#BoldEscape at Hann Resorts, The First Fully Integrated Resort Up North Day 2

The second day of a #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts brings a full itinerary for the fully integrated resort experience. Dining, gaming, wellness and maybe a bit of shopping and rockin' all in one place? Let's get started...

Day 2 at Hann Resorts reveals even more layers in the casino, hotel, restaurants, wellness and shopping lifestyle from the first fully integrated resort in Central Luzon with a wide variety of activities scheduled to showcase the immersive one-stop integrated resort concept. After a memorable first day (more on Day 1 of my #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts on my previous post here at #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts, The First Fully Integrated Resort Up North Day 1), you're ready for another round of exciting discoveries, new flavors and experiences at the luxurious premier destination up north of Manila. Ready to play bold, live bold? Then, read on...

The concept of a fully integrated resort requires both size and scale to create a clear impression, and this is what Hann Resorts has been doing through the years in Clark Freeport Zone. In a concise and elegantly seamless manner, Hann Resorts has evolved and grown to become the premier destination up north for luxurious hotel stays, gaming, dining, wellness and even shopping. New properties and developments continue to rise in Clark, and the competitive landscape has never been more crowded with several key players in the growing high-end resort sector. But Hann Resorts is in a class all its own as the first fully integrated resort in Central Luzon boasting the first five star hotels within its property with Swissôtel Clark and Clark Marriott. This simply means your hotel, gaming, dining, wellness and even shopping experiences are elegantly elevated setting it apart from other upscale resorts in Clark. That's a lot to take in. So enjoy the view of the scenic mountain side with a freshly brewed cup of coffee in your Premium Room at Swissôtel Clark as you live the fully integrated concept with each soothing sip. 

And the facilities and amenities at Swissôtel Clark are top-notch, consistent with the world-class brand's image. A few laps to start the day?

At The Atrium of Swissôtel Clark, the oasis like vibe enhances your overall experience at Hann Resorts for that much needed #BoldEscape. At The Atrium, you can enjoy some refreshing handcrafted cocktails like your own customized G&T by the bar or some fresh baked treats at Oma's. This is your gateway to the many attractions and flavors of Swissôtel Clark at Hann Resorts. 

Breakfast at MARKT in Swissôtel Clark

And it's here where you'll find the that perfect start to your day with a sumptuous breakfast buffet at MARKT, the all-day dining restaurant of Swissôtel Clark. European and continental fare along with Asian and local cuisine provide tempting options for breakfast, lunch or dinner. 

The open plan and design of MARKT is Swissôtel Clark's homage to the traditional and lively European marketplace with its plaza-style dining space lined by stations and stalls. Bright and spacious with light wood and earth tones and stunning stained glass ceilings, the calming effect makes you feel right at home and that's exactly the mood you need for the first meal of the day. 

The elegant wide open space exudes that distinctly European look and feel consistent with the Swissôtel brand of luxury and function in a casual setting. Elevated dining is after all, part of the Hann Resorts fully integrated resort experience. 

From the fresh variety of salads like Greek Salad, Couscous Salad, Hummus Salad, Grilled Vegetables and even Ensaladang Mangga, MARKT brings the world to your plate...

...best paired with fresh fruit juices from the Juice Bar. You'll also find a wide selection of fresh seasonal fruits for that healthy start to your day at MARKT. 

At the different stations, you'll find Western staples from extra crisp Bacon to European style Sausages and Grilled Tomatoes... 

...along with local dishes like Longanisa for that classic combo with garlic fried rice and egg. 

The selections are varied and extensive, each one a tempting option for the perfect breakfast at MARKT. 

Waffles, Pancakes and French Toast? And Maple Syrup, Honey, Jams and Chocolate Syrup? Check. 

At regular intervals, servers would bring out fresh baked Croissants and flaky Pastries to add to your plate true to its European marketplace inspiration.

A full plate with eggs prepared just the way you like it at the Live Station and a never-empty cup of freshly brewed coffee gets you in the proper groove for a brand new day at Hann Resorts. 

Then, something catches your eye. Something you just don't expect at the usual breakfast buffet...

How can you resist Gelato? For breakfast. Yes, I'll have a double scoop please. A #BoldEscape means trying something new and different each day at Hann Resorts. 

