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Tuesday, March 14, 2017
How I retraced my roots at Villa Caemilla
Personal review from Vanessa Liwanag’s stay at Villa Caemilla Luxury Boutique Hotel in Boracay Island, Philippines.
Feeling at Home – Villa Caemilla, Boracay
Having lived in Europe for the longest time, tracing my roots coming back to Philippines had me yearning for a spot to call home. I grew up in the busy city of Manila, with lingering dreams of owning my own piece of paradise away from the city noise, on the beach with powdered white sands and swaying coconut trees hovering over.
Fast forward to August of this year and I found myself on the plane from Paris going back to the country of my origin. Time and time again, the island of Boracay seemed to be always on my list to visit other than the obligatory stay in Manila. This island has been close to my heart and coming to Villa Caemilla Luxury Boutique Hotel was something that I looked forward to discover.
We arrived on the airport of Kalibo on a beautiful Monday. A team called My Boracay Guide came and picked us up and transported us from van-to-boat-to-minivan until we reached the famed shores of the island of Boracay – a total of 4 hours from the airport including the exclusive boat transfer. With a private concierge assisting us along the little trails leading to the resort, we finally reached Villa Caemilla. Owned by Dr. Harry C. Van Caem, the luxury boutique hotel was a welcome oasis on a 4-kilometer stretch of powdered white sand, named as White Beach, at the very tip of Station 3.
General Manager Wesley Van de Voort welcomed and introduced us to the lovely staff. Our room was just a couple of feet away from the beach front, a pleasant treat for us who wanted to have easy access to the sea and wade through the turquoise blue waters in an instant. Fine cotton linen and an array of luxurious pillows created the first delightful impressions upon entering our room, with local fruits and flowers laid out on the dining table in the center of a vast living room.
The Fine Dining – Villa Caemilla, Boracay
The hotel’s restaurant was well-situated just in front of the beach, giving us a magnificent view of the relaxing sunset that accompanied us as we sipped our fresh tropical cocktail drinks. As we commenced with dinner, the chef recommended us to try their latest special serving, a symphony of prawns, crabs, and clams sautéed in special local herbs and spices. It was a glorious cornucopia of the freshest seafood caught straight from the bounty of the ocean that surrounded the island. We continued to linger over dessert as we planned our itinerary for the next couple of days.
The morning sun felt good on our skin as we took our breakfast on the beach front with rays of sunlight streaming through the bamboo stilts surrounding us. It was a delight to have a big breakfast, served the Filipino way with savory garlic rice, sweet-marinated beef locally called as tapa, sunny side up eggs and fresh tomato and lettuce salad on the side to start a hectic day ahead. Much to our surprise, we were also informed that breakfast was served all day, and thus we noted to grab a serving of their famous mango pancakes later in the day with some good coffee.
The Island Experience – Villa Caemilla, Boracay
Villa Caemilla offered us a ride in one of their eco-friendly electric minivans for a day tour. As Boracay is a small island, it took only half a day for the whole road trip that included a stop-over on top of a hill, afternoon picnic on Puka Beach, well- known for the white puka shells that washed on the shores, and colorful shopping along Station 1 and 2 where the malls called D’Mall and Talipapa were located. A lot of other exhilarating activities can be done on Boracay. For the wild-at-heart explorers there is cliff-jumping at Ariel’s Point, and for water-sports lovers there is parasailing, island hopping on a local paraw boat, and wind surfing on the beach of Bulabog on the eastern part of the island.
The Friendships – Villa Caemilla, Boracay
As nightfall arrived, we found ourselves back in the lobby, speaking with Reception Manager Grace who shared to us inspiring stories of life on the island. We felt we were in the very corners of our home, as we mingled with the other staff of the resort who were around us, like a band of brothers and sisters in a big house filled with so much good food and music. A nice walk on the beach front towards the other side had us pass by all the famous clubs and bars that Boracay has been known for in party circles locally and internationally. Though the lure of all-night clubbing was there, we were more attached to the idea of lounging back at the nicely laid out beach bar of Villa Caemilla, with cool cocktails in hand and good live music, courtesy of the wonderful guitar man who sang every night to the delight of all the guests staying at the resort.
If there was something that I wanted to take back with me as we left Villa Caemilla Luxury Boutique Hotel, it was the light and positive energy that the staff and GM Wesley Van De Voort had passed on. The service we received was genuinely excellent, a rare treat that a few top luxury resorts can really offer. It is the warmth of the people of Villa Caemilla Luxury Boutique Hotel that brought true luxury to us during our stay. And from this, we knew we found our home away from home and that we would be coming back soon.
