Tucked away in the unassuming community of Times Beach at the Matina Aplaya is a resort that comes across as an oasis in the otherwise simple, down-to-earth area. Emar’s Hotel, Wavepool, Restaurant, & Beach Resort, as the name thoroughly states, gives Times Beach a jolt with its relatively upscale offerings. Their tagline says, “Luxury, Pleasure, Adventure” and Emar’s tries to live up to their hype admirably.
One first enters through the hotel lobby that is pleasantly welcoming with its cozy lounging area and cafe`. Immediately, one is transported away from the hustle and bustle of the city outside. Guests may choose to check into one of their rooms for overnight stays or just use the numerous cottages provided for day guests.
Emar’s has classified its accommodations as Hotel Rooms and Budget Travelers Room to give more options for relaxation. Under the Hotel Rooms:Standard Rooms cost Php1200; Family Room- Php1800; Condotel (Family)-Php 2800; and Condotel(Suite) – Php3200. For the Budget Rooms: Economy Non-Airconditioned Rooms with Cable TV can go for as low as Php350 and Airconditioned Deluxe Family for 4 persons for Php750. Thus, even if Emar’s markets its offerings as “luxury”, it is still fairly accommodating of those on a tighter budget.
For those who would just want to experience the wave pool for the day, separate entrance fees are charged. Php200 for adults and Php150 for kids. Cottages for rent just by the wave pool where one can see all the action is at Php500 for 12 persons and Php800 for 24 persons. Monobloc chairs and tables are also available for rent for a smaller group.
Set outdoors with a nice view of sun, sand , and sea, the wave pool is touted as the best and largest wave pool in Davao City. One can amp up enjoyment of the place by trolling around the wave pool in a paddle boat that is also up for rent. There is also a Jacuzzi pool area at the center of the larger wave pool for a quieter, more relaxed enjoyment of the water. There are also colorful slides in the pool that kids of all ages will love.
Photos From Emar’s Wavepool
To add to the tropical resort feel of the place, palm trees have have been strategically planted around the area. Furthermore, fine white sand cover the supposed beach area of the wave pool. This is kind of ironic because Times Beach naturally has dark coarse sand. Great effort has indeed been undertaken to give an other-world experience that is in contrast to the community to which Emar’s Hotel, Wavepool, Restaurant, and Beach Resort belongs to. The little touches like having white curtains in all its cottages and tropical plants and grasses included in the thoughtful landscaping are what give a nice lift to the resort. Taking a walk around the place is definitely another pleasure in itself.
Emar’s rounds out their offering with the various Filipino and international food served at the hotel restaurant. Function rooms are also available for corporate events, weddings, and the like.
Contact Emar’s Hotel
For more information, contact Emar’s at the following numbers:
(+63) (082) 299 – 1731
(+63) (082) 297 – 4053
(+63) (082) 302 – 9455
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This article about Emar’s Hotel and Restaurant is written by Vida Valverde.
