Fontana: Dissected

Last weekend, I and extended cousins had the chance to spend the weekend at Fontana Leisure Spring and Casino courtesy of my cousin Ate Norie and her hubby Kuya Gary. Ate Norie, Ate Rhia, Kuya Gary and Kuya Mario went there first via car while Ate Diana, Kuya Ryan and I followed on Friday night. It was only my second time to go to Pampanga and it was my first time commuting on my way there.

Posing in front of the main lobby.

How to Get There

Going to Clark is relatively easy. We rode the Victory Liner bus bound for Dagupan and got off at the Dau-Mabalacat terminal. We left Manila at around 6:45 pm but we encountered heavy traffic along EDSA so we arrived at around 10 pm already.  Kuya Gary and Kuya Mario picked us up at the terminal. The ride to Fontana took another ten minutes.

If you don’t have a car, there are coasters that go in and out of Fontana, though I do not know how much they cost and if it should be pre-scheduled.

Stay at Fontana

We stayed in a two-bedroom villa. I was informed that usual stay for a day costs Php 10,500.00. There’s a master bedroom with its own CR and another bedroom with two double beds. There’s also a driver’s bedroom with its own CR! The rest rooms come complete with towels, shampoo, conditioners, liquid soap, toothbrush, etc.

The villa where we stayed.

Goofs.

The villa was very spacious.  It had a mini bar and a decent kitchen with ref and electric stove. Guests have the option to bring their own food or order from Fontana. Bringing your own food is more practical since the food at Fontana is very pricey. A meal set which is good for 10 people can cost as much as PhP6-7,000.00. An alternative option is to go to the restaurants at the main building. Meals usually start at Php 250.00.

Dining area.

Kitchen area.

Attractions

Pools

Fontana has several swimming pools. As of the moment, several of the pools are under the renovation we didn’t get to enjoy the slides. The usual Water Theme Park has an Olympic size pool, ice-cold pool, normal pools, hot springs and Jacuzzis. Entrance fee for walk-in customers is priced at Php 200.00. The resort is also very strict with dress code: trunks for guys, swimsuit/non-cotton sleeveless top and board shorts for girls.

Olympic pool.

Casino

Fontana has a casino though we didn’t actually go to the casino when we were there.  Smart casual attire is required.

Restaurants and Bar

Fontana has several restaurants and bar. We checked out Palm’s bar. They have an array of food and drinks. The cappuccino they severed was good. Too bad it didn’t have a decent coffee art. They also didn’t have finger food. For those who are looking for more fun, there’s a pool and dart area in Palm’s.

Others Attractions

1. There are badminton, tennis and basketball courts at Fontana, perfect for those people who don’t want to miss their sport activities. I wasn’t able to ask if there’s a gym area there
2. Kid’s Par
3. Kalesa and golf-cars! You can navigate the resort through a kalesa or a golf car. I just don’t know how much does it cost.

1. Spa. The resort offers salon and spa services though they’re pricey. A pedicure costs Php 700.00 and massage starts at Php 650.00

VERDICT

Fontana is an eye-candy place but I don’t recommend especially if you’re on budget. Some facilities are exclusive to members. Nonetheless, I had fun and if this kind of opportunity arrives at my doorstep again, I wouldn’t hesitate to come back.

🙂