The metro’s Grand Icon is big in energy yet surprisingly intimate, with every indulgence under one dazzling roof.
Let’s put this out there, from the get-go—there’s more to Okada Manila than meets the eye. So much more. As someone who’s stayed at numerous hotels for work (and leisure), I can tell you this much: this is not just an integrated gaming resort. Beyond the high-stakes glitz and galvanizing glamor of the gaming floor lies a world of next-level luxury, world-class eats, indulgent me-time spaces, and memory-making corners that’ll spoil solo travelers, families, couples, and yes—even your inner child.
It’s an experience in ultra high-definition, with the polished precision of Tokyo and the winning ways of your Aunt Annie or Tita Tonette—attentive, gracious, and always ready with the good snacks. There’s a distinct elegance here that blends Japanese attention to detail with the warmth of the most gracious Filipino host. This is omotenashi hospitality and “Mabuhay!” mentality, marvelously melded in one luxurious, gold-and-purple package.
Okada Manila has definitely joined the ranks of my go-to destinations for a luxe, all-in staycation—whether I’m rocking solo for work or rolling with the family (in this case, on a well-deserved break with my daughter). Let me walk you through why.
Luxury dialed all the way up—minus the stiff attitude
Okada Manila is the Philippines’ largest Forbes Travel Guide 5-star resort. Let that marinate in your mind. Six consecutive years of Forbes 5-star status. That’s not just bragging rights—it’s a serious benchmark. We’re talking nearly 1,000 rooms, 108 acres of prime Entertainment City real estate, and a footprint so expansive it practically needs its own zip code.
Here’s what really sets it apart, though: it’s upscale and opulent, even slightly veering into over the top—but it isn’t uptight. Think Versace’s maximalist style, with interiors so gleaming they make your camera lens weep, but more approachable. It’s equals parts dramatic and dynamic, while still being down-to-earth.
From its awe-inspiring golden skybridge that connects its Coral and Pearl Wings, to its jewel-toned interiors and sprawling common spaces that are practically begging for spontaneous coffee or cocktail moments—Okada isn’t just a property, it’s a presence to be reckoned with. As such, it has earned for itself the moniker “Manila’s Grand Icon.”
And because I’m a sucker for efficiency, can I just say: 15 minutes from the airport? With the metro’s infamous traffic, that alone is a luxury flex.
‘Suite’ dreams (and how this room ruined all other hotel beds for me)
We stayed two nights in a Grand Deluxe Room, and no doubt: 75 square meters of personal space is exactly the kind of breathing room that makes you instantly unclench and fully unwind. Spacious, well-planned, and thoughtfully designed, it’s the kind of setup that reminds you hotel stays should feel like a treat (even when you’re there for business).
Bigger than my current condo unit and way more stylish, the Grand Deluxe Room boasts a living area for late-night wine-and-Netflix (streaming-ready TV included), a walk-in closet (so your packing cubes can breathe a sigh of relief) and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the infinity pool and Manila Bay like an actual moving picture. The sunsets were nothing short of cinematic, with each day different in stunning storyline than the one before.
Also on my must-mention list: the bed in the gorgeous, eye-catching master suite deserves its own accolade for its silky-smooth linen and Sealy mattress that straight-up recalibrated my circadian rhythm. I haven’t slept that soundly in ages. Like, “almost-forgot-to-set-my-phone-alarm” soundly.
Plus points, as well, for Okada Manila’s tech-savvy hospitality. Each room comes with a Digivalet Service, your personal command center for pretty much everything. Want to dim the lights, crank the AC, order more pillows, or call for room service without leaving the bed? Done, with just a tap on your in-room tablet. It’s like having your very own dedicated butler—minus the obligatory small talk. Also, a shout-out for the Toto washlet. Once you’ve tried Japanese bidet tech, you don’t go back (it’s not a saying, but it should be!).
