by Grace Ganaden
LA UNION is surely the picture-perfect beach wedding destination here up North. But in which town can we find the best venues for weddings? Of course where else than in my hometown SAN JUAN! San Juan is hailed as the surfing capital of the North because of its all-year-round waves perfect for adventure-seekers or for urban dwellers looking for a beach getaway. So, if you're a couple whose idea of a wedding is beach, then San Juan, La Union is your best bet.
As a local and resident of San Juan, let me save you time searching for the best beach resorts and hotels in San Juan with my top 5 list. Here goes in no particular order:
As a local and resident of San Juan, let me save you time searching for the best beach resorts and hotels in San Juan with my top 5 list. Here goes in no particular order:
1. KAHUNA BEACH RESORT AND SPA
Kahuna is the closest thing to Balinese-inspired resort in San Juan. I would pick this as a wedding venue because it's located right in the surfing zone. The spacious beach front of Kahuna is the perfect site for a wedding where the sea, sand and sun come together. I've seen quite a lot of sunset weddings in Kahuna and I must say that the atmosphere is so romantic and beach-y. Kahuna is offering a Destination Weddding Package at P165,000 nett for the first 50 guests.
For more details, check out http://kahunaresort.com/san-juan-la-union/destination-wedding/.
From their website,
"Kahuna Hotel, Cafe and Restaurant is situated in the heart of the most privileged surf destination in the Philippines, San Juan, La Union. Kahuna is a boutique resort and spa with Balinese-inspired cottages that peer out directly into the beach. The calming sounds of rolling waves, beautiful sunset and great ambience are available for our guest to bask in.Its charming 31 rooms, bar, restaurant and pool face an ocean cove and sandy beach. The architecture resembles a fusion of Filipino and Balinese-style beach houses with white stucoo walls and native grass roofing, old world charm, with the latest hi-tech features. Well thought-out decorative details and functionality guarantee our guest a stimulating and unique experience in a world class facility."
Kahuna Hotel, Cafe and Restaurant
National Highway, Brgy. Urbiztondo
San Juan, La Union 2514
+63.917.830.0363
+63.998.855.2837
+63.72.607.1040
+63.72.607.1041
+63.72.607.1036
[email protected]
www.kahunaresort.com
Kahuna is the closest thing to Balinese-inspired resort in San Juan. I would pick this as a wedding venue because it's located right in the surfing zone. The spacious beach front of Kahuna is the perfect site for a wedding where the sea, sand and sun come together. I've seen quite a lot of sunset weddings in Kahuna and I must say that the atmosphere is so romantic and beach-y. Kahuna is offering a Destination Weddding Package at P165,000 nett for the first 50 guests.
For more details, check out http://kahunaresort.com/san-juan-la-union/destination-wedding/.
From their website,
"Kahuna Hotel, Cafe and Restaurant is situated in the heart of the most privileged surf destination in the Philippines, San Juan, La Union. Kahuna is a boutique resort and spa with Balinese-inspired cottages that peer out directly into the beach. The calming sounds of rolling waves, beautiful sunset and great ambience are available for our guest to bask in.Its charming 31 rooms, bar, restaurant and pool face an ocean cove and sandy beach. The architecture resembles a fusion of Filipino and Balinese-style beach houses with white stucoo walls and native grass roofing, old world charm, with the latest hi-tech features. Well thought-out decorative details and functionality guarantee our guest a stimulating and unique experience in a world class facility."
Kahuna Hotel, Cafe and Restaurant
National Highway, Brgy. Urbiztondo
San Juan, La Union 2514
+63.917.830.0363
+63.998.855.2837
+63.72.607.1040
+63.72.607.1041
+63.72.607.1036
[email protected]
www.kahunaresort.com
2. FINAL OPTION BEACH RESORT
Final Option is my fave hangout place in my own subdivision here at Montemar Village, Ili Norte, San Juan. This German resort exudes a Hawaiian vibe as seen in its decorations, style and even its crew uniform. If you want that perfect Luau party, then this is the wedding venue right for you. Final Option lights up in fire-y orange and yellow at night. Add some torches or lanterns and you can scream "Aloha!"
From their website:
"P&M Final Option Beach Resort and German Bistro is located in the picturesque provincial town of San Juan, La Union, Philippines situated on an absolute beachfront property just meters from the surf …. the well gardened and maintained resort offers our guests a unique relaxed atmosphere with excellent quality and service."
Phone / Festnetz
0063 (0)72-8882724
Fax
0063 (0)72-2421484
Cell / Mobil
0063 (0)929-4485505
E-Mail
[email protected]
Final Option is my fave hangout place in my own subdivision here at Montemar Village, Ili Norte, San Juan. This German resort exudes a Hawaiian vibe as seen in its decorations, style and even its crew uniform. If you want that perfect Luau party, then this is the wedding venue right for you. Final Option lights up in fire-y orange and yellow at night. Add some torches or lanterns and you can scream "Aloha!"
