Planning a family swimming trip in Benguet? Many travelers look for a peaceful place where they can relax, enjoy nature, and cool down or warm up in a swimming pool. One place that often comes up in online searches is Palm Grove Hot Spring Resort located in Asin, Nangalisan, Tuba, Benguet.
In this blog post, I will share an honest and detailed personal experience about visiting Palm Grove Hot Spring Resort with my family. This will help you decide if this resort is right for you and your family.
Our Family Trip to Palm Grove Hot Spring Resort
On January 2, 2014, my family and our relatives from the Balay-as family decided to go on a swimming vacation. We wanted to spend time together, relax, and enjoy the day after the holidays.
At first, we planned to go to a place called River View. However, our driver told us that the place would most likely be very crowded. Because of that, he suggested another destination instead, which was Palm Grove Hot Spring Resort.
The resort is located in Asin, Nangalisan, Tuba, Benguet. This area is known for mountain views and fresh air, which is why many people visit resorts around Benguet.
Arrival and Entrance Fee
When we arrived at Palm Grove Hot Spring Resort, we were welcomed by a security guard at the entrance. We immediately asked if they had a hot spring swimming pool. The guard answered yes without hesitation.
Because of that answer, we decided to go in right away. We paid the entrance fee, which was PHP 100 per person. At that time, the price felt reasonable for a family swimming resort in Benguet.
After paying, we entered the resort and started looking around to see what the place had to offer.
Positive Review: What We Liked About the Resort
Beautiful Mountain Views
One of the first things you will notice when you enter Palm Grove Hot Spring Resort is the view. You can see mountains around the area, which gives a relaxing and natural feeling.
However, if you are from Baguio City or other parts of the Cordillera region, you might not be very impressed. People who live in these areas are already used to seeing mountains every day.
Multiple Swimming Pools for Different Ages
One good thing about the resort is that it has three main swimming pools, each made for different age groups.
- Children’s Pool – This pool is designed for small kids. It is shallow and safer for young swimmers.
- Middle Pool – This pool is for teens or people who do not want very deep water.
- Adult Pool – This pool is deeper and meant for adults.
There is also a fourth pool that is mainly for professional swimmers. This pool is used for lap swimming and is not ideal for casual swimmers or children.
Because of these different pools, families with kids of different ages can choose where they feel most comfortable swimming.
Negative Review: Problems We Experienced
While there were some good points, there were also serious issues that made the experience disappointing.
The Pool Is Not Really a Hot Spring
The biggest problem is the claim that the resort is a hot spring. Based on personal experience, the pools are not truly hot spring pools.
I know this because I have already visited real hot spring pools in other parts of Benguet. There is a clear difference between natural hot spring water and regular pool water.
At Palm Grove Hot Spring Resort, only the children’s pool felt warm. Even then, it was doubtful if the warmth came from a real hot spring source. It could have been just a water heater.
Adult Pool Was Very Cold
The adult pool was extremely cold. The water was so cold that you would not want to fully submerge your body.
Ironically, the air above the water felt warmer than the pool itself. This made swimming very uncomfortable.
When I tried swimming, I only lasted about five minutes before I started shivering badly. It was not enjoyable at all.
If you strongly believe in “mind over matter,” you might last longer. But for most people, the cold water will be a big problem.
Unprofessional Behavior from Staff
Another negative experience involved the behavior of one male employee, who appeared to be a lifeguard. He was wearing a dark blue shirt and holding a cleaning net.
While walking around the pool area, I noticed a family arguing with this employee. Out of curiosity, I moved closer to understand what was happening.
The family was complaining that the pool was not hot, even though the resort claimed it was a hot spring. This complaint was valid.
Unfortunately, the employee responded very badly. He spoke to the guests in a rude and disrespectful manner.
This raised an important question: What happened to customer rights? Customers should be treated with respect, especially when they are expressing honest concerns.
Strict Rules on Swimming Attire
Another thing to note is that the resort is very strict when it comes to swimming attire. If staff say that your clothing is not allowed, you must follow their rules.
If you do not have extra swimming clothes in your bag, you may not be allowed to swim. This can be inconvenient for some visitors.
Overall Verdict: Is Palm Grove Hot Spring Resort Worth Visiting?
Based on our experience, Palm Grove Hot Spring Resort is not a real hot spring resort. The name can be misleading for travelers who are specifically looking for hot spring water.
However, if you simply want a place with swimming pools and you do not mind cold water, then this resort might still be okay for you.
This place may be suitable for:
- People who enjoy cold swimming pools
- Families who want a simple swimming trip
- Visitors who follow rules strictly and avoid conflicts
But if you are looking for a true hot spring experience, this may not be the right place for you.
Tips Before You Visit Palm Grove Hot Spring Resort
- Do not expect real hot spring water
- Bring proper swimming attire
- Prepare for cold water, especially in adult pools
- Be patient and respectful when dealing with staff
- Manage your expectations before visiting
Final Thoughts
Palm Grove Hot Spring Resort has both good and bad points. The mountain views and multiple pools are nice, but the misleading hot spring claim and staff attitude are major downsides.
Always remember that reading honest reviews like this can help you avoid disappointment and plan better trips for your family.
If you want a peaceful swim and do not care about hot spring water, this resort may still work for you. Otherwise, you may want to explore other options in Benguet.
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