Yeah, that’s true! A mundane stroll can truly become extraordinary especially if it occurs inside an upscale place where you paid heavily for full access.
Although you can do that for free in other luxurious environments around the globe, it’s usually necessary to pay expensive fees to gain entry.
Despite investing a hefty amount, I couldn't be more ecstatic and satisfied to have experienced an extremely prestigious beach hotel complex located at the northeastern edge of the Philippine island of Cebu.
I'm referring to no other than the grandiose, extravagant, and magnificent El Mar Resort & Spa owned by one of the most illustrious and influential families in the province.
The entire coastal property consists of a whopping 89 hectares (approximately 220 acres) of land dedicated to the resort’s infrastructure. Its sprawling development features independent villas, suites, guest rooms, a separate building for check-in purposes, swimming pools, a massive beach front with several coves, restaurants, bars & cafes, beach and water sports areas, supporting facilities, and lots of gardens and other gorgeous landscapes. Whew!
Even though the whole establishment has not yet been fully developed and because of its sheer size, it's merely impossible to explore everything just by walking. That's why special golf carts with drivers as tour guides are provided to hotel guests for exclusive roaming purposes.
Having said that, I'll only cover the beachfront along the Sunrise Pavilion, a contemporary restaurant facing the east with a panoramic ocean view that meets the daily sunrise, hence its name.
Upon entering this massive resort, you'll be greeted by several lush gardens and huge fountains, magnificent water features that stunned me the first time I saw them. In fact, there were plenty of wonderful stories that were ready to be told and shared about this incredible site, however let's proceed immediately to the coastline area I just mentioned.
As hotel guests, we requested their friendly staff to drive us to the Sunrise Pavilion where one could enjoy a relaxing stroll along the resort’s captivating coast and its neighboring amenities.
Upon arrival, I didn't hesitate to begin walking along the white and sandy beachfront, admiring the humongous sea coves outlining both sides of our destination. There were only a few people present (I guess this justifies the expensive price for hotel guests), and dark clouds were beginning to hover above the coastline.
As a result of this actual observation, I had this weird imagination of having the entire hotel resort privately for myself, lol. Crazy, isn't it?
As I walked further along the long and winding seashore, I also witnessed other dining facilities, standalone beach tents, plus the presence of various sports equipment for water entertainment. Everywhere you glanced, nature in all her majestic splendor, was obviously gracing the resort’s evergreen surroundings. It was clearly a tropical paradise, no doubt about it!
Thunder, lightning, and more dark clouds were apparent during my explorative walk, thus I went back to the Sunrise Pavilion in time for early dinner. It was also the perfect chance for me to investigate its striking architecture.
This distinctive building was strategically located on the beachfront, had 2 levels housing a spacious beach lounge with ample seating, and a dedicated restaurant upstairs that served buffet and ala carte meals. I was simply amazed at the overall floor layout, especially the structure’s celebrated highlight, an unobstructed ocean view that took my breath away!
As I paced slowly around the various corners, I noticed that everywhere I stood, the breathtaking panorama of the refreshing sea, majestic landscapes, and heavenly atmosphere just couldn't be ignored. It was definitely a tremendous treat for the senses.
It was quite a tiresome but interesting walk, and since rain had already started pouring all over the place, I had to shelter myself inside. Dinner was about to be served, and it was the perfect occasion to end my short exploration of that beautiful part of the hotel resort.
Do you love walking in these types of coastal environments?
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