TRAVELING can be a tiring and exasperating experience. Imagine long trips, jet lag, sleep deprivation, packing, walking, standing, waiting, not to mention baggage and flight delays. It doesn’t matter if you fly in first, business or economy class, it is always stressful.
That’s why as soon as you arrive at your destination, you always look forward to checking into your hotel, where you will be able to prepare for your business meeting or maybe catch some sleep. Any well-traveled person will agree that all he or she wants is a safe place with great customer service, a warm and comfortable bed, and of course, in this age where everything is done online, a reliable Internet connection.
If you need a temporary abode with modern conveniences from which you can conduct business or a place for conferences or events, the Discovery Primea, which is situated right in the heart of the Makati Central Business District along Ayala Avenue, is a perfect choice. Primea is a five-star hotel that has 68 floors and 141 elegant bedrooms with beautiful sights of the Manila skyline. It is the first and only Philippine hotel to become a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts LVX Collection, and is part of a prestigious portfolio of worldly and illustrious properties known for attentive and exclusive highly personalized service.
Here are some of the reasons: First of all, you will be greeted by their staff with the word mabuhay, accompanied by a courteous salute consisting of one hand on their chest and a cheerful smile. Then, they will take you to your room, which you will find delightful and enticing because of the luxury and space—from 40 square meter for a Business Flat to as large as 125 sq m for a two-bedroom loft. The Primea Premier is exquisitely designed and the most desired suite with an extraordinary living space of 200 sq m. Next, you will find that your room is lavished with pleasure and enjoyment, such as the Discovery Primea hypoallergenic mattress; pillow menu; Roberto Cavalli amenities; 46″ LED TV; high-speed Internet access for multiple devices; a Nespresso machine; Internet Protocol Television; an additional 19″ LED TV in the bathroom by the bathtub; fully equipped kitchen with dining set; iPod/iPad docks; in-room safe; daily replenishment of coffee, tea and bottled water; housekeeping service; hairdryer; iron and ironing board; complimentary shoe-shine service; and complimentary PressReader, which gives guests digital access to newspapers and magazines worldwide. The Executive and Primea suites feature fully-furnished kitchens for the most seasoned of travelers, including facilities and services such as audio-visual equipment, business center, computer rental and high-speed internet access in all public areas, including function rooms.
“We want our guests to find our facilities to be most convenient as possible, Primea’s general manager David Pardo De Ayala said. “Most of our guests are business travelers who look like they’re on vacation but they’re actually working. We always look for their possible needs, including a fast Internet connection, an IT [information technology] butler. Our gym is also 24/7 open for them.”
De Ayala, who hails from Bogota, Colombia, is a chef by training and started cooking almost as early as he started walking. In the early 1990s he became the youngest winner ever of his country’s national culinary contest, the Nestle Toca de Oro, and, thereafter, he spent a number of years as chef de partie in five-star hotels and executive chef of independent operations.
In 1997 de Ayala settled in the Philippines and opened the renowned Soleil Restaurant and, soon after, became a founding partner of Caspian Concepts. From 2005 to 2012, he became the corporate chef of the Discovery hotel group. He oversaw the food-and-beverage operations of Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center, Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay and Discovery Shores Boracay. In 2010 three of the Discovery group’s outlets were listed in the Miele Guide as among the top restaurants in Asia Pacific. In August 2013 de Ayala was chosen as Discovery Primea’s general manager.
The hotel’s cuisine has a variety of tasty and nutritious treats as well as drinks, to suit every palate. The Tapenade, located in the lobby, is a casual all-day dining restaurant, which features the summery flavors of Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey and Morocco. “The restaurant’s Mediterranean diet is known for its health benefits, without sacrificing flavor. We aim to delight our guests with a gourmet and healthy alternative to the usual buffet experience,” said Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco, who closely collaborates with de Ayala.
Tapenade’s crowd pleasers include the handmade Pizza Tartufata with Italian Guanciale and Black Truffles with a Free-range Egg. A noteworthy specialty is the hand-rolled Pumpkin Agnolotti, which has the taste of sweet pumpkin and the flavors of rosemary brown butter and crispy prosciutto. The restaurant also showcases classic dishes, like Chicken Tagine with Green Olives, Lemon Confit and Aromatic Moroccan sauce; and Lamb Kebabs with Orzo al Pesto on the side. Another best seller is the Porcini-crusted US Angus Rib-eye, the best steak cut with exquisite flavors.
Primea also has the Gilarmi Lounge located next to Tapenade, which serves Filipino-inspired bar fare with cocktails and spirits. On the second floor is the 1824 Restaurant, which offers an epicurean food selection with fine spirits, single-malt whiskey and cigar bar. On the 16th floor is Flame, which features contemporary continental cuisine, Enomatic wine dispenser and Josper Grill. On the same floor is Edge, a sky lounge which is ideal for casual nights-out with creatively crafted cocktails and contemporary mixology.
For events and conference, the hotel has five banquets rooms that can hold from 10 to 210 persons. They also have two meeting rooms and a boardroom that can accommodate from six to 10 people.
The hotel is complete with a 24-hour front-desk service, in-room check-in and check-out; 24-hour in-room dining, beauty salon by Toni & Guy, wellness clinic, ambulance on standby, chapel, limousine services, Valet-parking services, post and parcel service, and transport fleet.
Being a wellness enthusiast’s haven, the hotel boasts of the spacious 37 Degrees Gym with state-of-the-art Technogym facilities, 20-meter heated infinity pool and pool bar with relaxing views of the quaint residential side of the bustling Makati City
For a respite from the frenetic pace of life, the premier hotel has the Terazi Spa, a version of the traditional marble-lined Turkish bath with a hammam—the only one of its kind in Metro Manila.
A visit to Terazi’s hammam is a journey in itself. The treatment begins with a full-body steam followed by a dousing, to prepare you for the relaxation. The pampering begins by lying on the heated marble bed, upon which Terazi’s therapist initiates a deep body exfoliation using the traditional “kese” mitt and castile soap to cleanse every inch of your body. Immediately after, you will be covered in a cloud of soapy bubbles, to wash away dead skin cells. Your treatment is completed with a cold, refreshing drink, served in the Terazi Tea Lounge—very much in keeping with an authentic ancient ritual. This indulgence goes beyond what ordinary scrubs and treatments can provide, giving you renewed and refreshed skin that feels baby soft.
Discovery Primea’s remarkable structure is a collaboration of leading architectural firms Tange Associates of Tokyo and Jorge Y. Ramos & Partners of Manila, Texeira Inc. of Los Angeles, Anna Sy of DWP-Design Worldwide Partnership in Bangkok and Hong Kong, and landscape designer Paulo Alcazaren.
With a published rate that starts from P8,500++, the hotel is located across world-class shopping and cinemas including Glorietta and Greenbelt. It is 8.8 km from the Ninoy Aquino International and Manila Domestic Airport, 3.5 km from the Bonifacio Global City and a short distance from corporate offices. So, whether you are in a suit and tie or just having a staycation with your family, Discovery Primea, would be an ideal place to stay.