I like the old timey heritage feels. The soul and culture of a place are most exciting to me. Y'all have read of my love for Vigan. Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar cultivated all of this. The history alone is awe-inspiring, twenty seven different homes from all over Luzon meticulously taken down, transported and then piece by piece put back together. This alone was enough to peak my interest. The charm doesn't stop there. Throw in the cobblestone roads, plaza, lago and the beach and it's almost a dream. The grounds of Las Casas are sprinkled with drops of wonder. While waiting for our room, the boys were captivated by these feathered friends. Paseo de Escolta is located just off the Plaza Atienza and houses guest rooms and these darling shops.

The grounds of Las Casas are really what is most charming and the main reason to go. Every step or view has a feel of being transported back in time. There wasn't a space that didn't invite a feeling of excitement. The vines growing on the buildings, the cobble stones, the staff in traditional Katipunan gear, the detail of the creaky wood floors- it is all an experience!

Guests are able to stay in many of the original casas, as wells as a number of traditional hotel rooms. The hotel halls are still constructed of reused materials with the indented purpose of matching the authentic feel of the transplanted casas.

Each room is quite spacious. We were fortunate enough to have a room with a loft. The whole 'feel' of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is old timey- expect this. If you are coming to Las Casas you are not going to a swanky business hotel, you are stepping back in time for an experience. With all that said, the beds are all very comfortable, the rooms are spacious, the bathrooms are new and the aircons were powerful. :)

Adding to the wonder; a game room! The kids played for hours here from darts to Filipino billiards to sungka. They also have kites you can use free for one hour. Las Casas really is an ideal place for families. It feels like an inclusive resort with the amenities all so accessible.

The pool, disguised as a lago, was our sweet spot. It was the grit and boulders that added t0 the authenticity. The gradual descent into the water was perfect for my baby. We jumped off the boulders into the pool and walked across them like a bridge. If we ever build our own pool I totally want to model it like this one. *Again, this is not a swanky chic hotel but is going for a very organic and authentic feel.

The beach was so warm and calm. The boys loved playing in the dark sand for hours. There isn't any shading right on the beach so make sure to protect your skin.

The last few months I've started eating more Filipino food and it has helped tremendously when traveling. I finally know what certain foods are and what combinations I like. Las Casas' main restaurant, Filispa, is Filipino food using all local produce and ingredients. *If you go for a day tour you will have a set menu for your meals. For breakfast you have three choices: pork, fish or chicken sausage. I always order my kids hard boiled eggs and rice or toast. Breakfast also came with a delicious bread basket which included local puto or hot tablea chocolate and pandesal, my weak spot. *You must order the taro ice cream topped with crushed glutinous rice that adds the perfect crunch. It is all made in house!

Lunch and dinner options can vary as you can eat at the Mexican inspired restaurant, Cafe Del Rio or Le Bella Teodora Italian, which is open on weekends and has rave reviews.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar offers day tour with use of beach, meal included and heritage tour. I highly recommend this as the price tag is more than fair and you still get a taste of the magic at Las Casas.

The heritage tour was phenomenal. The tours run multiple times an hour and the guides are well trained and passionate. Of the 27 original Las Casas you tour 14 of them placing the tour at just around 30 minutes for a small group. It was perfect timing for me. Each of these homes was purchased from all over Luzon. They came from Binondo, La Union, Nueva Ecija, Quiapo, Pampanga, Quezon and other regions. Each home was dismantled and numbered, then carefully transported and meticulously restored back together piece by piece, number by number. Unbelievable! The real kicker of the tour was seeing photos of the casas in their original setting.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar added to a history that has deepened my love even more for this country. If you are looking for a quick escape from the city and want to sink your teeth into picturesque settings, cultural heritage and family fun this is your place. There are so many gems so near the metro, I highly recommend this as your next escape. If you are not keen on spending the night,try the day tour for a more economical price. It includes transportation and a set meal.

Things To Know:

You must stop at the Pilar Zip line and Mount Samat on your drive home.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is located in Bataan, just a 3-4 hour drive away from Manila.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar | Brgy. Pag-asa, Bagac, Bataan, 2107, Philippines | Phone Numbers: +63 2 332 5338, +63 2 332 5286, +63 2 877 4501, +63 2 877 4502
Getting there was fairly easy and road signs for Las Casas started 60+ km away and have multiple along the way.
We were initially booked in a room at La Puesta del Sol near the beach but there was heavy construction on going. If you are going in the next few months I recommend staying near Plaza Atienza as it close to the restaurants, shops, game room and pool.
Day tours start at 1,999 and include transpo.
Thanks to my friend Alma who always finds and shares these gems. Read about her experience here.