I believe I’m not alone in saying that I miss the powdery beach, the salty sea water, the tingling sea breeze, the feeling of time standing still while the sun shines and all I worry about is reapplying my sunscreen.
Good times. Fun times.
As the tourism industry slowly and carefully restarts, destinations around the Philippines are busy preparing to once again welcome guests like me aching to escape the urban jungle and the hustle and bustle and virus.
A 90-minute drive from Manila and a popular beach destination among city dwellers, Hamilo Coast in the heart of Nasugbu, Batangas reminds visitors that it is more than a natural wonderland surrounded by rising mountains with lushly covered forests—it is a natural wonderland complete with fun activities and relaxing treats.
Vacation peppered with education
Down below Hamilo Coast are 13 unique natural coves where marine wildlife native to the region thrive and thrill those adventurous enough to plunge into the clear blue waters.
For a vacation peppered with education, kids can take in the amazing scenery while learning more about the region’s endemic flora and fauna through the Santelmo Nature Trail.
Bird-watching throughout the property serves as an introduction to ornithology and encourages a better appreciation for these fine-feathered friends.
Meandering through the mangrove forest will give young and young-at-heart guests a better idea how these unique organisms work and how they are instrumental in keeping the delicate balance of the natural environment.
Fun in the sun
Pico de Loro Cove, the primary development within Hamilo Coast, boasts over 1.5 kilometers of white sand beach where guests can enjoy a seaside jog or walk to start or end the day.
Better still, guests can grab the gang (while still practicing social distancing) and zip off aboard a banana boat or skim over the waves while riding jet skis.
Thrill-seekers are invited to go on an adventure to the skies as they parasail over the surface of the waters. Nature lovers, on the other hand, are in for a treat that many can only watch on Discovery or National Geographic, such as swimming with a colorful array of sea creatures while snorkeling and exploring Hamilo Coast’s natural coves.
Those who aren’t really into the great outdoors can have a splashing good time at any of the swimming pools at the Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club.
Fun indoors
Since not everyone wants to stay out in the sunshine, the resort offers several options which they can do to stay active indoors.
The Pico de Loro Country Club, in particular, has several indoor courts for anyone with a hankering to shoot some hoops or play a heart-pounding set of volleyball. Courts are also available for those into racket sports such as tennis, badminton, and squash. The bowling and billiards facility is likewise open for those who want to enjoy some friendly competition.
Musically inclined guests, meanwhile, can belt out a tune or two at any of the videoke rooms, while die-hard digital gamers have a space for an hour or five of gaming.
After a day of activities, outdoors or indoors, Chef Pat Obia and his team take care of guests’ appetite, as they serve up delectable specialties from across the globe at the Coast’s various dining establishments.
Those looking for a laid-back and refreshing way to end the day can choose from a selection of expertly mixed sundowners to sip as they wind down along with the sunset.
I pray this pandemic finally ends, because Hamilo Coast awaits. Go to www.hamilocoast.com or call (02) 7945-8000 for more information.
