THE natural beauty of Seda Lio hotel’s location along Bacuit Bay in Northern Palawan along with the innate warmth of its staff, allow the 153-room resort to sell itself to honeymooners, families, celebrities, as well as the corporate groups that frequent the place, according to General Manager Brett Hickey.
Located within one of the most biodiverse locations of the Philippines, Seda Lio is emerging as the destination where one can truly be reinvigorated by nature. Bacuit Bay, after all, is home to nearly 900 species of fish, 110 species of birds, 5 out of the 7 known sea turtles, and lush sceneries featuring a broad range of other fauna and flora.
Seda Lio’s beachfront, which is part of a 4-kilometer stretch of pristine ivory sand, serves as an inviting gateway to its unique surroundings. Kayaks, pedal boats and paddleboards draw guests to venture further into the clear azure waters. A complimentary hour of snorkeling courtesy of Seda Lio further entices them to swim with colorful parrotfishes and damselfishes in large schools,and savor the rich and diverse marine life.
“It takes no more than 90 minutes from takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila via AirSwift to land in Lio, then to be shuttled to the hotel,” said Hickey. But this hotel” destination is “truly a world away from any metropolis.”
Bacuit Bay’s iconic natural attractions further drive home the uniqueness of Seda Lio’s setting. These sites include the world famous Big and Small Lagoons, both highlighted by dramatic limestone cliffs; the sand bar which appears and reappears with the tide; hidden caves, and many more natural attractions. Seda Lio can arrange for guided tours at one’s preferred pace—via festive motorized bancas best for large groups; to sleek speedboats to rustic yachts that allow visitors up to 2x to sun bathe, lounge or party on board.
In addition, Seda Lio offers its own recreation options highlighted by a grand two-level infinity pool with a special area with a water feature guaranteed to keep kids thoroughly engaged. Cabanas, on the other hand, have been designed for adults who want to just lounge and laze under the Lio sun.
Nearby is the Pool Bar offering refreshments, cocktails and a daily wine buffet with free pica-pica. More food options, including home-baked breads, cakes and pastries, and matched with highly attentive service are offered at Misto, Seda’s all-day dining outlet.
Most guests, however, say that a visit to Lio would be incomplete without a Seda Spa massage in private villas that peer out to the hotel’s tropical gardens. The spa is also open to visitors billeted outside the hotel. In this soothing nature-focused setting, well-trained professionals ensure that guests savor each treatment.
Truly, Seda Lio invites guests to be in the moment and to lose themselves to all that nature offers around them. “Each room has been designed with a balcony so visitors wake up to the sounds of Palawan’s endemic birds, and go to sleep to the lullaby of the cicadas and other insects,” according to Hickey. Seda Lio guests have a choice of 45-square-meter deluxe rooms to 76-sq-m. suites that include a living room and are highly appreciated by families.
The hotel provides as a bonus to families a children’s outdoor area and an indoor playroom with play sets and activity sessions. For older children, a game room with an air hockey table and video games is available. Both offer ways to keep youngsters occupied in case the weather keeps them indoors.
Hickey said, “Seda Lio is indeed a place to reconnect with nature. Whether one is at a corporate meeting or part of a wedding party or a family reunion, the beauty that surrounds you and our people’s natural warmth make a stay with us highly memorable. ”