Some places you go for adventure; some places you go for a breath of fresh air. I found one of those rare places far down the coast of Cebu's north away from the noisy busybodies of the city and away from the tourist masses that softly whispers as you slow down. That's Juban Garden Resort in the tranquil town of Catmon.
The journey that was already underway was different. Soon, the road went further from the hustle of the city and changes in scenery were felt. Concrete structures were changed into coconut trees along the road. The air cleared up. Once in a while the ocean was there, a sparkling blue friend that walked the road on the way north. This was one of those times that you stop looking at your phone because there is enough entertainment to be seen outside.
When I arrived at Brgy. I could already sense the peacefulness that locals speak of when they talk of Catmon, Flores. It's the place where the morning passes more slowly, the sea breeze is milder, and life is less hurried. And in this quiet coastal area was Juban Garden Resort—a location that was perfect for being plucked off a tropical postcard.
As soon as I got to the resort the thing that struck me was how green it was. As I wandered through and found every plant, palm tree and well-kept gardens, it was a place that was vibrant yet relaxed. It made me think of the dreamy resorts that you see on the internet with those Bali themes, simple, beautiful and elegant without being over-done. It was obviously the nature that was the star of the show.
The charm of Juban Garden Resort was a more intimate one than the large luxury resorts sometimes can be. It was warm and cosy, like someone has found a secret place where only a few travellers would go to get some peace and quiet out of the noise of everyday life.
I was walking around slowly, bit by bit. Wooden accents fit in seamlessly with a tropical setting. There were small paths that wound to cozy spots, where you could sit and relax, read a book, or just sit and listen to rustling leaves. The peace and quiet allowed it to be easy to forget deadlines, notifications and the constant whirl of urban life.
Early the next morning, one of my favorite moments was when we drove to the village.
It was just before dawn when the world was quiet, and I awoke. There were light tints of orange and pink in the sky as the morning sun slowly touched the sea. The blow of the sea breeze was a relief on my skin and for a little while, it was a peaceful silence. No loud traffic. No crowded streets. Only the sounds of a waking nature.
This was the kind of morning that reminds me of the beauty of little things.
I came to a stop, sipping my coffee and gazing out onto the gardens surrounding the resort as the sun rose slowly. It was like a healing experience. It was a place where everyone was running everywhere except Juban Garden Resort, which provided an opportunity to take a moment.
As the day went on, I was able to check out some of the resort's more tranquil areas. Each corner appeared so designed to be comfortable and calm. There were some places that were very suitable for photos, particularly for travellers who enjoy esthetic places. What made this place really special, however, is the serene feeling one gets from it when you're there, and not just in pictures.
Nature is a magical element to a place that surrounds it. They remind us to rest as well.
The sea breeze was even stronger in the afternoon. The air had a familiar smell of salt and sea air, with a hint of the scent of plants and trees nearby. There, time was not as it is in the rest of the world. There was no feeling like they had to hurry. Just doing nothing seemed like something I was doing.
I saw that other guests appeared more relaxed as well. Some were snapping photos around the gardens, others were quietly enjoying conversations, while a few just sat down to appreciate the view. It seemed like all the people were lighter somehow because they were allowed to take some time off from worrying, even if it was only while they were on the resort.
The evening was even more beautiful as it neared the end.
The resort was bathed in golden light, the greens were swirl and the environment was soothing. As the day dissolved into peach, orange, and purple hues, the sea shimmered with the glint of the last rays of sunlight. It was a sunset that makes you pull down the blinds and just stand and take it all in.
I recall that I was amazed how few locations are peaceful and inspirational at the same time.
Many travellers look anywhere they can for a tropical getaway and frequently aspire to go abroad to Bali and other locations around the world. However, sometimes the more obscure and more local alternative can provide the same sense of relaxation and tranquility. Juban Garden Resort is a testament to the fact that you need not venture out of Cebu to find a sanctuary that offers you relaxing atmosphere and calming aesthetics.
It wasn't only the resort itself that made this experience unforgettable, but the feeling created. It brought to my mind the idea that travelling doesn't necessarily need to be full of activities and packed agendas. Sometimes the best trips are the ones where you just reconnect with yourself, appreciate the nature and just rest.
I took one last walk around the property prior to leaving. The gentle breeze still blew through the palm trees and the serene atmosphere persisted. There it was hard to not wish for a few more days there.
I was making my way back home, when I remembered that there are places that stay with you after visiting. Not because of extravagant attractions or luxurious experiences, but because of how they made you feel.
One such place was Juban Garden Resort.
An unpretentious visit to the tropical heart of the Philippines' Cebu. A secret corner that blends nature, peacefulness, and simple beauty together to perfection. A tiny part of Bali which will make all travellers realize that sometimes the best way to the soul is to slow down.