the Hakao or Steamed Shrimp Dumplings so this is the first basket that I attacked. These plump and juicy pieces of hakao are just heavenly, with each bite popping in my mouth. Best of all, I can order as many servings as I want. Actually, this entire basket is just for me.
There are many other classic dimsum items you can find like the Siu Mai or Steamed Pork and Shrimp Dumplings, Steamed Chicken Feet in XO Sauce, Xiao Long Bao, and Steamed Rice Roll with Shrimp.
Li Li is also introducing some new dimsum dishes to enjoy like the Steamed Shrimp Dumpling with Celery and Crab Stick. It is similar to a hakao but this healthier version comes with the clean flavors of the celery.
One of our favorites that afternoon was the Steamed Dumpling with Crab Meat and Shrimp. You can really taste the delicious crab meat on top which is served in generous portions. This exquisite dimsum is highly recommended, especially if you want to get your money’s worth.
Another recommended item is the Steamed Dumpling with Wolfberry Scallops and Fish Roe. I have tried other scallop dumplings before but not one with scallops this big. Li Li does not scrimp on the ingredients and you can really see that with what they offer.
This one is quite unique, especially with its black color. The Steamed Mixed Vegetable Dumpling with Black Truffle is an exotic dimsum you can try at Li Li’s Dimsum Buffet. The truffle flavors give it a different taste compared to the other dumplings on the menu.
For a lighter option, try the Steamed Salted Egg Yolk with Custurd Bun which are served in hard-boiled egg whites. The kids will surely love this.
There are also plenty of Deep Fried and Baked Dimsum items on the menu. One of them is the Crispy Shrimp Wonton Hong Kong Style which come with very crispy coatings.
The Deep Fried Taro Puff with beef and black pepper is also a popular item, along with the Baked Pastry Puff with barbecue pork. Both come with very light and flaky crusts but have savoury fillings inside.
Would you believe that the Dimsum Buffet also includes a few main courses as well? The Sweet and Sour Pork is always a favorite at Chinese restaurants but you can also order the Braised Fish Fillet or the Braised Pork Belly too. No one is going home hungry because diners can also order all the Yang Chow Fried Rice, E-Fu noodles, and Chicken Congee that they want to complete their lunch.
For desserts, the Brown Chocolate Dumpling with Peanut and the Ube Marshmallow with Desicated Coconut are very good options, assuming you still have room for these. It’s really great that I finally experienced the Dimsum Buffet at Li Li in New World Manila Bay Hotel. Now I can happily add this to my list of the top dimsum places in Manila.
Li Li Chinese Restaurant
5/F New World Manila Bay Hotel, 1588 Pedro Gil corner M.H. Del Pilar, Malate, Manila
The coming holidays means that it’s time again for big parties and gatherings with friends and families. Thankfully, October is also the best season to harvest crabs because this is when they are at their biggest. So it’s time to Grab Some Crab and enjoy all the different ways of cooking and eating this royal seafood delicacy at the award-winning Jasmine restaurant in New World Makati.
New World Makati Hotel is a world-class five-star hotel located just in front of the popular Greenbelt commercial areas in Makati. With a thoroughly modern vibe and hints of Oriental influence, the hotel features 584 gorgeous guestrooms and suites with several exquisite dining options around the hotel including Jasmine, their award-winning Cantonese restaurant on the second floor. My last visit to New World Makati was more than two years ago when I stayed at their Residence Club Room (Read: Business Luxury Redefined at New World Makati’s Residence Club) so I was really excited to feast on these crab specialties at Jasmine.
Jasmine restaurant features authentic Cantonese dishes in an exquisite five-star setting that elegantly fits the exceptional quality of its offerings. It was awarded by Philippine Tatler as one of the Top 20 Restaurants in 2017 and is constantly one of the most sought after dining destinations in the city.
The restaurant comes with a chic Chinese Art Deco design that brings a feeling of modern opulence for its guests. The main dining area has big round tables and wide spaces which can accommodate plenty of diners during its lunch and dinner services.
Executive Chef Wong Kam On and his team of culinary experts lets us experience the best taste the sea can offer by preparing fresh and in-season crabs in several delicious ways. Available until October, the Grab Some Crab promotion includes several highlighted specialties such as Steamed Crab “Fa Tiew” Wine, Wok Fried Crab Szechuan Style, Stir Fried Crab in Salted Egg, and Fried Crab with Curry Coconut Sauce which can be ordered through their special a la carte menu.
