Escape to Paradise: Camp Luna Glamping, Ilocos Sur's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Camp Luna Glamping - My Ilocos Sur Story (and Why You Should Go!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe some Ilocano longganisa) on Camp Luna Glamping. Let me be clear: I'm not a paid shill. I'm just a weary traveler who stumbled upon this little slice of heaven in Ilocos Sur and, honestly, I'm still dreaming about that pool. This isn't a perfectly polished travel blog; it's my unvarnished, slightly chaotic review. So, grab a coffee (or a basi if you're feeling adventurous) and let's dive in!
First Impressions: Finding the Hidden Gem (Accessibility & the "Uh Oh" Moment)
Getting to Camp Luna wasn't exactly a breeze. Remember the part about it being a "hidden gem"? Yeah, it's hidden. But that's part of the charm, right? The turn-off is a bit… unassuming. But don't let the initial "Is this it?" moment fool you. The road leading in transforms, and the Camp itself starts revealing its beauty as you get closer.
Now, let's talk accessibility. I'm not using a wheelchair, so I can only speak from observation. There is an Elevator (yay!), which is a massive plus. The facilities for disabled guests seem well-considered, especially compared to some other places I've been to in the Philippines. However, I'd recommend contacting the camp directly to clarify specifics about pathways, room accessibility, etc., if you're concerned. The Car park is free of charge, so that's a bonus.
The Room: Cozy Chaos and That View (Amenities Galore!)
Okay, my room. Where do I even begin? Let's just say it was… packed. In the best way possible! Think of it like a hug from a very well-equipped, ridiculously charming hotel.
- Absolutely Free Wi-Fi in all rooms: Yes! And it worked! Praise be!
- Air conditioning: Essential! Thank you, Camp Luna!
- Free bottled water: Always welcome. Hydration is key, people.
- Blackout curtains: Slept like a baby. Or, you know, a slightly stressed travel writer.
- Coffee/tea maker AND Complimentary tea: Bless them. I needed the caffeine to conquer the day.
- Private bathroom with Private bathroom, Shower, Toiletries, Slippers, and Fresh Towels: Glorious. I have a thing about good towels. Theirs passed the test.
- Extra long bed: Big plus for us tall people!
- Wake-up service: Because even paradise needs a little nudge sometimes.
- Other Amenities Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Closet, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Window that opens, were included.
- What's lacking: No extra toilet and no bathroom phone, no hair dryer, no laptop workspace, no scale, no balcony, no bidet, and no safe box.
The view from my window? Chef's kiss. Just… breathtaking. You could practically feel the stress melting away.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Quirks)
The restaurants situation at Camp Luna is… interesting. There is a bar, a coffee shop, and a poolside bar. I'm a sucker for a poolside bar, and this one did not disappoint. Picture this: sun, a cocktail, and the sound of gentle laughter. Pure bliss.
They also offer a Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine, International cuisine, Western breakfast, and Western cuisine, Breakfast [buffet]. Now to be honest, the buffet was a little bit… samey after a few days. I'm not knocking it, but I was craving something a little different.
- Room service [24-hour]: Major win! Useful for late-night snack attacks.
- Other Dining Amenities: A la carte in restaurant, Bottle of water, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant.
- Overall: Could be improved. I'd love to see a few more local Ilocano dishes on the menu.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax): Finding Your Chill (And My Obsession with the Pool)
Alright, this is where Camp Luna really shines. Seriously, I could have spent my entire vacation doing just the following.
Swimming pool [outdoor]: Takes deep breath. Okay. That pool. It's not just any pool; it's a pool with a view. And it's the kind of view that makes you want to just, sigh, and float. I spent, like, 70% of my time there. Don't judge me.
Spa/Sauna/Spa/Sauna, Massage, They do offer these but I don't have experience with these.
Fitness center, Gym/fitness, I didn't go, I was too busy at the pool.
Other Activities: There's a lot in store, that you should really explore.
The pool: My happy place.
Things to experience: Don't miss the chance to see the sunset
Ways to relax: If you're looking for a place to unwind.
Fitness center: To work off all those cocktails.
If I'm being honest…
My Advice: Go. Swim. Repeat. Seriously.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind in Paradise (With a Few Hiccups)
In terms of cleanliness and safety, Camp Luna seems to be taking things seriously. They are using Anti-viral cleaning products, and they have a Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup. I appreciate that they are doing everything they can to make sure everyone's safe and sound.
