Hip Holiday Apartments in Manila You'll Want to Call Home

Ascott BGC is next door to Google’s Manila outpost, so rest assured you’re in a lively, forward-thinking neighbourhood. The super modern studios and apartments have all the necessary accoutrements – kitchen, dining and lounge areas, and a washing machine – with the benefits of a luxury hotel, such as a sparkling outdoor pool, a top-notch gym and room service. Kids and big kids alike will love the interactive Mind Museum, just around the corner.

The Alabang streets form concentric circles, radiating out from the main attraction in the district: Festival Supermall. Somerset Alabang sits directly within its orbit (just a five-minute walk away), and the poolside bar and cosy studios are the perfect place to unwind after a spot of retail therapy. If shopping’s not your thing, you might like the mountain-bike trails that slice through the sliver of parkland a few streets away.

Studios and deluxe rooms at Citadines Salcedo are homely and warm, with floor-to-ceiling windows and modern kitchens. Don’t miss the chance to soak up skyscraper views from the swimming pool and hot tub. Here on the weekend? Save time (and your appetite) for a wander around Salcedo Saturday Market in the tiny park a few streets away, where you’ll find anything from coconut kefir and freshly baked croissants to barbecued bangus (milkfish).

The luxurious serviced apartments at Makati Diamond Residences are larger than average, and you can make use of a TRX studio, indoor pool and gym. There’s a whisky and cigar bar, and even a private cinema nook for those staying in larger suites. Hungry? Go for dinner at local institution MilkyWay Cafe for traditional Filipino dishes such as kare kare (oxtail and peanut stew) and pork ribs adobo.

Alpha Suites is certainly top dog in Makati – particularly if you’re into health and fitness. As well as a huge lagoon-style pool, fitness classes and a gym, there are tennis and basketball courts, a boxing ring and even a virtual golf simulator. There are nine international restaurants, a rooftop jazz bar and a wellness centre offering detox drips and hyperbaric chamber treatments. Alpha amenities indeed.

The studios and apartments at Citadines Bay City feature comfy beds, blue and taupe textiles and kitchenettes. The hotel is within W Mall, making grocery shopping a doddle. There’s an outdoor pool and sundeck for lazy afternoons, but if you really want to indulge, book an in-room massage. The Mall of Asia and the entertainment hub of Seaside Boulevard are just 1.5km (1mi) away.

Looking for a home away from home in one of the coolest corners of Manila? Head to Poblacion, the gentrified old town of Makati, and make Aruga by Rockwell your base. The aparthotel features luxury self-catering suites plus a gym and outdoor pool, and is close to some of the trendiest restaurants and art galleries in the city. Visit Pineapple Lab to see exhibitions and performances by local artists before craft beer and cocktails at Polilya.