DAYDREAM ISLANDS
Daydream Islands - Luxury Travel Magazine
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Daydream Islands | |||||
| By: Mark Chipperfield, Issue 45 – Summer 11 | |||||
| (Philippines) | |||||
| MARK CHIPPERFIELD WENT IN SEARCH OF THE REAL PHILIPPINES AND FOUND DREAMY ISLAND PARADISES WITH LAID BACK FISHING VILLAGES, UNTOUCHED CORAL REEFS TEAMING WITH TROPICAL FISH AND A PLACE LEFT BEHIND BY THE 21ST CENTURY WHERE EVERYONE WAVES. | |||||
| Anyone asked to design the perfect Southeast Asian destination would be hard pressed to come up with something better than the Philippines – a magical archipelago of some 7,000 islands stretching from the South China Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Despite its long, tangled and at times bloody history, much of the Philippines is still uninhabited. First time visitors flying over The Visayas island chain, which includes Bohol and Cebu, are astonished to see mile after mile of pristine jungle, pure white sand beaches and unsullied turquoise ocean. Unlike Thailand, to which it is often compared, tourism in the Philippines is still very small-scale, driven by intrepid scuba-divers, surfers and other adventurers looking for the simple pleasures of island life – a cold can of San Miguel beer, some freshly barbecued seafood and a vivid tropical sunset. Boracay – and its famous White Beach – remains the country’s only major international tourist destination, a magnet for cashed-up travellers from Korea, Japan, Singapore and Russia. Thankfully the “real Boracay” is just ten minutes’ drive away at Diniwid – a laid-back fishing village set on a perfect crescent of white sand. Venture further south to The Visayas and you’ll discover crumbling 17th century Spanish churches, sleepy farming hamlets, street festivals, sprawling mountain ranges (including the Chocolate Hills) and untouched coral reefs teeming with fish. For those who crave leaving the 21st century behind, even for a few days, the tiny island of Panglao is the ultimate destination. A dreamy island paradise where everyone waves – and everything can be postponed for another day, or another decade. | |||||
| ESKAYA BEACH RESORT & SPA PANGLAO ISLAND, THE VISAYAS, PHILIPPINES | |||||
| Panglao hangs like a teardrop off the southwestern tip of Bohol. Tourism has made few inroads here – most visitors stay in local hotels along Alona Beach, a honey pot for scuba divers and party types. Eskaya is Panglao’s pre-eminent resort: just 15 thatched villas (known as balai) set amidst manicured tropical gardens. Facilities include a private beach, swimming pool, dive shop, dining room and an in-house spa. Villas are spacious with high-pitched roofs, ceiling fans and huge beds draped in mosquito netting. Tasteful, well-made Filipino furniture is used throughout. No visit to Eskaya is complete without at least one session in the resort’s spa – the sea salt scrub following by traditional Filipino oil massage is tops. Recommended Rooms: Three of the villas have their own infi nity pools. All villas are equipped with mini-bars, 29-inch fl at screen TVs and iPod sound systems. Rates: Standard whirlpool villas start at $US500 (about A$507) a night during low season (June 1 to December 19). The tariff includes airport transfers and a free spa session. Website: eskayabeach.com | |||||
| BORACAY WEST COVER DINIWD BEACH, BORACAY ISLAND, PHILIPPINES | |||||
| Imagine a tropical island resort designed by JRR Tolkien with finishing touches by Ian Fleming, then you’re getting close to the fantasy that is Boracay West Cove. Located on a rugged headland overlooking the ocean, Boracay West Cove consists of just 13 rooms and five suites literally carved into the hillside. Access is via a network of tunnels from Diniwid Beach or via a private boat jetty. The rooms are a quirky mix of Mexican pise design and Hobbit whimsy, with domed ceilings, sloping walls and higgledy-piggledy doors. Meals are available onsite or guests can wander down to Diniwid Beach for a cheap pasta. Although the property offers a jet skis, kayaks and snorkelling gear, the most popular activity seems to be lounging in the sun – preferably with a cocktail. Recommended Room: If money is no object book the Premiere Suite which comes with an extra-large bathroom, a private veranda and its own galley kitchen. All guest rooms enjoy ocean views, air conditioning, free wi-fi and cable TV. Rates: Standard Suites are from P8,000 (about A$185) a night and the Premiere Suite is P12,800 (about A$290) a night – low season tariffs (June 1 to October 31). Rates include daily breakfast, welcome drinks and speedboat transfers. Website: boracaywestcove.com | |||||
| NAMI RESORT DINIWID BEACH, BORACAY ISLAND, PHILIPPINES | |||||
| Boracay’s most famous five-star destination is without doubt the sublime Shangri-La Resort & Spa, but for sheer pedigree nothing comes within a whisker of Nami – a magnet for beachcombers from around the globe. The adventure begins the moment you step from Nami’s rickety outdoor lift and onto its magnificent clifftop terrace. For sheer wow factor Nami has it in spades. The hustle and bustle of White Beach is soon forgotten. The resort, one of the island’s oldest, is starting to show its age. The 15 guest rooms are also a bit on the Spartan side, with fairly basic bathrooms. Nami’s main attraction is its location overlooking Diniwid Beach and its happy, devoted staff. Despite its modest size, the resort has a good restaurant, popular bar and spa – its beachfront massages are the stuff of legend. Recommended Room: Book one of the Ocean View Suites. These are less cramped than the standard rooms, and a little more luxurious. All rooms have air conditioning, spa baths, cable television and private balconies. Rates: Deluxe rooms from P7500 (about A$174) a night, Ocean View Suites from P8500 (about A$197) a night. All rooms come with a personal butler, air conditioning, mini bars, private balconies and king-size beds. Website: namiresorts.com | |||||
| MANDALA SPA & VILLAS MANOC-MANOC, BORACAY ISLAND, PHILIPPINES | |||||
| For those who feel the need to be near the madness of White Beach, this Balinese style enclave is the best option. The small, 13-villa resort was built in 2004 and is currently undergoing a major refurbishment. Unlike the bland concrete and glass resorts mushrooming along the main drag, Mandala Spa & Villas provides a more contemplative, healing environment. The award-winning spa specialises in the traditional Hilot healing system of the Philippines and a range of massages, detox treatments, scrubs and body wraps. The Garden View Villas themselves are clean, comfortable and spacious, offering good-sized bathrooms and plenty of privacy. Recommended Room: The 300square metres Pool Villa is a self-contained property offering total privacy and infinity swimming pool. Rates: Garden View Villas start from $US260 (about A$263) a night. Tariff includes breakfast, daily yoga, and complimentary airport transfers. Website: mandalaspa.com | |||||
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