Rediscovering Subic: A stay at The Aurora Subic Hotel

Subic has always been on my radar as a destination of choice, not just for its natural beauty and rich history but also for its unique blend of tranquility and adventure.

Returning after five years felt like reconnecting with an old friend; the familiar nostalgic vibe was still present, yet it was evident that the area had evolved. I was particularly excited to experience the newly opened The Aurora Subic Hotel, which presents a modern twist on Subic’s charm.

The hotel’s architecture stands out in the landscape with its contemporary yet welcoming facade. Inside, the lobby showcases a constellation-themed chandelier inspired by the Aurora Borealis, casting a soft, ethereal glow that perfectly sets the mood.

Dominic Rolda, The Aurora Subic Hotel’s general manager, proudly pointed out during my interview with him that the interior was meticulously designed to resonate with the galaxy.

The hotel is still in its soft opening phase, but you wouldn’t guess that from the level of service and sophistication on display.

Spacious comfort in a room with a view

The Aurora Subic Hotel boasts the largest inventory of rooms in Subic, with 101 well-appointed rooms. The king premier suites, situated at the hotel’s ends, offer a 180-degree view of Subic Bay and the surrounding mountains—truly a sight to behold.

Our room was a delightful surprise. The soft nude tones and warm lighting, highlighted by capiz lamps, instantly created a cozy atmosphere. The deluxe rooms feature a queen-size bed and a double bed, offering generous space and comfort. There’s also an option to add an extra bed for larger families.

Soon, the loft and penthouse suites, ranging from one to three bedrooms, will also be available.

All rooms at Aurora have balconies, providing guests with a private space to take in the breathtaking views of Subic Bay. Imagine waking up to the soft sea breeze and the beauty of the sunrise or relaxing with a drink as the sunset casts vibrant hues of orange and pink across the sky—an experience that truly transcends words.

The Aurora Subic Hotel proudly highlights local culture by showcasing indigenous fabrics from skilled weavers in Baguio. These beautifully framed pieces are displayed in the guestrooms, offering guests a window into the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage.

Facilities that impress

One of The Aurora Subic Hotel’s standout features is its L-shaped infinity pool, which boasts panoramic views of three-fourths of the Subic area. Guests can relish both sunrise and sunset from this picturesque spot, quickly making it a favorite.

The well-equipped gym is also worth mentioning. It features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer fantastic views while you work out.

Photos courtesy of The Aurora Subic Hotel

Dining at Café Teofila

One of the most striking aspects of Subic is its unique blend of modernity and nostalgia. It’s a place where you can feel the influence of its past as a U.S. military base, yet see its progress and development, creating a unique atmosphere that reflects both its past and its promising future.

Rolda described Subic as having a “laid-back, rural life flow” while still being distinctly Filipino with a touch of American influence.

Café Teofila, Aurora’s in-house restaurant, captures this essence perfectly, with plans to adorn the space with old Subic photos. This initiative aims to showcase the local culture and history, adding depth to the guest experience.

Offering an intercontinental menu with a focus on Filipino and American dishes, it caters to the diverse demographics of Subic. The café opens from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., serving everything from hearty breakfasts to late-night snacks.

What stood out for me was the commitment to supporting local farmers.

“Most of our raw materials, like coffee, meats, poultry items, and veggies, come from local farmers in Tarlac,” shared Rolda.

Café Teofila offers classic comfort food and signature dishes bursting with flavor. Photos by Rhea Vitto Tabora

Exploring the neighborhood

Subic’s safe, walkable streets offer a variety of activities and dining options. Since The Aurora Subic Hotel is strategically located, guests can easily explore the vicinity on foot.

A short walk takes you to Ayala Malls Harbor Point and Royal Duty-Free, making shopping quick and easy.

While Café Teofila at the hotel offers excellent intercontinental cuisine focusing on local flavors, Rolda had several recommendations for dining spots around the neighborhood.

“For a nostalgic touch, Aristocrat is there, known for its Filipino flavors. Coco Lime is another great choice, offering a variety of dishes. Maple on the Pavilion has a comprehensive menu from breakfast to dinner.”

If you’re in the mood for al fresco dining by the bay, there are several choices along Waterfront Road. Serene waters and the gentle breeze provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxed meal.

Subic is renowned for its triathletes, thanks to its varied terrain and favorable conditions for swimming, biking, and running. The Aurora Subic Hotel also caters to family and leisure travelers, offering partnerships with local organizations to provide discounts on activities such as Ocean Adventure and Zoobic Safari.

One unique offering is the Sail and Stay package, which includes a romantic sunset yacht experience with a buffet dinner. It’s perfect for couples looking to add a touch of luxury to their stay.

Exceptional event hosting

The Aurora Subic Hotel is not just for leisure and business travelers; it’s also a premier destination for hosting events.

The grand ballroom is one of the largest in the area, and the function rooms are customizable to fit the client’s needs. These rooms have views and natural light, offering a non-claustrophobic experience, unlike the function rooms in other hotels.

Photos courtesy of The Aurora Subic Hotel

Recently, the hotel hosted the 72nd meeting of the Southeast Asia Philippine Navy delegates, transforming their ballroom into a celebration of Filipino culture with local foods and traditional decor.

Rolda emphasized the importance of showcasing Filipino hospitality and culture. “When we showcase our hospitality and the kind of service that we offer, when they return to their country, these are the good words that could really spread worldwide,” he said. This commitment to excellence and cultural pride is evident in every aspect of the hotel’s operations.

A commitment to excellence

The staff at The Aurora Subic Hotel is what makes it truly special. From the friendly greeting at check-in to the personalized service throughout our stay, it’s clear that the team is committed to providing an exceptional experience.

Rolda spoke passionately about creating a trusting environment for his team members, encouraging them to take initiative and innovate.

“This encourages creativity and genuine service, as employees are not restricted or afraid to share their ideas,” he explained. This approach has helped build a team that is both happy and inspired, which, in turn, reflects on the quality of service that guests receive.

My stay at The Aurora Subic Hotel was a delightful blend of luxury, friendly service, and local culture. It was also a refreshing reminder of the beauty and charm that Subic offers.

As Rolda shared during our interview, “We want guests to explore not only the hotel but also the neighborhood because we believe that it takes more than just one property or facility to create a destination.”

I couldn’t agree more.

As we packed our bags to leave, we knew one thing for sure—we’d be back. Because once you’ve experienced Aurora, it’s impossible to forget.