MANILA — Okada Manila, the Philippines’ Forbes Five-Star integrated resort, has once again secured the prestigious seven consecutive Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star awards, reaffirming its position as one of Asia’s leading integrated resorts and underscoring its sustained commitment to world-class hospitality.

During its recent annual appreciation event for media and content creators, themed “Auspicious Fortune,” held at Sinag in the Coral Wing, Okada Manila President Nobuki Sato thanked partners and storytellers for helping elevate the resort’s global profile.

The gathering also welcomed the Lunar New Year, bringing together media partners and resort executives to celebrate shared milestones and look ahead to new opportunities for tourism and storytelling in the year ahead.

“Our media and influencer partners have played an important role in sharing the Okada Manila story and positioning us as a preferred integrated resort in Manila and a leading destination in the region,” Sato said.

The integrated resort earned its seventh consecutive Five-Star recognition from Forbes Travel Guide, while its wellness facility, The Retreat Spa at Okada Manila, maintained its Five-Star distinction for the fourth consecutive year.

According to Sato, the accolades reflect the property’s consistent adherence to global luxury standards and the dedication of its team members.

“Our success is ultimately driven by our people. Their professionalism and dedication transform every visit into a meaningful guest experience,” he said.

Strategic renovation program underway

The celebration also served as a platform to introduce the resort’s ongoing guestroom renovation program, which aims to enhance both comfort and technology while preserving the property’s signature elegance.

Robert Scott, Okada Manila’s Vice President for Hotel Operations, said the project represents a strategic investment in the resort’s future.

“Maintaining a Forbes Five-Star standard requires continuous evolution,” Scott said. “We must continue improving while protecting the service and quality that define the Okada Manila brand.”

So far, four hotel floors have been completed, featuring refreshed interiors, improved lighting, and enhanced in-room features designed to create a more sophisticated and relaxing environment.

The redesigned rooms adopt a refined contemporary aesthetic, with warm tones and layered lighting, complemented by Okada Manila’s signature spacious layouts and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of Manila Bay, the iconic fountain, and the city skyline.

Technology and sustainability enhancements

Technology also plays a central role in the upgraded guest experience. New in-room tablets allow guests to control lighting, temperature, entertainment, and service requests from a single interface, creating a seamless and personalized stay.

Behind the scenes, the property has also introduced improvements aligned with its Okada Green Heart sustainability program, helping the resort operate more efficiently while reducing its environmental impact.

Elevated premium offerings

Alongside the renovation program, Okada Manila is further strengthening its luxury portfolio with the enhancement of the Maharlika Club and the introduction of a dedicated Japanese VIP lounge, reinforcing the resort’s distinctive blend of Japanese precision and Filipino warmth.

The resort also invited members of the media and digital creators to experience the newly renovated rooms firsthand as part of the next chapter of Okada Manila’s hospitality journey.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone back soon and creating more stories together,” Sato said.

The celebration continued with a traditional Lo Hei prosperity toss, led by the resort’s executives, symbolizing abundance and shared success for the year ahead. Guests also enjoyed dinner, live entertainment, and interactive activities throughout the evening, along with raffle draws featuring dining experiences, spa treatments, and overnight stays at the resort.

More than a festive gathering, the appreciation night reaffirmed Okada Manila’s commitment to working closely with media and key opinion leaders to promote Manila as a dynamic tourism and lifestyle destination. By sharing milestones, experiences, and new developments with its partners, the integrated resort continues to contribute to the city’s growing profile as a hub for hospitality, entertainment, and world-class experiences.