Philippines

Manila

Every dispatch we've filed from Manila, Philippines: luxury hotels, prestige spas, signature rituals and onsen.

3 stories

The modern skyline of Manila at dusk, with glowing skyscrapers and city lights

Destinations · InterContinental

InterContinental Returns to Manila: A Decade-and-a-Half Long Wait Ends

For 15 years, InterContinental Manila was a void in the city's luxury landscape. On June 17, 2026, the brand confirms its highly anticipated return, signaling a new chapter for luxury hospitality in the Philippines.

E. ASHWORTH·2 min read

Jun 23, 2026

Exterior view of the Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila hotel tower against a blue sky.

Destinations · Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental Returns to Manila, Eyeing 2026 Opening

The luxury hotel group is set to re-establish its presence in the Philippine capital with Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila. The 275-room property will debut nearly 12 years after its predecessor closed its doors.

H. TANABE·2 min read

Jun 19, 2026

Exterior view of a modern high-rise hotel, the Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila, with balconies and a sleek facade.

Destinations · Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental Returns to Manila, Unveiling High-Rise Luxury in Makati

After a twelve-year hiatus, Mandarin Oriental re-establishes its presence in Manila, setting its sights on a prime Makati location. The new high-rise hotel promises 275 rooms, a dedicated wellness floor, and expansive event capabilities, asserting a renewed standard of luxury.

H. TANABE·2 min read

Jun 18, 2026

Properties in Manila

Where we'd stay

Raffles Makati

hotel

Raffles Makati

A soaring, elegant landmark in the urban tapestry of Makati, Raffles’ Manila outpost balances contemporary Filipino artistry with colonial grandeur. Guests can unwind by the azure pool amidst lush gardens or savor the hotel’s reinterpretation of classic cocktails.

Hyatt Regency Manila City of Dreams

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Hyatt Regency Manila City of Dreams

The Hyatt Regency Manila City of Dreams offers a polished urban escape within the bustling entertainment complex. Its design, characterized by clean lines and contemporary finishes, provides a serene counterpoint to the vibrant energy just outside its doors.

The Peninsula Manila

hotel

The Peninsula Manila

A Manila icon, The Peninsula stands as a Brutalist-inspired landmark at the heart of the Makati district. Its grand lobby, an architectural marvel of polished-edge concrete and gilded accents, is overseen by a captivating mixed-media sculpture by National Artist Napoleon Abueva. The hotel blends cosmopolitan flair with Filipino heritage.

Solaire Resort North

hotel

Solaire Resort North

Solaire Resort North, an urban resort, will rise in Quezon City. Crafted with a modern aesthetic, the tower will feature a glass facade, housing a casino, retail, and dining experiences.

Sky Tower at Solaire Resort Entertainment City

hotel

Sky Tower at Solaire Resort Entertainment City

Set within a sprawling entertainment complex, Sky Tower captivates with its opulent interiors. Gilded accents, marble, and fine Filipino craftsmanship define the aesthetic, offering a lavish urban escape alongside world-class gaming and culinary experiences.

Makati Shangri la Manila

hotel

Makati Shangri la Manila

Rising in the heart of Makati, the hotel offers a luxurious escape amidst the bustling cityscape. Interiors feature a blend of Filipino heritage and contemporary design, with exquisite T'nalak weaves and local artistry. A true urban sanctuary.

Fairmont Makati

hotel

Fairmont Makati

A beacon of urban luxury in Manila’s bustling financial district, the Fairmont Makati offers a serene escape. Interiors are adorned with fine Filipino craftsmanship and provide a tranquil counterpoint to the vibrant energy of the city just beyond its doors.

Shangri la at The Fort Manila

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Shangri la at The Fort Manila

A towering urban sanctuary clad in contemporary glass and natural stone, this city hotel offers a modern Filipino experience. Hand-carved anahaw leaves adorn the lobby, a nod to local craftsmanship, while the cantilevered pool offers panoramic views of the urban sprawl.

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

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Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

Located 24 stories above the bustling Ortigas business district is the lavish lobby of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, one of the three Marco Polo Hotels in the Philippines. (The other two are in Cebu and Davao.)

Nuwa Manila at City of Dreams

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Nuwa Manila at City of Dreams

Nuwa Manila, nestled within the sprawling City of Dreams, offers a serene escape with panoramic views of Manila Bay. Designed by Michael Adams, its interiors feature a curated collection of contemporary art and bespoke furnishings, creating an ambiance of understated elegance.

Conrad Manila

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Conrad Manila

A wharf-inspired building along Manila Bay, with an undulating facade that evokes a modern vinta (traditional Philippine sailboat). The interiors showcase Filipino artistry with warm wood, local stone, and dramatic high ceilings.

Okada Manila

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Okada Manila

A beacon of opulence on Manila Bay, Okada Manila offers a sprawling escape. Its distinctive, wave-like architecture houses crystal chandeliers and a 10,000-square-meter a man-made beach, blending Filipino warmth with audacious luxury.

Nobu Hotel Manila

hotel

Nobu Hotel Manila

The first Nobu Hotel in Asia, this property blends Japanese simplicity with Filipino vibrancy. Designed by Rockwell Group, interiors feature warm wood, subtle gold accents, and traditional patterns. Guests can savor Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s iconic new-style Japanese cuisine.