For over 130 years, the Raffles Hotel has earned the distinction as a destination in itself, preserving old world colonial elegance and a rich heritage of impeccable service. Through the years, some of the world's iconic literary figures have called the Raffles home, from Somerset Maugham to Alfred Hitchcock, Rudyard Kipling to Ernest Hemingway, and for one memorable weekend, it was my home too...
The elegant yet modern lines of Raffles Makati rises high above the commercial and business district with its gleaming glass facade reflecting the shifting light. The gleaming structure itself is impressive, and there's that distinctly Raffles vibe with volumes of stories from its storied past to be rediscovered as guests enter Raffles Makati...
At the elegant lobby, the warm smile from the gracious staff kicked-off my weekend experience at Raffles Makati (for more on my weekend at Raffles, see my post on my other food blog, Old World Colonial Elegance and Provencal Flavors: A Weekend at Raffles Makati). It's the little things like this that weave a continuous chain of experiences that sets Raffles apart, starting the very minute you enter all the way until you check out. It's called emotional luxury, a defining trait in the rich Raffles heritage that continues to elevate the hotel experience. Others have described it in so many ways, but guests simply call it Raffles. The name itself has become synonymous with legendary service for over 130 years.
Led to my Junior Suite by my very own butler, one immediately notices the immense space with its elegant old world colonial charm. There's nothing "junior" about this suite, with over 60 square meters of understated luxury in comforting shades of dark woods and pristine whites capped by lavish satin silks, hand-tufted rugs, and timeless wooden floors. The spacious accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling windows revealed by silky smooth drapes for an impressive view of the Makati commercial and business district. Each suite has its own themed artworks commissioned from local artists, so each suite is uniquely different. The suites at Raffles Makati transports you back in time to the golden age of travel when the Raffles legend was born. Each Raffles property around the world brings the legendary charm, enduring style and renowned service of the hotel named after the founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles, wrapped in a veil of subdued elegance that is unmistakably Raffles.
Each spacious suite has a separate area to catch up on the day's business, or a quiet spot to read with a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
Colonial style wooden louvres separate the reception area from the bedroom for privacy, just another elegant touch adding even more layers to thread your experiences at Raffles.
On plush linens, all the amenities you need are thoughtfully laid out for your convenience.
And if there's anything else you need, your personal butler will attend to it. Real classy.
A platter of fresh fruits is another of those little touches...
Inside your Junior Suite, a selection of the finest coffee from Malongo gives you that extra boost in case you need it.
And just in case you have trouble fiddling with the coffee machine, simply call your exclusive butler and he'll do the rest. Malongo's Brasil Sul de Minas or La Grande Reserve?
A freshly brewed cup of coffee with a magnificent view of the cityscape right in your own Junior Suite, and it just can't get better than that.
Dining is an integral part of any hotel experience, and at Raffles Makati, you'll have several tasty options during your stay...
...including the rustic and comforting flavors of traditional Provencal cuisine at Mireio. Named after the epic poem of Frederick Mistral, Mireio is a Provencal-inspired brasserie serving classic cuisine from the idyllic French countryside. Headed by Provencal native Chef de Cuisine Nicolas Cegretin, diners can savor traditional dishes like Beef Tartare, Bouillabaisse, and the best-selling Ox-Tail Parmentier, a personal favorite.
You can also indulge in Mireio's Weekends in Provence, a sumptuous feast with endless servings of tasty appetizers, salads, egg dishes, freshly made risotto from their own live stations, a wide selection of main courses, and an indulgent dessert and cheese buffet (for more on Mireio, see my earlier posts from my other food blog, A Taste of Provence at Mireio, Where The Sun Never Sets: A Provencal Lunch at Mireio, and Old World Colonial Elegance and Provencal Flavors: A Weekend at Raffles Makati). Start with a refreshing Nicoise Salad, followed by Eggs Benedict and Scrambled Eggs with Truffles, homemade Terrine, and fresh Mahi-Mahi with olive oil and herbs. Savory mains include my personal favorite, the Ox-Tail Parmentier topped with potato mousseline, Clams Mariniere sauteed in white wine, and Roasted Chicken served with sweet potato puree. But save room for dessert...
Mireio's impressive desserts include a variety of decadent tarte tatins, lavender mille-feuille crepes and so much more...
Have a sweet shot...
...or go for another delicate macaron. Mireio's Weekends in Provence is available every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 nn to 3:00 pm for only P 1,980 per person.
After a sumptuous meal, why not have a tipple with Mireio's signature cocktails and wait for the sunset? It is, after all, the weekend (for more on Mireio's signature cocktails, see my previous post on my other food blog, Sunset at Mireio Terrace and A Taste of Provence at Mireio).
Or go for Afternoon Tea at Writers Bar. The themed afternoon tea offerings at Writers Bar is another great option to experience the best of Raffles (for more on the Royal Afternoon Tea Series at Writers Bar, check out my earlier posts, Tea with a French Accent: The Royal Afternoon Tea Series Featuring Marie Antoinette at Writers Bar, Doing It Right: Tea Etiquette at The Writers Bar's Queen Victoria Royal Afternoon Tea, Afternoon Tea with a New York Twist at Writers Bar, and Breakfast at Tiffany's? Make That Afternoon Tea at Tiffany's. At Writers Bar...).
Enjoy your afternoon tea with some bubbly for a smooth transition to pre-dinner cocktails.
Early the next day, start the day right with breakfast at Mireio...
Energize your body with refreshing Kiwi, Beetroot, and Watermelon Shots before sipping that freshly brewed cup of coffee and going for the Continental Buffet (P 1,100), One A La Carte Dish (P 500), or the Continental Buffet + One A La Carte Dish combo (P 1,500), a sumptuous deal with an egg dish and a buffet spread of freshly baked bread, artisan cheeses and charcuterie as well as a wide selection of fresh yogurt and flavored milk.
A classic Eggs Benedict with Parisian Ham, Bacon, and Mushrooms gets you on the right track in no time...
You can also opt for Mireio's Pancakes with Pan-Seared Berries or Pancakes with Maple Syrup, Fruits, and Macadamia Nuts, both winners.
After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll around the spacious property...
...or go for a few laps at the pool. Or simply do nothing. It's the weekend with no pressure to rush or do anything.
Back at your Junior Suite, the iconic Travellers' Palm symbol of Raffles properties worldwide emblazoned on the plush cotton sheets reminds you of the hotel's storied past, a welcome sign at the end of a long journey. The water stored at the base of the leaves quenched thirsty voyagers of a bygone era, and the east-west orientation of the leaves provided guides to plot your course. But for many, the logo symbolizes your home away from home, a cherished destination that has endured the test of time.
Raffles Makati is located at 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati or call +632-555-9777 or email concierge.makati@raffles.com for more information and reservations.
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