If only it could be Capella everyday...

For my birthday treat this year, the husband checked us into the Capella for 2 nights. We couldn't squeeze in a real holiday so we decided to splash out on a local stay, satisfy my desire to stay somewhere new, and give DD the post-reservist treat he deserved.

(On top of 2 weeks of intense training, the poor man virtually didn't sleep for 2 nights and was out in the field for 36 hours so I think he earned it.)

It was ridiculously expensive but oh-so-luxurious. Quite possibly the nicest room we've ever stayed in. I think of the hotels we've ever stayed in, only the MGM Signature in Las Vegas quite matched up in style, room size and overall niceness. Even Noey was suitably impressed. He quickly made himself at home on the bay window, and while walking up and down surveying the pool and sea view, he stopped and said, "nice room". There you have it -- the man has spoken. That little boy really knows how to appreciate the finer things in life, I tell you.

The room as viewed from the window lounge seat. Directly behind the bed is a long vanity counter with his-hers sinks and the walk-in wardrobe.

Wide view. As you can imagine, we spent a lot of time just nuah-ing by the window. It really helps having a pool and sea view!

The entrance to the toilet. The stone shower area is on the left.

The said stone shower area. Quite possibly the shiok-est shower I've had to date, especially when you turn on both the regular shower and the rain shower at the same time (which you can, cos there are 2 taps). Even Noey got in on the act. And it was difficult trying to pry him away.

Noey in his favourite spot. Between pointing out birds nesting in the trees just beyond our window and pointing to the ships at sea, he could be kept busy for quite a while.

Noey's other favourite thing about the room -- free drinks from the minibar! There was Nespresso for Mummy, Coke for Papa and Orange Juice for Noey. Enough to keep the whole family happy. Still, it didn't stop Noey from trying to make off with the Coke when he had the opportunity.

Messing about with the welcome fruit plate. I think he was more interested in playing with the fruit -- his first encounter with rambutan -- than eating it.

All that space to run...
I love how they have integrated the old colonial buildings into an overall modern design. I think they did a great job without looking like they tried too hard and everything sits together beautifully.

Afternoon tea enjoyed in the library. While Mummy settled in with a cuppa, Noey got Papa down to working their way through the children's books.

Peeking out the windows, Noey spotted something that he was more interested in than the books...

...Peacocks on the lawn!

Most of the hap-pea family. (Hur hur.)

"Har-yo Baby Peatock! Har-yo Mama Peatock!"
Noey displays some inter-species hospitality.
"Papa, make them come back!"

The lovely colonial building behind houses the hotel lobby and main reception, with the library on the second level.

Chilling out over breakfast. The chill-out-zone-out vibe was too strong even for Noey, who contemplated life with bread in hand in the comfort of his own personal armchair.

Enjoying my chicken and abalone chok. (Yes, there were actually visible decently-sized slices of abalone in there. Just not too many!)

Eggs ben, sitting pretty.

There is direct access down to Palawan beach so we decided to take a walk. Noey gets suitably hatted out.

Me and my walking hat. I don't know why he insists on pulling the hat all the way down to just above his eyes!

Lunchtime entertainment.
"Hey guys, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Pleeeeeeease Mummy? Can I go down to the sand? Pleeeeeeeeeeese?"

(He didn't get to go down to the sand that day but we went the next day and it was perfect.)

It was as awesome as a holiday can get without leaving the country. The beauty of luxurious lazy days. And sea views. And free orange juice. Life should be so good.