Truth be told, notwithstanding the partygoer that I am, I didn’t have much of a desire to explore Pampanga’s nightlife scene … until I heard about the newly opened Aqua Beach Club located at the rooftop level of ABC Hotel in Angeles City. While it’s true that the Philippines’ “Sin City” is already vibrant as it is, Aqua Beach Club is poised to beat everything else and is guaranteed to mark Pampanga even brighter on the map of hospitality. The first of its kind in Asia, the 3-story wellness and party super club sits atop the luxurious boutique hotel, enticing locals, expats, and even folks from Manila (like us) to join the party and experience the fun!
We checked out this adult playground just this weekend and we are already planning a trip back! I’ve never seen anything like it—not even the highly popular Palace Pool Club (which I also love, by the way) can rival the range of its offerings. Indeed, this unique concept will drive hordes of party lovers not only from nearby places, but also from Manila dwellers eager to taste a bit of luxury and exclusivity in Pampanga. Many places can make you get lost and forget where you truly are—this statement couldn’t have been more accurate with Aqua.
Below, I have listed down 9 things to expect when visiting Aqua Beach Club. Whether you just want to drop by for a couple of drinks, or sit back and chill the whole day, the club’s entrance rates and cabana packages are sure to suit your particular liking. I won’t keep you long because I know you’re excited, so hit “7” on the elevator, get your individual bracelet passes, and enjoy!
1 | A luxurious and exclusive ambience
The moment you step into ABC Hotel itself, you will be transported into a whole new world. The dim lighting, intricate trimmings and knickknacks, plush flooring and wall details, and touches of gold everywhere all work together to make up an atmosphere that is sexy and energetic. The same vibe continues to be felt when you go up the 7th level to the Aqua Beach Club—but instead of carpets and leather booths, there are swimming pools, beach lounge chairs, and slip-resistant floors. The main bar sits in the middle, where you can watch some flair bartending, and at one end sits the Jacuzzi where guests can soak in as they nurse a bottle of beer or a cocktail. Private cabanas installed with their own viewing decks surround the area. The edge pool is at the far end, lined up with recliners on one side, and on the other, the elevated DJ’s booth.
2 | Lavish private cabanas
Aqua Beach Club has 6 private cabanas in the 8th level for groups who would like to party with a bit of privacy. For as low as PhP8,500 (Deluxe Cabana, half-day use, good for 8 persons), partygoers can enjoy their own little space equipped with a sofa, TV, sink, viewing deck, some private swimming pool space (balcony/wraparound). The bigger ones (Presidential Cabanas) have a more spacious sitting area and a “basement” bathroom complete with a toilet, a shower, and storage space—available for as low as PhP12,000, good for 12 persons. Prices for weekdays and weekends differ slightly, please consult the price list at the end of this blog post.
3 | Exquisite drinks
There’s nothing like a well-made cocktail to accompany you on a lazy afternoon or to fuel things up for a long night of partying. Aqua’s special concoctions have just the right amount of sweetness and alcohol content, guaranteed to give you a nice buzz with their balanced flavors. I loved the Melon Frozen Mojito made with Bacardi, fresh melon, lime juice, and mint, as well as the Hugo’s Gyn composed of Bombay Sapphire, cucumber, mint, elderflower, and prosecco. If you’re an adventurous drinker, get the refreshing and spicy Frozen Chili Mango Margarita, which puts other frozen margaritas I’ve tried to shame. For those who like it sweet, I recommend the Pink Brazil (strawberry, cachaça, lychee, lime, soda). Beers, syringe shots, liquors, and spirits are available as well.
4 | Endless leisure options
Whether you came here just to drink, swim, or dance, Aqua Beach Club can definitely deliver. For someone who truly knows how to party, however, a pool and some tables littered with beers are not enough. Good thing that whoever conceptualized this party haven thought of putting a Jacuzzi as well—where you can relax while actually sipping your drinks—and a drink roulette, which brings out your daring self and chooses your drink for you. Should you get bored with all the swimming, drinking, and dancing, simply head down the lower level which houses all leisure venues imaginable. If you’re looking for an indulgent spa session, a quick workout to keep the blood flowing, or a pampering mani-pedi, the hotel’s Millionaire Spa and Lounge and The Forge Gym (open for in-house guests only) can help you loosen up. The lounge encourages socializing, so strike up with a conversation with anybody while enjoying a cocktail. They also serve fresh fruit juices and protein shakes, perfect for your workout needs. This floor also houses the hot tub, sauna, and ice shower area. Would you dare take a bath in the see-through shower?
5 | Clear saltwater pools
I absolutely love drinking by the pool—and in the pool—and at Aqua Beach Club, this simple pleasure was multiplied tenfold. The bar is literally surrounded by swimming pools: from the main edge pool where guests can do some laps, dance, or meet people to the private pools in each cabana. The pools have saltwater in them instead of mighty volumes of chlorine—which is known to reduce eye and skin irritation. Entrance to the club includes free use of the pool, as well as towels, robes, and access to the lockers. So go ahead and indulge—jump into the water in between rounds of drinks!
6 | Breathtaking views of Pampanga
Each cabana at Aqua Beach Club offers a stunning view of the Angeles cityscape. Drink from the privacy of your own deck and take in the calming sight of the entertainment district when viewed from seven stories up. The edge pool offers great panoramas as well, and if you want to stay somewhere a bit quieter, the Sky Bar located one level up offers a 360-degree view of Angeles City. This relaxing extension of the club is accessible via a staircase near the entrance. From here, you can view various landmarks like the SM City Clark, and a distant sight of natural attractions like Mt. Pinatubo.
7 | Amazing staff
At Aqua Beach Club, it seems like everyone truly aims to please. The bartenders and servers are alert, quick, and polite—obviously well-trained and experienced at handling a diverse crowd. You know how some servers are so attentive that they become a bit intrusive? Here, they approach you when you obviously need something, but let you do you thing when you want to. The cute bar manager is also hands-on and greets guests when he passes by.
8 | Great party music
Some people prefer house music when partying, but I personally like EDM, reggae, reggaeton, and a bit of Latin music—which, fortunately for me, are the thing at Aqua Beach Club (at least in the two days I was there). If you love heavy beats, you will thank—and love—their resident DJ too, like I did. Suffice it to say, I found it hard not to move my body even as I was sitting on the cushioned chair by the pool!
9 | Hassle-free payment scheme
Your bracelet entry pass has a number which the waitstaff use to keep track of all your orders. So every time you get a new drink, just sign the receipt and give your number to the server. Bring only the stuff you will need to your tables—you can leave your bags, wallets, and other valuables in the locker area. Then once you’re ready to go, you can get your things and pay at the reception before surrendering your bracelet.
Navigate Aqua Beach Club:
7th Level
Reception
Millionaire Spa and Lounge
Private massage rooms
The Forge Gym
Hot tub
Sauna
Ice Shower
Locker areas
8th Level
Bar
Deluxe and Presidential Cabanas
Swimming Pools
Dance floor
Jacuzzi
9th Level
Sky Bar
Rates:
~*~
Aqua Beach Club
ABC HOTEL, Don Juico Avenue, Malabanias, Angeles City, Pampanga
+63917.622.2226
Budget: PhP1,000 up/head
What do you think of Aqua Beach Club?
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