Walking on sunshine

MANILA, Philippines - There are a lot of reasons why living in a tropical country is the best: delicious fruits, fresh seafood, white beaches, and of course, a climate that allows for light clothing and endless sunlight. In fact, Americans and Europeans, like the birds, move south for the winter if only to escape the harsh cold.

Even on rainy days, the sun is sure to always shine again in South Forbes Golf City, the country’s largest fully-integrated and all-themed golf resort city at the forefront of the Metro Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay corridor, and recipient of the Best Golf Community Development by the 2007 CNBC International Property Awards, the world’s most prestigious property awards program, and, recently, the Highly Commended Award for Best Development by the 2010 Bloomberg Asia-Pacific Residential Award, most especially in its internationally-themed Residential Cluster.

 “The bright sun helps keep our spirits up, which is why South Forbes’ Residential Cluster offers themed enclaves where the sun and the benefits is brings are the central theme,” said Cathay Land president Jeffrey Ng. “Happy residents bring about a healthier and more dynamic city.”

The Miami clubhouse beach setting allows residents to lounge under the sun.

Amazing Asia

The first of many resort-inspired enclaves, Bali Mansions features four posh model mansions — Coralia, Candidasa, Lovina, and Nusa Dua — all named after popular beach spots in Bali. They exude the modern, tropical Asian motif with dark wood finishes against a backdrop of light earth tones. The interiors are luxuriantly furnished with bright tropical colors and with traditional objects and elements, evoking a spirit of delightful eclecticism.

The peaceful and private enclave of Phuket Mansions across the street continues the contemporary tropical Asian theme, offering a resort lifestyle in a serene and lush paradise. It is designed with relaxation and enjoyment of nature in mind. Three model mansions — Ayutthaya, Chakri, and Taksin — are all spacious, airy and cool, open to the freshness of nature and affording access to life-giving water. The pools in these homes, significant to Thai design, are incorporated into an overall design concept that particularly emphasizes intimacy, seclusion and renewal.

 “Due to insistent demand for the modern Balinese style, we have launched Nirwana Bali, located on higher elevation which assures of much cooler weather and a more imposing view,” Ng said. “To add, the enclave’s amazing clubhouse is perched on a ridge overlooking an enormous gorge.”

Families now enjoy living in Bali Mansions

Fabulous Florida

Miami, South Forbes’s newest tropical resort-themed village, is intended for those who adore soaking in the sun and enjoy a nightlife that never sleeps. It is perfect in the Philippines in that there are shared similarities like climate and an environment of cultural diversity.

Inspired by the Miami Beach Architectural District, also called the Art Deco District containing the largest concentration of 1920s and 1930s resort architecture in the United States, four model homes capture the extraordinary charm of this district yet each with its own functional appeal: the Daytona for the jetsetter businessman, the Kissimmee for those who lavish in the comfort of big spaces, the Sarasota for big families with their own personal needs, and the Pensacola suited for the retirement class.

Swimmers and sunbathers are welcome to lounge on sunning beds all around the beach-inspired free-form pool of the Miami clubhouse. On special weekends, one can grab a bite at the clubhouse outdoor café for delectable barbecues with family and friends — a popular American tradition.

The Sunshine of My Golf Life

A Chakri bedroom in Phuket Mansions is Thai in black and white.

Residents of any themed enclave or condominium are entitled to free membership to the world-class 18-hole South Forbes Golf and Leisure Club at no activation cost. In fact, with the affiliation shared with the IMG Sports Club, members are give privileged access and special discounts to over 42 other golf and sports clubs worldwide, such as the Nirwana Bali Golf Club in Indonesia, the Laguna Phuket Golf Club, and La Manga Club in Spain, IMG Prestige’s first European partner.

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 Call 635-7777 or 631-8855 for a free city tour or visit www.southforbes.com for more information.

A drop of sunshine becomes a spotlight on the green.