LuxeInACity highly recommends a stay at Villa Caemilla Luxury Boutique Hotel in Boracay Island, Philippines.
Visit www.villacaemilla.com to plan your luxury stay.
Photos courtesy of Villa Caemilla, Bertrand Caille and Vanessa Liwanag
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Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Why heritage is all in the details at Hotel Felicidad
Personal review from Vanessa Liwanag’s stay at Hotel Felicidad in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.
The Arrival – Hotel Felicidad in Vigan, Philippines
The north of the Philippines is home to numerous historical destinations which includes the quaint and charming city of Vigan. Stepping on the sidewalks of this acclaimed UNESCO heritage site transports one back to the olden times where horse-drawn carriages were kings of the road and gas-lit lamps provided the warmth and security for the local townsfolk. Among the maze of the winding streets, we found a precious gem, the luxury boutique hotel called Hotel Felicidad, resplendent in all its glory along the street of kings called Calle De Los Reyes.
Entering the royal entrance of the hotel, we breezed through the lobby embraced in an atmosphere of warm smiles from the kind staff who offered us sweet ripe mango refreshments to quench our thirst after a long drive from Manila. A grand wooden staircase took us upstairs to the majestic room that was prepared for us, adorned in antique furniture made of solid kamagong and molave wood, carved in the style of legendary craftsman Ah-Tay. It felt like home as we slept through the night, in white luxurious sheets accentuated with soft pillows covered in hand-woven soft abel cloth that had us fall asleep easily and dream of being back in the 1800s, where all was still and silent in the province.
The Heritage – Hotel Felicidad in Vigan, Philippines
Owned by Jose “Bonito” Singson, Hotel Felicidad is a blissful haven that is highly recommended to be visited by a majority of the Ilocanos, the people from Ilocos Region, who are proud of its history and presence. Bonito described the hotel as a place where “Ilocano heritage and hospitality is experienced at its best”. First built in 1918, the original structure was an ancestral house that was fully restored and converted into the luxury showcase that is appreciated today with 21 beautifully decorated suites and rooms fully equipped with modern amenities. Wandering through the grand historical hallways filled with artworks of Philippine master painter Jim Orencio had us feel that we were truly in the corners of true luxury. Everywhere we went, we had a private concierge assisting us and catering to our every whim and wants.
The Copious Brunch- Hotel Felicidad in Vigan, Philippines
Brunch was served at the adjacent Casa Caridad, where their best guarded secret is a delightful family chef called Manang Cristeta Mendoza who has been living in Vigan for all her life and has delighted a lot of hotel guests with her magical creations. Manang Cristeta knew all the best suppliers of the freshest greens and top quality produce in the region and it was a genuine treat to sample all the wonderful dishes that she has concocted from old recipes passed on through generations. Together with her local culinary staff, she served us a sumptuous spread of aromatic garlic rice, fresh farm eggs cooked according to preference, an excellent local dish called Pinablad a Pusi which included tender portions of pork knuckles slowly cooked in a transparent broth filled with leaves from the drumstick tree locally called as malunggay, and the best longganisa sausages – a local delicacy famous in the Philippines which is yet to be discovered by culinary circles internationally. Bonito shared to us that they would be offering their old family recipes on fine plated dishes soon in a first-class restaurant called Casa Vicente which was being built on the same street of Hotel Felicidad. After a regal feast prepared especially for us by Manang Cristeta, we were already looking forward to visit this future gastronomic destination that will soon be open for all.
The Island Activities – Hotel Felicidad in Vigan, Philippines
After a good fill, we were off to the charming streets of Vigan, where a ride on one of the horse-drawn carriages was waiting for us on the famous street of Calle Crisologo, situated one block near the hotel. A tour of the city had us traversing streets laid with century-old stone tiles centered among well-preserved colonial houses and restaurants with facades that reflect the best of Asian architecture.
The slow pace of our tour had us relish each moment that delivered us back to that old chapter of Spanish rule in the Philippines, documented in bronze plaques that can be seen on the walls of various historical monuments which includes the magnificent Vigan Cathedral, and the celebrated Plaza Salcedo with statues of revered heroes standing up high amidst the business of people and locals all around. Our last stop was an interesting visit in one of the oldest pottery barns in Vigan, where we marveled at the sight of pots and trays in clay being baked in a massive oven which resembled a tunnel made of rich hardened soil from the hills nearby.