Services and Conveniences: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
Camp Luna offers a good range of services.
- Air conditioning in public area: Thank goodness because that Ilocos heat is no joke!
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient!
- Daily housekeeping: The staff were excellent and did a great job.
- Doorman: Always a nice touch.
- Elevator: Essential for everyone!
- Other Services Car park, currency exchange, convenience store, daily housekeeping, facilities for disabled guests, food delivery, gift/souvenir shop, luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun
I didn't travel with children, but it seemed like Camp Luna is pretty family-friendly.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Available.
- Car park [free of charge]: Another win!
- Taxi service: Available, but I think you're better off renting a car.
My Final Verdict & The Honest Truth:
Camp Luna Glamping is a fantastic escape. It's not perfect – nothing ever is – but the stunning location, the well-equipped rooms, and the utterly glorious pool more than make up for any minor shortcomings.
My Recommendation? Absolutely, 100% GO! It's the perfect place to unwind, recharge, and experience the beauty of Ilocos Sur.
NOW, THE SALES PITCH:
Escape to Paradise: Reclaim Your Bliss at Camp Luna Glamping! (Book Now!)
Are you tired of the daily grind? Do you dream of waking up to breathtaking views, spending your days lounging by a stunning pool, and indulging in delicious food? Then Escape to Paradise: Camp Luna Glamping is calling your name!
Here's why you NEED to book right now:
- Unforgettable Views: Wake up to the beauty of the Ilocos Sur.
- Poolside Bliss: Lose yourself in our stunning pool with a view that will make you drop your jaw!
- Unwind and Reconnect: Spa and more.
- Safety First: Rest assured, we prioritize your well-being with rigorous cleaning and safety protocols.
Limited Time Offer: Book your stay at Camp Luna Glamping today and receive:
*Free breakfast! *A complimentary wellness session at the spa
Don't wait, paradise is calling! Book your unforgettable getaway at Camp Luna Glamping NOW!
Barcelona's Sant Jordi Condal: Your Dream Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't a sterile itinerary; this is Camp Luna Glamping Resort: My Brain Dump Edition. Prepare for glorious chaos.
Camp Luna Glamping Resort: Survivor Mode (Because Let's Be Honest, It's Probably Going to Be a Bit of That)
Day 1: Arrival - Mild Panic & Beach Bliss
- 13:00 - Arrival & Immediate Judgement: Okay, so the drive up – Ugh, I forgot to bring my sunglasses! My skin is burning! Thankfully, arrival at Camp Luna. Insta-worthy? Definitely. Instagram reality? We'll find out. The check-in desk… well, the staff here are delightful, but there's a slight wobble in the internet connection. Pray for my Instagram stories. And for the coffee. I REALLY NEED COFFEE.
- 13:30 - Tent Orientation & The Great Bedding Dilemma: My tent is HUGE. Like, "could probably house a small family" huge. The decor is lovely, and thankfully, the AC is on. But the bedding… it's that weird, slightly stiff, hotel-sheet-style. Sigh. Okay, deep breathes. We can fix this. I’m bringing it up with housekeeping, if I can find them.
- 14:00 - Beach Reconnaissance and Existential Dread: The beach. Oh. My. God. The sand is practically white in this photo. It's more of creamy, but whatever! So pretty!! The waves are crashing, the sun is beating down. I feel a wave of existential dread. Am I really going to just… relax? Who am I even?
- 14:30 - The Great Shell Search: Okay, so I started hunting for shells. It had seemed like a good idea, at the time. Now? I'm sweating and probably look like a deranged beachcomber. Found one decent shell and about a million tiny, sharp, slightly unsettling ones.
- 15:30 - The Cabana: My New Best Friend: I collapsed on the cabana. I ordered a mojito. I am accepting my fate. Beach life, here I come.
- 18:00 - Sunset Dinner & Mosquito Massacre: Dinner on the beach was magical. The food was delish. Until the mosquitos arrived. I am now covered in bug spray. My skin is not beautiful. But the sunset? Unbelievable. Worth every bite.
