Two stomping grounds, one bold weekend up north
I seem to have found two exciting stomping grounds north of Metro Manila. One turns up the volume, while the other gives you room to breathe—two chapters of the same northern escape.
A vibrant, lively base
I understood the first half of that equation during my stay at Hann Resort in Pampanga last June.
This 11-ha playground located inside the Clark Freeport Zone offers premium hotels, destination restaurants, shops, live entertainment, and a casino floor that keeps the energy going well into the night.
This, I think, is mostly the appeal of Hann Resort—it makes spontaneity so easy. You can arrive without a rigid (if at all!) itinerary and still find plenty to do because the choices are all gathered in one amazing destination.
First off, you have three hotels to choose from: Swissôtel Clark, Clark Marriott Hotel, and Widus Hotel, each offering its distinct brand of hospitality. Hann Resort is also touted as the Culinary Capital of Clark so food is most certainly not an afterthought. It’s practically an entire activity in itself! Then there’s the 8th Avenue Lifestyle Mall, where a quick stroll can easily turn into retail therapy—I mean, I should know.
By evening, Hann Resort shifts into a much livelier gear. The restaurants fill up and the casino adds its own current to the night. Even if gaming is not part of your plans, the lights, movement and people-watching all make the resort fun after hours.
Hann, however, has another side to show me.
A change of pace
At Hann Reserve in New Clark City, Hann reveals a completely different personality.
Clark’s buildings, lights and constant activity give way to elevated terrain, mountain views and vast open spaces. Spanning 450 ha, Hann Reserve is taking shape as an eco-luxury community built around golf, wellness, education and real estate. The ambition is every bit as bold as Hann Resort’s, but here it plays out through nature and privacy.
As an avid golfer, I was naturally drawn to Dragon’s Landing, the first of three planned 18-hole championship courses at Hann Reserve. Designed by Nicklaus Design, the course follows the contours of the land, with changing elevations and strategic slopes that make every shot interesting.
The views are generous. The course, however, is not nearly as forgiving!
Dragon’s Landing is currently open to the public by reservation during its preview season. It will eventually be joined by 6 Moons, designed by K.J. Choi, and Cavern’s Deep, designed by Faldo Design. Hann Reserve is also the official home of the PGA of America in the Philippines, giving the development a strong position in the regional golf and leisure market.
But golf is only the beginning. The wider masterplan includes luxury hotels, residences, commercial areas, wellness facilities, an international school, a hospital and public parks. This means Hann Reserve is being built for more than the occasional round. The goal is to give people reasons to stay longer and, eventually, live there.
A beautiful synergy
This is where Hann’s two destinations begin to complement each other beautifully. Hann Resort serves as the lively home base, while Hann Reserve extends the experience through championship golf, nature and wide-open spaces.
Guests can stay at any of the three hotels, enjoy Hann Resort’s restaurants and evening entertainment, then arrange a round at Dragon’s Landing through the hotel concierge. After golf, they can return to Clark for a massage, dinner and, most importantly, a very comfortable bed.
Such pairing no doubt creates a richer and more varied stay. For Hann, it broadens its appeal, encourages longer visits and generates activity across its hotels, restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and golf facilities.
Hann Resort concentrates the energy, while Hann Reserve creates the breathing space. One fills the itinerary; the other makes the trip well worth extending.
