Travel

Why Siargao Bleu is Our New Favorite Spot on the Island

With its tranquil atmosphere and exceptional design, Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa is the place to be for a quieter sojourn on the island.

Much like everyone else I know who’s set foot on the island, I’ve developed an affinity with Siargao since I first discovered it two years ago—an affinity that I barely developed with any other place in the country, though other destinations have been just as beautiful. Maybe it’s the afterglow of riding a wave for the first time, the laidback island vibe that permeates through the community, or the incredible range of cuisines on the island as a result of the melting pot of people that have chosen to settle there. Whatever it is, there’s something about Siargao that makes you fall in love at first sight, and never truly get over it.

What I did get over, though, was the constant pursuit of the thrill. Although it was a pastime I still held in high regard, surfing wasn’t on my mind during my last visit to the island. After the frenzy of approaching deadlines and the constant drone that is city life, I was looking forward to truly quiet days—the kind of days that stretch out its hours, spent in secret corners where it’s just you and the sea.

There seemed to be no better place to do that than in Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa. Some friends had already previously visited the quiet property, many of whom shared that it was a tranquil spot to enjoy your island sojourn. “Plus, the pool is just beautiful,” one adds.

After the 30-minute drive from the airport, we were led to the open-air lobby, where the staff escort you to a seat and hand you a fresh coconut to enjoy. While waiting for the front desk to get everything in order, I wander off onto the deck to see that the pool was, indeed, beautiful.

The sight that greets you once you set foot on Siargao Bleu’s main property is truly breathtaking—the large swimming pool stretches out to the sea, while Balinese-style villas dot its edges. Lush greenery seem to envelop the structures, while in the distance, a daybed is positioned by the seawall, its sheer canopy billowing in the wind.

“The interior and outdoor designs really compliment the crystal clear ocean just outside the resort,” shares Christian Pontoppidan, the resort’s marketing head. He adds that the concept was created by Bong Deiparine of Primitivo Deiparine Design in San Francisco, who is currently based in Cebu.“It is Balinese-inspired, but incorporating elements of Siargao and local artistry.”

The homage to Filipino creativity is most evident in the murals featured in the different rooms—painted by local artists, they depict various scenes on the island such as the Cloud 9 Boardwalk or the Magpupungko Tidal Pools.

Incorporating local elements was important, as it represents the resort’s identity. “The owner of the resort was born in Siargao—most other resorts are being built by foreign expats or people from Cebu and Manila,” Chris explains. “So Siargao Bleu is a true Siarganon resort.”

Of course, one of the main features in Siargao Bleu is the pool, which Chris describes as the “grandest pool on the island,” and the Floating Villas. Each villa enjoys a private veranda that leads straight into the water, and a spacious bathroom with a jacuzzi tub (during our visit, the team was slowly converting the traditional porcelain jacuzzis to large stone tubs, each carved from a single piece of solid rock). There are also the Garden de Luxe rooms, in the midst of the resort’s thriving tropical foliage. The rooms in The Terraces are on the second floor, with a long hallway that look out to the neighborhood’s abundance of natural beauty.

“We also have personalized butler service,” Chris continues. “Our butlers, other than tending to every request, will also accompany you on any activity you go on, be it either surfing or island hopping.”

The resort’s staff is eager to help arrange any excursion on the island, but sometimes the best experiences can be had in the resort itself. “Our Spa is the biggest on the island, with the most diverse treatments available and the most highly trained therapists,” Chris shares. Siargao Bleu also has film viewings by the beach on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “The movie nights are something we arrange for our guests who would like to do something other than visit our spa or swim in the pool. It’s also open to paying public guests.”

The hotel’s in-house restaurant Karatagan serves some of the best seafood dishes, and a beach-side bar is currently in the works. “We strive to provide the best possible facilities and service to our guests,” says Chris. “The Sunset Beach Bar will give our guests the best view of the sunset in Siargao, to be enjoyed while sipping on a delicious fruit shake or a refreshing cocktail.”