My recent hospital procedure (Read: Living With Lupus: A Greater Purpose) meant that I had to stay in the hospital and at home for more than a month while I was still recovering and doing my rehab. But if there is one thing that can encourage me to start walking and going out again, that is food, most especially crabs! That afternoon, I finally decided to attend my first food event after my hip replacement surgery and I chose Jasmine at New World Makati for my hungry return.
We were seated at one of Jasmine’s private rooms named Orchid and I was really happy to see my friends again who probably missed my voracious appetite. I think we were all more excited to see the crabs so we took our seats and got ready for our seafood feast.
Jasmine’s private rooms are suited for more discerning guests who need a quiet area for their lunch meetings or private gatherings. The room actually has a television set and comes with its own restrooms so you do not need to go outside to the public areas.
It’s going to be a crabby afternoon but there’s no need to worry about getting our hands dirty since wash bowls and crab crackers were placed beside our plates.
Before we started our main event, we first tasted some of Jasmine’s selection of freshly baked, steamed and fried dim sum served Yum Cha style every day. The Pork Dumplings with Crab Roe (P218) or more popularly known as “Shao Mai” is always a good way to judge the restaurant’s dim sum menu. These siomai are plump and meaty, just the way I like them.
My favorite dimsum is actually the Shrimp Dumplings or Har Gao (P238). This is always the first item I order whenever I go to a Chinese restaurant or dine at a buffet. I love how these big dumplings are generously filled with juicy shrimp. The dumpling wrappers are also quite sturdy and do not break off easily, without being too thick, so that is another sign of a high-quality and authentic Cantonese restaurant.
They also offer the Steamed Shrimp & Spinach Dumplings (P238) for those who want something a little bit healthier. The combination of shrimp and spinach does work and I’m sure parents will be happy to see their children eating this.
Jasmine’s Pork Xiao Long Bao (P238) are bigger than the usual xiao long baos I have tried. Make sure to sip the broth and eat the dumplings right away while it is still hot. All of Jasmine’s dimsum are prepared in-house so expect them to be fresh and of high quality.
There are also a couple of baked and fried dim sum on the menu like the unique Wagyu Beef Mango Roll (P208). This is the first time I have seen this type of dim sum and I believe only Jasmine offers this. Wrapped inside this crispy puff pastry are tender pieces of wagyu beef and slices of mango which give a sweet and savory taste. It’s definitely not your usual dim sum and I highly recommend ordering this.
Another interesting item is the Shrimp & Cheese Spring Rolls (P238) which come with big pieces of shrimp and cheese inside deep-fried spring roll wrappers. If you want to try all of Jasmine’s dim sum specialties, they have an Unlimited Dimsum promotion for only P988 net per person. Enjoy a selection of freshly cooked dim sum with soup, congee, yeung chow fried rice and desserts which you can have for lunch every day of the week, including Sundays.
A Cantonese feast won’t be complete without rice, so the Seafood Fried Rice (P698) with conpoy, egg whites, and pine nuts is always a good choice. You can also go for the Yeung Chow Style Fried Rice (P488) if you prefer a more familiar version.
Now here comes the star of the show in their first act, the Stir Fried Crab in Salted Egg (P2,788). Just look at how big this crab is! The crab is deep fried in generous amounts of salted egg which gives it an even more pronounced and tasty flavor.
I immediately got hold of the claw and this is always the best part of the crab for me. Each piece of crab is deeply coated in a salted egg skin which really goes well with the tender crab meat. It’s good that we have some fried rice to balance the saltiness but I can eat this all day long even by itself.
Next up is the Stewed Fried Crab with Ginger and Leeks (P2,488). This is a different way of preparing the crab as it comes with a lighter and refreshing flavor. It’s not as powerful as the salted egg crab but you won’t feel as guilty eating it.
Those two giant crabs were actually enough for the entire table, but we had one more for our finale. The Crab Satay with Vermicelli in Clay Pot (P2,788) has its own unique and strong taste that really brings out the flavors of the crab. The sotanghon or vermicelli soaks up a lot of the satay sauce and it is quite delightful to eat.
There are several other ways that Jasmine can prepare these crabs including Szechuan style, with curry coconut sauce, or with black and white pepper. All these are available for the month of October but Chef Wong might extend these offerings up to November if the crab season continues to be good.
For desserts, Jasmine also offers some interesting items like the Layered Coffee Jelly (P168) with its smooth and finely layered jelly.
They also have the cute Mango Pudding (P228) or the more popular Mango Cream with Sago (P188) which is always a sweet and refreshing way to end a meal.
Make sure to take advantage of the crab season and visit Jasmine in New World Makati for some of the best crabs you can find in the city. There’s no need to go to Hong Kong to order their seasonal Hairy Crabs because you can have the next best thing right here in Makati.
