A foodie's vacation lifestyle

MANILA, Philippines - Chef, writer, food critic, and TV and radio host Nancy Reyes-Lumen knows the right ingredients for a perfect weekend: a suburban venue away from the city set amid scenic views, and filled with world-class amenities.

Nancy has found this perfect mix in an emerging leisure development south of Manila. She is now looking forward to spending her weekends at Hamilo Coast’s Pico de Loro Cove, where she is a member of the exclusive Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club. The Beach Club, which is the first component of community-centric facilities at the cove, opened last February.

 “There are not enough weekends for us to spend together, with all the work we have. So whenever possible, I want to go out of town with friends and family to spend quality time with them,” said Reyes-Lumen

Seeing the natural splendor of Hamilo Coast, with its 5,800 hectares, 13 unique coves, and 25 kilometers of pristine beachfront against a backdrop of verdant mountains, she fell in love with the place. 

 “I don’t want a club where the food and service is bad, so when I went there I discovered for myself that the menu is excellent,” she added. “In fact, I have organized a food festival there last September where I invited friends and family to enjoy the food that I like.”

Sumptuous Filipino comfort food, Californian and mediterranean cuisine are offered at the signature Sun Coral Café, while the al fresco Brisa Bar caters to late afternoon lounges and cocktails. At the Arribada Lounge, members can hold intimate gatherings, parties, and special events. Comfortably seating 75 guests, the indoor lounge extends to an outdoor veranda for an added room capacity of 115 guests.

Nancy pictures herself and her loved ones enjoying discovery weekends and vacations at Hamilo Coast — beach combing, snorkelling, enjoying good food and wine, and indulging in her hobby of photography. She is also excited to witness the pawikans (Olive Ridley and Green Sea Turtles) lay their eggs on shore at nearby Santelmo Cove

“Going there and expecting something good, then leaving and knowing I enjoyed such a good time makes me want to come back,” she added. “I will always have a smile on my face when I think of Hamilo.”

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SM Land is the new brand of property development by SM Investments Corp., offering properties from primary homes and residences to leisure developments and integrated business districts. For inquiries about Hamilo Coast, call 858-0333 or log on to hamilocoast.com.