Doesn’t that sound like the perfect way to spend afternoons on the island? As the day winds down, I find myself settling onto the daybed that I had first eyed when I arrived at Siargao Bleu (and thankfully, you could order a drink from Karagatan for now). With the comforting sound of crashing water, the sky slowly dipping into an orange gradient and the Pacific Ocean bringing a cool breeze to share, it was truly the quiet escape I had envisioned, with an addendum. Here, it was me, the sea and a cocktail.

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Travel

Autumn in Istanbul: Fellow Travellers Share Turkish Delights

by Jing Ramos

Istanbul is a transcontinental city positioned between Europe and Asia, known for its rich history and upbeat modern identity. The city features a unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture and has a bustling metropolitan life straddled along the Bosphorus Strait. Like Rome, it’s an old city built on seven hills. In fact, Istanbul’s gradient characteristic originates from the Roman Empire. The cobblestone streets of Istanbul were crafted by Albanian craftsmen commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecit in the 19th century, giving the city an old-world charm.

The lobby of the Pera Palace Hotel exudes old world charm.

Stephen Aznar, who organized this brief interlude in Istanbul, couldn’t have chosen a more interesting address—after all, location is paramount. We were right in the heart of Beyoglu, a historic and vibrant neighbourhood on the European side of Istanbul. Cultural landmarks such as the Galata Tower, historical buildings, art galleries, numerous churches, and an engaging atmosphere of fascinating restaurants and cafés surrounded us. Not far from our apartment stood the iconic Pera Palace Hotel, built in 1895 for passengers of the Orient Express. Designed by French-Ottoman architect Alexander Vallaury, the hotel’s opulent architecture is a hybrid of neo-classical, art nouveau, and oriental styles. Famous names have graced the hotel’s registry, including Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Turkey, and writer Agatha Christie, who reportedly drew inspiration from the hotel for her novel Murder on the Orient Express. Other notable visitors included Ernest Hemingway, Alfred Hitchcock, and Queen Elizabeth II.

Stephen Aznar by the Galata Tower in Beyoglu.

The interiors of the patisserie were given a facelift by renowned interior designer Anouska Hempel.

The china served in the cafe were naturally pink, a favorite color of the Atataturks.

Stepping into the patisserie of the Pera Palace Hotel is a journey into the Belle Époque—a dreamlike era when the art nouveau period flourished. This French-style bakery features a predominantly pink ambiance with cranberry tones, moiré silks, and velvet cushions. Interior designer Anouska Hempel refreshed the café’s interiors in 2013, enhancing its original design, and the result is “the glamour of a bygone era.” Dessert history spanning Istanbul to Anatolia includes a varied range of baklavas, rice pudding, and Turkish delights from the Ottoman Palace, as well as patisserie products, biscuits, tarts, and cakes that made their way to Pera in the mid–19th century. That particular afternoon, our guilty pleasure consisted of Turkish tea with a traditional caramel éclair and a lotus tart served on pink china—a favourite color of the Atatürks.

Tracey Emin’s Bazen/Sometimes, inkjet mounted on foam board 2009

The Elgiz Museum of Contemporary Art, located in Istanbul’s business district within the Beybi Giz Plaza building, is Turkey’s first contemporary art museum established to support the development of contemporary art. The museum is nonprofit, founded by Sevda and Can Elgiz, and houses the family’s private collection, showcases temporary exhibitions, and serves as a platform for young and emerging artists and curators.

Currently on exhibition is Season of Mirage, which explores the thin line between dream and reality through current works by Turkish artists and selections from the museum’s private collection. A journey through the layered world of art, the exhibition—named after a mirage—offers a visual feast shaped by artists’ observations of the modern world. The interplay between clarity and uncertainty provides viewers with an opportunity to transcend time and explore both past and present. And although the city of Istanbul remains deeply rooted in its glorious past, the present reveals a collective artistic voice expressing concern over societal challenges, vividly depicted in the images of Season of Mirage.

This writer, Jing Ramos soaking up the atmosphere at the Patisserie .

Lifestyle

Find Your Summer Spirit in Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

Breathe in the tropical atmosphere, as you find summer joys through sight, sound and taste at Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu. Poolside fun during the day, spent serenely and luxuriantly—a refreshment in hand. While the evenings are for outdoor family movie nights, with the ocean waves rippling in the background.

