Our Secret Escape - Lilom

Baby’s Age: 7 months

We came here overnight twice in December 2016 to escape the holiday rush. It was a convenient ride because of the short trip from our home. Parking was around 500 meters walk to the resort along the beach. The resort staff helped with the bags but it is still best to pack light. The walk can be hot especially between 8am to early afternoon so wear hats or bring an umbrella especially for the kids.

Once we arrived, I laid Summer down on the day bed on our room’s veranda. She seemed very relaxed. Unlike the curious little infant that she was at this age, she just stayed at the mat with eyes half closed. It looked like she was listening to the sound of the waves, feeling the wind on her face and in a totally zen state.

Lilom is a small private sanctuary that used to be a family owned vacation home. The dining area and the hats were built with a U layout so that all of the rooms were airy and had a view of the sea. The garden at the middle had several seating areas. My favorite was the one nearest the ocean. It had two mini tubs that were good for a dip for the kids. The room was rustic but functional. There was no television and no WIFI inside. Phone signal was strong so we still managed to be connected. All rooms were airconditioned and had their own veranda with hammocks or seating areas. This place is where you come to when you want to think or rest and recharge. Food was included in the package, with snacks and sunset margarita. The food was okay, nothing special. But we came here for the ambiance more than anything.

The resorts in Anilao are dive resorts so the sand along the beaches was rocky. It was great for walking along the beach and it had a beautiful sunset.

After lunch, Russ and the dogs went hiking. Summer napped while I unpacked. I normally lay down the clothes by sets based on when I will likely use them. It was good that both our stays were only overnight because the small lavatory in the bathroom was not ideal for washing the baby’s bottles.

Bathing the baby was quite a challenge. There was no bathtub and the lavatory was too small so one of us had to hold the baby while the other bathed her. 

Summer had an upset stomach so we quickly used up our diaper stash. I told Russ to buy some diaper on the way back from his mountain trek with the dogs. He was only able to buy the brand Happy. I haven’t tried it before but I was just glad to have a backup supply.

By early afternoon after Summer’s nap, we went out on our deck, took photos, played, walked around and relaxed. The staff offered the afternoon snack but I was not yet hungry. We were happy to be reunited with Russ and the two dogs in time for our sunset walk. 

After dinner, we got ready for bed. Summer and the dogs slept soundly on one bed and we snoozed on the other bed. The sheets were not the softest or the most comfortable but everybody slept well nevertheless. Those who are extra sensitive about beddings can easily bring their own.

As a force of habit, I was up way before sunrise. I was glad to see everybody still sleeping. I told Russ I’d go out to the garden to write a bit. The staff offered me some Batangas coffee...Yes, please! It was heaven on earth to be able to write on a cool morning with the amazing view of the sea while sipping a hot cup of coffee. It was such a pleasure, however briefly it lasted. 

After an hour, the whole gang was awake. We had breakfast, took some photos of Summer in her swimsuit and had a quick dip. We then went back to our room to get ready to go home.

I can’t wait to go back to Lilom. This time I’m pretty sure I can have that sunset margarita while Summer happily plays on her own.

Cheers!