Everybody needs some time to relax, unwind or get away from a hectic lifestyle. That is why resorts and hotels were made, they’re the perfect sanctuary for people who want to take a break and enjoy life to the fullest.
When in Cagayan de Oro and looking for a resort or hotel to stay in, you should place Apple Tree on the top of your list. Why go far when there’s a hidden gem inside Cdo’s treasure box?
This resort takes the lead when it comes to providing guests with a memorable experience during their stay. I can attest to that since we were able to experience their resort first-hand during a staycation and we received some important input from key office members of their management.
Earlier this week, we had a meaningful conversation with the resort’s management and we got to learn more about the establishment and how they were able to stay in the industry all these years. In this article, we reveal everything about Apple Tree, some least known facts about the resort and why people should choose it over the others.
During our interview, we were able to talk to the resort’s General Manager, Bjanesha Emphasis, Marketing Manager, Clement Dampal and representatives from their finance, sales, food & beverage, kitchen and front desk departments. Here’s what we’ve talked about.
Brief Background and Resort Owner Details
The resort is owned by its mother-company “Apple One Properties Inc.” which is based in Cebu. It is a real estate company that owns several properties including Apple Tree Resort and Hotel in Cagayan de Oro city.
Other businesses that they own include; Apple One Tower condominium, Apple Tree Suites, Apple One Banawa Heights, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort and Residences (on-going construction) and Diamond Suites & Residences. Apple Tree used to be known as Lauremar Resort (closed in 2008) and this is when the resort took over, rebranded and changed everything. The resort’s General Manager is Ms. Bjanesha Emphasis, who started running the establishment in 2014.
The Apple Tree Culture
One of the things that hold this establishment together is the good relationship between the management and employees. As what we’ve noticed, they’re a tight-knit group who treat each other like family. Perhaps this is what makes working at Apple Tree more enjoyable, it’s the culture that they’ve cultivated together.
Their close bond is what motivates them to work with passion, practice teamwork and give their best at all times, knowing that they will always have each other, supporting one another and are one in their company’s goals. They have a healthy working relationship and this is spearheaded by a great leader, their General Manager, Ms. Bjanesha Emphasis who makes sure everything is running smoothly at the resort. They all live by good work ethics and treat each other well. The staff and management are united and it shows in the way they work.
World-class Facilities Offered
Aside from that, one of the best things about Apple Tree resort and hotel that makes it stand out from the rest is their facilities. These are all perfect for leisure and business purposes. Here’s a quick overview of all their facilities.
ROOMS
The resort has 39 guest rooms & suites. Their rooms are categorized into three which are; the Suite room (P5,400) , Lanai room (P4,200) and Deluxe room (P3,400).
Most of the time, foreigners choose the Suite rooms due to the luxurious furnishings and comfort they get from the room. On the other hand, guests who bring their family with them, prefer the Lanai Room since it is spacious and ideal for big groups.
Couples or small groups and businessmen clients choose the Deluxe room since it is comfortable enough for them and it offers great amenities as well. Deluxe rooms also offer a great view of the pool since they have balconies outside.
Room stays are inclusive of breakfast for two persons and for extra persons, the resort charges P1, 000 per person/night. For additional guests who are 5-11 years old, the resort charges a half rate of P500 per person and this includes breakfast for one.
Amenities included in the rooms are the following; energy-saving card control, fully-furnished and air-conditioned, 32” flat screen TV with cable, coffee-making facilities, safety deposit box, luggage handling/storage, complimentary Wi-Fi, hot and cold shower, bathroom amenities with dental kit, room service from (6am – 10pm) and laundry services.
For suite rooms, they have a bar and receiving area, bath tub, hair dryer and a mini refrigerator.
FUNCTION ROOMS
Apple Tree accepts bookings for various events and occasions. The resort is equipped with 4 function rooms and 2 ballrooms.
Indoor Function Rooms
The resort has Indoor function rooms such as; Macajalar Ballroom (can be broken down into Punta Sulawan, Punta Silum, Punta Sipaka). Other function rooms include; Punta Gorda and Sidlakan Ballroom.