Summer is all of that, and more! Plan an extraordinary weekend with an array of exciting activities that await your arrival. Discover your #ShangriLaSummerSpirit from 15 July to 30 August.

Tiki Bar at Buko Bar

Epicurean Delights by the Pool

Keep yourself fueled up as you splish and splash with the whole crew. Take a quick break from all that summer jazz with Mediterranean and Polynesian-inspired bites exquisitely crafted for your palate. From rice balls and pastas, ice creams to sliders—indulge in tastes and aromas that transport you to a world of endless, golden summers.

Mediterranean Selections at Acqua

A Whimsical Touch

Make it a colourful summer for the kids! Let them explore their own version of paradise with whimsical floaties, sure to keep them happily afloat. Your little ones can now freely kick and play in the water with fun and fascinating, animal-shaped inflatables.

Pleasant Sundowner Tunes

Bid the sun adieu and embrace the sunset hues with live acoustics at the Main Pool from 4pm to 6:30pm.

Tiki Cocktails at Buko Bar

Champagne Bar at Acqua

A Toast to an Endless Summer!

Unwind and savour the tropical vibe as our expert mixologists craft refreshing Tiki cocktails and serve chilled bottles of exquisite champagne by the pool! With a backdrop of swaying palm trees and stunning ocean views, sip on delightful beverages and toast to unforgettable summer moments in paradise.

Family Outdoor Movie Night

Gather your nearest and dearest for an enchanting evening as we set up a large outdoor screen by the pool under the starry night sky. Cozy up as you enjoy a family-friendly movie that will delight both those who are young and young-at-heart at Treasure Island from 7pm to 9pm.

Surrounded by lush greens, let the experience bring you to a world of joy and laughter, creating cherished memories for you and the family. For more information on Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, you may contact (032) 2310288. You may also follow them on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort/ #FindYourSummerSpirit #FindYourShangriLa

inside

LONDON IN FULL BLOOM: An Exclusive Look at the recent Chelsea Flower Show

Dame Judy Dench (center in white) with gallery owner, Jerry Sibal, Edwin Josue, writer Eva Gullas and artist James Doran-Webb.

The Chelsea Flower Show in London, one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the world, returned in full glory in May 2023, captivating visitors with its stunning displays and landscape designs. Held annually on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, this year’s show proved to be a true feast for the senses, showcasing an array of breathtaking gardens, vibrant floral arrangements, and innovative landscaping. The 3-day event showcased 36 outdoor gardens, including four balcony gardens for small spaces. Inside the giant pavilion, blooms compete with each other, exotic flowers, roses, and many more.

Princess Kate Middleton walking the booths at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Dame Judy Dench, who owns several of Webb’s pieces in her garden, with James Doran-Webb and Jerry Sibal discussing the works of James.

One of the flower arrangements competing at the show.

The 2023 Chelsea Flower Show embraced a Nature’s Harmony theme, with a strong focus on sustainability and mental health. The show’s organizers emphasized the importance of sustainable gardening practices and biodiversity conservation, inspiring attendees to create beautiful outdoor spaces while preserving and protecting the environment.

One of the floral gazebo displays recycled chairs and salvaged materials.

Shops at the Chelsea Flower Show are mostly from sustainable materials.

What’s Cebu got to do with the Chelsea Flower Show in London? One person. James Doran Webb (https://www.jamesdoranwebb.co.uk), an Englishman working with driftwood, has been displaying his artworks for several years. James collects cast-off driftwood and shapes them into beautiful animal shapes that find places in some of the most iconic gardens. Leaping horses, owls, reindeer, and the occasional dragon, James Webb’s creations are avidly collected by landscapers to add accent to gardens in all sizes, using cast-off wood, fitting perfectly with the sustainable element—something Mr. Webb has done quite well for the last decade.

The impressive dragon of James Doran-Webb

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The Philippine International Flower Festival will be held at the PICC in Manila from January 14 to 18, 2024. Watch out for more info from our website!