It won’t be easy but it will be worth it, I thought, staring apprehensively at the furious waves crashing on the mainland’s shore, Sumilon Island barely visible against the horizon.
An understatement—the weather was uncooperative. Any notion that the Philippines was a tropical country disappeared along with the sun. Dark clouds loomed over the skies, bringing down rain that never stopped, not even for a minute, on the two-and-a half hour trip to Oslob.
Reaching the docking point for Sumilon Island only led to the discovery that there was another force of nature to be reckoned with—the strong winds responsible for the waves that were sure to make the 15-minute boat ride to the island a rough journey.
Still, the ominous conditions did not deter this writer. The rain dwindled to a light drizzle during the boat ride, finally ceasing for the moment upon arriving at Sumilon’s famous shifting sandbar—a temporary docking point that was safer in this weather, as opposed to the usual port that leads straight to the resort.
In this case, it took a ten-minute walk along a path before finally reaching the charming Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, the only establishment in Sumilon Island. Bluewater Resorts opted to develop only 20% of this 24-hectare coral island. The natural beauty of the island, complimented with the world-class amenities and distinct Filipino touch standard to the Bluewater Resorts brand, make Bluewater Sumilon the ideal island getaway.
The island’s pavilion was a welcome sight after the brief trek. In better weather conditions, it offers a stunning view of the sea and of mainland Cebu, but at that point, the view was obscured by native blinds that still went well with the pavilion’s look, while keeping guests warm and dry. Besides serving as the reception area for the resort, it also houses a library where one can borrow and read books, and a small gift shop.
More importantly, the pavilion doubles as the hotel restaurant, serving a small yet impressive array of local and international dishes. The sojourn to Sumilon was arduous, and finally reaching the destination called for some food. Lunch was Nasi Goreng—Indonesian fried rice topped with fried egg, served with pork and chicken satay, barbecue chicken wings, bean sprouts and prawn crackers. It was bursting with flavor, creating a great first impression about the food served at Bluewater Sumilon.
Past the pavilion is Bluewater Sumilon’s lagoon shaped infinity pool, almost as iconic as the island’s shifting sandbar. The pool’s still waters create an interesting contrast against the choppy waves of the sea—a tempting alternative for those who want to swim and are willing to brave the cold. The resort also has a Jacuzzi, located a few steps down the pool.
Bluewater Sumilon offers several types of accommodations. Just beyond the pool are 14 deluxe rooms and 10 premiere deluxe rooms, each with its own private veranda with a view of the sea. The rooms are decked in neutrals, complimented with warm lighting and wooden furniture. Splashes of blue on the linens give the place just the right hint of color. the overal effect is understatedly luxurious, yet comfortably homey.
On the opposite side of the pavilion lie the more exclusive villas. At the moment, Bluewater Sumilon has two honeymoon villas and one family villa. Although their décor is consistent with the other rooms, the villas hold the distinction of each having their own private dipping pool. The villas are also in the perfect position to witness the sun rise in the mornings.
For the more adventurous guests, Bluewater Sumilon offers the experience of enjoying the great outdoors in style with glamping— glamorous camping. Apart from tent accommodations, glamping packages include full-board meals, in-tent mini bar, island camp activities, and a camp assistant to cater to every need.
Yet with everything that Sumilon has to offer, it’s impossible to just stay in the rooms, no matter how comfortable Bluewater’s accommodations are.
Explore the island on foot by following the trails that lead to Sumilon’s landmarks, including the natural lagoon, the lighthouse, the historic watchtower or baluarte, and the Yamashita caves. The path also showcases some spectacular views of the sea, especially from the highest points of the island.
Sumilon Island is home to the first marine sanctuary established in the Philippines. Discover the vibrant underwater life through snorkeling, or get up close and personal with the tropical fish with a scuba diving adventure. The island’s natural lagoon is also something worth exploring. Steer a kayak through the high mangrove trees, or have a hand at fishing. For a truly one of a kind adventure, Sumilon’s proximity to the town of Oslob means guests can try the famed whale shark watching.
After so many adventures, it’s all but fitting to relax, and Bluewater Sumilon offers several options to do so. There’s afternoon tea, beach picnics, lounging at the payag-payag, and romantic private dinners. Bluewater also brings their trademark Amuma Spa to Sumilon. The spa’s offerings, combined with the serenity of the location, make for a truly blissful experience.
