#BoldEscape at Hann Resorts, The First Fully Integrated Resort Up North Day 1

Its massive size and scale with multiple layers of gaming, dining, wellness, retail and leisure all seamlessly linked in an elegant weave makes it a premier destination in itself for an immersive and memorable fully integrated resort experience. In an emerging lifestyle sector where going big means everything, one luxurious property up north cuts through the competitive clutter with its unique proposition. And when you need a well deserved break from the hectic urban pace, one name immediately comes to mind... 

Three days of memorable and luxurious experiences in one massive property, it's an insightful peek at the exciting developments north of the metro. Hann Resorts, the first high-end fully integrated resort in Central Luzon where the casino, hotel, restaurants, wellness and shopping experience is intricately threaded in one luxurious destination is at the very top of anyone's list seeking the ultimate escape just a few hours from Manila. But not just any escape. It's time to go all in and play bold, live bold. Ready for your #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts? Then, roll the dice for a sure bet and read on for the first of three posts...

My #BoldEscape experience to Hann Resorts began with a relaxing ride from Manila to the Clark Freeport Zone in one of the property's service vehicles. Why drive when you can simply ride in total comfort? It's the first link that opens a continuous loop of luxurious layers to your #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts. 

As you leisurely approach the property, the "fully integrated resort" concept slowly comes into view. Established back in 2016, Hann Resorts has evolved as the pioneer and acknowledged leader in the upscale integrated lifestyle resort sector. The expansive property boasts of the first five star hotel in Central Luzon with Clark Marriott and the first Swissôtel in the country combining for over 800 rooms with state-of-the-art facilities and unparalleled world-class service. It's the integration of internationally renowned names in the hotel industry that makes the Hann Resorts brand a game-changing force in the Clark Freeport Zone. A closer look at the numbers paints an even more impressive picture with a grand gaming area of well over 130,000 sqm with 147 tables and 868 slot machines and counting plus two VIP clubs for local and foreign members. Situated in what many consider the culinary capital of the country, Hann Resorts boasts of 15 acclaimed restaurants, bars and cafes in one fully integrated resort. The newly opened 8th Avenue Lifestyle Mall is a recent addition to the expanding property. A retail strip showcasing a wide array of global brands in lifestyle and fashion, it's yet one more layer in your fully integrated resort experience at Hann Resorts. But Hann Resorts isn't done just yet with the much anticipated development of the 450-hectare luxury estate, Hann Reserve, with three 18-hole golf courses complemented by sought after international hotel luxury brands Banyan Tree, Sofitel and Emblems by Accor, The Luxury Collection and Westin by Marriott International.

Exquisite Swiss Style at Swissôtel Clark

And my home for the next three days? A luxurious stay at Swissôtel Clark sets the mood and tone for my #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts. A prestigious five-star property reflecting Swiss vitality and craftsmanship in an impressive 22-storey structure draped in glass and steel, Swissôtel Clark blends functional Swiss style with a modern and contemporary design for a comforting getaway at the Clark Freeport Zone. 

The Premium Rooms of Swissôtel Clark are available in 1 King or 2 Double Bed configurations offering scenic mountain side or pool views. More than just your own private sanctuary and home away from home, this is where the #BoldEscape experience at Hann Resorts truly begins. 

Thoughtfully designed with all the modern comforts and amenities in that functional yet elegant Swiss style, Swissôtel Clark is far enough from the city's frantic vibe yet right at the center and just a few steps away from the many attractions of Hann Resorts. A short walk around the property showcases the concept of a fully integrated resort, the first of its kind in Clark. 

But it's the little touches that make you feel at home the moment you enter your Premium Room at Swissôtel Clark. This is my kind of welcome drink...

The GinPom is Swissôtel Clark's homage to the local street bartender or "tangero." The pre-mixed cocktail is a soothing blend of fresh pomelo, guava juice and Pinoy Pride Archipelago Gin finished with tonic water and garnished with a fresh sprig of rosemary. There's just no better way to start your #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts than with a refreshing libation...

...and this view to complete the mood and vibe enjoyed from your room's panoramic glass window. A former military airbase, the Clark Freeport Zone is in an exciting transition phase with impressive developments in the pipeline solidifying its position at the premier destination up north. And right in the middle of it all is Hann Resorts. One more quick glance at the picturesque view and another satisfying sip of the GinPom gets you ready and all set for lunch...

