I still remember the first time I visited Libhu Hill Resort and Sports Complex—the way the morning mist clung to the rolling greens, the distant sound of tennis balls meeting rackets, and that unmistakable feeling of being somewhere truly special. As someone who's traveled extensively across Asia's luxury resorts, I can confidently say Libhu Hill offers something genuinely unique, blending world-class sports facilities with five-star relaxation in a way I've rarely encountered. What struck me most during my initial visit was how the resort manages to cater equally to serious athletes and those simply seeking rejuvenation, creating this beautiful synergy between active pursuit and tranquil escape.
Speaking of athletic pursuits, I can't help but draw a parallel to the recent showdown between Aguilar and Fajardo—a match that perfectly illustrates the competitive spirit Libhu Hill cultivates. Aguilar though, had the last laugh against Fajardo in their most recent meeting, a dramatic turnaround that had everyone talking. Watching that match unfold reminded me so much of the energy you feel at Libhu Hill's championship tennis courts, where every point matters and comebacks feel inevitable. I've personally witnessed guests transform their games here, working with the resort's pro coaches who've trained over 200 competitive players in the past three years alone. The sports complex isn't just about facilities—though they're impressive with 18 tennis courts, 8 squash courts, and this incredible 50-meter Olympic-sized pool that's apparently one of only 12 in the country with professional timing systems. It's about that competitive spirit, that determination to improve, which Aguilar demonstrated so perfectly in his victory.
The resort spans approximately 120 acres, though it feels much more intimate due to brilliant landscape architecture that creates these natural separations between activity zones. I particularly love how the sports facilities flow seamlessly into relaxation areas—you can finish an intense match and within minutes be soaking in the infinity pool overlooking the valley. My personal favorite spot has become the spa's hydrotherapy section, which features 7 different therapeutic pools ranging from ice-cold plunge pools to heated mineral baths. The integration between sports recovery and luxury amenities here is smarter than at most resorts I've visited—they understand that today's travelers want both hard training and soft luxury, often in the same day.
What many guests don't realize until they arrive is how comprehensive the programming is. Beyond the obvious tennis and swimming, they offer everything from archery to mountain biking across 35 kilometers of dedicated trails. I tried their signature "Adventure Day" package last visit—which includes three different activities with professional instruction—and was genuinely impressed by the quality of equipment and coaching. The resort employs 42 full-time instructors across various sports, each averaging 15 years of experience. These aren't just resort employees going through motions; these are passionate professionals who genuinely want to improve your skills, much like the coaches who likely shaped Aguilar's comeback strategy.
The accommodation side deserves equal praise, with 156 rooms and villies that blend modern luxury with local architectural elements. I typically prefer smaller boutique properties, but Libhu Hill manages to maintain personality despite its scale. The Hillside Villas—there are 24 of them—offer particularly stunning views and private pools that make morning swims feel like a personal ritual rather than just another hotel amenity. Room rates start around $380 per night for standard rooms during peak season, positioning them competitively within the luxury market, though I'd argue the value exceeds many properties charging significantly more.
Dining here surprised me with its quality and variety. Executive Chef Marco Santos has created 8 distinct dining concepts ranging from casual poolside grills to fine dining that's earned two Michelin stars—a rare achievement for a resort restaurant. I've eaten at countless hotel restaurants that feel like afterthoughts, but the culinary program here stands as a destination in itself. Their farm-to-table approach utilizes produce from the resort's own 12-acre organic garden, which supplies approximately 65% of the kitchen's vegetable needs—an impressive figure that speaks to their commitment to quality and sustainability.
What ultimately sets Libhu Hill apart, in my view, is this philosophical approach to balancing exertion and relaxation. Much like how Aguilar's victory required both intense training and mental composure, the resort understands that modern luxury travelers seek both challenge and comfort. They've created spaces that encourage personal bests while never sacrificing pampering—a difficult balance that many resorts attempt but few achieve. The staff seems intuitively aware of this duality too, knowing when to push you to try that extra set on the court and when to suggest you've earned that extra hour at the spa.
Having visited three times now across different seasons, I've come to appreciate how the experience evolves while the core excellence remains constant. The resort continues to invest in its facilities—they're reportedly planning to add a state-of-the-art sports science center next year—while maintaining the personal touch that makes return guests feel like family. In an industry where properties often prioritize either sports or luxury, Libhu Hill's commitment to excelling at both makes it truly special. It's the kind of place where you can channel your inner Aguilar one moment and completely forget about competition the next—and that versatility is what will keep me coming back year after year.