Vibrant Asian Flavors with a Hawker Vibe at Spice

A leisurely walk around the property is a welcome change of pace. One more round at the gaming area? And before you know it, it's time for lunch with sumptuous Asian flavors...

The woks are fired up at Spice, an Asian hawker stall-inspired restaurant located right on the the gaming areas. Open 24/7, Spice serves all the comforting Asian food cravings of serious gamers all-day and all-night long. How to break a bad streak on the Baccarat table or the slot machines? Have a bowl of Pho. Or Laksa. And some steamed dumplings. 

Spice keeps things simple with its fare of Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, Singaporean, Vietnamese and Filipino specialties including a full selection dim sum, noods and rice meals. Comfortingly familiar, it's the kind of place you'd love to visit for those late night cravings. Start with the Fried Shrimp Balls (P 290), savory pork and shrimp balls wrapped in wanton and deep-fried for that delectable crunch. A dip in the Calamansi Mayo Dip gives this treat an elegantly smooth finish. 

Spice rolls out the spring rolls with the Lumpia Shanghai (P 180) filled with savory minced pork, carrots, bell pepper, celery, garlic and onion served with a sweet and spicy chili dip. You can also opt for the Vegetable Spring Rolls (P 200) for an all-vegetable alternative. 

Fresh from the steamers, Spice offers classics like the Siomai (P 250) or steamed pork and shrimp dumplings along with other staples like Hargao (P 280) and Spinach Dumpling (P 280). Made with the freshest ingredients, the flavors are clean and pure guaranteed to fix all your steamed dim sum cravings. 

Then, there's the savory steamed delicacies like the Bean Curd Roll (P 260) with shrimp, pork and vegetables wrapped in soft bean curd skin. The flavors are elegantly nuanced with the the succulent shrimp and savory pork complemented by the deep nutty hints of the bean curd. Other must-try options include Pork Spare Ribs (P 300) and Phoenix Claws (P 320) or steamed braised chicken feet. 

After a round of dim sum, it just makes perfect sense to complete the table with noodle dishes like the Char Kway Teow (P 600) with rice noodles stir-fried with shrimps, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts and sambal sauce. Hot off the flaming wok, each bite delivers a flavorful burst of rich and bold flavors. Other must-try noodle dishes include the Mee Goreng (P 500), Beef Ho Fan (P 600), Phad Thai Goong (P 600), Braised Kuan Miao Noodles (P 520) with soft braised wheat noods and Cantonese Chicken Noodles (P 520). 

My top picks at Spice has to be the comforting duo of Beef Pho (P 520) with thinly sliced beef chuck roll, beef balls, bean sprouts, Thai basil and cilantro in a clear yet rich beef broth...

...and the Laksa (P 650) with shrimp, chicken, boiled egg, tofu puff, bean sprouts, cilantro, noodles and sambal sauce in a thick, creamy and flavorful curry coconut broth. From the clean yet rich savory notes of the Beef Pho to the unrestrained bold flavors of the Laksa, these two bowls have to be on your must-try list when you head over to Spice. Other noodle soup options include the Korean Ramyeon (P 380), Spicy Beef Noodle (P 480), Shrimp Wonton Noodle (P 480) and Pompano Vermicelli Noodle Soup (P 590). 

Also from the menu, diners can savor even more familiar dishes like the Crispy Roasted Chicken (P 500), Crispy Pork Belly (P 590), Honey Glazed Char Siew (P 460), Roasted Baby Back Ribs (P 590) and Roasted Beef Shank (P 600). 

Did you say rice? The Spice Fried Rice (P 300) should do the trick. Loaded with a variety of ingredients, it's a meal in itself. Other rice meals include the Hainanese Chicken (P 550), Nasi Goreng (P 450), Beef Pares (P 400), Chicken Mushroom (P 420), Beef Salpicao (P 600), Salmon Teriyaki (P 900), Marinated Pork Spare Ribs (P 380), Honey Glazed Roasted Pork Belly Char Siew (P 480) and Nasi Lemak Fried Chicken (P 520). 

For dessert, Spice sweetens the deal with some Asian classics as well as familiar local staples with the Mango Sticky Rice (P 250) with sweet mango and coconut milk... 

