There are hotels that promise escape, and then there is Okada Manila—an entire universe of curated indulgence wrapped inside 44 hectares of bold architecture, decadent dining, and Japanese-inflected hospitality. It is the sort of destination that can host an international convention, a multigenerational reunion, a milestone celebration, and a mother-daughter weekend—all at once, all as flawlessly as is humanly possible. This is a destination where high stakes and soft landings walk hand-in-hand.
I had long known of Okada Manila as the landmark of Entertainment City, a magenta-and-gold palace that rises like a mirage beside Manila Bay. “Manila’s Grand Icon” and the Philippines’ largest Forbes Travel Guide 5-star resort, accorded Forbes 5-star status for six consecutive years as of 2025. But even though I’d visited the integrated resort many times for work events and leisure, this recent staycation with my daughter revealed new layers of its scale and soul. It’s as though each visit uncovers fresh dimensions of luxury—a precision-crafted ballet of experiences that balances whimsy and polish, the personal and the grand, the intimate and the spectacular.
An Executive Suite that breathes
Our home for this particular stay was one of Okada Manila’s Executive Suites, a space that doesn’t so much house guests as envelop and ensconce them. The space unfolds in generous proportions—living and dining areas, a work desk that means business, and a bedroom cushioned in quiet. Soft lighting, clean contemporary lines, and carefully placed color make the suite feel residential without sacrificing functionality.
The bathroom is practically a private spa, with a deep soaking tub and rainfall shower, all clad in marble. Soundproofing ensures peace and privacy, a thoughtful detail that enhances comfort for families, executives, or anyone craving a buffer from the city. Of course, Okada’s accommodations all feature their super useful Digvalet Service, your personal command center for everything from lights and air-conditioning to room service and booking schedules within the resort.
A glimpse into ultra-luxury
The suite was only the introduction to the luxe life. Later in our stay, we toured (and ogled at) Okada’s Villas, including the headline-making Royal Maisonette Suite, which redefined the word “suite” entirely. Multilevel residences with private elevators, expansive balconies, and living areas that transform lounging into something ceremonial, these villas exude indulgence through precise, ultra-posh design.
Walking through the Royal Maisonette, I could picture engagement dinners, milestone birthdays, and VIP gatherings unfolding with ease. It struck me then that Okada Manila isn’t just a luxury hotel—it’s a place where memories are staged with care.
The MICE capital of Entertainment City
Few properties balance leisure and business with such ease, yet Okada Manila achieves it spectacularly. The Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 1,200 guests, while the Golden and Glass Ballrooms suit mid-sized events. The striking Crystal Pavilion and Cove Manila—the indoor beach club and events dome—are equally suited to high-impact corporate launches or elegant black-tie affairs.
The resort’s MICE credentials are earned: TTG Travel Awards recognized it as the Best Meetings & Conventions Hotel. Turnkey packages cover meals, coffee breaks, high-speed Wi-Fi, stationery, and advanced multimedia systems. With its strategic location in Parañaque’s Entertainment City, minutes from the airport and central business districts, Okada Manila is a natural hub for conventions, incentives, and hybrid events that require five-star service and flawless execution.
With its strategic location in Parañaque’s Entertainment City, minutes from the airport and central business districts, Okada Manila is a natural hub for conventions, incentives, and hybrid events that require five-star service and flawless execution.
Omotenashi and the art of connection
What impressed my daughter and me most was Okada’s embrace of omotenashi, the Japanese philosophy of anticipatory hospitality. Beyond infrastructure, Okada Manila is defined by this brand of service. Staff anticipated our needs before we even voiced them: servers remembered our coffee preferences, therapists adjusted pressure intuitively, and the front desk tailored its approach to us as a mother-daughter pair.
This philosophy extends beyond service—it shapes the way guests experience connection and bonding. My daughter and I found spaces that invited relaxation and conversation, while colleagues or friends could experience seamless collaboration in venues designed for comfort and efficiency. At Okada Manila, Every interaction, from personalized greetings to subtle touches in suites and lounges, fosters an environment where bonds—whether familial, social, or professional—naturally strengthen. Omotenashi here is not only about hospitality, but about curating experiences that resonate, sustain, and leave a lasting impression.
A gastronomic playground
Okada Manila’s culinary landscape is a masterclass in variety, precision, and thoughtful presentation. In fact, our culinary exploration became one of the highlights of our stay. Each restaurant within this mega complex offers a distinct identity, yet all share a commitment to freshness, quality, and creativity.
Medley exemplifies this balance with its expansive selection spanning international fare and Filipino classics, where carefully concocted global delicacies and artfully plated savory dishes coexist with comfort-driven favorites. The arrangement and flow feel effortless, elevating the buffet into an experience of refined abundance. And, even in a buffet setting, each station felt well put-together, with flavorful and distinct dishes. Best of all: unlimited drinks! Definitely not something you see at your typical hotel buffet setup.