Cantonese Fine Dining at Wu Xing in Clark Marriott

Just a few steps from Swissôtel Clark takes you to the five-star Clark Marriott with its own array of tempting dining options, all within the comfortable climate controlled air-conditioned interiors of Hann Resorts. If Cantonese cuisine is on your list, Wu Xing is definitely the spot for a sumptuous and elegant feast. 

The signature Cantonese fine dining restaurant of Clark Marriott, Wu Xing is home to Clark's best Peking Duck prepared in a proper Beijing oven and gently smoked with star apple wood. That day, we sampled the specialties of Wu Xing revealing the many flavors of Hann Resorts. 

Inside one of Wu Xing's intimate private rooms, Clark Marriott Executive Chef Simon Moon prepared a lavish feast highlighting many of their popular dishes...

...including the much talked about Roasted Beijing Duck, plated in a traditional pancake wrap with hoisin sauce. Each bite drapes the palate with the juicy richness of the duck perfectly tempered by the sharp notes of the hoisin sauce. One more bite just confirms what you already know. This is the best Peking Duck in Clark. And you'll find it at Clark Marriott in Hann Resorts.

Tasty bites in an elegant rendition comes in the form of the Scallop Dumpling with succulent shrimp, squid ink and golden leaf. The freshness of the ingredients delivers rich and clean flavors combining for an opulent bite of the day's fresh catch. The firm yet soft texture of the scallop and shrimp combine for a delectable snap followed by a flavorful burst of briny sweetness with the squid ink adding depth. 

The soothing richness of the Spinach Soup with Fish Maw lingers on the palate like a comforting hug, with each succeeding sip intensifying the flavors. The crunch of the fish maw adds textural contrast to the dish along with its distinctive notes. 

The Homemade Tofu in Abalone Sauce offers another delectable play on contrasting textures with the nutty flavors of tofu enhanced by the mildly sweet and savory abalone sauce for another hearty dish at Wu Xing. 

Another specialty at Wu Xing not to be missed is the Roasted Pork Belly with juicy pork capped by a layer delicately light and crisp crackling. The savory richness of the pork is balanced by the subtle sharpness of the Chinese mustard with just a hint of sweetness. 

Clark Marriott Executive Chef Simon Moon then served his Wok-Fried Prawn with oyster sauce, vegetables and jasmine rice. Each bite is announced by an audible snap releasing fresh flavors perfectly finished by the salty hints of the oyster sauce. 

And for dessert, the Mango Cream Sago with pomelo flakes is the picture-perfect sweet ending to a lavish Cantonese feast at Wu Xing. 

Wu Xing is just one of the many culinary jewels at Hann Resorts. In the next three days, I would soon discover and experience a world of flavors all in one place at the first fully integrated resort in Clark. 

Sunset Sips and Savory Bites at Smoki Moto in Clark Marriott

After a few rounds at the gaming areas, it was time to head up to the top of Clark Marriott. It's magic hour...

...and the perfect time for some libations with a dramatic view of the Zambales Mountain Range as the backdrop. Sunset and sips? Yes, please.

The Smoked Old Fashioned (P 620) is just what you need to enjoy the shifting afternoon light on the mountains from the top of Marriott Clark at Smoki Moto. The unique vantage point makes Smoki Moto a favorite among guests and the perfect spot for cocktails. Smoki Moto is also known for their Signature Smoked Cocktails for that extra layer and depth of flavor like the Vodka Rage, My Precious Cognac, Gin Thriller, Rum Eclipse and the Smoked Old-Fashioned (my personal pick).

But Clark Marriott Executive Chef Simon Moon has even more tasty surprises from his kitchen at Smoki Moto...

Inside Smoki Moto, the warmth of the fading afternoon light leaves a golden glow on the elegant space...

...as your table is prepared. Pick a table at the very edge of Smoki Moto. And don't forget to look down...

The glass flooring at the edge of Clark Marriott gives you a peek at the action below. It's one of the unique features of the restaurant bar specializing in Korean, Japanese and American cuisine high up at Clark Marriott. 

A garden fresh and crisp salad with creamy sesame dressing kicks off your feast at Smoki Moto, opening up the palate for the next courses...

...as the Sake Aburi Maki (P 1,000) with 8 pieces of maki filled with salmon belly and topped with crispy potatoes makes its entrance. The intricate maki creations offers both contrasting textures and flavors in one bite. 

