Travelers are now able to discover and explore the most unique spaces all over the world with Airbnb

Ever wanted a special stay for that long-awaited work recharge or a weekend getaway to celebrate loved ones? If you’re not sure where to start searching, Airbnb’s new Categories search tool is set to change that with the launch of 56 new categories. 

Travelers are now able to discover and explore the most unique spaces all over the world  — including Campers, Treehouses, A-frames, and Domes.  To get you started, Airbnb has rounded up some of Filipinos’ most wishlisted unique stays on the platform. 

#VanLife Campers

For those thinking about moving into a van and traveling the world, why not get a taste of #vanlife first with these beautiful trailers:

• Jeepney Camper in Rizal: This cosy jeepney-turned-camper promises to provide a truly Pinoy #vanlife experience. Nestled in the lush rainforests of Sierra Madre, the stay comes with a campfire pit and a pool so guests can enjoy the outdoors.

• Vintage Airstream Suite in Batangas: The very first Airstream accommodation in the country, this vintage 25-foot footer camper offers a living area with a couch, dining area, kitchenette, and a bedroom with a queen-sized bed. Even if you are not a fan of tiny houses, it is easy to fall in love with this trailer's rustic charm.

  
  

Whimsical Treehouses

Go off-grid with these glorious homes perched high on the treetops:

• Treehouse by the Ocean in Batangas: In this vibrant and proudly local hut located in sunny Calatagan, guests can enjoy a private pool, coral reef beach and starry night skies perfect for stargazing. It’s also near Cape Santiago Lighthouse for a quick historical trip.

• Treehouse de Valentine in Cebu: Unconventional for all the right reasons, this treehouse is the perfect nest away from the busy Queen City of the South. Guests will find it hard to pick their favorite feature of this treehouse villa – be it the wooden hot tub, patios overlooking the rainforest, or charming rustic decor.

Gorgeous A-frames

Whether oceanside, lakeside, or mountainside, these vacation homes are as fun as they are cosy:

• Mango Nest Hut in Zambales: Planning a glamping trip for two? Located just fifteen minutes from Subic’s waterfalls and beaches, Mango Nest is a 12sq m tiny hut located in a garden. Outside, you can enjoy a picnic and say hello to the Host’s friendly poodles wandering about the garden.

• Alhibé Farm Exclusive Homestay in Cebu: Check out Alhibé Farm, a boutique mountainside homestay complete with its own nipa hut and swimming pool with water from the nearby springs. A bantawan (covered bamboo deck) for private events and movie night experiences inside the mini forest is a bonus point.

  
  

Rejuvenating Beach Homes

These homes are the perfect rejuvenating getaway, where you can listen to the waves crashing against the sand in the morning and lulling yourself to sleep with the sound of the sea every night:

• Anilao Beach House in Batangas: This oceanfront glasshouse in Anilao comes with a reef at your doorstep, making it the perfect spot for avid divers. You can also rent diving gear, jet skis and windsurfing equipment for an ultimate adrenaline-packed weekend.

• Floral Island in Palawan: With its great food, incredible snorkeling spots, and warm hospitality, Floral Island is undeniably one of the best private islands in Palawan. Each booking includes access to six villas, a private restaurant, beachside bonfire, and massage hut; plus exciting activities like kayaking, island hopping, and even coral reef planting. 

  
  

Geodesic Domes

Experience the wilderness in these geodesic domes, perfect for long nights of stargazing:

• Domescape in Batangas: Located in Nasugbu, Domescape features six tastefully styled domes surrounded by lush greenery and natural pools, letting nature-lovers experience the great outdoors without compromising comfort. Each dome comes furnished with comfy beds, an air-conditioner, and mini-fridge. 

• Dome Mufli King in Laguna: Situated in a glamping site that looks straight out of a sci-fi film, Dome Mufli King is fully run on solar power. Bookings are inclusive of a home-cooked breakfast and free use of kayaks, floaters, and fishing poles, which you can enjoy in the waters of Lumot Lake.

