A great yet inexpensive resort so close to Manila is hard to come by for a number of reasons. First, the Batangas, Laguna and Cavite areas are so commercialized it doesn't feel like you're leaving the city at all. Second, if you want a well-maintained resort, you have to pay a hefty price tag. And lastly, it is often over-crowded.
That is why I was worried my second visit to Valentino Resort and Spa would be a disappointing one. When I first went there last year, it appeared to be fairly new and everything was pretty and polished just like a new resort should. For the second visit (upon hearing they were charging more or less the same price as before), I worried that the place would be at least two of the three things I mentioned above. Fortunately, they proved me wrong.
