Inside the most luxurious resort in Manila, Philippines

Miniature City by Manila Bay - Emotional Melody in the Heart of the Sleepless City

While outside, the rain covers the entire city of Manila, inside the Solaire Resort Entertainment City integrated resort, crystal lights still shine brightly in a vibrant space like a separate world. Here, time seems to slow down, luxury does not lie in the splendor outside, but in the complete experiences wrapped up in a "miniature city".

The trend of integrated resorts is gradually shaping the way modern people experience travel. There, visitors can fully enjoy every moment: from international meals, enjoying a famous musical, to art spaces or peaceful bay views through the rooms. Instead of depending on the weather or outdoor infrastructure, the Philippines is focusing on developing year-round resort-entertainment complexes, bringing complete experiences to visitors at all times.

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Perhaps, it is for this reason that in 2025, Solaire Resort Entertainment City continued to be honored by Forbes Travel Guide with a 5-star certification for the ninth consecutive time - a testament to the effort to maintain international reach in the context of increasingly fierce competition in the regional tourism industry.

Set against Manila Bay, Solaire Resort is just a 15-minute drive from the international airport. The resort has an 8.3-hectare campus consisting of 793 rooms, suites and villas, designed in a modern yet sophisticated style, where every detail is geared towards a complete relaxing experience for visitors. The Bay Tower and Sky Tower are the two hearts of this complex. The accommodation space has the spirit of "retreat in prosperity", each room opens up to the view of the bay or the city lit up at night, the lights blending with the water to create a vivid picture.

The resort’s impressive features lie not only in its architecture or sparkling bay views, but also in the multi-sensory culinary world opened up through 19 restaurants and bars. From the passionate Italian flavors, the sophistication of Japan, the depth of China to the bold Filipino variations… each restaurant has its own story, where chefs tell the East-West journey through the language of scent, sound and taste.

When night falls, the casino lobby lights up like the heart of Manila. The lights reflected on the crystal ceiling, combined with the sound of dice and the lively music, create a unique energy but still aesthetic of the night culture here.

For Filipinos, casinos are not only a form of entertainment but also a part of modern life, where they meet, enjoy and try their luck in a bustling atmosphere. Because of this attraction, Manila is also on the list of leading cities in the casino industry in the region, along with Singapore and Macau. In addition, there are many international fashion brands in the resort for tourists to shop anytime, anywhere.

Art becomes the soul of the resort

Art is the highlight that defines the aesthetic identity at Solaire. More than 3,000 works by famous Filipino artists such as Benedicto Cabrera, Fernando Zóbel, Rex Dasig or Rico Lascano, Carmel Lim-Torres or Bojo Torre... are spread throughout the space, from the corridors to the hotel lobby, making every step feel like walking through a contemporary art museum. This is where visitors can not only admire but also listen to the rhythm of Manila life through the creative lens of the locals.

Within the Solaire Resort, The Theatre is one of the few spaces where the performing arts are celebrated for a variety of drama, dance and concerts. With a capacity of 1,740 seats, it regularly hosts Broadway musicals, West End shows and international concerts, always with full houses.

In contrast to the bustling atmosphere outside the casino, when the curtain gently closed and the first melody sounded, the entire auditorium seemed to be silent. Only the stage lights, the movements of emotions and the applause resounded like the echoes of an unfinished dream. It was also this passion that made Manila rise to become the most vibrant musical center in Southeast Asia.

Solaire recently made a surprise appearance as the stop for “Dear Evan Hansen”, the multi-Tony award-winning musical. The story of youth, loneliness and the desire to be understood that once moved New York audiences was brought to life emotionally on The Theatre stage. When the melody of “You Will Be Found” rang out, the Manila auditorium seemed to resonate with the rhythm of Broadway – proving that art has no borders and Solaire is where those connections shine.

The space outside the theater is also taken care of as part of the experience for visitors with souvenir booths, photo areas themed for each play and lines of people eagerly lining up before each screening.

In the middle of the sleepless city by Manila Bay, Solaire is like a quiet space distilled for those who want to temporarily leave the outside world. Welcome the sunrise by the sea-facing window, enjoy breakfast, sip a cup of aromatic coffee; in the afternoon stroll through the art spaces; in the evening, immerse yourself in the unique culinary flavors and immerse yourself in the music and sparkling lights of Manila city. A vacation here is a way for the body and mind to rest, for each traveler to find a peaceful breath in the middle of the bustling city.

When travel is no longer an escape from everyday life, but a journey to find balance and enjoy the values ​​of "simple luxury", Solaire is present through the sophistication in every detail, creating a complete experience and contributing to writing the story of a strong tourism future.

Phuong Thao is the Editor of Travellive Magazine. She is passionate about traveling and loves to capture moments with her camera in every land she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are her favorite writing topics.

Article and photos: Phuong Thao