Looking for a place to spend a day or two away from the busy metropolis? There's this not-so-far and yet refreshing place in Antipolo where such goals can be met. Called Casa Ibiza, this resort ensures you that summer vacation-feel minus the overcrowding and without spending that much. On top of that, the food being offered captures the island-feel to keep you going away from the nearby city each week.

Luna, the resort’s restaurant outlet, is headed by Chef Mike Santiago, a product of CCA (Center for Culinary Arts), and a trusted head cook of Casa's on-top woman, the pretty and perfectionist Danielle Lee. Danielle is the sister of model-socialite Divine Lee and daughter of high-profile businessman Delfin Lee. No wonder she was labeled the "Dynamic Heiress" when she once joined a reality TV show for today's It girls.

The one-two punch combination of Danielle and Mike is behind the the plates of Casa Ibiza diners. Cool tummy treats awaits those checking in at the hideaway, especially with their signature Tanigue Fillet that's wrapped in a banana leaf with a ginger-lemongrass coconut sauce over sweet mashed potato and pumpkin.

Chef Mike is thrilled that his style of mixing Spanish, Mexican, Polynesian, and Filipino cooking is delivering the island taste vision of Luna. Danielle, who previously put up the restobar Opus (Latin for masterpiece) in Metrowalk, has found herself on a high again knowing that she has reached her goal again. This is her new masterpiece.

"To be able to let the people feel and experience a real good-find resort, you have to assure good service and good food. You have to make it close to perfect at least," says Lee.

The colorful villas at the resort stand out, with three bedrooms each, garage, dining and kitchen area, toilets, laundry area - all furnished, plus the Plasma TV that's quite rare for a not-so-expensive accommodation. The so-called Grand Villa, which welcomes six heads, has even a multi-purpose room with balcony.

Of course, there's the cluster-type clubhouse with cabanas for those swimming in the pools. The abode for all season is decorated with a park adorned with grand waterfalls, while Daddy Delfin's favorite stallion, the adorable-looking "Tiger Shark" goes around for a joyride. 

As for the food, the choices are varied. There's the Black Paella stuffed with Squid bathed in Fishroe Cream. Another is the Rum and Pineapple Glazed Pork Belly on Sweet Potato Puree, and Thai Green Mango Salad. The figure-conscious, for their appetite, may try the Squid Salad with Roasted Peppers, Semi-Dried Tomatoes and Lemon Vinagrette.

Since food should be complemented with a drink, Luna's Houseblend Sangria is getting the call. The drink is made with wine infused with lemongrass, lemon rind, star anise and cinnamon.  

Casa Ibiza is located at Sapang Buho Road, Dalig II, in Antipolo City.