Aria Cucina Italia at Bonifacio High Street Central

Newly opened High Street Central is drawing curious crowds not only with their floor fountains but with the different architecture of the entire area. I particularly like the nice view you get when dining in the elevated restaurants like Aria.



Aria is, as it turns out, famous in Boracay. I had no knowledge of it until my husband told me, we were invited to dine on the night of its soft opening. Dining is always more than food for me so the first thing I noticed is the layout of this Italian restaurant.



Very spacious, comfy, and the options of round tables with lights hanging above it makes me feel at home. After all, I was with a family of my own.



Caesar Salad P355 Lovely greens with feta cheese. It was good enough for 3 persons to share and kick off your meal with a healthy bite.

Since Aria was in soft opening that night, choices were limited. We ordered Pizza Margherita and understandably (or we were given a different pizza, Quattro Formagi?) the basil was missing. In line with eating healthier, I asked for Caesar's Salad and Azrael ordered Costicine di agnello which were lamb cutlets in short.



Pizza Margherita Php 390 or Quattro Formaggi? Despite the confusion, I like the chewy pizza crust which the staff told us is handmade. She also warned their pizza is not a perfect circle as a result haha. My kid loved it, I did too but next time I'll ask if the greens have made their way to the resto.



Costicine di agnello Php 900+ We waited for almost an hour for this meat, but as I said they were in soft opening. The potatoes roasted in rosemary were delicious, it comes with the lamb and the lamb cutlets were so tender - it almost made the wait worthwhile.

I'll definitely return and give Aria Cucina Italia another bite, I am excited with the menu choices especially the ravioli and spinach dips. It is my first time to dine in a restaurant on soft opening day so I want to return soon as they are now fully opened and ready to serve :)



Their location makes Aria more attractive and I hope it remains as spacious and uncrowded. Beside them is a chocolate shop by Diamond Hotel, I am very curious and might try them out for dessert next time. On the other side of Aria is Nanbantei of Tokyo (I want!).

5 Ways to recharge at Bonifacio High Street Global City

Rarely do I get out these days and when I do, I like to maximize it and have the most enjoyable time ever. So Bonifacio High Street may not be something new and exciting but for people who have cocooned like me, this is the perfect place to unwind and relax in peace sans the crowd. The open air setup is lovely at night, so follow my lead on an evening say 6PM onwards.



1. Grab a grub at Italianni's - I am not a blogger endorser of this diner but I love how the place always have space for me. Lets me cross out waiting for a table on my hassle's list. Plus, the atmosphere takes me to Italy (I know). I am a sucker for interior design and the framed photos of great Italian places sends me a romantic vibe.



What to order: Their spinach and artichoke formaggio is good stuff but when on a budget, I love their free focaccia bread dipped in E-V-O-O and balsamic vinegar while waiting for my roast pork. Did I mention they have both Perrier and San Pellegrino?

2. Enjoy The Spa - remember to walk-in The Spa before you go for dinner but don't slip on that robe just yet. Simply make a quick reservation for when after you have enjoyed your food. This way you don't have to, you guessed it, wait for your turn once you are ready.



What to get: A full body massage at The Spa starts at Php 800 and you can already enjoy both a sauna and a dip in the jacuzzi. Perfect for burning the calories from dinner.

3. Window shop - at night it is more breezy to walk along the different shops Bonifacio High Street has to offer. I like spending some minutes in Make Room and Havaianas to try on the latest flip flops. Muji also recently opened which could also fancy you for 30 minutes or so.



4. Bookworms crawl to Fully Booked - a book lover can stay for hours inside's Fully Booked's 6 storey worth of books. My latest guilty purchase was of Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic and Mini Shopaholic. Further your enthusiasm for reading by browsing in areas you wouldn't normally read on.

For the next item, you may wish to purchase the latest issue of your favorite magazine. Mine currently are Working Mom and Smart Parenting. Go figure.



5. Cap this perfect night at Starbucks - and you don't have to leave Fully Booked's building because Starbucks is on the fourth floor. For a more interesting time here, make it a frappucino happy hour. Order something different like the new Soy Green Tea Frappucino or for a warm mug, try their hot Chai Tea Latte.

And if you are not ready to go home yet, Serendra is just right across the High Street. You can find pastry shops in there and one must-try for takeaways is Conti's and Mary Grace.

The Spa at Bonifacio Highstreet

No matter how high or low your stress levels are, a relaxing time at the spa is always a good idea for health and body. And if you want to experience pampering in another level other than just a shower and a full body massage, turn to The Spa at Bonifacio Highstreet.


jacuzzi and shared room

It was my first time to try The Spa. One reason being their prices are a bit steeper than the normal spas I frequent. Yet, after walking in and trying most of their facilities - I know I was getting my money's worth. The service I tried is a combination massage which is around Php 820. Once you enter, you will be able to enjoy the following:

1. Jacuzzi
2. Sauna
3. Hot or Cold Shower

Of course they had me at the Jacuzzi which was spacious, filled with fresh water, and the lighting was relaxing already. When using the Jacuzzi, you'll have to take it all off and as courtesy to other users, you must shower before getting in :)

The Spa has lots of fresh warm towels for your use, and you also get complimentary drinks before or after your treatment. I would choose a non-private room which is quiet cheaper than a private one. Ladies and gentlemen have two separate areas so there is no fuss in sharing the massage rooms with ladies. Yet, when I visited The Spa - I had no companions in the shared massage area. I wanted to take photos but for the privacy of other users, taking photos is discouraged especially in the jacuzzi area.


The Spa at Bonifacio Highstreet

If you have spare time and cash, The Spa is really quiet an experience. From the ambiance, to the cleanliness of everything - you'll feel you are getting a massage service inside your hotel room. They have everything from hair dryers, lotions, powder, and even the latest copies of your favorite fashion magazines. A must-try for any lady looking to relax and unwind to a whole new level!

Relax in Style at Fully Booked Boni High

6 floors of books, music, movies, stationery, coffee, and style - Fullybooked at the Bonifacio High Street provides a relaxing destination for the bookworms who want to read and shop in style.

For stylephiles, the 2nd floor is a haven of books by authors like Rachel Zoe, Nina Garcia and Camilla Morton.

I spotted the must have fashion and style titles that I only used to see at Amazon. Luckily, Fullybooked has passionate staff who are bookworms themselves. They say, they take the risk of importing new and niche titles to come up with a wide collection where every book is almost available. Fullybooked also negotiates with publishers here and abroad.

At the Boni High branch, it's quiet and serene, there are comfy reading chairs where you can browse interesting titles like The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia. If you're not sure of which book to grab, just ask this chic lady at the Lifestyle section.

See you there! :)