Falling for Badian
It started when we rode the pump boat going to this so-called magical island that I have been hearing to be one of the most dreamy and enchanting island resorts in the world. As we glided through the water going to Badian Island, I observed the quaint provincial pace surrounding the atmosphere of the place. The boatmen around the waters were going on with their usual daily routine while smaller bancas contained the local children who were on their way to school on the main island. It was a short ride from the small port but it felt longer as we cruised gently on the lake. The boatman said that during low tide, the waters would subside and the locals would just walk along the wet lands.
As we grew closer to the island, I started to hear the cheerful greetings of my hosts. The island’s staff greeted us with a warm and energetic hymn which has been traditionally sung since the resort started 26 years ago. The staff continued on with their singing as we marched on to the reception hall. There, we were welcomed with chilled coconut juice and cold towels to refresh us. As I sipped giddily on my drink, I couldn’t help but think what other surprises were in store for me on this island.
The Badian Island Resort and Spa is owned by Mr. Hartwig R. Scholz and his wife, Ms. Maria Catral and honestly, I want to confess how I envy their home. They have not only made the island resort an ideal place for rest and relaxation but a private escape for those looking for the ultimate couple retreat. The pathways and surroundings were bordered with wild floras giving a rustic feel to the whole place and the grounds were so spacious, giving you the illusion that you’re the only guest in the island. The different suites are situated around the 8-hectare-wide resort. My villa, on the other hand, was located on the eastern part of the resort facing the calm waters of Badian Bay. It was also one of the reasons why I fell hard for this dreamy place. The villa could literally fit more than 20 people but I merrily had it all to myself. I found it very lavish and accommodating with its own living room area, dresser, and king size bed. The bathroom was another story. Tropical flowers covered the bath area which was bordered by a glass wall; yes, that’s right, the whole world can practically see you bathe in luxury. Don’t worry; shades can be pulled down for those who want to take a conservative bath. But nothing beats the glass roof that allows you to bathe while looking at the thick cotton candy clouds or the starry sky. Finally, when I opened the terrace doors of the villa I couldn’t contain my dumbfounded expression as I looked over the plush private infinity pool overlooking the sea. Any more excitement and I would have jumped right in. At this point, I’ve only described the cherry topping to the treats that I had experienced in Badian, and yet I still have more to tell.
In 2006, the resort was named by Asia Spa Magazine as one of the top 10 Island Resort Spas in the world. No one can resist trying the soothing treatments in the open-air pavilions. Some treatments include the use of fresh seaweed scrubs in the resort’s badehaus as well as the sauna facilities of the spa. It also has a Thalasso pool (derived from the Greek word Thalassa meaning, ”power of sea water for the good health”) which offers guests a dip in warm bubbling pool for deep relaxation and detoxification from the natural minerals found in the seawater. I, on the other hand, got to experience the Deluxe 4-hand Massage (1 hour and 15 minutes) where two masseuse used long synchronized strokes to relax and soothe the muscles.
The dishes of the resort were equally exquisite. The resident chef who I learned is from Bicol concocts delectable meals from Asian and foreign cuisine to satisfy the resort’s international guests. But for those who want to have a more private and memorable meal, the resort also offers a romantic dining setting on board the M/Y Dolphina while sailing across the Badian Bay. I got to try one of the chef’s signature dishes, Coco Soup (shrimps and vegetables cooked in coconut milk served in a coconut husk) which I thought was completely divine. The restaurant also has a menu for the guests looking for healthier food options. During dinner time, guests are treated to a cultural show with the natives dancing to local and international music. The fun part was guests were asked to join the festivities. Lastly, located beside the beach is the Shell Beach Bar for those who want to toast with tropical drinks and celebrate happy hours. By the time I returned to my villa to get ready for bed, a little fishy visitor was tucked neatly on my bed to bid me goodnight. How I wished the day never ended.
My infatuation with the Badian Resort was short lived as we had to leave for our next destination. If had the chance to stay a little longer, I would have liked to learn to scuba dive. Badian being also recognized as one of the top ten best diving hotels in the world because of its well-preserved diving sites and house coral reefs. It’s also near Pescador Island (20-minute boat ride), one of the most popular dive sites in the Philippines.
As we boarded the boat that would bring us back to the main land, I grew uncertain thinking when I will be able to come back to Badian which I have grown to love. But as the staff bade us farewell with a serenade, I knew that I was going to return to this enchanted island and fall in love again.
Travel Notes
HOW TO GET THERE:
Cebu is a regular destination route in domestic and international flights. From the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, visitors have to take a two-and-a-half-hour drive at the southwestern coast of Cebu. From the mainland, guests will take a short five-minute boat ride going to the island resort. Helicopter transfers from the airport (20 -minute ride) are also available.
Badian Island Resort & Spa
Badian Island, Cebu
(63 32) 475 1102 to 1106
www.badianhotel.com
WHAT TO DO:
The resort offers many other fun-filled activities such as Dolphin Watching, Island Hopping and Pleasure Yacht trips. Just inform the staff ahead of time what package you want and they will provide it for you.
Another exciting excursion is a trip to Kawasan Falls. Just a 10-minute ride from the Cebu mainland and another 15-minute nature walk and you can see the beauty of Kawasan. Visitors can swim on the clean basin and eat meals on the picnic tables located beside the falls.
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