Unpacking the “Bleisure” Trip: A Business Traveler’s Dream

For some people, going on a complete (read: work-free) vacation isn’t always an option. An unread email or just the thought of tasks left unaccomplished can trigger any workaholic.

Alternatively, if you’re constantly traveling for work and find yourself in a city you’re not familiar with, you might ask, “What else can I do here?”

Enter bleisure: a portmanteau of business and leisure referring to a travel trend that allows the new breed of business travelers to take in their fair share of a city's sights, sounds, culture, and cuisine. When you can look forward to dining at a neighborhood restaurant, discovering the music scene, and shopping at a local tiangge, the job becomes more rewarding. According to this article, this travel trend appeals most to ambitious millennials who are after work-life balance. And for good reason—you get your work done while exploring a city actively and guilt-free.

If you want to join this rebellion against the adage “all work and no play,” you’ve come to the right place. Experience the city from a fresh perspective with these six essentials for a perfect bleisure trip!

1. Quality of workspace and business amenities

Unlike staycations, the first order of business (pun intended) in bleisure is to ensure the quality of business facilities—it is a work trip, after all! Built with the cosmopolitans of Makati in mind, The Sphere Serviced Residences has three spacious function rooms ideal for huddles and conferences with your colleagues.

When it’s time to prepare for your next client presentation or finish writing an email, head straight to your super stylish 2-Bedroom pad. It’s equipped with a writing desk that provides ample room for your laptop plus high-speed WiFi and Bluetooth speakers for maximum productivity. Still procaffeinating? Grab a cup of joe from Starbucks Reserve or Little Flour Café at the ground floor and get to work!

The Sphere Serviced Residences
136 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati
(02) 635 7288
reservations@thespheremanila.com

2. The orderliness of streets and ease of getting in and around

Both expats and locals will agree that if a peaceful place in Metro Manila is what you’re after, your best bet is somewhere down South. The relatively laid-back yet bustling Alabang is a wonderful alternative to traffic-ridden Makati and BGC, whether you’re navigating it by car or on foot.

Tucked away at its quieter side, Acacia Hotel Manila offers a super convenient location for those who will be out and about during their stay. From the hotel, you can take a complimentary shuttle service to Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall, Westgate, and Molito Lifestyle Center.

Acacia Hotel Manila
5400 East Asia Drive cor. Commerce Avenue
Filinvest Corporate City
Alabang, Muntinlupa
(02) 720 2000
(02) 588 5888

3. Nearby historic sites, museums, and galleries to visit

Now, let’s get to the fun part—the leisure aspect of bleisure. Plan your visit to a gallery, museum, or an art exhibition to momentarily escape the humdrum of corporate life.

Fun fact: arts and cultural exploration ranks third in the list of popular bleisure activities according to a study by the travel website Skift. If it’s on your list too, plot your stay at Somerset Millennium Makati, a few blocks away from Ayala Museum, Finale Art File, León Gallery, and Tin-Aw Gallery. Who knows, you might just find the inspiration to write a book, start a new hobby, or finish the project you’ve been putting on hold.

Somerset Millennium Makati
104 Aguirre Street, Legaspi Village, Makati
(02) 750 7888
(02) 550 3200
reservations.global@the-ascott.com

4. Plenty of dining (and drinking) options

Immersing yourself in local food culture is one of the best ways to gain an authentic tourist experience. Besides being a visual feast, the contemporarily designed Element Boutique Hotel also puts you in the melting pot of great food finds: Poblacion. Watch this side of Makati come alive at night, with street vendors carting fish ball, kikiam, kwek kwek, and isaw on one side and cafés slowly transforming into neon-lit bars on the other.

Take this as your cue to go on a gastro-adventure across continents, too. Sink your teeth into innovative Filipino dishes at Agimat, enjoy American comfort food at Filling Station Bar & Café, try the famous Carne Asada taco at El Chupacabra, or discover underrated restaurants like oyster bar Wantusawa. If a PobCrawl is in your itinerary, we suggest you make Fyre Rooftop Lounge beside Element Boutique Hotel your starting point or last stop, depending on the kind of night you’re having.

Element Boutique Hotel
4950 Guerrero Street
Brgy. Poblacion, Makati
(02) 805 1360
(0917) 505 7500
info@elementboutiquehotelmakati.com

5. The basic setting for a Netflix and Chill Night

“Me-time” often falls at the bottom of the list when you live in a fast-paced world. Slow down, plug yourself into solitude, and do things you enjoy the most. At Upper Story Serviced Apartments, you can catch up on your favorite shows with their 40” LED TV while you munch on snacks from the mini bar, or lie in bed and lose yourself in a book. If you feel like doing more without going out, sweat it out at the fully equipped gym or take a cool dip in their infinity pool. After your rejuvenating stay, you'll be ready to take on the world again.

Upper Story Serviced Apartments
Centro Tower, 138 N. Domingo Street
Cubao, Quezon City
(02) 230 8188
reservations@upperstory.ph

6. A change of scenery in a familiar place

If you’re looking for a place that feels out of the ordinary, there are hidden gems in the metro that fit the criteria. The Henry Hotel Manila is a perfect example. At this hotel where classic charm meets modern luxury, handsome container van-turned-suites, idyllic fountains, and towering trees dot the sprawling garden. After a long day of shopping at the nearby SM Mall of Asia, relax at your suite’s porch, reflect under the romantic moonlight, or take a breezy stroll down the walkway.

The Henry Hotel Manila
2680 FB Harrison Street
Pasay
(02) 807 8888
reservations.manila@thehenryhotel.com

BONUS: Activities the family will love

Some bleisure travelers extend their stay through the weekend to enjoy downtime with their families (#BringYourKidstoWorkcationDay). Within Circulo Verde’s grounds, you’ll find The Cirque Serviced Residences, where a myriad of kid-friendly amenities including a basketball court, swimming pool, and kids’ play area are waiting.

Take a few steps away from the aparthotel and discover exciting activities at the Remote Control (RC) Race Track, Bike Playground, and Ninja Academy. There’s even an off-leash dog park, Hachi Park, for pawrents and their puppers!

The Cirque Serviced Residences
Circulo Verde, #70 Calle Industria
Brgy. Bagumbayan
Libis, Quezon City
(02) 318 4600
(0917) 841 9987
reservations@thecirque.com.ph

So the next time your boss sends you out on a trip, don't forget to sweeten the assignment with leisure activities! Travel smart and plan a seamless bleisure trip with the help of our best-priced hotel deals.

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