Art of luxury

A soaring, twisting, sculptural work captures the eye as one enters the main lobby of Solaire Resort North.

This is Mangrove, the creation of American sculptor Nikolas Weinstein. Built right on site (which took years, we are told), the sculpture is crafted from glass, stainless steel, cable, silicone and acrylic. Solaire is entering the piece in the Guinness Book of World Records for tallest indoor glass sculpture.

Samantha Drummond and her design team, Habitus, envisioned the Mangrove installation for the Solaire Resort Atrium, creating a luminous obelisk inspired by the natural meeting of forests and seas in the Philippines.

Nearby is Cafe Mangrove, one of Solaire’s signature dining outlets, perfectly situated to let guests appreciate this bracing view of the sculpture reaching for the skylight like a magnificent glass tree.

Mangrove gives a glimpse of what the first and only luxury five-star property offers to the northern crowd — the second Solaire-branded property in the Philippines sits on a 1.5-hectare land in the heart of Quezon City, the largest city of Metro Manila.

Within its walls are 14 restaurants and bars including three of Solaire’s signature restaurants (Finestra, Yakumi and Fresh) and new concepts like Manyaman, a Filipino restaurant.

The 38-storey property has four gaming levels for mass and VIPs and 530 guest rooms and suites. It also has MICE facilities across more than 1,800 sqm of space divided into three event halls or one pillarless grand ballroom that can accommodate more than 1,300 guests.

The fact that Solaire North has a “1,400-sq.m. state-of-the-art health club with a high-end gym and expansive spa, an outdoor swimming pool with a kids’ waterpark and a fun-filled indoor Kids Club” speaks of its intent to offer wholesome fare for families. In fact, even in the two gaming levels that is accessible from the atrium, Solaire North has incorporated hallways that offer paths to the restaurants without seeing the casino at all.

Understanding how the Filipino market loves dining out, Solaire North provides plenty more options — some of the most breath-taking views simply calling out to foodies who would like to try Finestra at the top floor.

Better yet, try a staycation in Solaire Resort North, its 530 luxury accommodations consisting of deluxe guest rooms and suites. “The resort remains true to treating space as a luxury with its standard rooms ranging from 42 to 49 sq.m. while suites range from 89 to 382 sq.m. for the ultimate stay,” we are told.

When you are there, take the time to soak in the Filipino art pieces that grace the walls and tables. These were all selected by gallery and creative production outfit Tarzeer Pictures, co-founded by son of ports and gaming tycoon Enrique K. Razon Jr., Enzo IV.