Used to be that you had to choose between partying and getting away from it all whenever you wanted to go to Boracay — stay on this part of the island if you want to hang out by the cool clubs, or stay on the other end if you want to chill and relax. But as I recently discovered, you don’t have to choose anymore: you can down that drink, whether it’s Dom Perignon or an antioxidant shot; you can dance all night and wake up for yoga class; you can live the luxe life while giving back to the community. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing anymore.
You can have it all
“I got really sick and I decided to stay at an organic vegan retreat here for 40 days to recuperate. It was all good, but after a while I thought to myself that it would’ve been perfect if they also had a club down there, you know?” shares Scott Weissman, businessman and co-owner of Kama Beach Club, adding, “I believe in living a balanced life.”
Kama Beach Club’s concept is exciting. It’s an exclusive beach club that will offer luxury villas, an all-organic spa and restaurant, a bar that serves organic juices, as well as the best drinks like Moet et Chandon, Dom Perignon and Scott’s own liquor brand, Sutra. It’s also an artists’ haven as they welcome all artists to come in and express their creativity, whether it’s through music, visual art or even tattoo art. “I went down here to Boracay to look for a property where we can bring this vision into reality and I found this spot by accident. I was being shown another property and as I was walking in the water, I just kept walking on and on and saw this private cove!” And this cove really is quite breathtaking, with its calm waters in the center, raised rock cliffs on either side and a virgin forest right across its shores. Sculptural lounge and day beds by Kyle Yoder of War Horse Furniture in Miami dot the shore of the private beach; off to the right side, there’s a water swing that lets you dip your feet in Boracay’s famous blue waters while reliving your favorite childhood playground memories. The beach bar and resto lounge also feature all-weather bar stools and chairs made from repurposed plastic strips from local brand Junknot. There’s a feeling of exclusivity but also a welcoming community vibe where everyone is encouraged to celebrate life and their individuality.
The kama life
“We are hoping to have our luxury villas ready for guests by October this year,” shares Dino Chua, Sky Jet president and Scott’s partner at Kama Beach Club. “It’s all very exciting. We are planning on building other Kama Beach Clubs at other beautiful locations that Sky Jet services like Coron and Siargao.” But first, let’s get a feel of the Kama life here in Boracay. At sunset, you lounge by the private beach, with music in the background courtesy of the best local and foreign DJs. You’re holding a drink, maybe a flute of Moet et Chandon for today, as you nibble on all-organic lobster canapes or local pandan pastries. You take a dip in the calm, clear waters. At night, you sway to chill house music and toast to the good life. You retreat to your private villa and sleep to the sound of the waves and the cool wind. In the morning, you freshen up with an organic antioxidant shot, stretch your body to hip-hop yoga by Skylar Hauswirth and maybe join a featured artist in creating a work of art.
“Kama is all about being able to enjoy the good things in life and at the same time helping others have a better life, too.” This philosophy is behind Kama’s partnerships with local communities to source the best organic local food and also the ingredients for their spa’s skin treatments. It’s high-end living with a heart.
Where do we line up?
“We aim to give an exclusive and luxurious experience to our guests so, for now, we are by membership only. Our villas will be open for rental by October this year. We will have world-class chefs coming in every week, yogi masters, DJs, reiki healers, all kinds of artists will be coming in to share their talents,” says Scott. Boracay’s best-kept-secret is out and it’s all about the good life.
* * *
Sky Jet flies to Caticlan three times a day from Manila.
For more information on Kama Beach Club visit www.kamabeachclub.com and on FB at facebook/kamabeachclub and on Instagram @kamabeachclub.