Fundacion Pacita — Hotel in Basco

Our trip to Batanes took an unexpected turn when our flight home was canceled due to bad weather. With our tours already completed, we decided to make the most of our extended stay by booking two nights at Fundacion Pacita, a place we had been curious about after dining at Café du Tukon on our first day. It turned out to be the perfect sanctuary to relax while waiting for our rescheduled flight, allowing us to take in the breathtaking views and serene ambiance.||Since our decision was made at the last minute, contacting the hotel proved quite difficult. We tried Facebook Messenger and their listed contact numbers, but unfortunately, no one was available to assist us. Thankfully, an airport employee had a friend working at Fundacion Pacita, who was able to connect us to the reservation office. Within 30 minutes, their airport transfer arrived to pick us up.||Initially, we booked the Avayat room, but upon check-in, we were pleasantly surprised to be upgraded to their biggest suite, Sumla II. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite was nothing short of stunning! It featured a king-sized bed in the master bedroom and three single beds in the second room. The master bathroom featured a beautiful, nature-inspired design, and the expansive balcony provided a panoramic view of the Batanes landscape and the vast ocean.||Coming from a small hometel room, Fundacion Pacita felt like pure luxury. The beds were incredibly comfortable, and I particularly appreciated the cozy work area that faced the scenic balcony view, a perfect spot to unwind. Since we had already used most of our clothes, the hotel arranged laundry services in the city for us. It took 24 hours for our clothes to be returned, and we were charged at cost.||Breakfast was included in our stay, and we had the option of dining at Café du Tukon or in the dining area of the hotel house, both offering stunning views of the rolling hills and the ocean. Each morning, we were greeted with a peaceful atmosphere that made the dining experience even more enjoyable. Additionally, the hotel provided a complimentary merienda, which consisted of a hot drink and a pastry of the day.||Since Fundacion Pacita is located far from the town proper, they provide complimentary shuttle transfers:||Afternoon: Fundacion to City Proper at 11 AM–12 PM and City Proper to Fundacion at 1 PM–2 PM|Evening: Fundacion to City Proper at 5 PM–6 PM, Proper to Fundacion at 7 PM–8 PM||For internet connectivity, they use Starlink, which was stable but could be slow at times. The WiFi access point is in the common living area, so if you need faster speeds, you’ll need to work from there. In our room, the WiFi signal was inconsistent, but I managed to establish a faster and reliable connection using my Smart Mobile WiFi.||One thing to note is that Fundacion Pacita does not have TVs in the rooms or even in the common areas. While this might be a downside for some, we actually appreciated the digital detox, as it allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the breathtaking scenery. If you prefer having entertainment, I’d recommend bringing downloaded movies or books for your stay.||A truly exclusive and luxurious retreat that offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and the untouched beauty of Batanes. The absence of a TV actually enhances the experience, allowing you to disconnect and fully immerse yourself in nature at its finest. While it comes with a premium price tag, the level of comfort, hospitality, and unmatched scenery make it a one-of-a-kind experience that is...

TL;DR Place for VIPs Only. Everyone Else, GOOD LUCK! (Security concerns, poor communication, no genuine hospitality)

We booked Fundacion Pacita expecting a peaceful, once-in-a-lifetime stay surrounded by nature and art. Yes, the views were amazing and breathtaking from our balcony. We stayed in Itaw room and thought it couldn’t be more perfect than that. But we were wrong.

Apparently, safety isn't part of the package unless you're a VIP. We lost xx,xxx. The cash and envelope left were clearly tampered with. No vaults in the room because of course, we were in Batanes. Zero to low crime rates, right? Mind you, this happened only a day from our wedding. We were so stressed but what made it worse was the lack of urgency, empathy and accountability. Not enough reassurance was given. The response felt surface-level.

Our concern was taken lightly maybe because they had several VIP guests staying at the time. No one from the senior management reached out to us. The owner was actually on-site at the time but never spoke to us. Not even two minutes of their time. That alone already speaks so much. I had to send an email first and they replied more than 2 weeks later.

No CCTVs around the area because we were told that all of the staff were trustworthy and that they value the VIPs' privacy. FYI, CCTV footage is not meant to be public. It's there for situations like this.

On our wedding day and the next day, not a single person from their staff acknowledged or congratulated us. We weren't expecting anything grand but a simple "Congratulations!" would have gone a long way. When we moved to a homestay in town, we were warmly welcomed and congratulated by people we had just met.

With everything that happened including the loss of cash, the lack of communication and the overall feeling of being overlooked, it did not feel worth it. We did not get our money's worth. So if you're booking this place.. maybe think twice? Or go and enjoy the view but manage your expectations.

(Check the other review posted 4 months ago, they had the same experience with missing cash!)

P.S. Unless you're a VVIP, expect very different treatment. P.P.S. Quick hospitality tip: all guests deserve the same care since we all paid...

BATANES ... See you soonest! Cheers to these TWO who let me Do what I Do 🤭😅

In a land of dreams, where waves embrace the shore, Where nature's wonders leave us wanting more, There lies a gem, a paradise unknown, Familia Ballestar, where our hearts have grown.

Batanes, a hidden treasure in the sea, A destination where our spirits longed to be, With savings in hand, we took a leap so bold, An adventure we never thought we could hold.

Oh, Fundación Pacita, your hospitality so grand, Like a guiding light, you took us by the hand, With open arms, you welcomed us to this land, A haven of tranquility, where memories expand.

We set foot on this enchanted soil, Where time stands still, where worries coil, In the embrace of nature's bountiful grace, We found solace, we found our sacred space.

The rugged cliffs, majestic and proud, Stand tall against the elements, unbowed, They whisper tales of resilience and might, A testament to the spirit's endless flight.

Oh, the landscapes, a painter's dream, With rolling hills and fields agleam, The vibrant hues, a symphony of delight, A palette of wonder, an artist's purest light.

Through winding paths, we roamed hand in hand, Exploring every corner, a magical wonderland, From idyllic beaches to ancient stone houses, Batanes unfolded its beauty, like delicate roses.

And in the midst of this breathtaking scene, The warmth of the people, so kind and serene, Their genuine smiles, their hearts open wide, Made us feel like family, filled us with pride.

Thank you, Fundación Pacita, for your embrace, For creating a haven, a sacred space, Where dreams come alive, where love is found, Familia Ballestar, forever etched in our hearts, profound.

This adventure, worth every penny we saved, A journey of a lifetime, our spirits engraved, Batanes, a travel destination so divine, We will cherish this memory, till the end of time.

Oh, Familia Ballestar, you've touched our souls, A testament to the beauty that life beholds, With gratitude in our hearts, we bid adieu, But your essence, your magic, will...