Lots of activities can be done in the region encompassing the city of Vigan and the staff of Hotel Felicidad recommended us to visit a preserved lighthouse, built in 1892 located at Cape Bojeador. It showcased a grand panorama of the northern seas of the Philippines at the best vantage point any one can ever have. After taking in some fresh air and breath-taking views, we headed off to the unique rock formations that were situated 2 hours away in Kapurpurawan Beach in the municipality of Burgos. Recently developed by the local tourism authorities, the rock formations are a sight to behold, amidst a lush valley filled with dragonflies and little flowers in a seemingly untouched environment. Hotel Felicidad is also offering exclusive tour packages for all their guests wanting to visit all the other beautiful sites of the Ilocos Region which includes the famed shores of Pagudpud Beach, the vast estate of Fort Ilocandia, the grand church of Paoay and the cockfight pits dotting every village along the way, serving as an authentic local experience of a festive crowd-gathering tradition that is still practiced until today.
The Love – Hotel Felicidad in Vigan, Philippines
Hotel Felicidad exceeded our expectations as one of the best accommodations in this part of the country that is starting to be discovered by intrepid travelers yearning for an authentic experience in other prime locations apart from obligatory visits to the beaches and islands that the Philippines is globally known for. It is truly a diamond in a treasure chest, well-guarded with pride in the heart of the city. A place that welcomes each and every one wanting to savor the luxury of time and local traditions found only in Vigan – a city that merits its position in the list of top heritage sites in the world.
LuxeInACity highly recommends a stay at Hotel Felicidad.
Visit www.hotelfelicidadvigan.com to plan your luxury stay.
Photos courtesy of Hotel Felicidad, Commons Wikimedia, Katrina Manahan and Vanessa Liwanag
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Tuesday, February 21, 2017
How to be Swept Away by the Crimson Resort and Spa
Personal review from Vanessa Liwanag’s stay at Crimson Resort and Spa in Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines.
The Unique Setting – Crimson Resort and Spa
A visit to the Philippines requires any itinerary to pay homage to the Queen City of the South, Cebu. Home to great furniture designers, the best seafood and the sweetest mangoes, it boasts of many luxury resorts that cater to different visitors coming in from nearby countries such as Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China. Part of this big bustling city is the island of Mactan, where an abundance of marine life has continued to lure people the world over. We decided to try out one of the most recent luxury island resorts in Mactan Island, the beautiful Crimson Resort and Spa.
Bound southeast from the international airport of Cebu, a quick 20-minute ride had us arrive the resort in a breeze. With wreathes of tiny pearly shells, a warm welcome embraced us with the cool caress of the ocean air just a couple of feet away from the main lobby where we unloaded our bags. PR Manager Mia Mae Sy was on-hand to give us all the information needed to ensure an excellent stay in the resort. A couple of minutes of chit-chat over cool cocktails, our mini golf cart arrived to bring us to the Ocean Villa that was prepared for us.
The tiled path going to the Ocean Villa was lined with fragrant monoi flowers or kalachuchi as they are known locally. The delicate scent followed our tracks as we reached the big wooden door of the villa that resembled a mini Balinese temple amidst swaying bamboo stalks. The Ocean Villa was excellently situated, right beside a cliff with an amazing view and its very own lap pool. Upon entering, we were treated with a traditional hand-washing ritual wherein a mixture of eucalyptus and hibiscus flowers were poured gloriously on our hands, washing away all the weariness that we had accumulated from all the travels we had already done 3-weeks into the country.
Upon settling on the lounge terrace of the villa, we marveled at the sea and a big neighboring island laid out in front of us. To our surprise, a couple of dolphins went bobbing up and down with the little waves afar, as if they were saying hello to the new visitors to their beloved home. It was almost sunset when we settled in and the colors of the sky was a spiraling mix of blue, pink and orange, a majestic welcome for us as we relaxed in the spacious lounge chairs spread on the vast space of the terrace.
The Fine Dinning Experience – Crimson Resort and Spa
Dinner was a fancy affair as we had 3 locations to choose from: the Saffron Cafe, the Azure Beach Club and their fine dining restaurant called the Tempo. We went first to Azure Beach Club to have a quick serving of a delectable tuna tataki appetizer washed down with a cool drink made from a mix of passion fruit and tamarind. We then headed over for the buffet serving that was spread out at the Saffron Cafe to try out the specials for that evening – a grand mélange of Filipino fare that included a roasted pig centerpiece called lechon, (a prized delicacy in Cebu), chicken adobo ( the national dish comprising of chicken marinated in soy sauce, vinegar and lots of garlic and onions), balot ( another original Filipino delicacy which is unfertilized duck egg boiled and eaten as an appetizer) and a massive seafood spread of different kinds of fish, crabs, lobsters and prawns to choose from. We especially loved the kilawin – a delightful dish of raw tuna and snapper fish cured in vinegar, local spices and coconut milk. Fully satisfied, we barely had room for dessert which was a delightful arrangement of sugar-glazed hibiscus leaves topped on a whipped mango tapioca concoction with fresh coconut slivers. It was too beautiful to eat with the frangipani petals that adorned it. Overall, the buffet was an excellent introduction for all guests wanting to try the best of Philippines cuisine in one set-up. It was the marvelous idea of Chef Godfrey Laforteza who wanted to promote the flavors of the Philippines in a buffet setting that was impeccably curated and beautifully decorated.
