A Very Raffles Weekend...

There are just a handful of prestigious hotel properties in the world that exude a richness and depth of history, old world colonial elegance and charm...

...one of them is Raffles. The very name takes you back to the golden age of travel when Hemingway sought solace with his favorite cocktail at the Long Bar after a long voyage and Maugham indulged in afternoon tea for a taste of home in the tropics. Here in Manila, that same signature style that made Raffles synonymous with an elegance from a bygone era is recreated at Raffles Makati.

The sleek and modern edifice that bears the proud name of Raffles glistens in the afternoon sun with its clean lines wrapped in an impressive glass shroud. The architectural masterpiece is situated at the heart of Makati's bustling commercial and business district, bringing the old and new together in a seamless blend. But beyond its contemporary design is a tradition of service from the days when the British empire ruled half the world. Raffles Makati is a destination in itself, your own secret oasis in a city forever on the move.  

Inside the lobby, guests are taken back in time on a nostalgic journey of simple and understated elegance with its magnificent marble floors, plush carpets and soft, velvety smooth leather with impressive crystal chandeliers and fresh flowers. It's a welcome change of pace from the mad rush of the city, and time simply stops at Raffles Makati. 

Raffles Makati has been home for the weekend countless times, but each visit always feels like the first time (for more on my previous staycations at Raffle Makati, see my post, Old World Colonial Elegance and Provencal Flavors: A Weekend at Raffles Makati). My home for the weekend is the Junior Suite with its twin queen bed configuration (you can also opt for the single King bed layout). And there's just nothing "junior" about the elegant Junior Suite at Raffles Makati...

...with its spacious 60 square meters of pure luxury. The dark wood of antique furnishings and hardwood floors and earth tones from the hand-tufted rug soothes the senses, but it's the expansive space that really sets you far from the city even when you're right in the center of it all. Luxurious satin silks, plush cotton linens and intricate damask provides that tactile sense of opulence to complete your experience. Each Junior Suite can accommodate two adults and two children making it ideal for family getaways.

A parlour and executive work area separates the bedroom for more privacy with wooden louvres, just in case you need to catch up on several deadlines for the weekend. Guests can enjoy complimentary wired and wireless internet access and a large flat screen LCD television with cable so you don't miss a thing.

Back at the bedroom, natural light comes in through the panoramic floor-to-ceiling glass windows with magnificent views of the Makati CBD.

An expansive walk-in closet leads to an equally luxurious bath with this elegant deep-soak tub...

...along with other fine touches like indulgent bath amenities, a separate shower stall with soothing rain shower head enclosed in pristine glass walls. The abundance of space is a luxury in itself, and you get all that and more at the Junior Suite (for best rates, visit their website at https://www.raffles.com/makati/).

A bowl of seasonal fresh fruits welcomes you to another memorable weekend at Raffles Makati. Plus, you get to experience thoughtful and discreet service by a Raffles butler to make your stay even more special. Just think of it as your own suite escape for the weekend.

Each Junior Suite has a well-stocked refreshment area with tea and coffee-making facilities and a mini-bar with snacks. Complimentary bottles of water and premium coffee pods from Malongo ensures you have everything you need during your stay right in your very own Junior Suite at Raffles Makati. 

A freshly brewed cup of Malongo coffee charges up your body...

...pairing well with another sweet and indulgent touch from Raffles Makati. They always remember. To ensure a blissful sleep, a Pillow Menu (R) is placed on your bed. Simply call Butler Service for your choice of pillow, including Technogel, VE Memory Foam, Buckwheat and special Pregnancy Pillows for a great night's sleep.  

In the afternoon, if you somehow convince yourself to get out of bed, why not take a swim? Or better yet, enjoy a leisurely Afternoon Tea at Writers Bar (more on Writers Bar and afternoon tea on my posts, Tea with a French Accent: The Royal Afternoon Tea Series Featuring Marie Antoinette at Writers Bar recreating the lavish indulgence of the royal courts, Doing It Right: Tea Etiquette at The Writers Bar's Queen Victoria Royal Afternoon Tea on the proper way of enjoying afternoon tea, the Holly Golightly inspired afternoon tea at Breakfast at Tiffany's? Make That Afternoon Tea at Tiffany's. At Writers Bar. and Afternoon Tea with a New York Twist at Writers Bar inspired by the late designer Kate Spade).

