Finding my kind of stomping ground in Clark
I just had an amazing time in Pampanga earlier this week, and it all started with one important realization: every great escape needs an even greater home base.
Mine was the spacious Vitality Suite at Swissôtel Clark. And for three days, this 79-sqm suite became my stylish little sanctuary inside Hann Casino Resort, the first fully integrated resort in Central Luzon. It was where I happily returned after indulgent meals and little adventures.
Actually, this space matched the energy of Hann beautifully. This 11-ha integrated resort, which is located inside the Clark Freeport Zone, brings together premium hospitality, world-class gaming, high-end retail, and elite dining in one polished, lively destination.
Seeing all this gave me a little full circle moment. I still remember attending Hann’s brand launch in 2020, when the idea was ambitious, exciting and still largely taking shape. Today, that vision is alive, with Hann now one of Central Luzon’s most exciting lifestyle destinations.
Warm welcome from Swissôtel
My stay began with a warm welcome from Maria Rizza Munar, cluster hotel manager of Swissôtel Clark, who graciously helped me settle into my suite.
And just wow, it was so spacious that I had room for everything I brought and everything I absolutely did not need but packed anyway.
What made it even better was how naturally wellness was built into the stay. There were floor-to-ceiling views of greenery, circadian lighting that adjusts to help you sleep better, a private fitness wall and a hydrotherapy recovery shower in the marble bathroom. It felt more like a private reset button.
After dropping off my bags, I met with Antonello Manca, executive assistant manager for F&B at Widus and Swissôtel Clark. Over pastries and coffee at the Executive Lounge, he gave me a quick introduction to the property, its dining destinations and the many ways guests can enjoy a stay at Hann Casino Resort.
Naturally, I had to see it for myself. Swissôtel Clark, the first Swissôtel in the Philippines, already has the makings of a complete escape, with 372 rooms, 12 restaurants, a spa, meeting rooms, a club lounge, a swimming pool and a fitness center.
On the ground floor, Swissôtel Clark connects directly to 8th Avenue Lifestyle Mall, Hann Casino Resort’s retail strip. I had every intention of just looking around, but it was so hard to resist.
This area housed Lacoste, True Religion, The Watch Vault, Airwheel, Open Source, Jo Malone London, MAC Cosmetics, Estée Lauder and Grove Juno Korean Head Spa. For some reason, a quick browse somehow turned into a little retail therapy at Lacoste and MAC!
‘Culinary Capital of Clark’
Food, of course, is part of the fun.
Hann Casino Resort has been recognized as the Culinary Capital of Clark, and its dining lineup explains why. There is Smoki Moto, hailed as the No. 1 restaurant in Clark; Goji Kitchen + Bar; Wu Xing; Ristorante Di Verona; Spice; Markt; Three Woks; The Canyon Café & Winery; Hard Rock Café; Tom N Toms; Lucky Dumpling; The Dine by Tony Jung; Las Flores; and Taboo Bar.
My stay came with cocktails, sweeping views and a delicious little tour of Hann’s dining scene. I started with a sumptuous dinner at Smoki Moto in Clark Marriott on my first night, followed the next day by an Italian lunch at Ristorante Di Verona in Swissôtel Clark and a Chinese dinner at Wu Xing, also at Clark Marriott.
During these meals, I had the pleasure of meeting separately Clark Development Corp. president and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera and fashion designer Marlon Tuazon, who gifted me a beautiful turquoise dress with metallic trimmings and a champagne gold feather motif.
Fun after hours
Evenings gave Hann another personality. Its casino floor spans 130,000 sqm, with 240 gaming tables, 1,137 slot machines and 72 electronic table games, plus two VIP clubs for local and foreign members.
Even if you are not a serious player, the energy is part of the experience. The lights, sounds, movement and people-watching give the resort a fun after hours pulse.
This, I think, is the charm of Hann. You can make the stay as relaxed or as lively as you want. You can do a lot, do a little, or simply enjoy having so many choices within easy reach.
Three days felt wonderful, but also like a preview. I already know I am coming back for more.
