A WEEKEND GETAWAY TO PICO DE LORO COVE
It’s the first weekend
getaway of the group for this year. And
where are we heading to? To the SM Mall of Asia. Yes, we converged at the Mall of Asia but not
to shop or dine rather it was our gateway to a 90-minute drive via the
Cavitex-Ternate-Nasugbu route for a yet another luxurious tapped with
exclusivity weekend stay at Hamilo Coast.
Hamilo Coast is an expansive
5,900 hectare property located in Nasugbu, Batangas with 13 coves, a 31-kilometer
coastline, said to be rich in marine life and abundant flora and fauna. Fortunately, we were invited to the first
development in the “Premier Sustainable Coastal Resort Town” of Hamilo Coast which is Pico de Loro, a 40-hectare residential village inside the Hamilo Coast.
En route to Pico de Loro
Cove, the scenic mountains and coastal highways was a treat, though I felt
dizzy on a certain winding road (but that’s just me). We passed by the longest underground road
tunnel in the Philippines as well, known as Kaybiang
Tunnel (Ternate-Nasugbu). Road
network is efficient, making the trip to Pico de Loro an adventure and a
pleasant treat in itself.
As soon as we arrived at the
vast property, it was a feeling as if we have entered an exclusive subdivision
in the metropolis.
PICO SANDS HOTEL
The spacious lobby of the
reception area of Pico Sands Hotel eradicated the transient dizziness I
had. Check-in was a breeze as we were
greeted and facilitated by the friendly staff and receptionists of the hotel.
Two views are provided by
the hotel: the lagoon and the mountains.
We were checked-in at the Lagoon View Premier Deluxe room where a
balcony served as a good vantage to view the tranquil lagoons. The room is equipped with the basic
facilities, free wifi and is indeed spacious.
The complimentary toiletries, welcome drinks and fresh fruits was more
than a warm welcome.
After we settled on our
designated rooms, we gathered at the Pico
Restaurant for snacks. What does a
snack mean actually? The snacks served
appeared like a full regular meal. Food
is delectable and presented gastronomically appealing. Pizza, pasta and innovative drinks landed on our table.
Across the Pico Restaurant
but within the hotel is the Pico bar.
The basic colors of the hotel’s interiors provide a relaxing
ambiance. If you’re looking for redhorse
beer, sorry there’s none. The al fresco
dining area even more defined the comfort and relaxing stay we had at the
hotel.
The hotel further provides a
spa which I did not avail. Guests of the hotel are given access to the Pico
Beach, Reef Bar and Grill and the Country Club.
With the vast acre of land it has, guests are transported thru a free
shuttle service for convenience. It
truly is a vacation fit for royalties.
We had our dinner at the
Reef Bar and Grill with everything grilled as the name implies. Truly, it was well-prepared and delicious
that everyone was full. Dining near the
beach on a cold night with hanging lanterns that surround as my feet touches
the fine sands is a perfect retreat for me.
It could pass as a romantic date venue.
Though not with a date, it was more than fun being with friends as well.
Pico de Loro Cove Residential Community
Named after species of
birds, there are four residential clusters located in the Pico de Loro Cove
with a total of eight-low impact, mid-rise condominiums, these are:
Myna,Jacana, Carola and Miranda. They do
like birds obviously. In fact, Pico de
Loro cove is named after Mt. Pico which resembles a parrot’s beak. “Loro” translates to parrot in Filipino
language.
A morning jog or walk,
whichever you prefer, could have been appropriate while passing by the front
yards of this residential community. It
was well landscaped and the shade of trees was perfect for soul searching.
We passed by the residential
houses one evening after our dinner to digest what we had feasted and the
following day after breakfast to pass by the hanging bridge and en route to the
beach. It is therefore scenic and
relaxing for anytime of the day.
Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club
The Sunday morning was a
leisure day for us. We had our breakfast at the Lagoa Restaurant, exclusive for
members and accompanied guests. A fusion
of Asian and Western cuisine was served while we position ourselves outside the
restaurant overlooking the swimming pools that suggests of infinity on account
of the man-made lagoon. My senses were
fully awakened by such view. Who wouldn’t?
The country club has amenities exclusively for members and hotel guests, such as ourselves. These are:
Grab n’Go
Convenience Store
Baia Ballroom
Cala Function
Room
Swimming Pools
B&B –
Bowling and Billiards
Club Pico –
playground for kids
Basketball
Court
Badminton
Courts
Squash Court
Tennis Court
Videogame Room
Music Room
Fitness Center
St. Therese of
the Child Jesus Chapel
“I want to be married
here.” This is my assuming self
declaring a dream as we visited the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Chapel. The view was indeed picturesque and can be
quite a romantic venue apt for exchange of vows, with a backdrop of the golden
sunset.
Our last day was spent
mostly at the Beach Club. Cocktails were
consumed after lunch at the Sun Coral Café.
Aside from the said café, members and accompanied guests have access to
the following facilities located at the Beach Club:
Arribada
Brisa Bar
Reef Bar
Kultura Butik
Swimming Pool
1.5 km. white
sand beach
There are sports activities
as well available which we were not able to avail for time constraints, maybe
next time. I was not even able to swim
at the beach for pure reasons of laziness and no other. I just want to sit in one corner, swim in the
pool, drink and relax.
Truly, this is one weekend
of pampering ourselves for the busy week we had at work. Being the closest luxury residential resort
village to Metro Manila, it was indeed a pleasure for having been given the
opportunity of a relaxing and quality time spent.
3 comments
Beautiful photos! Will try to visit this since I'm from Batangas :)
ReplyDeletewill you need a member to come here?
ReplyDeleteAll in all how much it costs?
ReplyDelete