MANILA, Philippines - Trust us on this one: A change of scenery does you good. Nothing could be truer than getting away from the harsh urban jungle and finding bliss outside the city.
Well, we did drive outside the city and found our bliss at Vivere Azure Resort in Anilao, Batangas. What can we say, Vivere Azure is the kind of weekend getaway that actually recharges, reenergizes, and restores the tired body and soul. The moment we stepped inside the resort, blue water and blue skies accompanied Vivere Azure’s staff in greeting us. One of our companions chirped, “As what Cher says, Paradise is here!”
Indeed it is. The infinity pool at the Meditare Hut area looks like it spills into the sea. These huts, in turn, are serene sanctuaries by the pool where, say, a soothing massage may be all what one will need. Then again, you will want to explore the rich offerings of Vivere Azure.
For starters, the relaxation begins with the abundance of trees in the property. A couple of steps more are the rooms, all equipped with niceties such as cable television, DVD player, refrigerator, in-room safe, Wi-Fi access, terrace and/or balcony. The rooms range from 26 sqm to the 105.89 sqm presidential suite.
“No two rooms are alike,” Vivere general manager Elvie Sanchez-Quiazon informed us. “Each of these 13 beach-view suites has a theme: Japanese, Mexican, Indonesian, and so forth. These suites always have a blend of Pinoy influences.”
“Because the rooms are close to the sea and to the trees, you do get the chance to commune with nature,” Sanchez-Quiazon offered. “Unwind at the tree top hut or one of the Meditare huts for massages or meditations.”
She directed our attention to the outdoor dining facility called Cenare, which provides a calming view of the sea and a menu of gastro-terrific proportions. There is also an indoor restaurant upstairs serving up some inventive and traditional cuisine.
“In fact, the reception area can also be converted to a dining area should you request for it. We also accommodate personalized dinners by the poolside or beachfront. We have had couples — proposing, honeymooning or celebrating anniversaries — holding intimate dinners anywhere in the resort,” she related. “Weddings are also witnessed here!”
What guests appreciate is the fact that the restaurants take in requests, too. “We will create a menu according to your preference, should you feel like it. That is one aspect that guests truly appreciate about, the efficiency and warmth of our staff. In addition, it is the sense of privacy and security that we give to our guests that has made us their favored getaway.”
Meanwhile, Vivere Azure also has a game room, found just above the indoor dining area, and a multi-purpose hall for company seminars. But, of course, we were here for a well-deserved breather. The resort has rafting, diving/snorkeling, island-hopping, and kayaking activities in the line-up. We gave our approval to all these, neatly and comfortably housed in the nifty resort. In fact, we were already happy just enjoying the peace and quiet of Vivere Azure. It was relaxation at our own pace.
As what Sanchez-Quiazon said, “The Vivere Azure experience relaxes, revitalizes, and restores.” This is how a weekend should be.
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Vivere Azure Resort is located in Sitio Aguada, San Teodoro, Anilao, Batangas. For more information, e-mail at info@viveresuites.com, call (632) 771-7777 or (632) 771-0158 or visit the website at www.vivereazure.com.