Sun, sea, and sail at Subic Lighthouse

The Lighthouse Marina Resort

When this former naval base claimed “It’s more Fun-tastic in Subic,” it is no empty boast, as this top destination has a formidable arsenal of attractions – theme parks, specialty restaurants and bars, water sports, nature treks, and a wide array of family-oriented activities.

And with its gradual reopening to tourism, this consummate getaway beckons wanderers once more with its unique blend of majestic mountains, the sun, sea, and everything in between.

The Lighthouse Marina Resort, a boutique luxury hotel, is the place to be when rediscovering the charm of Subic Bay. Arguably among the best in the Freeport, this maritime-themed hotel boasts of cozy seaview rooms, intimate lounges, infinity pools, and breezy beachfront spaces.

Its dining outlet, The Sands Resto, offers succulent international dishes which are old-time favorites of navigators and captains of industry – Mediterranean, Oriental, European. It also offers occasional al fresco seaside buffet barbecue dinner comprised mainly of seafood and tender red meat.

Sands Restaurant

It also has the sailor-motifed 360 Bar right below its iconic lighthouse, which serves sub-zero beer and a wide variety of spirits ideal for mariners and ocean-lovers.

Take dining to the next level by sampling a bespoke lifestyle even for a few hours by chartering their yacht and savor the elegance of a sunset cruise cocktails or dinner at the Instagrammable bay. The Lighthouse Marina Resort is also at the forefront of reliving the Bay’s old glory days as a centuries-old maritime hub through its Subic Sailing Club (SSC).

“The hotel organizes regattas to enhance yachtsmanship, foster camaraderie among gentlemen sailors, and position Subic as the country’s premier sailing and yachting haven,” says SSC executive director Zed Avecilla.

In recent years, The Lighthouse and the Club have spearheaded the Subic Bay Around Verde Island Passage Race, and the Chairman’s Cup Regatta, which saw the biggest assembly of sailboats in Philippine waters. It has also helped host the sailing competitions in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, and other prestigious international sailing events.

And even during the COVID-19 pandemic, sailing is a safe sport as boats glide into the tranquil waters away from the madding crowd.

Newbies to sailing can get their hands in the easy-to-maneuver dinghies, as well as paddleboards and kayaks with the help of the hotel’s water recreational coaches.

Avecilla, who is also the Philippine Sailing Association’s vice president, said that The Lighthouse envisions to be a playground for aquasports and training ground for international regattas.

The hotel can also facilitate activities such as golfing at the Desmond Muirhead-designed 18-hole, par 72 Subic International Golf Club, scuba diving at Subic Bay’s shipwrecks and reefs, biking around the tropical rainforests, horseback riding, jungle survival with the Aeta tribes, and hopping around the secluded coves of Zambales.

On top of its world-class hospitality service, The Lighthouse has also taken the corporate advocacy to preserve Subic Bay’s rich marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystem for the generations to come.

For more information, visit www.lighthousesubic.com, or follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.