As a resident in the south, I would always hear about Island Cove, a long-time, sought-after hotel and leisure park in the historic town of Kawit, Cavite. The 36-hectare resort has been a popular weekend getaway since its establishment two decades ago due in part to its holistic attractions that cater to every member of the family.
But the aggressive competition in the local tourism industry has prompted Island Cove to present new offerings to the public.
“We strive to keep things interesting and exciting by offering something fresh all the time,” shares Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park managing director Gilbert Remulla. “We also make sure that our facilities are up-to-date and continue to cater to the changing needs and wants of our market.”
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Island Cove upgraded its rooms with USB charging ports, Wi-Fi Internet connectivity, flat screen televisions, and modern bathrooms, without losing that distinct Mediterranean feel.
It also opened a 3,200-square meter animal zone called Island Aviary, which houses Brahminy Kite, peacocks, parrots, and many other bird species, and offers family-friendly activities such as rabbit and ostrich feeding. Those who are feeling a bit more adventurous can take their souvenir photos while carrying a 200-pound Burmese python. A zookeeper will guide and share valuable information about the animals to the guests. Entrance to the animal zone is only P50 per person.
Keeping kids and kids-at-heart entertained are the new activities in the resort, including Go Karts, which costs P100 for 15 minutes of pedaling around the premises; King Crawler, a vertical urban play structure; and Mermaid swimming lessons.
Furthermore, Island Cove opened the 170-seater Bayside Deck, its new air-conditioned function area overlooking Manila Bay.
Aside from the newly launched activities and attractions, Island Cove houses the Oceania Swim & Splash Park where kids can have fun with water, and the Island Spa for relaxation. It also has a fully equipped gym, a paintball arena, a basketball court, a tennis court, a 1.4-kilometer jogging path, billiard and tennis tables, and a game room.
The leisure park also offers a variety of dining options from its four food and beverage outlets headed by Executive Chef Vill Purificacion. The Fishing Village is a Filipino-themed restaurant with 21 bamboo huts over the water facing Manila Bay. The restaurant is a great venue for entertaining balikbayans as it offers Filipino fare, including dishes unique to Cavite, as well as allows diners to go fishing and have their catch cooked.
For quick bites and desserts, iCafe offers coffee, shakes, quick meals, and sweet treats, including its bestselling sisig buns. Sangley Point, on the other hand, serves Western-style cuisine. Finally, the Bayside KTV serves pica-pica for long evenings of singing.
One of Island Cove’s best features is its pet-friendly environment where guests availing an overnight stay can bring along their pet dog or cat. For a minimal fee of P1,500 per night, their additional family member will have a dog/cat bed, food and water bowls, disposable poop scooper and poop bag, and two diapers. The fee also comes with maintenance service.
The new activities and attractions expanded further Island Cove’s market reach; catering to different kinds of guests. But if there is anything that remained constant at their establishment, it is the quality of service that makes Island Cove a promising destination for vacationers.
“We are most proud of our ability to be consistent in delivering excellent service. We make an effort to fulfill our mission to satisfy our guests and partners, and go the extra mile to help them,” enthuses Remulla.
To extend its gratitude for the support of its clients in the past 20 years, Island Cove offers checked-in hotel guests up to 15 percent discount plus a pitcher of iced tea when they dine in the restaurants until March 15. Special room rates are also available this coming Holy Week, from March 29 (Holy Thursday) to March 31 (Black Saturday).
Located in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite, Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is a quick 20-minute drive from Mall of Asia, accessible via Cavitex.
For more information, log on to www.islandcovephil.com or call (02) 810-7878 or (046) 434-0210.