Amanda Virrey
Weekend at Crystal Beach Resort in Zambales
One fine day. My daughter, Luna, and I went with a big group of friends for a beach weekend in Zambales.
Together with our young kids, we had taken a three-hour road trip from northbound from Manila through the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway. We breathed in the fresh provincial air circulating the panorama along the expressway, amid rice paddies, flourishing trees, and cows grazing on verdant fields, which we giddily embraced through our open windows.
We took a break at Subic to grab a quick lunch and some staples to bring along.
Less than an hour later, we arrived at Crystal Beach Resort (resort info), our beach home for the weekend.
The resort’s friendly staff that was expecting us warmly greeted us upon our arrival. She then toured us around the resort’s property, starting at the big open-air restaurant across the reception.
We welcomed the tingle of gray sands flowing into our feet as we passed along untouched patches of the resort’s original make-up and their signature facilities, such as the wide beach volleyball court, old school playground set with bamboo balance beams, tires obstacle course, climbing nets, swings and see-saws, and stilt cottages scattered towards the direction of the shoreline.
The salty breeze flowing through us from above the deep blue sea was heaven in disguise. This gave me a sheer feeling of home, awakened from my citified skin, was sleeping on the sand under the thick blanket of stars, or setting up a tent on the shore were its only accommodation.
Good thing that the resort rents out camping tents to guests. They had tents in different sizes and all in mint condition.
Luna and I shared a medium-sized tent with a friend and her child. It amounted to 350php per head, inclusive of a single mattress, a pillow, and beddings. And we had their very helpful staff set it up between the shoreline and the communal bathroom, which was perfect indeed!
The rest of our group got private cottages. There were air-conditioned cottages with private bathrooms and fan-room cottages with bathrooms. There were more fan-room cottages without private bathrooms, which are conveniently situated near the well-maintained communal bathrooms. It’s great to note that all of the cottages have their own verandas, which allows for a private meal by the sea.
While the sun was still up, we ran to the sea for a rude-awakening dip in the waves.
The water was cool, clear, and dark, masked by the gray sand’s reflection, utterly wonderful nonetheless. Its coolness increased as the sun’s decent became prominent.
The image of the ethereal gods’ golden ball setting low beyond the sea’s horizon captured our attention. It was undisturbed beauty bestowed upon us, both as a gift and as an affirmation for the blessed life we breathe.
Spent and revitalized, we went back to our lodgings and prepared for the sumptuous seafood and vegetable dinner that was later arranged by the staff on the beach.
We stayed a long time out on the beach, eating, exchanging memorable stories, and lying on the sand while watching the stars.
When the kids got hungry, we moved to the bonfire area at the inner grounds. We sat around the fire and grilled marshmallows through the flames while singing songs of gratitude for the paradise that we were in.
Later we went back to our lodgings for our opportune slumber. The next day, we woke up feeling revived and ready to take on the sea, and the green nature abound.
Throughout the day, we ate at the open-air restaurant, kayaked on the sea to the top of the long coast, and surfed on longboards, assisted by surfing instructors.
The following morning, after another revitalizing slumber by the sea, we asked the staff to set up our breakfast on the beach. After their morning prayers, the all-so friendly staff came to us with tables, chairs, and tablecloths. We ordered breakfast at the restaurant and had them brought over to the beach. We savored our food and what was left of our remaining moments there.
We checked-out from Crystal Beach Resort (reviews) with bronzed skin and a promise of return for a lifestyle that we are grateful to return to at any given time.
Crystal Beach Resort – Book via Agoda
Address: San Narciso, Zambales-Pangasinan Road 2205, Philippines
Email Address: [email protected]
SUN :(0922) 841-9004
GLOBE: (0917) 545-2791
SMART: (0939) 939-3153
Manila Tel: (02) 514-2117, (02) 941-9004
Zambales: (047) 222-222-7, (047) 603-1475
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Also read:
- Best Beach Resorts In Zambales, Philippines
- 5 Things To Do And See In Zambales, Philippines
- List Of Best Beaches In Zambales
