Water’s winning edge

CEBU, Philippines - Every hotel regardless of class or category, offers the same basic service, the use of a bed for the night. Beyond this similarity, there are endless ways to differentiate the hotel by way of entertainment, (in-room cable) wellness (a pool, fitness center and spa) and communication (wireless internet). The defining characteristic is that it breaks away from the traditional set-up and moves toward a one-of-a-kind artist-driven room designs.

One such establishment is Hotel H2O, the first and only marine-themed integrated resort hotel in the Philippines  situated in the northern part of Roxas Boulevard near Rizal Park, behind the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Manila.

The hotel which is part of the Manila Ocean Park complex showcases its namesake element, water- in almost all the surroundings, from its next door proximity to the park, to its location on the edge of Manila Bay, and to its signature aquarium wall that enhances the guests rooms and grand ballroom. Not to mention the seafood specialties of the main F&B outlet, Makan    Makan Asian Food village to the healing, negative-ion treatments of its wellness center, Zenyu Eco spa. All these make Hotel  H2O perhaps the most visually distinctive urban property in the country today.

The hotel rooms and suites are masterfully appointed, fluid and modern. The 128 rooms and 19 suites are furnished with sandalwood marble, natural fabrics and artworks and are equipped with upscale amenities.

A typical day can start with an early stroll at Rizal Park, walking through the sprawling square, Manila’s largest expanse of greenery or going to the fitness center with its fully equipped gym.

Towards mid-day, shopping, a passion for many and a hobby of almost all women on this planet, can be done at the labyrinthine bazaars of nearby Malate, where charming little shops selling garments, souvenir products and antiques abound.

A delightful lunch can be had at Makan Makan Asian Food Village before exploring the many beautiful features of Manila Ocean Park. At the Oceanarium, you come face-to-face with the wonders of the coast, the rivers and the deep blue sea in all their magnificent glory.

One of the most popular attractions is “Trails to Antarctica” where you get acquainted with friendly Humboldt penguins in “Penguin Quest” and experience first-hand the sub-zero temperatures of the frozen continent in the snow and ice village.

Another current attraction    is the “Birds of Prey Kingdom”, where you can view up-close the Brahminy Kite, considered one of the most formidable aerial raptors patrolling Southeast Asia’s coastal regions and rivers.

Finally what better way to cap an eventful day by de-stressing at Zenyu Eco Spa, just a few steps away from your room. A must-experience is the “negative-ion” treatment that makes this spa the most sought-after in the wellness field. Heated ceramic-tile beds and deoxidizers in the therapy rooms emit high doses of healthy negative ions that cleanse the air and rejuvenate the body. The overall effect is holistic wellness for the tired body and even the weary soul.

Hotel H20 is a member of the WorldHotels, the largest and most established Europe-based global hotel group for independent hotels and regional hotel brands, with a strong emphasis on properties with character and distinction.

In Cebu, reservations for Hotel H20 can be made through the driven tour specialist Ricky Tio of Cebu Holiday Tours and Travel at door 2 AD building, Tojong Street with telephone numbers 231 53 91 or 232 1918. (FREEMAN)