Those looking for a terrific way to spend summer but don’t like the idea of traveling on a plane need not look far, because just 15 to 20 minutes away from the Mall of Asia in Pasay City lies Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park, a 36-hectare hotel and entertainment complex in historic Kawit in Cavite.
Originally called Pulo ni Buronggoy, the resort officially opened in 1976 as Covelandia Island Resort, which went into downtime for 12 years following the economic downturn in the ’80s. Then in 1997, the island reopened, this time with new developments including an animal sanctuary that serves as home to different species of reptiles, mammals and birds. Today, the ISO-certified Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is accredited as a “Triple A” resort by the Department of Tourism, known for providing quality getaway and relaxation options.
Just recently, Island Cove finished major upgrades and renovations of its facilities with rooms now outfitted with charging ports, Wi-Fi, flat screen televisions and modern bathrooms while retaining its Mediterranean feel.
“We are particularly proud of our premier deluxe and family deluxe rooms, as well as the junior suites and villas,” says managing director Gilbert Remulla, adding that the junior suites and villas are very spacious, with Jacuzzi and pool in the hotel complex exclusive to checked in guests, as well as some sports and recreation facilities that are also available for free.
Children will especially enjoy playing at the new playground called the King Crawler designed by Carve, a Dutch company that patterned the design after the original King Crawler in the Netherlands. This vertical urban play structure combines several functions and provides different types of play and climbing opportunities, with the colored ribbon-like platforms that look as if they are floating between the muted posts and wire mesh walls.
Kids will also enjoy the Wildlife Sanctuary where they can feed crocodiles and monkeys, take photos of ostriches, Bengal tigers, Philippine deer, and a 15-foot python. Those craving for more action can opt to visit the Adventure Zone which boasts of having one of the largest paintball arenas in the country and an airsoft game site, or they can try their wits with the Island Cove Maze Challenge.
Of course, a resort will not be complete without swimming facilities, and the Oceania Swim and Splash Park provides some water fun with the splashers and sprayers imported from Australia. The main pools have four giant slides and inflatables, with the whole water complex spanning over 3,000 square meters – making it the biggest in Mega Manila.
With safety being a paramount concern, colorful, water-safe rubber flooring have been installed to minimize the possibility of slipping incidents, and all lifeguards are certified in standard first aid and basic life support by the Philippine National Red Cross.
Foodies will also be delighted at the variety of dining options available in the sprawling complex. The Fishing Village for instance has a quaint appeal with its Filipino themed restaurant that offer Pinoy favorites as well as dishes that are unique to Cavite, which is well known for its mussels and oysters. If you’re the type who enjoys fishing, then you can work for your dinner and have your catch cooked.
A new addition to the menu is the Lechon sa Pugon, a less sinful variation of the traditional roast pig as it is slow-cooked in a brick oven for up to three hours to make most of the fat and oil drip out while keeping the meat moist and tender and retaining the crunchiness of the skin. “With all the secret ingredients of our chef, our Lechon sa Pugon is noticeably more flavorful than those cooked the traditional way,” Remulla says.
The iCafe on the other hand offers coffee, shakes, quick meals, and sweet treats, and a recent addition to the snack selections are the sisig and adobo buns. Those who prefer Western cuisine may opt to go to Sangley Point which provides a view of the pool and splash park. Among the must-try items are the baked baby back ribs, the homemade bacon barbecue, and the new Wagyu burger.
Those who prefer to stay indoors can try their hand at billiards, table tennis, or go virtual at the game room with Wii, Playstation 3 and Xbox consoles. For more vigorous exercise, check out the full service gym, but if you prefer to exercise your vocal chords, head to the Bayside KTV which has nine private rooms that can seat groups of up to 30 and sing your heart out all night long while enjoying pica-pica food.
And to relieve your stress, the Island Spa is ready with its soothing Western and Oriental massage treatments. Another option would be the authentic Filipino massage therapy packages that combine healing and relaxation techniques such as hilot and dagdagay.
And since Island Cove is pet-friendly, you don’t have to leave your furry friends – just bring them along to also enjoy the island’s facilities and have a guilt-free summer adventure.
Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is located at Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite. For reservations and inquiries, call (046) 434 0210 or email to [email protected]. You may also contact its Makati Sales Office at Suite 1416 Cityland 10 Tower 1, De La Costa St., Makati City, with telephone number (02) 8107878. You may also log on to www.islandcovephil.com or check its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.