Speaking of dedicated butlers…we got a peek at the ultra-luxe Bohol and Tower Villas—and oooooh-la-la, if the Grand Deluxe Room felt like a life upgrade, these villas are a full-blown lifestyle shift. Think private entrances, personal butler service, opulent living and dining spaces, and even your own jet tub for post-event soaking. Designed with bespoke celebrations in mind, they’re made for milestone moments—intimate weddings, family reunions, or just a “treat yourself, big time!” weekend that pulls out all the stops.
A global culinary tour without leaving the resort? ‘Fork’ sure!
If food is your love language, Okada speaks it fluently and with global panache. With over 40 dining options (yes, 40!), you’d need to be here a week to taste half of what’s available—and I say that as someone who tried to eat as much as I possibly could in two days. Challenge not accepted, stomach capacity said no.
For dinner, Kappou gave us Tokyo-in-Manila realness. This is elevated Japanese dining with a while lot of chef flair—impeccably sliced sashimi, tempura light as clouds, and a silky custard with house-made ice cream so delicate and dreamy, it might’ve made me tear up a little.
Medley Buffet is where we kicked off our mornings. And this isn’t your average “here’s an omelet station” kind of buffet. This is an epicurean world tour with pit stops in Korea, Italy, Japan, and the Philippines, to name a few. The pastries are dangerously good (hello, butter croissants and blueberry muffins that slapped), and the hot pandesal and tsokolate trolley is something to chase after.
La Piazza was another stunner. Want something extra special? Grab a seat by the windows overlooking The Fountain (more on that later), sip on their expertly paired wines, and lose yourself in their creamy risottos, juicy steaks (if you’re of the carnivorous persuasion), succulent salmon, handmade pastas, and divinely creamy tiramisu. It’s Italian dining done right—with an air of elegance that makes any gathering feel like an occasion. My daughter and I left full and feeling a little bit fancier. Bonus: we bumped into Ms. Takako Okada herself, ever gracious and effortlessly elegant, enjoying dinner at one of the restaurant’s private function rooms.
Red Spice, meanwhile, hit the sweet spot of casual and flavorful Cantonese and regional Chinese fare. Perfect for that “don’t feel like dressing up but still want bomb food” mood. Highlights (and among my all-time faves) included the golden salted egg prawns, XO scallops with crisp seasonal vegetables, steamed grouper in a delicate superior sauce, crispy shrimp cheung fan wrapped in silky rice noodles, and a nostalgic hit of Hong Kong-style curry fish balls.
Bottom line: Okada feeds you like royalty—with award-winning chefs, to boot.
Retail rehab (I browsed, she scored)
I wasn’t on a mission to shop—but my daughter had other plans. While I soaked up the air-conditioning and enjoyed a slow wander through Okada’s gleaming retail corridor, she made a beeline for her favorite APM Monaco boutique and went on the hunt for F1-related finds (she’s a motorsport content creator, so consider it both leisure and research).
Okada Manila’s retail arcade is less “mall” and more curated lifestyle gallery—sleek, walkable, and surprisingly calming for a luxury strip. Even if you’re not in the mood to splurge, the space itself is a pleasant place to stroll, window-shop, and recharge between activities. Think of it as a beautifully lit intermission before your next big meal or spa escape.
Later that evening, we took an unhurried walk along The Promenade flanking The Fountain, where the gold-tinged purple glow of ambient lighting blanketed the expanse in a gossamer iridescence. We caught the well-loved fountain show (one of several that happen throughout the evening) just as it started—dancing water, music, and ethereal lights, all perfectly synced in a public spectacle that somehow still felt personal. It was one of those intimate, quiet bonding moments—no big agenda, just easy conversation, shared wonder, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger a little longer.
The Retreat Spa: wellness, but make it luxe
By day two, we’d already totally psyched ourselves out for our spa appointment. And let me tell you, The Retreat Spa is a must-do when booking a stay at Okada. Forbes 5-star, three years running, and the second you step into its serene 3,000-square-meter sanctuary, you totally get why. The spa itself is a sensory haven: soft lighting, plush robes, calming scents, and a rich silence.
