Coveting paradise

MANILA, Philippines - Barely awake from the two-hour trip that took our little group from Manila to Nasugbu, the largest town of Western Batangas, I quickly took notice of this cluster of buildings that looked like they’d been plucked from Miami or the Bahamas. We were at Canyon Cove Beach Resort, a hidden paradise surrounded by the ragged hills of Nasugbu on one side and of a 420-meter shoreline of the South China Sea on the other side. In this resort, we were greeted by traditional hospitality amidst a backdrop of modern amenities.

This paradise can be likened to that of a butterfly on its metamorphosis stage. The reason is that even though the resort is wonderful as it is now, some parts of it are being renovated and constructed. And by March of next year, the resort will add new rooms and amenities.

And this is very much needed because unlike other private beach resorts in Nasugbu, walk-in guests are welcome to come and experience the same facilities and activities enjoyed by members. Because of this, every season at the resort is peak season.

For my part, as much as I wanted to spend my day holed up in our room, my resolve was weak against the commanding view of the sea and the lure of the sun. After all, Canyon Cove is a delight for sun worshippers as it offers activities such as dipping in the biggest swimming pool in town, engaging in water sport activities like kayaking, snorkeling, jet-skiing, riding a banana boat, scuba diving or simply bronzing yourself at the two-tier beach front.

But the fun in this resort doesn’t stop outside. With the very cozy Blu Bar and game rooms, you can easily kick back, relax and escape from all the pressures of the outside world. One can also avail oneself of massage and spa services right at the poolside. And the day won’t be complete without al fresco dining where the waves of the sea serve as your background music.

And although leisure is the first name of this beach resort, I say business is its middle name. It has two main ballrooms that can accommodate 350 to 800 people and six breakout rooms for 30 to 70 people, a perfect spot for productive events and meetings. The resort is exactly the perfect site for converging investment with pleasure. Canyon Cove offers residential lots for people who wish to have their own seaside home. And just behind the main beach club are apartments and maisonets that provide private sanctuary for restless souls. And for people who are looking for the ultimate pleasurable investment, condotels are available at the south and north wing of the beach club. These units are leased by the hotel itself while owners earn a part of the revenue, aside from getting a 30-night complimentary stay.

In this resort you’re not just waking up to the soothing sound of the sea, you’re not just catching a glimpse of the fiery sunsets of Batangas — these experiences also come with a lifetime warranty.

So whether it’s just for a weekend of fun, a business meeting or your own private hideaway, this little paradise provides them all.

(The Canyon Cove Residential Beach Resort is a joint venture development project of Tagaytay Grassland company, Inc. (TGCI) with United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB). For inquiries, call 520-6400 or 892-9827; log on to www.canyoncove.com.ph)