The beauty of Sumilon is something that can’t be defined by anything, not even the weather. While the iconic image of Sumilon is sparkling turquoise waters blending with clear skies, it’s stunning to see how the steel grey skies make the waters bluer than ever, living up to the resort’s name. Sumilon has a lot of things to offer, and rain or shine bring different experiences to explore and enjoy all of them.
- by Patty Taboada
- photography Mike Jo
Coined CARNAVAL: One Night in Rio, the festive extravaganza treats partygoers to music by celebrity DJ’s Callum David and Jade Hartman, sensational performances by Brazilian showgirls and pole dancers, lively tempos by drumbeaters and a Capoeira exhibition. Capoeira is the Afro-Brazilian martial art which combines fight, dance, rhythm and movement.
Driven to glaze a weekend in paradise with energy and Brazilian vitality, the event will also stage a fashion show of glamorous intensities featuring exclusive designs by Cebu’s fashion artisans. The dynamic strut down the catwalk will show off exotic Brazilian couture by Jun Escario, Arcy Gayatin, Edwin Ao, Mary Ty, Barbie Alvez, Rei Escario, Bree Esplanada, Mique Yapching, Protacio Empaces and Philip Rodriguez.
CARNAVAL: One Night in Rio happens on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at The Marquee. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. and partygoers are encouraged to come dressed in their best Rio-inspired ensembles. Tickets are available at P3,000 net per person and include Brazilian street food and free flowing Brazilian drinks.
Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu hosts CARNAVAL: One Night in Rio in partnership with Bacardi, Pink Flora, Garison, Jude Bacalso, Stanz Catalan, Digital Minds, Rock Paper Scissors, Jim Ubalde and Pacific Audio Video Inc.
Guests may purchase tickets at All Flip flops, Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Cebu and the Ayala Center Concierge. For inquiries and reservations, please call Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu at (6332) 231 8264 or email events.mac@shangri-la.com.
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages more than 80 hotels under the Shangri-La brand with a room inventory of over 34,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and The United Kingdom. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, India, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com
One Night in Rio
Since its opening last December 2012, Ibiza Beach Club has been home to the Balearic- style Churrasco, a hearty feast of all-you-can-eat barbecue offering nine kinds of meat and four kinds of seafood. Mediterranean tapas and Asian Fusion cuisine complemented by an impressive selection of fine wines included in the extensive menu.
The Philippine benchmark in good food, The Philippine Tatler Best Restaurant guide provides tips for the foodie traveler. Here’s an excerpt from its review of Ibiza Beach Club.
“Ibiza Beach Club at the Mövenpick is the place to be to enjoy spectacular sunset views over the Mactan channel with its wonderful cocktails and fun party atmosphere. Prepare your appetite for the Balearic Churrasco, the house specialty. There is a staggering array of grilled items “US prime beef, lamb, pork, chicken and seafood- brought to your table for you to choose from. Ask for small portions so you can enjoy them all.”
Ibiza Beach Club also boasts the very best in daily dinner shows featuring the resident entertainment team performing 5x a week. Themed shows include retro pop, latin, disco, and more.
Knuth Kiefer, the hotel’s General Manager shares “We are thrilled that Ibiza Beach Club has been recognised amongst the Philippines’ Best Restaurants by Philippine Tatler. Ibiza was designed to be a lifestyle experience in itself and our guests, and now Philippine Tatler agree.”
For reservations or more information, please call (02) 799 1111, (032) 492 7777 or email hotel.cebu@moevenpick.com.
Fans can win a free exclusive pass to the #PenshoppeFanCon2014, and get up close and personal with Mario and Baifern through Zee Lifestyle’s #ZeeGiveaways Contest on Instagram, which will run from August 8 – 13, 2014.
To join the contest, just follow these simple steps.
STEP 01: Follow @zeelifestyle on Instagram.
STEP 02: Repost this photo with the official hashtags #PenshoppeFanCon2014 and #ZeeGiveaways
STEP 03: Don’t forget to tag us, @zeelifestyle.
Only accounts following @zeelifestyle are eligible to win passes to the event. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, August 13. For more details and other giveaways visit, zeelifestylecebu.com or like and follow Zee Lifestyle on Facebook and Twitter.
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