...and the Banana Spring Roll (P 180) filled with ube paste and langka paired with ice cream for an indulgent spin on the popular treat. Think of it as turon, elevated. And that's how you cap an Asian hawker style feast at Hann Resorts. Next stop? You can try your luck at the slot machines one more time at the gaming areas just literally a few steps from Spice or...

A Much Needed Reboot at Purovel Spa in Swissôtel Clark

...treat yourself to a rejuvenating session at Purovel Spa to heal and recharge your body and spirit. It's one indulgence I never thought I needed and so glad I had the chance to straighten up and smoothen out the loose ends in my battered body. A #BoldEscape also means fixing what sorely needs to be fixed, and that leads you to Purovel Spa at Hann Resorts. 

The tranquil calmness and meditative vibe at Purovel Spa becomes an experience in itself, setting the mood for a near transformational moment you so badly need. Admit it, the years have caught up with you and sharp, stinging pain pops up in places you never even thought of before.  I remember just shrugging the pain off for years, pride has a way of doing that I guess. But not today, Purovel Spa is going to change all that. 

After pointing out several areas of pain, the therapists at Purovel Spa knew exactly what to do. Muscle spasms knotted up from years of exertion and stress were the culprits, and the Well-Being Muscle Recovery Massage (P 2,680-60 mins/P 4,030-90 mins) should be able to fix that. But first, a relaxing 15-minutes at the steam room (yes, each room has a shower and steam room). And then, my Well-Being Muscle Recovery Massage began with a deep pressure full body treatment to knock those stressed muscles into place. A full hour and a half experiencing a liberating release from pain with each gentle jab melting away all the knots and freeing it up. After the session, you immediately notice the changes in your posture and that extra spring with each step. This is exactly what I needed. 

After the session, you're directed to the Vitality Room...

...and served a fresh pot tea as you enjoy your newfound strength. The addition of wellness in your #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts becomes a much appreciated layer to your overall fully integrated resort experience. With its unique blend of Swiss and Far Eastern techniques to balance and revitalize your senses, Purovel Spa offers tailored massage and body treatments to specifically address what your body needs in a serene, intimate and elegant setting consistent with the Swissôtel brand.

And if you're hungry, the Vitality Room at Purovel Spa is well-stocked with fresh fruits, light pastries and a selection of teas to complete your recovery. You do get a little hungry on the road to a full recovery, right? You're now ready for a different kind of therapy...

Shopping Therapy at 8th Avenue Lifestyle Mall  

Reinvigorated and energized with that extra lift with each springy step, walking through the expansive property is a breeze. And this may be the perfect time to explore 8th Avenue Lifestyle Mall, the newest addition to the fully integrated resort experience. You'll find global fashion and beauty brands alongside restaurants and cafes at the strip...

...as well as the latest trending tech. If you're looking for that hard to find accessory to your device or gadget, chances are you'll find it at here at Open Source by Beyond the Box. 

For serious collectors of luxury timepieces, the odds are on your side when you enter the Watch Vault. Simply mention the particular brand and model, and they probably have it in stock. If not, they can order it for you. 

The exquisite pieces from the Watch Vault collection reflects the variety of offerings at the new 8th Avenue Lifestyle Mall...

...revealing yet another layer in the fully integrated resort experience at Hann Resorts. The hotel, gaming, dining, wellness and shopping lifestyle all within the luxurious property strengthens its envious position as the true premier destination of the north. 

An Italian Episode at Ristorante Di Verona

The evening's itinerary in our #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts highlighted a sumptuous dinner at Ristorante Di Verona, the signature "fun-dining" Italian restaurant of Swissôtel Clark. And tonight, authentic pizza and pasta in an elegant setting inspired by Shakespeare's iconic romantic tale offered yet another lavish and flavorful twist to a #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts. 

At the open kitchen helmed by Head Chef Roald Schuur, diners get a glimpse of the magic behind each dish like their specialty pizza and pasta creations. The use of the finest and freshest ingredients coupled with traditional techniques combine for comforting and rustic flavors. At Hann Resorts, you do have the world on your plate. 

One of the many specialties at Ristorante Di Verona has to be the selection of Infused Olive Oil and Balsamic to start your Veronese feast. My picks that evening? The Truffle and Vanilla for a rich blend of deep nutty hints with a subtle creamy sweetness that's perfect with a fresh baked Focaccia and Bread Stick. 