Ipanema opens more stores in time for the holiday season

Ipanema, Brazil’s fun, chic and colorful brand of sandals and flip flops, has opened its latest outlet at SM City in Sta. Rosa, Laguna as part of its expansionary thrust in time for the holidays. The new store is one of the new outlets that the company is eyeing to open this year in time for the holiday season.

With the opening of this latest branch, residents within the area can conveniently shop for the latest Ipanema footwear, especially for gift giving this Christmas. The new store carries the latest Ipanema styles and collections, each one inspired by the spectacular coastal neighborhood of Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“Our expansion in this part of the South couldn’t have come at a more opportune time as the holiday season is just around the corner,” explains Cecille Loretizo, Head of Marketing, ELRO Retail Corp. “This new store which carries Ipanema sandals exclusively, boasts of a wider  selection of the latest footwear from this iconic Brazilian brand.” 

Aside from the newly opened Ipanema outlet at SM City Sta. Rosa, Ipanema store is set to open in SM City Dasmarinas and more stores on the upcoming months, signs of ELRO’s strong outlook in the market as it aims to further grow its retail footprint in the country.

The new Ipanema store is located at Level 1, SM City Sta Rosa. Ipanema stores are also located at  SM City Lucena, Clark-Angeles, North Edsa, Bacolod, Pampanga, Cauayan-Isabela, Gensan, Iloilo, Roasales and Cabanatuan; as well as at SM Lanang Premier in Davao, SM Seaside Cebu, Ayala Centrio Cagayan de Oro, Ayala Abreeza Davao and Robinsons Place Antipolo.

Visit Muni Market at Nuvali on May 21

On its 5th year, MUNI Market continues to spread its message of “mindful living” to folks living in the metropolis and beyond through a festive market affair at the Solenad Activity Park, Solenad 3, Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Cause-driven entrepreneurs will be showcasing their healthy, local, and eco-friendly fares including food, as well as home and fashion items, alongside educational workshops, demos, and live musical performances.

“Muni” is derived from the word “muni-muni” which in Filipino means to think, ponder, muse, or reflect. Through the MUNI Market, the Muni community of like-minded merchants eager to share their knowledge of “mindful lifestyle options” hopes to inspire people to become aware of their impact as consumers and the simple ways one can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Among the conscious, purpose-driven merchants at MUNI Market include Yadu which produces high-quality bags and backpacks made with upcycled fabric. Risque Designs makes colorful footwear using handwoven Hablon textiles from Iloilo and accessorizes them with Paete wooden icons. Gouache’s reusable lunch bags tote as well as complement wholesome meals. Jertie’s Kitchen specializes in vegan, gluten-free pastries and dishes.

The MUNI Market will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. In between shopping, kids can attend coloring and storytelling activities, food enthusiasts can watch food demos, and yogis can join a yoga class. While guests mill about the day-long bazaar, musicians such as Toni B, Gentle Universe, Paola Mauricio, and Mellow Submarine will provide live entertainment for a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
“MUNI Market’s ideals are in sync with Nuvali’s sustainability philosophy. We are one with the MUNI community in helping consumers make more informed lifestyle decisions and providing avenues for people to effectively make changes for the good of the environment and society,” said Nuvali Marketing Manager Jennifer Chua.

Within Nuvali’s lush 2,290-hectare mixed-use development are scenic bike trails, hiking paths, and a wildlife and bird sanctuary, in line with its vision as a self-supporting eco-city. Nuvali recently launched Camp N, its premier outdoor adventure and team-building facility that serves as an incubation for self-discovery through obstacles and challenges testing one’s physical limits, mental abilities, and even character and values. Right beside Camp N is Greens & Patches which serves as a tree nursery, a demo organic farm, as well as an art and meditation center for those seeking an introspective approach in self-development. Guided tours and programs will soon be offered here so guests can learn about nature’s processes and gifts.

To get to Nuvali, one can take any of the five South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) exits at Mamplasan, Sta. Rosa, Eton-Greenfield, Silangan, and Canlubang. Nuvali is also easily accessible via public vehicles from major centers like Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Balibago.