The Day-to-Day – Crimson Resort and Spa
The spa was one of the highlights of our stay at the resort. PR Manager Mia toured us to the vast space where their much awarded spa called Aum is located. We walked through subtly lit pathways leading to the little white huts crowned with coconut and bamboo thatched roofs where the treatments are done amidst water pools flowing all around. We were treated to the traditional Filipino massage called hilot and in an instant, we were magically transported in the lap of luxury where time did not exist and the lull of sleep lorded over us as gentle hands rubbed away all the tired joints and aches that life has accumulated in our bodies.
There was so much things to do in the resort, as every morning, a half-carved coconut shell filled with frangipani flowers was delivered on our doorsteps with a little tied-up note announcing all the events for the day. We chose to wander around the beach and swim with the fishes to start the day. It was amazing to wade through the waters and see all the vibrant marine and coral life, just a couple of steps from the shore.
As we spoke with the locals who worked at the resort, we felt one with them as they shared the happiness that they have in their hearts since the resort has opened 5 years ago. We couldn’t agree more and as we parted from Crimson Resort and Spa, we only have much love and praises for a luxury island resort that exceeded our expectations.
LuxeInACity highly recommends a stay at Crimson Resort and Spa in Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines .
Visit www.crimsonhotel.com/mactan to plan your luxury stay.
Photos courtesy of Crimson Resort and Spa, Bertrand Caille and Vanessa Liwanag
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Tuesday, January 10, 2017
A feeling of heaven in my heart at the Amanpulo
Personal review from Vanessa Liwanag’s stay at Amanpulo in Pamalican Island in the Philippines.
The welcoming arrival – Amanpulo, Pamalican Island, Philippines
Tiny dots that appear to be little islands scatter the vast blue sea, as we look from our chartered Dornier 2283 aircraft that left a very busy and gray Manila. We were on our way to paradise, to the island destination called Amanpulo, located in Pamalican Island in the heart of the Philippine archipelago. We landed smoothly on the long private runway made especially for visiting guests, and as we stepped out onto a red carpet laid out for us, we were warmly welcomed by the lovely smiling staff, led by General Manager Christophe Olivro and Resort Manager Audeline Witjaksono. The scent of tiny white jasmine flowers, locally known as sampaguita, arranged in a beautiful braided wreath greeted us and with royal treatment, the anticipation of what’s in store in the next couple of days had officially set in.
The luxury resort and its amenities – Amanpulo, Pamalican Island, Philippines
Upon arrival, we were whisked off on a white mini golf cart, driven by Guest Assistant Ivan, who shared to us a story that the name of Pamalican Island originated from the term pamalikan which in local dialect means, to come back. It also referred to the island’s original and still existing inhabitants, the great big turtles who would always come back to the island to lay their eggs before leaving again onto the great beyond. Aman Resorts was given the exclusive opportunity to develop Pamalican Island in 1997, christening the island resort’s name to Amanpulo which means, “Island of Peace”.
The welcome tour had us traversing paths lined with frangipani and coconut trees and an assortment of wild shrubs and vines amidst a 360-degree setting of pristine white powder sand that enveloped the whole island. From the first couple of hours that we stepped foot on Amanpulo, we already counted at least 5 different species of birds and reptiles! Monitor lizards traipse lazily along the path as if they were taking a long inquisitive look on the new visitors to their island. Exotic birds hopped from one branch to another, calling each other out in sounds that delighted our ears and had our necks looking out for more. This was just the beginning of the small adventure that we found ourselves delightfully immersed in.
A lovely luxurious casita was reserved for us amidst a lush green jungle of Indian almond and Pandan trees. The sea was just a couple of feet away as we can feel the ocean breeze brush through our cheeks and hear the faint sound of the waves as we opened the glass doors to the spacious terrace surrounding the casita. As we stepped out, a sand trail had us instinctively follow its direction towards the turquoise blue waters of the Sulu Sea. As we reached the ocean shores, we marveled at the postcard-worthy panorama in front us, with the island of Manamoc just across, crowning the breath-taking view of the sea. It was simply amazing to bask in that moment, where we felt that we were the only ones on the island, like shipwrecked survivors not wanting to be rescued any time soon.