The capacity of these function rooms are categorized into three which are; Banquet (20-100 persons), Theater (30-250 persons) and Classroom (15-150 persons). The rates for the function rooms is based per person, they can use the facility for 4 hours and they can extend their hours by adding P1,000 for each extended hour of their usage.
Apple Tree also has outdoor areas perfect for events and occasions such as the Tree Tops which can accommodate 30 persons during day time and 70 during afternoons.
In addition, the Pavilion which can house 50 guests, the Sand area is ideal for at least 100 persons and the Al fresco area which can accommodate 25 guests.
RESTAURANT
The resort has its very own restaurant called “Erlindo’s Diner” made especially for guests and walk-ins so they can enjoy great food anytime they want. The name of the resto came from one of the stakeholders of their mother company.
According to their F&B Manager, they offer a dining package that costs P7,000 which is inclusive of food and drinks. In addition, this package can accommodate up to 25 persons and allows the guests to use the al fresco area, get free access to the pool and beach.
For those who do not want to avail of this package but would like to dine as a group, the manager will allow groups of 10 people to use the Al Fresco area. The restaurant manager can also give discounts to senior citizens. At Erlindo’s Diner, the staff is friendly, courteous and offers quality service.
What types of food do they serve at the restaurant?
They offer Filipino, Chinese and other International dishes. Some of their best-sellers include their Kumbira award-winning dishes such as; sinuglaw, humba, Apple Tree fried rice and crispy banana with langka sauce.
Other customer favorites are the restaurant’s Inihaw and Fisherman platters. For snacks, their frozen mango crepe is the ultimate best-seller.
This dessert is very unique since the crepe is cold since it was chilled unlike other crepes from other restaurants that are served hot. It’s very delicious and leaves a tangy taste in your mouth.
Moreover, Erlindo’s also serves HALAL food like chicken, beef and sea food. They offer breakfast buffet every morning for guests and for walk-ins, they can avail of it at P300. This buffet consists of 5 main course dishes, pancakes and bread with a choice coffee, juice or tea.
When asked about what makes Erlindo’s different from other hotel restaurants, their restaurant chef said that they’re food is tasty and unique in their own way. Their approach when it comes to food is not to follow fads or trends. They focus on what’s acceptable to the market and what really captivates their taste buds.
What they want to is to make sure that their food matches customers’ needs especially foreigners and if guests have special requests, they comply as long as they’re capable of cooking them. Whenever there are criticisms, they gladly accept them with a smile and see this as an opportunity to improve. The kitchen department is happy to receive compliments from guests even for the simplest dishes they prepare. It inspires them to do better and always cook from the heart.
POOLS
Apple Tree has two swimming pools, the infinity and sea-horse shaped pools. These luxurious pools have a magnificent design that is very attractive to guests and tourists.
Just one glance and people can’t help but take a dip since they’re very inviting and so pleasing to the eyes.
The pools are 5-6 feet deep and guests can swim as long as they use proper swimwear. For walk-ins, the pool can be used at P150 per head.
BEACH
This is one of the main attractions of the resort, it is located right in front of the establishment thus allowing guests to have a splendid view of Macajalar Bay.
According to Clement Dampal, the resort’s Marketing Manager, Apple Tree’s soothing and unique ambiance is what makes it stand out from the others. The view is what makes guests keep coming back.
Whenever they visit the resort, the sea always catches their attention. It gives a calming effect to the onlookers.
LOBBY STORE
When entering the lobby, guests can immediately see the lobby store where they can buy some goodies, swimwear and souvenirs to take home.
Other incredible facilities worth noting are; room service, recreational activities, complimentary Wi-Fi in guestrooms and suites and all public areas, parking area, airport transfer and car hire.
The Resort’s Spotless Design
Another reason why guests keep coming back to Apple Tree and even recommend it to their friends is their unbeatable design. When you look at it as a whole, the design is exquisite and visually appealing.
Upon entering their premises, one will surely be impressed and amazed with the beautiful landscape, incredible design and overall atmosphere of the place. The shape and form of the structure looks great and the color scheme is wonderful. It’s not like any resort you’ve seen before.