In the evening, have a sumptuous buffet dinner at Spectrum with their lavish spread of international dishes...

...including the day's freshest catch, from succulent mussels...

...to plump clams, crabs, elephant clams and shrimps. Great as is with a squeeze of lemon or a local vinegar dip, you can also have your fresh catch prepared the way you like it by the station chefs. Lightly sauteed with garlic and butter? That always works for me. Spectrum has so much to offer, it will take a second visit to fully experience the delectable spread (for more on Spectrum and their diverse culinary offerings, see my earlier posts, Fresh Catch: The Seafood Sunday Brunch at Spectrum, Fresh Off The Grill: Spectrum's Sunday Brunch at The Ranch, It's Definitely More Fun in Spectrum: The Awesome Sunday Brunch 2, and Celebrating Modern Spanish Cuisine with Private Chef Chin Gallegos-Bagis of Pio's Kitchen at Spectrum).

From the sea to your plate, at Spectrum. One bite and the briny sweetness of the succulent shellfish and shrimps drapes your palate with a fresh richness, followed by the nutty notes of garlic and finished by the indulgent butter. The shrimps are so fresh, an audible snap announces each bite. 

Have a refreshing Poke Bowl from the Poke Station (L) loaded with fresh seafood, vegetables and fresh fruits on rice or why not enjoy some tasty nibbles of sweet watermelon and feta cheese on skewers (R)?  The convenient layout of the buffet spread at Spectrum allows you to take your time and enjoy each tasty stop.

Start your feast with a comforting bowl of Cream of Asparagus...

...or go straight to business with the hearty flavors of savory Hungarian Goulash.

In between bites, enjoy the fresh and clean flavors of premium Salmon Sashimi...

...along with some assorted sushi from the Japanese Station.

Change the pace with some fine gourmet cheeses and charcuterie...

...or why not have a comforting bowl of Laksa? At Spectrum's Laksa Station, bowls of laksa are prepared a la minute by the station chef so you get it fresh and hot. Simply choose your ingredients and spice level and the station chef will serve it to you in minutes.

You'll also find comforting local dishes, like the Lechon Sisig...

...Inihaw na Liempo...

...and crunchy Crispy Pata. Each day, the extensive buffet spread at Spectrum takes you on a flavorful culinary journey around the world, one plate at a time.  

Over at the Satay Station, diners can choose from richly seasoned, marinated and spiced chicken, fish, beef, squid, and shrimps on skewers. Just pick up a plate, load up on your skewers and hand it over to the station chef for grilling. After a few minutes...

...your satay is served, fresh from the grill.

For the sumptuous and savory mains, the Carving Station served an impressive spread of Porchetta with tender and juicy pork capped by a lightly crisp outer layer of crackling...

...and a massive slab of Roast Beef along with Roast Leg of Lamb and rustic country-style Roast Chicken. At the Carving Station, diners can aslo choose from a wide range of roasted vegetables and sauces to pair with their main course.

For dessert, Spectrum also impresses with a wide array of tempting treats...

...from elegant cakes to intricate pastries and everything in between.

A walk around the side of the Dessert Station reveals even more indulgent creations in every imaginable form and color. The pastry chefs at Spectrum take pride in their creations, and this is evident in each of the ornate desserts showcased at the Dessert Station.  

A glass jar filled to the brim with chocolate gold coins catches my eye...and like a throwback to simpler times, I just had to have some...

...and return with a plate filled with decadent desserts. And some chocolate gold coins.

Don't pass up on the ice cream too. If they serve English Toffee, get two scoops of that. Trust me. Experience a lavish buffet dinner at Spectrum for only P 2,600 net per person (Sunday to Thursday) and P 2,800 net per person (Friday and Saturday) from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

As you return to your Junior Suite, the beds have been turned down...

...and slippers delicately placed by your bed side.

At precisely the agreed time, our butlers returned with a special kit to ensure a blissful night's sleep...