Korean cuisine at Goryeo transforms grilling into an immersive ritual. Premium dishes are accompanied by an array of banchan, carefully composed to complement and contrast each bite. Flavors are robust yet restrained, offering a culinary equilibrium that engages the palate without overwhelming it. My daughter and I particularly enjoyed the Tteokbokki—the chewy, soft rice cakes drenched in a spicy, sweet, and savory gochujang sauce. The sauce was perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of heat to warm your mouth without overwhelming the taste buds. Each bite of the rice cakes was comforting, slightly caramelized at the edges, and soaked up all that rich, velvety sauce.
Meanwhile, Japanese dining at Enbu and Kappou Yoshi demonstrates the art of restraint and technique. Enbu blends warmth and intimacy with skillfully executed dishes—sushi, yakitori, tempura—each bite a testament to ingredient quality and meticulous preparation. Kappou Yoshi takes this a step further, where contemporary Kyoto cuisine is rendered with exacting precision in an open-kitchen format that highlights craftsmanship and narrative. Here, each dish we ordered proved an elegant, deliberate expression of flavor, texture, and artistry. Big shoutout for the super indulgent truffle mushroom claypot rice, a meal on its own but also the perfect companion to Kappou Yoshi’s lightly battered and delicately crisp tempura. We relished every morsel!
Across the resort, dining at Okada Manila is more than nourishment; it is a sensorial journey. The interplay of ambiance, technique, and flavor creates a dynamic gastronomic playground where each visit offers discovery, delight, and sophistication.
Wellness in the city: The Retreat Spa
The Retreat Spa at Okada Manila is more than a sanctuary; it is a wellness ecosystem. Spanning 3,000 square meters, it has been recognized as a Forbes Five-Star spa for three consecutive years, and the moment you step inside, the accolades make sense. Soft lighting, plush robes, calming scents, and a rich silence welcome guests into a space where luxury feels intuitive rather than performative. This was certainly a much-anticipated part of our itinerary, and my daughter and I were very grateful for the chance to experience wellness at its most sublime.
Treatments here are anchored in both tradition and innovation. The 90-minute Indayog ng Duyan therapy is a standout: a deep-tissue massage rooted in hilot, the Filipino healing practice. Warm banana leaves glided with virgin coconut oil detect and release areas of tension, creating a session that feels simultaneously grounding, restorative, and intuitive. It is more than a massage—it is a realignment of body and spirit.
Beyond massage and other spa offerings, The Retreat Spa is designed as a full-spectrum wellness retreat. Ensuite treatment suites, a private pool and al fresco area, a barber and beauty studio, a fitness center, and an organic herb garden for infused tonics expand the concept of self-care into a holistic experience. Guests can immerse themselves in Southeast Asia’s first Wave Dream relaxation chamber, a multi-sensory space combining sound, light, and tactile sensations for deep relaxation. Additional facilities include a crystal steam room, art therapy, hot and cold vitality pools, and a refreshing tea-and-fruit service that rounds out the experience.
Every detail is considered: heritage-patterned linens, a plastic-free commitment, and touches of Filipino craftsmanship create a luxurious, sustainable, and quietly elegant environment. Whether for a single transformative treatment or an immersive wellness day, The Retreat Spa delivers a palpable sense of release and renewal. It is Okada Manila’s not-so-secret weapon for sanity, where body, mind, and spirit emerge centered and blissed out.
Okada Manila offers not just amenities, but atmosphere. Not just service, but presence. Not just opulence, but intentionality.
Gaming and entertainment galore
Of course, luxury at Okada Manila isn’t confined to suites, spa treatments, or fine dining. The gaming floor is an experience in itself. Spread over thousands of square meters, it blends the thrill of high-stakes tables with sleek, modern design. My daughter and I mostly observed, but we couldn’t help being drawn to the energy—the lights, the careful choreography of dealers, and the quiet intensity of the games. Even for casual visitors, the space pulses with excitement and sophistication, a reminder that the resort’s brand of indulgence extends far beyond its physical rooms and restaurants.
A staycation that felt like a reframe
What began as a straightforward yet much-needed getaway became a rediscovery of how hospitality, design, and experience can recalibrate mood, pace, and perspective. Okada Manila offers not just amenities, but atmosphere. Not just service, but presence. Not just opulence, but intentionality.
In a world where travel is often rushed or transactional, Okada Manila demonstrates that experiences can be simultaneously grand and grounding. Leisure can be refined without rigidity, business can be conducted in spaces that breathe, and memories can be shaped by thoughtfully crafted surroundings.
Three days and two nights at Okada Manila unfolded with the richness of a longer escape—proof that sometimes, luxury isn’t about distance. It’s about depth.