Once you select your flavors, it's then prepared from the cart and served to your table. You can opt for the more traditional and classic Olive Oil and Balsamic combo at Ristorante Di Verona but the infusion of Truffle and Vanilla just elevates the experience with its contrasting yet elegantly balanced finish. 

The Amuse Bouche of potato topped with Prosciutto and pumpkin with Ricotta teases the palate...

... with its bold and rich notes. Then, it finally arrives. It's the pizza that draws you to Ristorante Di Verona. The warm "la cucina italiana" vibe with its traditional and rustic approach to comforting Italian flavors makes Ristorante Di Verona a popular spot for authentic Italian cuisine at Hann Resorts. 

The Pistacchiosa (P 880) with Mortadella, Taleggio and Parmesan cheeses and pistachios with creamy Bechamel is a creative and modern rendition with its unique blend of flavors. The addition of pistachios gives this pizza its distinctive green color along with a nutty sweetness complemented by the Mortadella, Bechamel and blend of Taleggio and Parmesan cheeses for a unique flavor experience. Each ingredient just complements the other without overwhelming each note for balanced flavors. The creamy and sharp flavors of the cheeses and the savory richness of the Mortadella are smoothened by the Bechamel sauce with the nutty sweetness of pistachios binding everything together. This may not be your traditional pizza, but it's a winner in my book.

The Margherita (P 850) with Buffalo Mozzarella, fresh basil and tart tomato sauce on a crisp and rustic crust is a tribute to a timeless classic. The richness of the cheese and mildly sour tartness of the tomato sauce combine for comfortingly familiar flavors with the sweet and mildly peppery hints of basil completing the classic pizza. Once you reach the crust, try dipping it on the Truffle Vanilla Olive Oil and Balsamic. 

Then, there's the pasta. The Ravioli Di Zucca Con Burro (P 650) is an indulgently rich dish with pumpkin ravioli, browned butter, fresh sage and 36-month Parmesan. It's unapologetically rich, which is how I like my pasta. Who doesn't love butter, right? 

The soft yet firm ravioli with its filling of pumpkin is as comforting as it gets. Adding browned butter and the aged 36-month parmesan with its deeper notes just hits it home for a satisfying and even decadently rich pasta. This one goes to my list of must-try pasta dishes at Ristorante Di Verona. 

Pair your pasta and pizza with a bottle of wine, Ristorante Di Verona has an impressive selection displayed in massive glass chillers. Or you can opt for a cocktail like the Sbagliato (P 350) a variation of the traditional Negroni with Prosecco instead of gin. The name of the cocktail is a clue to its origins which means "mistaken" or "messed up." As the tale goes, a bartender mistakenly used sparkling wine instead of gin. The result? Imagine a cross between a Negroni and Aperol Spritz. Refreshingly light with a subtle sweetness. And I can have this "mistaken" cocktail all night long with another slice of pizza at Ristorante Di Verona. 

Rockin' at Hard Rock Cafe

But the night isn't done just yet. And it's about to rock at Hard Rock Cafe located inside Hann Resorts. Opened just last December, Hard Rock Cafe is another attraction with the luxurious property. Known for its comforting American fare, libations and live entertainment, Hann Resorts becomes a rockin' destination too. Just take a look at the impressive stage directly above the bar. Ready to rock?

Enjoy some rockin' bites with the Jumbo Combo (P 1,245) with Signature Wings, Onion Rings, Tupelo Chicken Tenders, Asian Spring Rolls, Fried Dumplings and Tomato Bruschetta with Honey Mustard, Bleu Cheese Dressing and Barbecue Sauce... 

...paired with refreshing cocktails like the Blood Orange Bourbon Sour (P 475) with Jim Beam and blood orange flavored Monin syrup. From breakfast to lunch, a transformative spa experience, window shopping at the new mall and Italian pizza and pasta dinner to more cocktails and tasty bites with rockin' live entertainment, the multi-layered weave of a fully integrated resort is lavishly showcased in a full day at Hann Resorts. No other destination in Clark Freeport Zone comes even close. But there's more. Stay tuned for my next post on Day 3 of a #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts...

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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