Solaire Resort elevates dining to global standards in Manila

The exterior of Solaire Resort Entertainment City / Courtesy of Solaire Resort

MANILA — From fine dining to celebrity suites, Solaire Resort Entertainment City has redefined luxury on Manila Bay in the Philippines.

With 17 world-class restaurants ranging from authentic Chinese and Japanese cuisine to upscale Italian fare, the integrated resort has earned a reputation as much for its dining as for its leisure offerings.

Beyond the tables, Solaire also caters to star-studded tastes, offering exclusive suites for VIPs and celebrities, including the room Bruno Mars often chooses when he visits the city.

Since opening in 2013 as the first integrated resort in Manila, Solaire has grown into a benchmark of luxury in the city. For nine straight years, Forbes Travel Guide has awarded it five stars, cementing its reputation as one of Asia’s premier destinations for travelers seeking both comfort and spectacle.

Today, Manila is emerging as a rising hub for entertainment and gaming, with ambitions to become “the next Macau.” Global investors who once poured capital into Macau’s casino hotels and integrated resorts are now turning their eyes to Manila.

In this competitive landscape, Solaire stands out by combining world-class gaming with a distinctive mix of fine dining, luxury retail and cultural entertainment, setting a standard that continues to define the city’s growing profile.

The image shows an exclusive pool inside the Chairman’s Villas. Courtesy of Solaire Resort

Solaire rises in two landmark structures — Bay Tower and Sky Tower — that offer nearly 800 guest rooms in all. The suites elevate the experience with expansive living spaces and in-room entertainment, and those in Sky Tower boast front-row views of Manila Bay’s iconic sunsets.

Among its most exclusive offerings are the Chairman’s Villas — just four in total — which represent the pinnacle of Solaire’s luxury. Each villa is designed as a private retreat, complete with expansive living areas and bespoke amenities, and has hosted global stars.

Priced at around 15 million won ($11,000) per night, these suites are not available through simple reservation; they are dedicated for guests with significant influence or long-standing loyalty to the resort, underscoring their status as the most coveted accommodations in Manila.

Italian restaurant Finestra / Courtesy of Solaire Resort

As an integrated resort, Solaire offers a wealth of facilities, but its standout feature is the breadth of its dining scene. With 17 restaurants and bars led by culinary veteran Sebastian Kellerhoff, the resort emphasizes both authenticity and quality, sourcing ingredients from around the world to offer guests a true global culinary journey.

At Red Lantern, a 186-seat Chinese restaurant, signature dishes such as suckling pig and Peking duck showcase flavors that feel both authentic and elevated, with ingredients flown in daily from Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.

Nearby Yakumi draws Japanese cuisine enthusiasts with robatayaki, sushi and sashimi made from premium seafood flown in twice weekly from Tokyo’s famed Toyosu Fish Market, while an open kitchen adds a theatrical touch to the dining experience.

For a taste of Italy, Finestra offers handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas and prime steaks under the direction of Michelin restaurant-trained chef Andrea Spagoni. With panoramic bay views and one of the city’s most extensive wine lists, the restaurant transforms dinner into a distinctly romantic experience.

For a more relaxed and casual experience, the 24-hour Dragon Bar serves drinks beneath a dazzling dragon sculpture crafted from 80,000 crystals.

At the Baccarat Room and Bar, guests can even order a signature Bruno Mars cocktail — a nod to the superstar who often makes Solaire his Manila home.

Additionally, the Oasis Garden Cafe pairs sleek design with natural touches, shifting effortlessly from a bright daytime cafe to a stylish evening lounge. Other dining options include Fresh, the resort’s international buffet, and comfort spots like Lucky Noodles and Korean restaurant Kiwa.

Located near the shopping area, Kkanbu Chicken — one of Korea’s popular fried chicken chains — opened its first overseas branch at Solaire in 2023. For guests looking for quick yet satisfying options, the resort also features a 428-seat food court with a wide variety of choices.

The Shoppes feature 32 luxury boutiques. Courtesy of Solaire Resort

The resort carries its sense of luxury into leisure, with world-class performances, designer boutiques and relaxing spaces for guests.

With 1,740 seats, the Theatre features a state-of-the-art Constellation acoustic system, delivering an immersive sound experience for Broadway musicals, operas, concerts and ballets.

An extensive art collection also captures the eye throughout the resort — along guestroom corridors, beside the theater and in hidden corners.

For a more adrenaline-driven diversion, the Sky Range Shooting Club provides pistol and rifle practice in a high-tech indoor facility, with smart pad-controlled lanes and bulletproof viewing windows. Younger guests can join the action through a virtual shooting range designed just for them.

At The Shoppes, visitors can browse 32 high-end boutiques, including Rolex, Prada and other premier global fashion and design names. For exclusive keepsakes, Solaire Boutique offers branded goods and bespoke souvenirs, perfect reminders of a stay at Manila Bay.

An image of a swimming pool in Solaire Resort / Courtesy of Solaire Resort

Solaire has also become one of Manila’s premier event venues.

Its pillarless Grand Ballroom holds up to 2,200 guests, providing a striking setting for weddings, conventions and corporate functions. For smaller gatherings, the resort offers meeting rooms that accommodate anywhere from 20 to 260 people, each equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual systems.

Part of Solaire’s charm is its prime location in Manila’s Entertainment City, minutes from top attractions. The SM Mall of Asia — the world’s sixth-largest shopping complex — provides endless retail, dining and amusement options, while nearby theme parks offer family-friendly fun. Guests can also explore the city’s cultural highlights, from Casa Manila and Manila Cathedral to the modern streets of Bonifacio Global City.

For first-time visitors, Solaire is both a destination and a gateway, blending Manila’s energy, Filipino warmth and global luxury into an experience that is more than just a stay.