From their website:
"P&M Final Option Beach Resort and German Bistro is located in the picturesque provincial town of San Juan, La Union, Philippines situated on an absolute beachfront property just meters from the surf …. the well gardened and maintained resort offers our guests a unique relaxed atmosphere with excellent quality and service."
Phone / Festnetz
0063 (0)72-8882724
Fax
0063 (0)72-2421484
Cell / Mobil
0063 (0)929-4485505
[email protected]
3. AWESOME HOTEL
If I'm craving Japanese food or other cuisines, Awesome Hotel is my go-to neighbor hotel because it is also situated in my subdivision. This 5-star hotel is fairly new but it has gained a following of tourists in its early months of operation. I know because of the hoards of cars entering our subdivision since the time it opened. It is the picture-perfect wedding venue because it has a spacious garden fronting the beach and a function hall for special events. Your call if its beach/garden or indoor wedding. Awesome Hotel has all the amenities that a luxury hotel would offer.
From their website:
"Awesome Hotel San Juan, is a luxury beachfront resort located in the picturesque town of San Juan, La Union."
AWESOME HOTEL+63 (0) 72 607 4648
319 Eagle St Montemar Village,
Ili Norte, San Juan, La Union 2514 Philippines
[email protected]
If I'm craving Japanese food or other cuisines, Awesome Hotel is my go-to neighbor hotel because it is also situated in my subdivision. This 5-star hotel is fairly new but it has gained a following of tourists in its early months of operation. I know because of the hoards of cars entering our subdivision since the time it opened. It is the picture-perfect wedding venue because it has a spacious garden fronting the beach and a function hall for special events. Your call if its beach/garden or indoor wedding. Awesome Hotel has all the amenities that a luxury hotel would offer.
From their website:
"Awesome Hotel San Juan, is a luxury beachfront resort located in the picturesque town of San Juan, La Union."
AWESOME HOTEL+63 (0) 72 607 4648
319 Eagle St Montemar Village,
Ili Norte, San Juan, La Union 2514 Philippines
[email protected]
4. COSTA VILLA BEACH RESORT
If your idea of resort experience is Mediterranean, then this is the perfect place for you. Owned by the FMFarnacio Group of Companies, Tito Ding who is a good friend of my father. This resort villa is definitely worth checking out because of its unique style, structure and feel. It has an indoor pool and a resto-bar. If you're looking for a perfect wedding venue near the surfing area but not crowded then this is just the right one. It has a very spacious beach front where you can host a big party. You won't be limited by space."
From their website:
"Nestled in the heart of San Juan, La Union Costa Villa Beach Resort is the newest resort property of FMFarnacio Group of Companies Inc. It is a resort hotel located in Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union also known as the surfing capital of the north which offers the best in nature, the best in modern conveniences and the best of Filipino hospitality.
The aspects of Costa Villa Beach Resort is coupled with a very fine beach frontage which makes it attracts all locals as well as international leisure and business travelers. Costa Villa Beach Resort gives its guests a sense of difference and an enclave of luxury to the modern world.
At Costa Villa you can relax with the gentle lapping of the ocean waves and the amazing view of the worlds wonders. Experience pure bliss and serenity beyond your wildest dreams so come and experience Costa Villa Beach at its finest."
Costa Villa Beach Resort
Mac Arthur Highway, Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
tel: (072)607-3060
fax: (072)607-1623
mob: (+63)917-843-2386
(+63)917-859-2052
email:[email protected]
www.costavillaresort.com
If your idea of resort experience is Mediterranean, then this is the perfect place for you. Owned by the FMFarnacio Group of Companies, Tito Ding who is a good friend of my father. This resort villa is definitely worth checking out because of its unique style, structure and feel. It has an indoor pool and a resto-bar. If you're looking for a perfect wedding venue near the surfing area but not crowded then this is just the right one. It has a very spacious beach front where you can host a big party. You won't be limited by space."
From their website:
"Nestled in the heart of San Juan, La Union Costa Villa Beach Resort is the newest resort property of FMFarnacio Group of Companies Inc. It is a resort hotel located in Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union also known as the surfing capital of the north which offers the best in nature, the best in modern conveniences and the best of Filipino hospitality.
The aspects of Costa Villa Beach Resort is coupled with a very fine beach frontage which makes it attracts all locals as well as international leisure and business travelers. Costa Villa Beach Resort gives its guests a sense of difference and an enclave of luxury to the modern world.
At Costa Villa you can relax with the gentle lapping of the ocean waves and the amazing view of the worlds wonders. Experience pure bliss and serenity beyond your wildest dreams so come and experience Costa Villa Beach at its finest."