...the Raffles Spa Aromatherapy with Relax Deep and Revive Morning Oils. The special kit comes with soft eye pads and an hour glass timer. The butlers then proceeded with the product briefing, explaining the special aromatherapy treatment in simple terms. For most travelers, sleeping can be a problem, but not with this. 

The Raffles Sleep Ritual is part of the Raffles Emotional Wellbeing Programme that ensures a pleasant and memorable stay. Simply rub the Relax Deep Oil on your hands and torso for five minutes and let it naturally warm your body. Cup your hands and breathe in the soothing scent and inhale deeply three times. Then, take a quick warm shower and one more whiff of the Relax Deep Oil before hitting the bed. You can also opt to pour a third of the Relax Deep Oil to your tub for a warm and relaxing soak. The warmth of the oil lingers, and before you know it, it's morning. Dab a few drops of the Revive Morning Oil and rub it on your torso. Rested and rejuvenated, the bright notes of the Revive Morning Oil sharpens your senses and you're ready for breakfast.

Inclusive in the package of your Junior Suite is a complimentary breakfast at Spectrum...

...where a lavish buffet spread starts your day. From hearty local dishes to light continental fare, Spectrum helps you start the day right with its impressive selection of tasty offerings.

And you can come back for more. But if you prefer a more intimate setting...

...you can always head up to Mireio for a taste of Provence in the metro (for more on Mireio, see my other posts, Brunch Redefined at Mireio's Luxe Sunday Brunch, Elevating The Brunch Experience at Mireio's Luxe Sunday Brunch Buffet, A Provencal Lunch with Chef de Cuisine Herve Clair at Mireio and A Taste of Provence at Mireio). Draped in a dreamy blue haze which I call the Mireio light pouring in from the dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, the luxurious yet casual interiors of Mireio exudes a rustic charm warmed by the vibrant colors of Provencal-inspired art and fresh flowers. 

The calm stillness of a Sunday morning at Mireio leaves you in a dreamy state. Mireio is the perfect setting for a leisurely and unhurried breakfast. With your Junior Suite package, you can enjoy one a la carte dish as well as the Continental Buffet spread at Mireio which includes a tempting selection to start your day right...  

...like gourmet cheeses...

...premium Norwegian Smoked Salmon and local Smoked Tanigue...

...along with freshly-squeezed chilled fruit juices, artisan bread, salads, fruits and cereals.

The bold and creamy notes of a soothing Latte gets you in the breakfast mood, and the sharp yet refreshing flavors of cranberry and orange juices opens up the palate for your early morning feast.

The staff at Mireio also prepared freshly-squeezed shots of seasonal fruits to perk you up. It's the little touches that add up to a multi-layered and continuous chain of experiences that make your stay at Raffles Makati special.

A freshly baked croissant with different cheeses and charcuterie starts your breakfast...

...followed by your main course like the popular Beef Tapa served with garlic fried rice and two organic sunny-side up eggs...

...the Eggs Benedict with your choice of Norwegian Smoked Salmon or Parisian Ham, served with hash brown, crispy bacon and Parisian mushrooms...

...and the Pancakes topped with Pan-Seared Berries.

Weekends have always been more than perfect at Raffles Makati with a hearty breakfast at Mireio. Other must-try breakfast dishes at Mireio include the Classic Parisian Omelet with Onion, Ham and Mushrooms; Scrambled Eggs with Black Truffle Jus and Chives, Crepe with 72% Dark Chocolate, Crepe with Seasonal Fresh Fruits, French Toast with Cinnamon Roasted Banana, Pancakes with Maple Syrup and Almonds and Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso and Nori.    

One more trip back at the continental buffet spread leads to a bowl of cereal with almonds and pistachios. You'd be surprised at how you've missed this breakfast staple.

One last cup of Latte, and the promise of a light and short snooze awaits at your own Junior Suite.

Heading back to your Junior Suite, you can't help but look back at the many welcoming faces who all made your weekend at Raffles Makati such a memorable one, like Rose of Security (L) and Kath of Mireio (R)...

...along with Bradley, Nante and JM, our butlers from the Junior Suite... 

...all have become friends during my countless visits to Raffles Makati, adding a special personal touch to a very Raffles weekend.

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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