We booked the 90-minute Indayog ng Duyan treatment—a deep-tissue therapy rooted in hilot, a traditional Filipino healing practice. Warm banana leaves, glided with virgin coconut oil, were used to detect and address areas of imbalance. It felt grounding and intuitive, like my body and soul had a much-needed check-in. And mad props for the ultra-comfy adjustable massage bed!
But The Retreat Spa is about way more than just massages. It’s a full-on wellness ecosystem—with ensuite treatment suites, a barber and beauty studio, a fitness center, an organic herb garden for its herb-infused tonics, and even Southeast Asia’s first Wave Dream relaxation chamber (think sound, light, and sensory immersion that sends your brain on vacation). Beyond the treatment rooms, there’s a crystal steam room, an art therapy nook, hot and cold vitality pools, and a refreshing tea-and-fruit service.
And yes, it’s gorgeous. From the heritage-patterned linens to the plastic-free commitment, the whole space blends sustainability, Filipino craftsmanship, and quiet luxury in a way that feels both elevated and effortless.
Come here for a treatment, but stay for the transformation. Trust. I went in tight-shouldered and tense, and walked out buttery-soft and blissed out. This, without a doubt, is Okada’s secret weapon for sanity.
Play time isn’t just for kids (but they’ll love it too)
I’ll admit it—I originally scanned Okada’s “family-friendly” options thinking they were strictly for guests with toddlers and tweens in tow. Turns out, I was only half right. PLAY at Okada Manila is definitely designed with young guests in mind, but it’s also a place where even the most composed adult might suddenly find themselves climbing, sliding, or giggling like it’s a birthday party circa 1987.
Case in point: the giant slide. I got on it. I absolutely squealed with glee. And I have zero regrets.
PLAY—which stands for Purposeful Learning and Activities for the Young—is Okada’s indoor fun zone for kids aged 1 to 17. But don’t expect some half-hearted kids’ corner. This is a sprawling, air-conditioned, multi-zoned haven for energetic kids (and apparently the occasional game-for-anything adult). From free play areas to guided learning sessions, PLAY features eight themed “neighborhoods,” complimentary drop-in activities, and even coach-assisted programs designed to boost everything from motor skills to social smarts.
We didn’t try Thrillscape this time around, but it’s another standout on the resort’s growing list of “play hard” offerings. Picture a 32-obstacle indoor course that doubles as a high-tech tag arena for teens and adults. It’s got team-building potential, a full community vibe, and coaches on standby to keep things fun and functional. If obstacle courses are your thing—or your kids are itching for something high-energy and athletic—it’s worth a spot on your itinerary.
And then… there’s Cove Manila.
This one’s a chameleon: part indoor beach club, part nightclub, part event venue of your dreams. During the day, Cove is an indoor tropical oasis—think daybeds, cocktails, and climate-controlled comfort under a massive glass dome. Come nightfall, it transforms into Southeast Asia’s most dazzling party spot. Giant LED walls. Live concerts, DJ sets, and full-blown music festival productions. Wave-ready vibes with zero risk of sunburn. It’s also a legit (and posh) venue for private events and corporate flexes.
Standing under that dome, you suddenly get it: this is what next-level entertainment looks like. Simply put, Cove Manila is a total standout.It’s got the energy of a destination within a destination.
More than a stay—it’s a statement
I came for the staycation. I stayed for the surprises. And I left knowing that Okada had made a statement. A big and bold one.
This integrated resort doesn’t just redefine luxury—it redefines everything you want in a hotel stay, in one shimmering, self-contained universe. Gaming might be what gets you in the door. But trust me—it’s everything else that makes you want more. Whether you’re after next-level gastronomy, indulgent spa escapes, designer loot, elevated entertainment, or yes—even high-roller tables—it’s all here. And then some.
Now excuse me while I figure out how to make “Okada Staycations” a recurring event in my calendar. See you at The Fountain.
ALL PHOTOS BY ANDIE SYYAP
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