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Published May 15, 2025 12:47pm
La Union has long had quite the scene, attracting not just surfers and beach lovers but creatives as well as entrepreneurial spirits. In the pandemic, not a few drove up to the Surfing Capital of the North to get proper breathing space and simply never left.
While Flotsam and Jetsam hostel is still keeping at it with the cool vibes and a few steps away, the Great Northwest Philippines Travel Stop and Viewing Deck where the super popular El Union coffeeshop is located.Below are 5 we checked out, a number of aesthetic hotels have cropped up giving visitors more options for their visit.
Below are five we checked out:
1. Curbside Villa
From the tight, cul-de-sac exterior, it's hard to imagine how calm and spacious the small two-floor boutique hotel is. Intentionally unpainted gray walls come as a relief to the overstimulated, as its lush greenery, and the water separating the ground floor rooms from the coffee shop? Most welcome.
A towering old tree near the front desk not only provides a nice outdoor seating for those checking in or checking out; it also makes the window view of the outdoor section of its Curio restaurant a lot more interesting. Speaking of: Curo serves delicious food in generous portions. There are plant-based options too.
Rooms are spacious, and feature a modest lounge with modular seating so you can dry yourselves before entering your room or enjoy breakfast or dinner right outside your room. Website Instagram.
2. The Lewis House
Once the residence of a mayor, the newly opened Lewis House (pronounced Leh-wis) is the newest project of famed architects Buji and Nikki Libranes — which should tell you how stylish the property is.
The Lewis House is restored mid-century property complete with matching midcentury furniture in its large common room, a gorgeous accent of cooling bricks, and stained glass dividers that keep the glaring afternoon sun out.
Even with its small rooms, the swimming pool and the small cafe will definitely make make you a lot lazier to move away from the Lewis House. Instagram
3. Eliseos
Hidden at the far end of San Juan is Eliseos, a beachfront bed and breakfast with such an eclectic aesthetic. Its street influences is hard to deny: Right next to the pool is a small skate park.
The bar is separate from the main structure, which houses five suites, two cottages, and the Makan restaurant, which serves terrific Ilocano dishes. Website. Instagram
4. The Lark Inn
Another project of architect couple Buji and Nikki Libarnes, The Lark Inn is a handsome bed and breakfast housed in a repurposed 1920s home. It has strong modern Japanese aesthetics — think wooden elements, low furniture, and fixtures (like the blinds and the lighting) made with natural material — and small, stylish elements that add to the place's pizzazz.
Located right across the San Juan plaza, the bed and breakfast is also a popular dining spot thanks to its cuisine "anchored on exciting North African fare." Meanwhile, the well-stocked bar will make you want to stay for a cocktail of three.
Amid The Lark Inn's 6 tight and smartly-designed rooms are cozy common areas that will make you want to go about your day slowly and feel the old probinsya life deeply. Website. Instagram.
5. Natalna
If you'd like a break from LU's bustling vibe, head out to Natalna. Located in Bacnotan, its super wholesome white facade will make you feel like you were in the Hamptons or in a Nancy Meyers movie.
The popular boutique hotel has direct access to the beach, a swimming pool, lush garden, a restaurant — and all of just 12 rooms. Imagine the space and the break you will be getting. Best of all? Natalna is pet-friendly. Instagram
— LA, GMA Integrated News