Day 2: Adventures in A-Frame Living & The Great Snorkel Fail
- 07:00 - Sunrise… and a Caffeine Dependence: Woke up with the sun, went for the coffee. Camp Luna's coffee game, I am happy to say, is on point.
- 08:00 - A-Frame Exploration: I had this grand plan to…write! In my A-Frame hut! The Wi-Fi still isn't great. The view IS great. I'm writing…in my head. In reality, Im' just staring at the ocean.
- 09:00 - Snorkeling: The Epic Fail: I'd envisioned myself as a serene underwater explorer, gracefully gliding through coral reefs. Reality? I can't remember how to breathe! I get water up my nose. I'm thrashing. I am probably scaring the fish.
- 10:00 - Regroup & Trauma-Bonding: Back at the cabana, I met a fellow snorkelling failure. Misery loves company! We swap stories of near-drowning experiences in overly dramatic ways.
- 11:00 - Lunch at the Resort Restaurant: The Grilled Cheese Revelation: Simple, yet perfect. The best grilled cheese I've had in years, and I need it.
- 13:00 - Poolside Relaxation … Attempted: I get in and out of the pool. Still feel like I'm going to drown (in my head, of course)
- 15:00 - Trying Not to Burn: I swear, the sun is a personal vendetta. I'm hiding in the shade, covered in SPF a thousand.
- 17:00 - The Great Spa Escape: The massage was heavenly. I cried a little bit (happy tears, I swear!). I feel like a new person (at least until I have to put on bug spray again).
- 19:00 - Taco Night & Deep Thoughts: Taco night! The food is pretty good! I'm watching other people living in their best life and feeling a strange sensation – like, maybe I'm okay with my messy life.
- 21:00 - Stargazing: I attempt stargazing. I saw a few stars. Mostly, I saw the inky black sky and thought about how small I am.
Day 3: The Final Farewell (And Possibly, Tears)
- 07:00 - The Coffee Ritual (Repeat): Coffee. Glorious coffee. Fuel for the day.
- 08:00 - Wandering the Beach: I walked the beach one last time. The sand is beautiful. The waves make me think about stuff. I'm going to miss this place.
- 09:00 - Breakfast & the Sadness of Leaving: Breakfast was good. Departure time looms. There is a distinct feeling of impending doom. I don't want to go.
- 10:00 - Last-Minute Souvenir Hunting & Panic-Buying: I run around, buying the weirdest stuff I can find. I am the woman with the shell necklace and the questionable beach towel.
- 11:00 - Check-Out & The Real World: Saying goodbye is surprisingly emotional! A friendly smile goes a long way. I swear I'm coming back.
- 12:00 - Leaving Camp Luna: My soul is soothed. My luggage is packed. The car is waiting. I'm ready to go back to real life.
- **13:00 - The Long Drive Home (and Post-Vacation Blues) ** The drive is long. My skin is tan. Camp Luna was perfect is some ways, flawed in others. More than anything, it was real. And the memories? They're probably worth more than all the insta-perfect photos in the world. Sniff. Goodbye, beautiful chaos.
Okay, Escape to Paradise: Camp Luna Glamping… sounds… fancy. Is it *actually* luxurious, or just Instagram-pretty-liar luxurious? (And should I bring my own toilet paper?!)
Alright, let's be real. Instagram? Yeah, Camp Luna *slaps* on the 'gram. But unlike some places where the reality is… less flattering, this one actually delivers. The tents? HUGE. Like, I'm talking enough space to do interpretive dance with a small goat (hypothetically, of course... though it *would* be scenic). The beds? Cloud-level comfy. I slept like a baby for the first time in… well, a long time.
Now, about the toilet paper. No, you don't need to BYOTP. Thank GOD. They've got the good stuff, thankfully. They even had those little hand sanitizers, which, after battling the Ilocos heat and hiking, felt like a gift from the gods. So, luxury? Yes. Over-the-top, stuffy luxury? Nah. Just, like, proper, relaxed, 'treat-yo-self' luxury. But also, the pathway to my tent had this *gnarly* slope that almost killed me the first night. I think I cried a little. Don't wear heels.
What's the deal with the food? I'm a picky eater… and I *really* need my coffee first thing. Panic level: Activated.
