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A blissful hideaway
Source: Manila Bulletin
Author: *
Date: 2006-04-11
 
ALEGRE Beach Resort has affirmed itself as a prime landmark in the tourism industry. Its exclusivity from the rest of the field has long earned the appreciative nod from its discriminating clientele who cherish genuine solace in a private paradise.

Alegre is the Spanish word for happiness and contentment. A world removed from the cares and trappings of daily life.

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Calumboyan, Sogod, a seaside town of only 90 minutes’ drive north of Cebu City, it is a sprawling 27-hectare that has earned the distinction of being the first and only eco-friendly resort in the Philippines.

Much of the old talisay trees and other flora and fauna have been preserved and incorporated beautifully into Alegre’s landscape. Indigenous materials were also used heavily for the resort’s architecture, interior design and furnishings.

Local touches like thatched roofs and wooden floors were used in the reception building, which houses the front desk, a gift shop, a library and the administrative offices. Like the rest of the structures in Alegre, it bears a blend of Filipino and Mediterranean influences, which are found in the railings. The reception area overlooks Alegre’s swimming pool, shaped like a three-leaf clover with an even depth.

Looking over the pool deck en route to the Pavilion Restaurant, there is a view of the Crescent Cove, one of the three beach areas of Alegre, all of which have "white crushed coral for sand."

The Pavilion Restaurant, the resort’s main food and beverage outlet, has two dining areas, one air-conditioned and the other al fresco, and a circular bar situated on a patio that overlooks its main swimming area.

Scattered on a hilly portion opposite the Pavilion are the resort’s 44 air-conditioned cottages, connected by a natural stairway amidst lush foliage, healthy Bermuda grass and a cascade of flowers.

Each cottage is a duplex affair, and the rooms are a spacious 55 sq. m. of which almost half (22 sq. m.) is devoted to the impressive marble bathroom. In fact, upon entry, one’s focus is immediately riveted on the bathroom, decorated with an earthen jar and Bird of Paradise, which stands at the middle of the bathroom.

Folding doors shield the sprawling bathroom, the total area of which is already equivalent to a room in a pension house. What’s more, the guest is spoiled outright by an extravagant array of bathroom necessities. From lotions to shampoos, to bathrobes, etc. The bathroom may just well be the most relaxing part of the room. Especially when the guest opts to laze at the bathtub and bask in a plethora of bubbles and warm water.

Tariff rates are as follows: De luxe room, US0; De luxe ocean view room, 0; Super de luxe room, 0; Super de luxe ocean view with garden, 5; De luxe suite, 0; De luxe ocean view suite, 0; De luxe ocean view suite with garden, 5; extra person, 0 and peak season surcharge, .

Getting around the resort, constantly climbing and descending stairs, may get a bit tiring. There are plans to connect the Pavilion with the cottages through a hanging bridge made of bamboo and coco lumber over Talisay Cove. There are also plans to have golf cars to move the guests around.

Outdoor relaxation also comes a plenty. The dreamy swimming pool serves as the resort centerpiece for its very inviting qualities. Loungers and parasols dot the exterior portion, perfect for a nibble and a restful nap. A little further on lies the railing, which offers minimal obstruction to an otherwise scintillating view of the magnificent coastline.

Alegre’s other cove is reserved for the Aquamarina, the resort’s aqua sports center. It offers windsurfing, scuba diving, jet skis, wave runners, hobiecats, and cruises on board a glass bottom boat. The resort has its own "house reef," located 200 meters from the beach, which goes all the way down to 150 meters. At about 30-35 meters under the sea are some beautiful caves for dive explorers.

Alegre also has two tennis courts which sport sand-filled grass which is similar to the artificial turf used in baseball stadium, the first one is the province. This special kind of turf makes play faster than in clay but slower than on a concrete surface. Plus it has a low maintenance cost. Or better still go to the Alegre Spa for relaxation.

"Everything guests want is available. They just come here and relax," said Fritz G. Kahler, general manager of the resort. "I saw the opportunities. Filipinos are warm and hospitable. The area is very pure and unspoiled. The owners took advantage of nature and the environment and not a single plant was uprooted," he said. Fritz is married to a Filipina, Cynthia "Cha Cha" Valmonte.

He said that Alegre’s primary market is the Asia-Pacific region, while Europe serves as its secondary target. "The resort is very exclusive to the point that only registered guests can use the facilities." Asian guests stay for an average of three to four days due to the short travel time, while Europeans, on a long-haul vacation, stay longer, depending whether they are touring the whole of Asia. The occupancy now is 68 percent.

An unexpected but very welcoming sight near the entrance proper is the wondrous 200 sq.m. Orchid Farm. Here, one is overwhelmed with hundreds of Sonia pink and shaven white orchids housed under modest conditions.

Having been in existence for the past years, the place also sells orchids by the half and whole dozen and also by the bundle, at reasonable prices. Witness such samples on display in the resort grounds, meshing significantly with the other floral species as well.

Kahler said the resort has won the Department of Tourism’s "Kalakbay Award" in 2000 for Eco-Tourism Best Business Practice Category; the 1996 Kalakbay Resort of the Year; and in the 16th Annual University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) Extension Hotel Industry Investment Conference, Alegre was the 1st place in Environmental Awareness Category.
 

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