According to Ms. Bjanesha Emphasis, the resort’s general manager, when this property was acquired by Apple One Properties, the new structure retained some parts of the old building but they added the bridge way and the restaurant to it.
Architect Daang was the original designer of the place but since the resort will be renovated soon, it will be Arhitect James Jao, who will take the job of redesigning the place. The renovation will start with the lobby and other areas soon.
Current Offerings, Promos, Activities and Future Plans
As of the moment, Apple Tree has Live Acoustic Performances every Saturday and Sunday at 5-9 pm.
Aside from that, they also have Zumba Fitness every Saturday at 4-5 pm which is free for in-house guests but walk-in guests need to pay for entrance fee (consummable) in order to participate. This is done at the resort’s sand area and at the pavilion in case it rains.
What promos do they have? They have an upcoming Father’s Day promo which enables the first 15 persons who come to receive one bottle of wine with a minimum of P3, 000 spent.
In addition, they also have an Independence Day promo happening on June 10-15. This promo is a 5+1 for pool usage. It is applicable for in-house and walk-in guests.
For Independence Day, the resort is also offering something special since the first 25 lucky walk-in guests will receive an amazing treat on that day from Apple Tree.
Moreover, they also have an upcoming Himugso Festival promo which gives 15% discount to all accommodation and will run from June 10-15, 2017 and selling date is June 1-15, 2017.
EVENTS
As for events, the resort does its annual tree lighting ceremony every December. They actually started this trend and several other hotels followed suit. The resort plans to add some water activities or water sports soon for guests to enjoy.
Apple Tree also just concluded their event last May called “Endless Summer Beach Festival” and it was a great success! The resort is thankful for their sponsors who supported them.
Resort Packages
WEDDING PACKAGE
For couples who want to tie the knot at Apple Tree resort, they have the Wedding Package. This package can accommodate a minimum of 100 persons.
For buffet, it costs P55,000 and excess is P400/person and for plate-in, it costs P45,000 and excess is P300/person. See poster for the inclusions.
PARTY PACKAGE
For events and special occasions like birthdays, debuts, anniversaries and others, Apple Tree has a party package especially made for those purposes.
For Buffet Lunch or Dinner it costs P330 per person and for Plated Lunch or Dinner, it costs P280 per person. This package has a minimum of 30 persons. They also offer Kiddie Buffet at P280 per person and a minimum of 25 kids.
The party package includes; one buffet or plated lunch/dinner with one standard drink, free use of function area for 4 hours and free use of sound system and microphones.
Add-ons include; Chocolate Fondue (P1,500), Clown (P1,200), Party Host (P1,500), Mascot (P1,500), Cotton Candy (P1,000), Popcorn 30 cups (P1,000), Ice Cream Cart (P1,600), Balloons (P450) and Photo Booth (P7,500).
Corkage fee will be applied should you desire to bring additional food/drinks. No free swimming, charge is P150 per person. Rates are subject to change without prior notice.
For reservations, please call 555-1918 or 0917-718-5152/0917-714-440 or send an email at [email protected].
PHOTOSHOOT PACKAGE
The resort also has a Photo shoot Package for walk-ins. For wedding pre-nup shoots, the rate is P7, 000 which is consumable with food and drinks.
However, photo shoots are allowed for those who check in the resort. The management is trying to keep these shoots to a minimum for security purposes and to maintain the exclusivity of the resort.
Indeed, Apple Tree Resort and Hotel has it all; fantastic views, great amenities and facilities, beautiful guest rooms, warm and friendly staff, you name it, they got it. So what are you waiting for? Book now and have a fantastic escape near the city!
For Inquiries, Reservations and More Information
Visit Apple Tree Resort and Hotel at Taboc, Opol, Misamis Oriental, PHILIPPINES.
Contact Numbers:
Landline: 555-1918
Mobile: (63 917) 714-4040/ (63 939) 907-6948/ (63 923) 326-9366
Email: [email protected]
Facebook Page: Apple Tree Resort & Hotel (ATRH)
Website: http://appletreeresortcdo.com/
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