Costa Villa Beach Resort
Mac Arthur Highway, Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
tel: (072)607-3060
fax: (072)607-1623
mob: (+63)917-843-2386
(+63)917-859-2052
email:[email protected]
www.costavillaresort.com
5. URBIZ GARDEN BED AND BREAKFAST
If you're looking for a White House to stay and at the same time be your wedding venue, then this one's your pick. The house evokes a sophisticated, modern but cozy feel. It has a very spacious garden. Why I would pick this is because of it's private atmosphere. You don't have to worry of the preparation venue before the wedding. It also provides the perfect backdrop for the pre-wedding photo shoot. It also has a spacious beach front where you can hold the wedding ceremony and party. The party can go on until the wee hours of the morning since the house is just near the beach.
From their website:
"RIGHT IN THE HEART OF SAN JUAN, LA UNION'S SURFING AREA, URBIZ GARDEN BED & BREAKFAST IS YOUR QUIET PLACE TO CALL HOME."
"Urbiz Garden’s main house is the centerpiece of the estate. It’s classic decks and red clay roof make it more than just a place to lay your head. Here’s a look around the house and its gardens."
Address: 134 Beachfront, Taboc Bridge, Barangay Urbiztondo, San Juan, 2514 La Union
Phone:(072) 888 7991
If you're looking for a White House to stay and at the same time be your wedding venue, then this one's your pick. The house evokes a sophisticated, modern but cozy feel. It has a very spacious garden. Why I would pick this is because of it's private atmosphere. You don't have to worry of the preparation venue before the wedding. It also provides the perfect backdrop for the pre-wedding photo shoot. It also has a spacious beach front where you can hold the wedding ceremony and party. The party can go on until the wee hours of the morning since the house is just near the beach.
From their website:
"RIGHT IN THE HEART OF SAN JUAN, LA UNION'S SURFING AREA, URBIZ GARDEN BED & BREAKFAST IS YOUR QUIET PLACE TO CALL HOME."
"Urbiz Garden’s main house is the centerpiece of the estate. It’s classic decks and red clay roof make it more than just a place to lay your head. Here’s a look around the house and its gardens."
Address: 134 Beachfront, Taboc Bridge, Barangay Urbiztondo, San Juan, 2514 La Union
Phone:(072) 888 7991
and my bonus... =)
6. LA ROCA VILLA RESORT
It's the Santorini tucked in San Juan which is definitely more affordable than the Greek-inspired luxury hotel, Thunderbird Resort and Hotel in San Fernando, La Union. I've had a couple of weddings done here and I must say the owner has not stopped improving the facilities. It's always picture-perfect white and blue mimicking the waters and clouds. What I like about this resort is the atmosphere. If you're a couple looking for an intimate venue because you only want to invite your family and closest friends, then this is your best pick.
From their website:
"La Roca Villa is a very private resort in a beautiful garden setting around the Rock.
The resort is right on the surfing beach of San Juan on the north-west side of Luzon Island, the main island of the Philippine Archipelago. The distance to the capital Manila is 280 km. The ideal place to wind down and to relax. Or you may want to learn how to surf. The sea is clean and clear and the water temperature does not fall below 25°C even during «winter».
While savoring an afternoon drink at the bar, on the Rock or at the beach terrace, you may watch the sun go down over the ocean horizon."
La Roca Villa
Surfers’ Road
Urbiztondo,
2514 San Juan La Union
Philippines
Telephone: +63 – 72 – 242 3770
+63 – 72 – 242 5647
Fax: +63 – 72 – 242 3769
6. LA ROCA VILLA RESORT
It's the Santorini tucked in San Juan which is definitely more affordable than the Greek-inspired luxury hotel, Thunderbird Resort and Hotel in San Fernando, La Union. I've had a couple of weddings done here and I must say the owner has not stopped improving the facilities. It's always picture-perfect white and blue mimicking the waters and clouds. What I like about this resort is the atmosphere. If you're a couple looking for an intimate venue because you only want to invite your family and closest friends, then this is your best pick.
From their website:
"La Roca Villa is a very private resort in a beautiful garden setting around the Rock.
The resort is right on the surfing beach of San Juan on the north-west side of Luzon Island, the main island of the Philippine Archipelago. The distance to the capital Manila is 280 km. The ideal place to wind down and to relax. Or you may want to learn how to surf. The sea is clean and clear and the water temperature does not fall below 25°C even during «winter».
While savoring an afternoon drink at the bar, on the Rock or at the beach terrace, you may watch the sun go down over the ocean horizon."
La Roca Villa
Surfers’ Road
Urbiztondo,
2514 San Juan La Union
Philippines
Telephone: +63 – 72 – 242 3770
+63 – 72 – 242 5647
Fax: +63 – 72 – 242 3769
So guys, that's my complete list and bonus of my top 5 best wedding venues in San Juan, La Union. Hope you find it helpful for your wedding planning or for your next out of town getaway. Cheers!