The fabulous dinner – Amanpulo, Pamalican Island, Philippines
With the little golf cart reserved for our use for the next couple of days, we headed to the Lagoon Club for sunset cocktails and island chit-chat with RM Audeline and Sales and Marketing Coordinator Rapunzel Garcia. Dinner was up next on our watches and we hopped over to the Clubhouse Restaurant to be surprised at the wonderful set-up prepared for us. We dined under the stars with Executive Chef Erwin Joven, the first ever Filipino to join Amanpulo and the bubbly Food and Beverage Manager Paula Tavella. On our menu for starters were grilled squid and pork marinated in a sweet soy sauce concoction that Chef Erwin made with the local citron called kalamansi. The main course was grilled silver Asian sea bass, wonderfully laid out on a bed of banana leaves and smothered in glorious coconut milk cream and an abundance of local herbs. I especially loved the seaweed salad locally called as lato served on the side and mixed with local greens and tomatoes from the farm that they have cultivated on the island. Paired with a good bottle of wine and great company under the stars, dinner was top-notch. We lingered over dessert with Chef Erwin and Paula with the excitement of talking about the much-awaited fishing trip that followed the next day.
The morning fishing trip – Amanpulo, Pamalican Island, Philippines
The early morning call at 5AM was a bit of a challenge as we curled up in the soft white luxurious sheets that enveloped the grand wooden bed in our casita. With hazy eyes, we headed to the Sea Sports Hut, the point of boarding for the speedboat prepared for our fishing quest. Breakfast was served aboard, with freshly baked bread and brewed coffee awakening the mighty senses in each of us to get up and catch some fish. Lo and behold, it was a blessed day, with 10 various types of fish caught by the whole fishing team, including the much sought after red grouper, locally called as lapu-lapu, and an enormous silver kingfish waiting to be grilled and served by Chef Erwin who joined us later in the trip with his paddle board in tow. The bounty of fresh produce that the Sibuyan Sea surrounding Amanpulo had in store for us was astounding, for in just 2 hours, we had caught all the fish that can feed a big family of 10 or more for lunch.
The spectacular lunch – Amanpulo, Pamalican Island, Philippines
Lunch soon followed after our fishing trip as Chef Erwin prepared the fresh bounty that we caught in his busy kitchen. While waiting, GM Christophe shared to us a small serving of chorizo paella, created by another new addition to Amanpulo’s expert culinary team, Sous Chef Roger Ubach Bolde from Spain. With a seafront view, we took pleasure in every tablespoon of chopped sweet chorizo sausage in rice mixed with slides of red bell peppers and savory spices. After a couple of minutes, the red snapper, one of the many fishes that we caught was served to us, prepared as a ceviche beautifully decorated with the local flowers found on the island. Every bite was pure delight, with the freshest snapper bits marinated in vinegar and citron tickling our taste buds. The main dish was then served, and it was the big kingfish that we caught as well, grilled and laid out on a bed of local rocket greens and grains with a sliver of tapenade sauce. It was such a pleasure to eat the all the wonderful dishes specially prepared by the chefs and taking pride at the same time to be able to catch the freshest fish that we were enjoying for our sumptuous lunch.
The luxurious spa – Amanpulo, Pamalican Island, Philippines
Sunset rolled over the horizon and it was time to relax and have a good massage, so we headed off to the spa. The Aman Spa has the best location on the island, nestled on a hilltop at the eastern side, lording over a view of the cerulean sea and the surrounding islets. Spa Manager Victor Rinaldi warmly welcomed us and recommended us to try one of their signature treatments – the Pulo Oil Massage, a deep pressure aromatherapy treat with fragrant ylang ylang oil lathered all over our bodies. We felt absolute Zen and tranquility as we laid there after an excellent aroma-infused treatment, with some hot ginger tea and a spectacular view of the ocean and the islets in front of us. We were truly in bliss as all the delightful moments of our stay in the island flashed in our minds, transporting us in a peaceful trance.
I held on to the precious moments that we spent in the island as we rode back on the Dornier 2283 aircraft, transporting us back to reality in the city. Our brief stay at Pamalican Island is now a treasured souvenir for me. A memory that will linger on in my mind that somewhere, in the vast seas surrounding the Philippine archipelago, there is truly heaven on earth where one is at peace – in the idyllic paradise that we discovered called Amanpulo.
LuxeInACity highly recommends a stay at Amanpulo in Pamalican Island, Philippines.
Visit www.aman.com/resorts/amanpulo to plan your stay.
Photos courtesy of Amanpulo Resort, Bertrand Caille and Vanessa Liwanag
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