The impressive Premium Sashimi Moriawase (P 4,500) includes a tempting array of fresh seafood, 14 kinds in all like tuna, salmon, octopus, ebi, sea urchin roe or uni, scallops, hamachi and more placed on a sushi boat. Think of this as your ocean harvest for the day at Hann Resorts. 

Next, comforting Korean flavors take centerstage with the hot and spicy Kimchi Jeonggol (P 1,700), a pork and kimchi hotpot with just the right level of heat with each soothing sip. The Kimchi Jeonggol is everything we love about Korean cuisine from the savory richness to the spicy finish. 

The Cheese Osam Bulgogi (P 1,100) is an inventive twist on the classic Korean grilled staple with pork belly and tender squid topped with cheese and vegetables. The flavorful medley of squid and pork belly become even more indulgent with cheese as just a whisper of soothing heat cuts through the richness for that delicately balanced finish. 

The iconic LA Galbi (P 1,600) with seasoned US Beef Short Ribs fresh off the grill brings rich, savory and beefy notes with just a hint of smokiness to the palate pairing well with a bowl of steamed white rice. The quality of the beef comes through from the very first bite delivering a lingering savory richness on the palate. 

For the main event, Clark Marriott Executive Chef Simon Moon presented the Wagyu Ribeye (P 5,400-400g) paired with their signature sides of Smashed Potato and Buttercream Sweetcorn. Richly seasoned, you don't need any sauce at all. Why clutter a perfectly good slab of beef, right? And that's pretty much how I enjoy my steak. Smoki Moto offers an extensive array of Australian Black Angus and Wagyu steaks on the menu from the massive Black Angus Tomahawk to Porterhouse, Tenderloin and Prime Rib and Wagyu Porterhouse, Striploin, Tenderloin and Flank Steak. But you can't go wrong with the Wagyu Ribeye at Smoki Moto. 

The sweet finale at Smoki Moto is the decadent Pistachio Opera (P 400) with its ornately layered presentation and delicate nutty sweetness. Not too sweet, just right and perfect with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Other equally tempting options include the chocolatey Mt. Pinatubo Delight and Hazelnut Praline. 

A Shopping Spree at Hann Resorts

The day's meals slowly add up and a good long walk is a good idea. It's also a good time to check out the newest addition to the fully integrated resort complex for some shopping therapy. 

As you leisurely walk along the newest strip within Hann Resorts, another colorful layer in the fully integrated resort experience is slowly revealed. That's right, you don't even have to venture out of the property for some serious shopping. You'll find that designer piece right here at 8th Avenue Lifestyle Mall. 

Trending tech? Here's the spot at 8th Avenue Lifestyle Mall. But there's one more stop for a nightcap at Hann Resorts, and we'll come back to the new mall on my next post...

My Own Secret Bar at Taboo Bar

Far from the usual crowds, Taboo Bar at Hann Resorts is your secret dive for a round or two of handcrafted cocktails. Exclusive to members with its own gaming tables, Taboo Bar has an area that's open to the public for that last cocktail for the night. 

With its cool speakeasy vibe, Taboo Bar is your own secret spot at Hann Resorts. Hidden, discrete and tucked away inside Hann Resort, you can enjoy round after round of handcrafted cocktails in the relative peace and quiet of Taboo Bar. 

The evening's nightcap is served...

...with the DB (P 350), described as the "Negroni's autumnal cousin." The cocktail is loosely inspired by the Boulevardier, a variation of the Negroni with a secret darker side from the complexity of Chinato Vermouth or a blend of Scotch, Campari and Vermouth. Sweet, mildly bitter and refreshingly soothing, the DB is the perfect libation as things slowly winds down on the first day of your #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts. 

For some, another round of cocktails at Taboo Bar in Hann Resorts is just the beginning of infinite possibilities. After all, a truly #BoldEscape calls for you to play bold, live bold. And I'll raise a toast to that. And this is just the first day of a #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts with so many more experiences and memorable stories to explore and share in the very first fully integrated resort in Central Luzon. For more on Hann Resorts, see my next posts for Days 2 and 3 at #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts, The First Fully Integrated Resort Up North Day 2 and #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts, The First Fully Integrated Resort Up North Day 3.

Hann Resorts is located along M. A Roxas Highway corner C.M. Recto, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. You can also visit their website, FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.hannresorts.com/, https://www.facebook.com/hannresorts/ and https://www.instagram.com/hannresorts_/ formore information and updates or call (045) 306 1000 for inquiries. 

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