Okay, deep breaths. Food is a *major* player in the glamping game. And at Camp Luna, they actually do a decent job. They've got a restaurant on-site, and the menu is surprisingly diverse. I'm a total breakfast fiend, and the morning spread was… glorious. Think fresh fruit, and something called “longanissa pancakes” – which were basically a religious experience. The coffee? Actually GOOD. I mean, REALLY good. Strong enough to pull you out of that sleepy, sunset-viewing haze.
Now, the imperfections. I'm a vegetarian, and while they had options, they weren't, like, *mind-blowing*. Delicious, yes. Revolutionary, no. But honestly, after a day of exploring the Ilocos coast, anything edible is a win. And the service? Occasionally a little slow. But the views from the dining area more than made up for it. You're looking out onto the beach while you wait – it’s pretty tough to complain. Except for that one time I spilt coffee all over my new shirt. That was a mood killer, but not the food's fault.
I'm afraid of bugs. Like, *terrified*. Is this place a bug-palooza? Tell me the truth. I'm prepared to be devastated.
Alright, bug-averse friends, let's address the elephant in the glamping tent. Yes, you're *outside*. Yes, nature exists. Yes, there are bugs. But, and this is a *big* but, Camp Luna is actually pretty good about managing the creepy-crawly factor. The tents are well-sealed (thank you, sweet baby Jesus), and they spray regularly, or so I was told.
I saw a few ants, and a couple of moths, which I screamed a little at (okay, a lot). There was this one VERY persistent mosquito that seemed determined to make me its personal buffet. But overall, it wasn't a complete insect invasion. I would have been happier if there was some kind of electric bug zapper in the tent. I might have gotten a little too paranoid and sprayed myself with bug repellent every day... and maybe every night?
Honestly, it's manageable. Just bring bug spray. And a healthy dose of denial. And, maybe consider packing a small flamethrower (kidding… kind of).
What exactly *IS* there to DO? Is it all just sitting around looking pretty? (Which, honestly, sounds tempting…)
Okay, the sitting-around-looking-pretty part is definitely a core feature. Let's be clear. Those views are worth the price of admission alone. But there's more! You can chill on the beach (which is black sand, by the way, VERY cool), swim, and hike around the area. I took a yoga class on the beach. It was the most zen thing I've ever done, until the waves got a bit too loud, and I almost got swept away. That was a bit less zen, but still a good memory.
They also have kayaks and paddleboards, which I didn't try because, let's be honest, I'm not the most graceful person. The best part, in my opinion, was exploring the nearby historical sites. I'm a sucker for history, even though my attention span lasts about 10 minutes. There's a lot to see and do, for all kinds, really. But after all of that, sitting and doing nothing and just looking around with a cocktail in hand is a solid option too. Balance, people, balance.
Is it kid-friendly? I have a tiny human (or two!) who are basically Tasmanian Devils in adorable clothing.
Hmm... okay, let's be honest with ourselves. Small humans and glamping *can* work. Camp Luna *is* relatively kid-friendly. The tents are spacious, which means they can run around (within reason, of course – don't let them destroy the place!). The beach is right there, which is a huge win. And there's plenty of space to just, you know, let them burn off some energy.
Now, the caveats. The pathways can be a bit tricky for little legs. The whole "luxury" vibe might get threatened with the shrieking of a three-year-old who's decided they hate sand with a passion. And, well, you still have to wrangle the tiny humans. I saw some kids there running amok and honestly? Good for them! I was jealous. Glamping with kids is a full-contact sport, people. You'll need wine. Lots of it. And probably a good therapist. But it's doable, and I saw some very happy kids. Ultimately, it depends on *your sanity.*
What's the service like? Because, let's face it, sometimes the service at these "paradise" places is… less than stellar.
The service? It's good! Not perfect, but definitely good. The staff are friendly and helpful. They're genuinely trying to make your stay awesome. I had a small issue with my shower (totally my fault, I think I overloaded the water heater with my excessive hot water usage), and they fixed it immediately.
They're also pretty chill. They understand you're there to relax. They're not hovering, which is great. They're always ready to help, though. I’m a notorious worrier, and I ask a LOT of questions. They were patient with me (even when I asked the same questions… multiple times). I felt taken care of. It's not like a five-star hotel experience, but honestly? It felt… better. More genuine. Less… fake-smiles.
Okay, hit me with the one thing I absolutely NEED to know before I go. Don't hold back!
