It had only been a week since the rainy season officially started, but we were determined to squeeze in one last family swimming trip before the weather became completely unpredictable. This getaway also served as our advance celebration for Twinkle’s 11th Birthday.
Last year, we celebrated at The Royal Branch with a shark-themed birthday getaway. This year, we wanted something more tropical, colorful, and laid-back, so we booked Dela Elena Vacation Villa for an overnight family stay.
As soon as we started planning, everyone got excited. The kids were looking forward to swimming. My sister was already planning photo opportunities.
And the adults were simply looking forward to spending quality time together. Sometimes that’s really all you need.
About Dela Elena Vacation Villa
Dela Elena Vacation Villa is a private resort that can accommodate up to 15 guests, making it perfect for family reunions, birthday celebrations, barkada outings, and staycations.
The overnight rate during our stay was ₱15,000.
One thing that’s a little different is their schedule. Check-in starts at 7:00 PM while check-out is at 4:00 PM the following day.
At first, it felt a bit unusual because we’re used to arriving in the afternoon. But once we settled in, it wasn’t really a problem since we were able to enjoy the entire following day at the resort.
We arrived right at 7 PM and immediately started taking photos in our tropical outfits.
Because if you’re going to commit to a tropical birthday theme, you might as well go all out.
The Accommodations
One of the things we immediately loved about Dela Elena Vacation Villa was how beautiful the interiors were.
The villa has a warm tropical-modern aesthetic with woven light fixtures, wooden furniture, natural textures, and soft lighting that instantly gives off vacation-home vibes.
It felt cozy and relaxing from the moment we walked in.
The master bedroom features a king-sized bed and was probably my favorite room in the villa.
It’s spacious, air-conditioned, and comes with a large ensuite bathroom that honestly feels like something you’d find in a boutique resort.
The freestanding bathtub immediately caught everyone’s attention. If you’re someone who enjoys long relaxing baths after a day of swimming, you’ll definitely appreciate this space. This is where Kuya Meme, Ate Beck, and Chase slept.
The second bedroom has two double beds and is also air-conditioned. It’s perfect for families or groups sharing a room and still offers enough space to move around comfortably. This is where the four of us slept.
For bigger groups, there’s a loft sleeping area with three beds and a large industrial fan. This is where Shy, Chellie, and my sister who calls herself Anney slept.
The loft has a cozy cabin-like atmosphere that the kids absolutely loved.
Overall, the sleeping arrangements were comfortable and spacious enough for our entire group.
Night Swimming And Horror Movies
Since we arrived in the evening, the kids wasted no time changing into their swimsuits.Twinkle and Chase immediately headed to the pool for some night swimming after dinner.
Meanwhile, Ykaie, Chellie, and Shy decided to stay up and watch scary movies until the wee hours of the morning.
I honestly don’t know how they managed it. At this point in my life, staying awake past midnight already feels like an achievement.
But they seemed perfectly happy scaring themselves while everyone else tried to get some sleep.
The Pool
The pool quickly became the heart of our stay. The kids spent most of their time here and honestly, I don’t blame them.
Whether they were swimming, floating around, playing games, or simply cooling off from the heat, they looked like they were having the time of their lives.
The pool area is spacious enough for families to enjoy comfortably and also serves as a beautiful backdrop for photos.
Almost every family trip has that one spot where everyone naturally gathers. For us, it was definitely the pool.
A Relaxing Morning At The Villa
The next morning felt wonderfully slow. No alarms. No rushing. No schedules. Just coffee, conversations, and a peaceful start to the day.
Some family members woke up early while others took their time. The kids, of course, couldn’t wait to jump back into the pool.
One of the things I enjoy most about private resort staycations is the freedom to do absolutely nothing if you want to. And sometimes that’s exactly what you need. We spent most of the morning swimming, taking photos, and simply enjoying being together.
Plenty Of Space To Unwind
Another thing we appreciated was how much space the villa offered. Some family members stayed by the pool. Others relaxed in the dining area.
A few spent time singing karaoke. The kids alternated between swimming and taking photos.
Because the villa can accommodate up to 15 guests, nobody ever felt cramped. Everyone had their own space while still being together. For family gatherings, that’s always a huge plus.
Tropical Vibes Everywhere
Since our theme for Twinkle’s birthday was Tropical, Dela Elena Vacation Villa ended up being the perfect backdrop.
The neutral colors, woven décor, warm lighting, wooden accents, and tropical-inspired interiors worked beautifully with our theme.
Every corner seemed photo-worthy. The bedrooms. The loft. The pool area. Even the master bathroom with its beautiful bathtub.
There were so many spots around the property that naturally looked good in photos.
And if your family is anything like ours, that’s always a bonus.
More Than Just A Birthday Celebration
While this trip was technically for Twinkle’s birthday, it also felt like a much-needed family reset. Life gets busy. Between work, school, errands, deadlines, and responsibilities, it’s easy to forget how important it is to slow down.
For one overnight stay, we got to unplug a little. We laughed. We swam. We ate. We took way too many photos. And we simply enjoyed each other’s company. Honestly, that’s what made the trip special.
What We Loved About Dela Elena Vacation Villa
- Beautiful tropical-modern interiors
- Spacious accommodations for larger groups
- Comfortable air-conditioned bedrooms
- Large master bathroom with a freestanding bathtub
- Cozy loft sleeping area
- Private swimming pool
- Karaoke room for entertainment
- Great venue for birthdays and family celebrations
- Plenty of photo-worthy spots around the property
Most importantly, it provided a comfortable space where our family could spend quality time together.
What Could Be Better
No staycation is ever completely perfect.
During our stay, we noticed quite a few flies around the outdoor dining area, especially during meal times.
It’s understandable given the open-air setup and the rainy season, but additional pest control measures would definitely improve the overall experience.
The 7:00 PM check-in schedule may also take some getting used to, especially for guests who prefer maximizing their first day.
Is It Worth It?
For ₱15,000 per night, especially when shared among several families or a larger group, I think Dela Elena Vacation Villa offers good value.
The accommodations are comfortable. The pool is enjoyable. The villa is beautifully designed. And there’s enough space for everyone to relax and enjoy themselves.
If you’re looking for a private resort for birthdays, reunions, family gatherings, or simple weekend staycations, it’s definitely worth considering.
At the end of the day, what made this trip memorable wasn’t just the villa itself. It was seeing Twinkle celebrate another year surrounded by family.
It was watching the kids swim until their fingers wrinkled. It was laughing over old stories, taking countless photos, and enjoying a rare opportunity to slow down.
Years from now, I probably won’t remember every detail about the rooms or the amenities.
But I’ll remember the laughter. The conversations. The family time. And that’s exactly what a good staycation should be about.
