Inside one of Manila's most luxurious resorts, Philippines

A miniature city on Manila Bay - A melody of emotion in the heart of a sleepless metropolis.

While rain blankets Manila outside, inside the Solaire Resort Entertainment City, a fully integrated resort, crystal lights shine brightly in a vibrant space, creating a world of its own. Here, time seems to slow down; luxury lies not in outward splendor, but in the complete experiences encapsulated within this "miniature city."

The trend of integrated resort complexes is gradually shaping how modern travelers experience tourism. There, visitors can fully enjoy every moment: from international cuisine and spectacular musical performances to art spaces and tranquil bay views from their rooms. Instead of relying on weather or outdoor infrastructure, the Philippines is focusing on developing year-round resort and entertainment complexes, providing a complete experience for visitors at any time.

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Perhaps this is why, in 2025, Solaire Resort Entertainment City continued to be honored by Forbes Travel Guide with its ninth consecutive 5-star rating – a testament to its efforts to maintain its international standing amidst increasingly fierce competition in the regional tourism industry.

Nestled against Manila Bay, Solaire Resort is just a 15-minute drive from the international airport. The resort boasts 8.3 hectares and features 793 rooms, suites, and villas, designed in a modern yet sophisticated style, where every detail is geared towards providing guests with a complete relaxation experience. The Bay Tower and Sky Tower are the heart of this complex. The accommodations embody the spirit of "retreat within prosperity," with each room offering stunning views of the bay or the city lights at night, the lights blending with the water to create a vibrant picture.

The resort's appeal lies not only in its architecture or the sparkling bay views, but also in the multi-sensory culinary world unfolding through its 19 restaurants and bars. From the rich, delicate flavors of Italy and the depth of Chinese cuisine to the vibrant variations of Filipino flavors… each restaurant tells its own story, where chefs recount the East-West journey through the language of aroma, sound, and taste.

As night falls, the casino hall lights up like the heart of Manila. The lights reflect off the crystal ceiling, blending with the dice clatter and the lively music, creating a unique yet aesthetically pleasing energy that reflects the city's nightlife culture.

For Filipinos, casinos are not just a form of entertainment but also an integral part of modern life, a place where they meet, enjoy themselves, and try their luck in a lively atmosphere. This appeal has also placed Manila among the leading casino cities in the region, alongside Singapore and Macau. In addition, there are many international fashion brands within the resort area, allowing visitors to shop anytime, anywhere.

Art becomes the soul of the resort.

Art is the defining element shaping Solaire's aesthetic identity. Over 3,000 works by renowned Filipino artists such as Benedicto Cabrera, Fernando Zóbel, Rex Dasig, Rico Lascano, Carmel Lim-Torres, and Bojo Torre permeate the space, from the corridors to the hotel lobby, making each step feel like entering a contemporary art museum. Here, visitors can not only admire but also listen to the rhythm of Manila life through the creative lens of the locals.

Inside the Solaire Resort, The Theatre is one of the rare spaces where theatrical arts are celebrated across a wide range of forms, including drama, dance, and concerts. With a seating capacity of 1,740, it regularly hosts Broadway musicals, West End art programs, and international concerts, all of which are consistently sold out.

In stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere outside the casino lobby, as the curtain gently closed and the first notes began to play, the entire auditorium fell silent. Only the stage lights, the stirring emotions, and the echoing applause remained, like the lingering afterglow of an unfinished dream. It is this very passion that has propelled Manila to become the most vibrant center of musical theater in Southeast Asia.

Recently, Solaire surprised everyone by becoming the venue for “Dear Evan Hansen,” the multi-award-winning Tony Award musical. The story of youth, loneliness, and the yearning for understanding, which once moved New York audiences, is now emotionally reinterpreted on The Theatre stage. When the melody of “You Will Be Found” resonated, the Manila auditorium seemed to beat in sync with Broadway – proving that art knows no boundaries and Solaire is where those connections truly shine.

The space outside the theater is also carefully designed as part of the visitor experience, with souvenir shops, themed photo areas for each performance, and eager crowds lining up before each premiere.

In the heart of the sleepless city of Manila Bay, Solaire offers a tranquil escape for those seeking to temporarily leave the outside world. Watch the sunrise from your ocean-facing window, enjoy breakfast and a fragrant cup of coffee; stroll through art spaces in the afternoon; and immerse yourself in the unique culinary scene and the vibrant lights and music of Manila in the evening. A stay here is a way for both body and mind to rest, allowing each traveler to find a peaceful rhythm amidst the bustling metropolis.

When travel is no longer an escape from the daily grind, but a journey to rediscover balance and enjoy "simple luxury," Solaire is present through its meticulous attention to detail, creating a complete experience and contributing to the continuation of the story of a thriving tourism future.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Text and photos: Phuong Thao