Jasmine at New World Makati
Esperanza Street corner Makati Avenue, Ayala Center, Makati City
A Delightful December at AG New World Manila Bay Hotel
Discover sumptuous fares and indulgent stays this season
‘Tis the season to yet again indulge and satisfy your cravings for heart-warming comfort food that will remind you of priceless moments and unforgettable holidays spent with those who matter the most.
This season, AG New World Manila Bay Hotel spreads the holiday cheer with indulgent stays and a sumptuous fare of holiday favorites that will set your December off to a delightful start. Plan your holiday vacation ahead and be rewarded with exclusive rates and discounts starting at PHP 4,800++. Benefits include welcome drinks for two (2) adults at the Lobby Lounge, breakfast buffet for two (2) adults and two (2) children aged 12 years and below at Market Café, guaranteed late check-out until 3:00 P.M. (guaranteed late check-out applicable to Christmas package only), turndown Christmas or New Year’s Eve amenity, and exclusive restaurant discounts, and access to amenities.
Lobby Lounge
HOURS
10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday to Thursday
10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
LOCATION
Ground Floor
For those looking to indulge the palate, satisfy your soul with your fill of epicurean delights starting off with a Festive Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Lounge featuring Old English fruit cake, traditional scones, holiday cookies, and savory bites for PHP 600 nett.
Market Cafe
HOURS
Breakfast: 6 to 10:30 a.m., daily
Lunch: 12 to 2:30 p.m., daily
Dinner: 6 to 10 p.m., daily
LOCATION
Level 3
For a hearty feast, visit Market Café’s all-day international buffet and get your fill of slow-roast turkey, succulent Christmas ham, along with a selection of holiday fares from the Chinese, Filipino, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Western stations. On Christmas eve, rates start at PHP 2,800 nett for lunch and PHP 3,200 nett for dinner; and on Christmas day, rates start at PHP 3,200 nett for lunch and dinner; dinner rates are inclusive of free-flow soda, chilled juices, beer, ice tea, and wine. On New Year’s eve, enjoy a special rate of PHP 3,600 nett inclusive of free-flow soda, chilled juices, beer, ice tea, and wine. Welcome the year with a lunch or dinner buffet at PHP 2,018 nett.
The Fireplace
HOURS
6 to 11 p.m., daily
LOCATION
Level 5
For an intimate dinner affair, book a table at The Fireplace and experience one of Manila’s hidden gems with carefully curated set menu of Peppered certified angus beef tenderloin steak with sauvignon glaze, foie gras, poach salmon with minted peas, and duck breast with sweet potato puree. Christmas and New Year set menus are priced at PHP 2,500 nett per person and PHP 2,200 nett for Club Epicure members.
Li Li
HOURS
12 to 10 p.m. Monday to Sunday
UNLIMITED DIM SUM
12 to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Sunday
LOCATION
Level 5
For family holiday gatherings call for Li Li’s cozy private dining rooms. For Christmas eve and Christmas day, guests and diners have an option between the Festive Yumcha at PHP 1,688 nett per person (inclusive of free-flow iced tea and soda) or the Christmas lunch and dinner set menus starting at PHP 2,888 nett per person.
Pool Bar
HOURS
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily
LOCATION
Level 8
Count down to the new year with live music by guest DJs and a magnificent view of the surrounding fireworks display by the bay at the New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at the roof deck. In-house and walk-in guests enjoy three rounds from a selection of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. Rates are at PHP 1,800 for walk-in guests and PHP 1,500 for in-house guests and restaurant diners. Lucky guests get a chance to win special raffle prizes such as: an overnight stay, Market Café buffet, All You Can Eat Dimsum at Li Li, and other exciting prizes.
The Pastry Boutique
HOURS
7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., daily
LOCATION
Ground Floor
Celebrate the holidays at AG New World Manila Bay Hotel and discover your gateway to exhilarating getaways.
About AG New World Manila Bay Hotel
AG New World Manila Bay Hotel is a deluxe hotel located at the center of the Manila business district with easy access to business and shopping areas, including Mall of Asia, the largest shopping mall in Metro Manila. The hotel is nearby historical attractions such as Intramuros and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
The hotel features 376 guestrooms and suites, Residence Club executive floors, six dining options, outdoor pool, fitness center and spa. Meeting and event space includes a ballroom and four meeting rooms.
For more information and reservations, please contact the hotel directly at telephone +63 2 252 6888, email [email protected] or visit newworldhotels.com.
